kmurrey

Thanks for the info... but I am really looking for some info from someone that has bought the covert stuff and from where.

I have a client that is really wanting to go with PTZ cameras instead of non-ptz cameras. Because of the cost - about 4x more - do you guys install less cameras using PTZ? I quoted 11 cameras - but I think if we do PTZ I could use 5 or 6. I also want to stay around the budget price so I am hoping that by utilizing PTZ cameras I can use less cameras and have the same coverage and same budget.

I just read an article about Megapixel cameras and how you can use 1 of them to replace 3-4 in a normal install. Is anyone finding this to be true? They are saying that because you can actually zoom in on the recorded video that you can have a wider field of recording. I guess they are alot more expensive too.... what type are you guys using?

I would truly seek someone local that has done these integration before as like you say they are really complicated. I understand that you probably want to do it yourself, but spend at least a couple of hundred in consulting fees and sit down with someone that does this. You'll be thousands ahead in the end.

I believe they are using MPEG-4 and going to the new standard soon.

I was looking for some input on the people that are using Hawkeye based on Linux. How has their hardware held up? How is the software? I have talked with them and they say they have a 32 channel coming up soon. But no h.264 - that seesm like a problem.

The idea of watching for crime works. We had a local business that had $30k in medicine stolen. I contacted the guy and he said that I was the 2nd person that called and had already ordered a system from the guy..... just missed it by a few minutes.

I would seek someone locally that can help you out. I am not sure your budget is really high enough to do what you want.