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I have a picture of one of the panels I built somewhere, I just don't know where. I understand that the panels are really cheap now days, but I still prefer a nice piece of plywood and my own creation. You just can't fit everything into the panels. And if you do, you have to use certain parts which are often much more expensive. I usually have a 66 block, wired with an rj-31x jack right next to it, and 2 8-way splitters with a signal booster for cable and modulated channels (cctv, dvd, playstation, etc) to distribute throughout the house. If satellite is used, then also multiplexers and diplexers. I usually build small shelves to house the router and voip modules. I haven't set one up yet with distributed audio, I usually have that somewhere else in the house, but you could have it there. The alarm panel is also included in the area, as well as the cctv pc or dvr and power box. Over all, I guess it just depends on the amount of money a customer wants to spend.

This is probably a silly question for most of you pros, but I have never installed a dome camera in a ceiling tile. What do you use to fasten it to the tile? Thanks.

I don't like the way the crimp on connectors sometimes come right off. I would like to try twist ons, but I never used them. Is the process similar? Do you still use the cable stipping tool to strip the wire, then bend the braiding back and twist on?

No, I'm not Mike D. Why do you think that?

This is a good question. I have never had to deal with it because I have the whole house feed on a filter which filters out all channels above 100. All the cameras and modulated channels are on 102 and above. The main room which has the hd box has a separate unfiltered line feeding the box as well as the filtered line feeding the tv itself for just regular cable and modulated channels. I don't know how you would do it without running 2 cables to each set if you have a cable box with channels over 100 on each set.

Do most of you that do pre wires make your own structured wiring panel, or buy a pre made panel? I prefer to make my own because I feel like I have more control and can customize it the way I like. It might be a little sloppier, but I prefer it. I think it is a lot cheaper also. I have never used a purchased panel, so maybe I am wrong. What do you think?

I thought there might be a standard install method everyone uses. I just don't want the dome cams to fall down. Is there some type of metal strip any of you use to screw into to tighten it to the tile?

I know, Rory, that's why I wanted to know if anyone had any experience with it. It's only good if it works. There is a huge difference in fps though, 15 compared to 1.25 for 16 cameras. But, if no one used them, then that tells you something.

The Digivue 16ch card has 240 fps total. I saw it for less than $400. I think the geo card that is comparable is a lot more than that.

Rory, I am not a dealer. I am kind of new to all of this, and you are right, I think the geo card is not too much more than the Digivue, but does the geo card have 15fps per camera, or 15 fps total?

Dont you think it would be cheapest and best to get a decent budget dvr? Anyway, back to my other question: The DIGIVUE Digivue PCI DVR card 16ch with 240fps. Does anyone have any experience with this card? The fps is not bad, and the price is really inexpensive. I'm just wondering if it's junk. Thanks.

For 12v cameras does anyone use siamese cable with 20 ga wire instead of 18ga? There are some places that sell the siamese with 20 ga and it's cheaper. I'm guessing the only factor would be how long of a run, but 20 ga should be safe, right? The 20ga should even be easier to work with.

I looked at so many places recently I forgot where I saw 20ga. I remember it was cheaper though, but not by much. I am not going to use it anyway.

Thanks.

nuvico day/night ir. I will stick with 18ga. I just wanted to see if anyone else was using 20ga and how it holds up.

What is HyRTK ? An operating system I assume? Is it any good?

Ok, is it good for a dvr?

Jasper, since it's not free, can I have your license so I can use it for free? Just kidding. I saw that one and a few other programs. I was wondering if there was a way to do it for free. Thanks.

I was asked to setup hidden nanny cams for a few parents. The setup will be 2 hidden cameras either in smoke detectors or motion detectors (wired cams) whichever they prefer. I would like to accomplish this at the least cost possible. Would you recommend a pc based dvr, or an embedded dvr? I have thought this over, and there are pros and cons to both, so it basically comes down to which one is cheaper. Can it be done for under $600 either way? I looked at the geovision 20 fps cards, and I am not sure if 10fps is good enough for remote viewing on the internet, but maybe it is. Most of the embedded dvr's have 60fps, which is probably enough depending on how good the webserver is. They do want to be able to watch over the net. I usually prefer Nuvico dvr's, but they are too expensive for this application. If anyone can recommend a dvr with remote capabilities and a cd burner or a pc based card that might do the trick I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Rory, What were you refering to as dealer pricing? The link I posted? I am not affiliated with that website in any way, I just found it on the net. I even asked you about that same unit once. It wasn't the pricing I was asking about, it was the quality of the unit. I was just asking an opinion.

Monster, How does your unit compare to this one? [link removed]

Has anyone had any experience with this unit: http://www.specotech.com/cart/products/productDetails.asp?prodID=687 I want to install an inexpensive 16 cam dvr that is not top of the line but will get the job done reliably. I usually am partial to nuvico, but the price on this model is tempting. I appreciate any feed back. Thanks.

Does anyone know if this camera works on 12 or 24 volts? And, if placed at the end of a hallway, will it pretty much be able to see the entire hallway? (30 feet). Thanks.

No it doesn't. I will probably just attach a cheap color tv 13". They guy doesn't want to spend any more money.

This unit has a built in vga port. Can I use a crt monitor from an old pc as a display?