Peja

I won't know for sure but I am leaning towards some of these: http://www.ltsecurityinc.com/en_us/product/1275.html. Re-badged Hikvision. I like how they include the audio if needed and also in a kitchen or other location, it is easier to clean in case of kitchen grease, etc. I'm not sure because I haven't tried it, but it seems like bullets may be tough to clean with if it gets dirty. I may also look into these: http://www.hikvision.com/en/us/Products_show.asp?id=9126 I don't need anything crazy, just a nice clean picture. I just figure if I am going to do this, I will do it right the first time and have quality images on my cameras. Thanks.

Thanks guys. Any good suggestions on a reliable POE switch? I would probably need a 24 port since I will likely have 16-20 cameras. I don't think I would go with just a 16 port since I would like a bit of future proof even if I only install 16 cameras at first. I see some cisco stuff out there but don't really want to hassle with a managed switch if I don't have to. Then, with some of the other brands, only half of the ports are POE. I could just use two 8-port switches at first, but then a lot of times, those are just as expensive as a 24 port. I will have to look at the NVR I am looking at to make sure I can scale down just the remote viewing. Anyone have any experience with LTS? http://www.ltsecurityinc.com Seems like they have quite a few products at good prices. Been talking with one of their reps and seems like a good product. Thanks.

Awesome information bfardinia. This answers a lot of questions on what I am looking to do. As of right now, I am looking at some Hikvision equipment but will definitely look at the securitycameraking site you refer to. There is a lot of good knowledge to be learned from there. For the most part I think I have it down, but still some stuff to learn. I feel pretty confident in doing the install myself but it is the little things that I am not familiar with, such as scaling down the quality for smart phones. Once again, thank you for all the great info and time you took to respond. Peja

Hi everyone, first time post but have been reading the forums for a few months now. I've installed coax type surveillance systems in the past but now I need some advice on putting together a digital camera system for some restaurants that will be remodeled in a few months. Since these will be in restaurants, I will have them in corners of the dining rooms and over entrances for the most part, as well as in the kitchens. I won't need them over tills or anything as there are other safeguards in place to protect against theft but it wouldn't hurt to see the computer stations. I'm thinking 16 will be enough to cover the areas I need. 3 over the entrances which leaves 13 throughout the rest of the building. I would like to go IP as it gives the best quality with those nice mega pix cameras as well as the ease of running just cat5e or cat6. Here are some of my questions. 1. Is it easier to go with a built NVR or make my own server? 2. For a week to two weeks worth of storage, how big would the drives need to be for that many MP cameras? 3. Do most people recommend Hikvision? Is there a better brand out there? I know there are many many companies but it seems like Hikvision and Duhua get most of the love around here. I am also located in the USA. 4. I would like to be able to access cameras from mobile devices such as a phone. Any issue with that? Can multiple mobile devices access at the same time? 5. Can you recommend a good camera with good quality that can also record audio? Is it possible to turn audio off on some cameras and leave it on others? Is audio only through SD cards or can the recorded or live audio be accessed through the streaming on the net when viewing that NVR from the corporate office? I have checked my local laws and see audio is ok as long as you have a sign posted saying the premise is being monitored by video/audio or both. 6. Do I go cat5e or 6? 7. Do I go built in POE or is it more reliable to use an external POE switch? 8. The outdoor coax cameras I have used in the past didn't need to be housed in a blower/warmer even in my cold temps. Do the IP cameras need to be? Any problem with putting one in the walk in fridge at a constant 35 degrees? Anything else I need to know? Sorry about such the long post but I just want to give as much info as I can to best suit my needs. Hopefully get the product in and test it for a month before installing it. Thanks Community.... Peja