Don Stephens

This article might help: http://www.cctvcameraworld.com/security-dvr-nvr-email-alert-setup-guide/

I'm going to be getting started on testing some more high end IP cameras in the next month or so. I already have a couple models from ACTi, Axis, and Bosch on the list but I'd like to know what you guys specifically want to get a look at. I'm not solely looking for cameras that are going to break the bank, so whatever suggestions you have, just throw them out there. I don't think I'm going to be able to help with Avigilon for anyone who's particularly interested in that. To make a long story short, I just don't have access to their product line at this time.

If it is the DVR that has a 888888 account, then you can use the following password for April 10 2015: 332800 This must be used at the DVR when you are standing in front of it using the monitor connected to it, i.e. not over the web.

Channels and the specific frequencies they sync to are factory specific. Note there are several brands using the same factory so they are identical. It really depends on the camera you have. Is there something in particular you are trying to use? if so post a link or picture of it.

I am hoping someone on this forum has figured out how to use the 2 leads for mic input found on many Dahua IP PTZs and HDCVI cameras. Do you have a recommended mic to use? or can a regular RCA out mic be adapted for use with the 2 wire input?

Use this: http://portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/Dlink/DIR-825/defaultguide.htm

If he's using a QSee and is satisfied with it, it's probably a Dahua DVR. If you want something that's going to work, you're not going to do much better than Dahua when it comes to standalone DVRs. You may have to stretch your budget a little bit though if it's for 16 cameras.

I received a fairly typical promotional email from AT&T last night regarding their video surveillance packages. Unlike previous emails, this one came with a picture of a camera. Now, I've caught a glimpse of the cameras AT&T has used in the past and they didn't look the exact same as the one pictured but were similar. My question is does anyone know if this is really the kind of garbage AT&T is actually pedaling now? Does anyone know anyone who has actually bought into one of these packages? Before someone brings it up, I'm fully aware of how ridiculous these AT&T systems appear to be.

BNC to VGA and BNC to HDMI converters exist...it's just that most don't last more than 6 months (if that).

First ensure that your cameras do not have a proprietary connection and are utilizing the typical BNC connectors (assuming you haven't already checked for this). I forgot to mention this last time. Assuming they're BNC, the compression rate (H.264) and max recording resolution (D1) is perfect for what you have. Just make sure the cameras and DVR are using the same type of connection (like BNC). I really can't tell you how long a 500GB HDD will last you without knowing the bitrate and frame rate the cameras are recording at. Even if I have that, it will still be a crap shoot trying to determine since I have no idea how often you're cameras actually encounter motion. based on personal experience, I would suggest stepping that up to a 1 or 2 TB HDD unless your cameras just don't do a whole lot of recording.

Can you post a picture of how you have it wired?

Dahua is good but their Hybrid models are getting phased out and being replaced by "Tribrid" DVRs (analog, HDCVI, and IP). To buy one now is kind of like buying old technology. They also can't usually support as many IP cameras as you'd like. You have to pay attention to bandwidth. What kind of cable do you currently have run? Plug-and-play, RG59, Cat5e, etc...Solid copper, CCA...?

Proprietary by definition infers exclusivity...meaning if they are in fact in a proprietary format, the software they use will be the only software they can use. If they're all just in different formats (such as .dav) that traditional video players don't like (VLC, Windows Media Player, etc...), it would be considerably easier to tell these people to convert or back the files up in a format that isn't such a pain to deal with (such as .asf). Otherwise, you'll need to continue to do what you're already doing.

PSS still seems to be slightly more capable in terms of being able to manage your devices, but SmartPSS has been getting a lot of updates now where it was barely getting any before.

You just need a standard analog standalone DVR. There's no compatibility issues to worry about there. If you want something you can use in the future with HD cameras, look into Hybrid and/or Tribrid DVRs.

1. Your username concerns me... 2. That is the most accurate depiction of a horse that I've ever seen **For the rest of this, I'm assuming this an IP camera installation** 3. I would have suggested a decent PTZ camera for your application so you'd have some freedom to do as you please, but you don't seem to want to mess with anything once it's up and running. If that's the case, I would suggest multiple cameras; probably just two since you're not overly concerned with capturing finer details. As you basically said, one as a more generic overview or for viewing things closer to the house and one dedicated to that much longer range. Box cameras with some good lenses (maybe motorized) would probably be the safe bet. Where you've potentially made things difficult is if you need to see in the dark...

