dsiadmin

Actually some IP cameras do have BNC connectors too. I connected the StarDot NetCam SCM5 to our old DVR and the picture looked great. Not sure it would record as great in that mode vs. the IP DVR server I just set up. They sell that feature as a way to hook up to the camera during installation and testing with an old style monitor.

My best guess is that most business buildings and even some homes have exsisting network infrastructure to support the IP cameras. I know that's the reason I'm moving to using them in our upgrade. With a large plant layout (20+ acres) that has ethernet / fiber everywhere, I'm not keen on pulling cable for analog cameras. So IP is the way I'm going. That said, I'm still struggling with getting the quality I expected. I've been playing with both the StarDot NetCam SC 5M and a Axis 209MFD-R which are both Megapixel cams. I can only get a fps of 12-18 by lowering the image quality settings. With higher image sizes the fps drops below 10 which gives me blur in the motion and still frames. I'm trying to cover a shipping receiving dock and in some cases this might require an clear image of an unknown driver unlike known employee images. Whats the key to getting good images with IP cams? The network has 100 MB connections with low saturation rates. Is it worth swapping out hubs to 1 GB or setting up a dedicated camera network? I'm about ready to order a handfull of cameras and need to settle some issues first. Thanks for all the input so far. Dennis

Thanks for all the replies! I did work with StarDot tech support and got the camera working much better. I orginally purchased this model for outdoors and I think it will work fine there. Looking at the cameras robert talked about they seem to come in a wide price range, $500 on up. What do most of you find is the cut off for what you consider as good or better than analog? I just ordered an Axis 209MFD-R at $675. I need to order several more to get good coverage so I'm looking for a price point where I get good cameras and my manager will allow me to buy them. Thanks again for your input! Dennis

Though not a CCTV expert, (IT guy), it might be your PC codec. I've seen videos look as you describe when the PC video player did not have the correct codec. Try using a different player or test it on another system. That would at least rule that possibility out. Dennis

I've been working with a generic analog 16 DVR with 8 cameras running purchased by a long gone admin for several months now. Now I've been tasked to increase our video coverage and after hanging around here and reviewing lots of information, I purchased our first IP camera, a StarDot NetCam SC 5 MP. I've been playing around with it for a day or so and I'm not impressed with the IP realtime image. It has an analog hookup so I tested that on our analog DVR and it looked better than the cheap cameras we have on there now. But on IP with PoE, it's very choppy, even at the lowest resolution. I have a note in to StarDot support to see if I'm doing something wrong. But my questions to the groups infinate wisdom is in general, are analog connections better than IP? And is it a possible bandwidth issue or software configuration that really makes the difference between the two? I have purchase requests on my desk based on setting up an IP video system using various IP cameras with a LuxRiot / Dell PC DVR. I would like to know what I'm getting into before I order more IP cameras. I have to put some cameras on a remote building which would be difficult to run more cable too, but already has ethernet there. Though is does have some dark fiber runs there if that's an option. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Dennis

I've managed to figure out how to use our current PoS DVR for now. So for the few hardwired cameras we will continue to use this DVR. Now I plan to build a PC system for only new IP based cameras for future addtions so I don't need a DVR card. At this point I'm going to build a Dell pc with lots of processing power, memory, and hard drive space. Then purchase a good DVR software package. Will probably end up with about 8 to 10 cameras, some of them PTZs. Does anyone have experience with LuxRiot? Or does anyone have any input on DVR software for IP camera systems? And finally, any experience with Sky Way Security ? Thanks

I’m in the process of upgrading our system and plan to add more cameras after I replace the current DVR. Of the few cameras we have now, all but one are hidden type. My personal feeling is the visible camera is more of a deterrent than anything. What is the general consensus of the group here who do installations for a living? And is warning signage a good idea? (We are in the USA). Thanks for any input Dennis

I’m the IT admin at a medium size company that has taken on the task of upgrading our CCTV system. I’ve been researching and looking at topics on this forum for basic pointers. Being in IT for many years I’m comfortable with setting up a PC DVR to replace our current DiT DVR (which seems to be a piece of crap which was purchased by a predecessor.) We have a handful of cameras to use initially that are direct coax connections but we want to move to IP based cameras to utilize the network infrastructure we already have. I have 2 questions that I hope someone can help with here. I’ll add that I want to do this right and am not too concerned with hardware expense as we will do most the labor ourselves. 1. What is the best DVR card brand for support and reliability? I was thinking of the AverMedia NV6480e as we are planning for 16 cameras eventually. 2. Is it better to purchase a good DVR software package or use the one provided with the card? I was considering something like LuxRiot. Thanx for any help or insight you can give me. Dennis