quantboy

I'm looking for a better solution to recording my cheap, IP Camera videos - an NVR that only records on motion events, triggered by the cameras -- so im not throwing data constantly across the switch. I have a 9 cameras of various makes: -- ELP-720P IP Cameras [https://www.amazon.com/ELP-720P-Night-Camera-Network/dp/B00KA4QCKI] -- WestMile Model 301792997785 -- GeoVision Problem is they ALL record CONSTANTLY ... The ELP Cameras let you set up motion detection area, but I dont know how to get this to do anything other than email me a still from the camera. I would like -- preferable a dedicated NVR or Linux based machine ... to record only on a camera triggering a motion event... and record video... on the NVR or a fileserver of sorts. Any recommendations on: 1) NvR's or software for a linux (or even windows) machine that isn't going to suck too much power (power = heat = expensive to operate) 2) on setting up the ELP and WestMile cameras? (custom firmware?, better way to set them up? Am I doing it incorrectly?) 3) Possibly better or alternative Camera brands that would do this better, that arent ultra expensive?