DMZ?

Is running a new cable out of the question? An access point attached to the camera would be the wireless solution.

Dahua IPC-HFW2300R-Z, 3MP IP bullet w/ 2.8-12mm motorized lens, 100ft IR This is an image taken indoors in complete darkness at the 12mm mark (zero artificial or ambient light). Looking at this makes my face hurt. Not only does the IR appear to be almost non-functional when zoomed in, but the auto focus feature also does not work in pitch black settings; it over corrects 100% of the time. We tried everything, but the only way to improve the image quality was to up the brightness levels and pretend it wasn't as bad as it actually was (not showed here). The good news is that it performed great when any lighting at all was introduced. Has anyone had better results in the same/similar environment? Edit: The cutout is positioned at 50 feet from the mounting surface of the camera. The camera is mounted at 15 feet.

Thank you for the feedback! Yup, I'll just make sure to disable the POE if it doesn't automatically deactivates. Upon double-checking, the IP cameras max power consumption is between 7-8W, while the POE switch has 170W power budget. Computing it, all cameras will consume around 150W in total. So I think it's still safe, right? You're safe. If you're worried about frying something because you have 170w but are only using 150w, you don't need to worry. You should obviously have enough power as long as that 170 watts is accurate. I'm guessing the previous post made by abdelm01 was in reference to using a PoE+ switch (or just one with more wattage) if you ended up needing additional power...which you seemingly do not need.

As unhelpful as his response may seem, you may want to heed it as a warning. All I saw was "Wireless camera question" before I clicked the link and I was already screaming no in my head. My response now puts the total at three, all of which are now advising you re-think the wireless route you're moving in if at all possible.

I'm not really sure there was so much dancing around this. From what I gather, you just want a push in the right direction for purchasing products. If it's for your home, Dahua and Hikvision are popular choices. I normally don't recommend anything bigger and better for a private residence. You're going to ask which is better. When it comes to Dahua and Hikvision, it's a matter of personal preference and opinion. Pick one and stick with it. Knowing who to buy from is different. For products from Hikvision and Dahua, a lot of people like to buy from Amazon and eBay (also Aliexpress for Hikvision). If you don't mind some risk and the likelihood of zero support from the people you purchase from, these aren't bad places to look. If you want to go in the other direction and purchase from a more typical eCommerce store like Super Circuits, you might pay a little more but it comes attached to things you don't get with sites like Amazon; phone support, instructional video, how to guides, etc... I get the impression from previous posts that this is the direction you're moving in. Make a couple decisions here and recommendations will follow.

OK, so the big names homeowners generally go for are Hikvision and Dahua because they're affordable. Anything lesser in quality than that, and I honestly feel like people are throwing their money away. If you want something more secure, which it sounds like you're going to need, I would recommend looking at Axis. Axis is expensive next to the other two (probably outside the budget), but if you want it done right, there aren't many better alternatives out there. ACTi may also be name you want to look into; more secure than some of the alternatives but not as expensive as something like Axis. Avigilon is another big and expensive name that might get thrown out there, but you're not going to be able to shop around for their products; you'll need to find an Avigilon "partner"/installer in your area. People also seem to be pretty happy with Bosch although I don't have enough experience with their products to recommend them myself. Once you make a more semi-final decision on brand/manufacturer, you can start worrying about which models are reliable. Ultimately, you're correct not to go off of what you read in reviews you find listed right next to the "Add to Cart" button. Word of mouth is still the best way to go as long as you can trust the mouth.

The serious answer is this: What you're asking, whether you're aware of it or not, is for someone to design an entire system for you. People are paid to do this for a living. You either submit to the fact that you know nothing and hire a professional to do this for you, or you start teaching yourself the industry using available resources. I'm not saying this is the case, but your entire post makes you appear as someone asking for a personal shopper because you can't be bothered to do the research yourself. The forum is flooded with posts like this everyday and no one has the patience to respond seriously anymore to people who don't demonstrate that they're willing to help themselves instead of having their hand held. Can all of it be found or done? Sure. With your budget? Probably not.