Questions about Linux based systems

[dman 0]

I am new to this forum but have been on peripheral of Security systems for a while.

 

I apologize up front for the verbosity of the post.

However I find the more information given up-front, the less back and forth later.

 

- Are there many companies that service and install Linux based PC systems?

I can do the work but I would rather have a company that can support the system long term.

- What kind of hardware would be needed to support 20 existing analog cameras:

• CPU?
  Hard Drive?
  Raid Controller?
  Memory
  Video Card(s)?
  

- Is there something else I should be considering?

 

The user Specs:

- Work with existing analog cameras

- At least one week of video maintained.

- The system will be largely un-attended.

- I work with Linux in 24x7 environments and like the fact that I don't have to worry too much about downtime.

- The system can be easily hooked up to the internet.

- I was thinking about using Zoneminder but haven't researched it too much.

- Ideally, I would like to save the video to a USB drive to give it to a resident or local authority.

- The software (not Linux) should be easy to use. For example keyboard mouse.

- Self-Serviceable items such as replacement of Hard Drives etc.

- Control sensitivity of individual cameras

- Not looking for the cheapest solution but I do want to maintain costs.

- Potential to store video backup off-site

 

A little background information:

I live in a condominium with 200 units.

A security system was installed about 5 years ago.

This consists of two Dedicated Micros systems.

One is 8ch and the other 16ch.

The smaller unit doesn't record to DVD, it uses CD-R only.

These 2 units service about 20 stationary cameras including:

• 2 IR License Plate cameras
  2 Indoor cameras
  2 Outdoor close proximity cameras for entrance gates
  6 Garage Cameras (about 30 yards apart)
  8 Outdoor Cameras (about 50 yards apart)

These are not used for real-time monitoring, although it would be nice to have.

The cameras are all analog.

 

We occasionally review the video footage and sometimes make DVDs to give to the local authorities. I am one of three people that make the DVDs. The property manager gets paid by the hour and it can take some time to create the DVDs. After capturing the video it seems it can only be played back on proprietary software on the PC only.

I find the the DM equipment very non-intuitive and very time consuming.

Nobody want's to touch the systems including myself.

 

The power supply on the 8ch system is dead. Along with a couple of dead cameras.

So, now I am thinking instead of fixing the power, now is a good time to upgrade the system to something is easier and faster to use. I started spec'ing out what I wanted to see, such as keyboard and mouse, and realized that I needed PC based system. I could be wrong though.

 

Thank you in advance.

Dman

[tomcctv 189]

Hi dman

 

 

I work with Linux in 24x7 environments and like the fact that I don't have to worry too much about downtime.

 

that will change when using zoneminder.

 

 

I live in a condominium with 200 units.

 

 

200 homes to protect needs a good system you are going to be limited with a linux based PC.

 

sounds like you work with linux but does not mean you have to build a system with it.

200 homes to protect it needs to to its job.

 

look at windows based. you will have much more options even going hybrid (analog and IP) or look for already built standalone hybrids

[yakky 0]

I've been running ZM with 2-4 IP cameras for a couple of years now on a lowly Atom dual core. It works ok, but I'm heading the other way, going to a dedicated unit. Other than being able to integrate other apps with ZM, I can't think of a single advantage to a PC based system vs a modern dedicated DVR. Most of the new systems have mice and software to convert video to standard formats.

[groovyman 0]

I can understand wanting to go with Linux, but you might be limiting yourself as to drivers and software. There's much more available with Windows, as I'm sure you already know.

 

As you're keeping the existing cameras in place, have you considered a stand alone DVR? Either a 32 channel or maybe two 16 channels? I'd consider two 16 channels in case one system goes down alomost all of the cameras can be moved to one unit temporarily. You may even want to consider a hybrid model that can accept analog and IP cameras if you're considering changing some cameras to IP sometime in the future.

 

I'm not trying to sway your decision, just want to mention that there are very good stand alone DVRs on the market that are easy to use either via the unit itself or remote software from the LAN or WAN. Backing up video & saving to a PC or flash drive is a breeze. Converting to different formats like mpg or avi is easy too, then the video can be converted and burned to DVD. Very little maintenance too. Just something to consider.

[dman 0]

Thank you all! This is great feedback.

 

I do have to admit, the Dedicated Micros standalone systems we have in place have been relatively trouble free. The ones we have are just difficult to work with.

 

Very little maintenance too.

 

I think this just steered me to a standalone hybrid system.

Since I have one DM system still working, I can repurpose it and have the new one hooked up to the cameras where we need to burn video to another device. Some of the cameras just catch activity from a distance and don't warrant burning video to another device.

 

Does anyone know of any standalone hybrids with a good reputation?

 

Thank you.

Dman

[Soundy 1]

Since I have one DM system still working, I can repurpose it and have the new one hooked up to the cameras where we need to burn video to another device. Some of the cameras just catch activity from a distance and don't warrant burning video to another device.

Why not just one system for all the cameras and be done with it?

 

Does anyone know of any standalone hybrids with a good reputation?

Dahua. They're normally found under a variety of other brand names.

[groovyman 0]

Yeah, many people here use and have been recommending Dahua product.

I've been using Aver Nano Hybrid DVRs lately. Not perfect, but I've been happy with them and have no problems recommending to add it to your list of systems to look at. I wrote my opinions about the unit a few months ago here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=30147

[dman 0]

Why not just one system for all the cameras and be done with it?

 

That is worth considering. I like having some redundancy and the redundant system in operation.

I will look into the Dahua systems. I think I have enough information for now.

 

Thank you all!

Dman

[PaJoe 0]

If you are interested in linux based solutions, you may want to check out http://store.bluecherry.net/

as they have linux based software ready to go.

[dvarapala 0]

Hi dman

 

 

I work with Linux in 24x7 environments and like the fact that I don't have to worry too much about downtime.

 

that will change when using zoneminder.

 

 

Been running ZoneMinder here for almost 2 years. The only time my system goes down is when I take it down.