Recommendation on Simple DVR security system

[LunchBox]

Greetings,

I have posted before but since then the client decided to switch from an IP camera to a DVR type setup. I am not into security systems so I would not now how to pick them.

If anyone out there has knowledge on what to get it would be fantastic.

Requirements
Camera
2 - indoor

DVR
Audio minimum 1 way (to record)
Ability to view remotely
If possible zoom
If possible pan

Any help is greatly appreciated. If the zoom and pan make the price jump up to much then will probably not purchase with those options.

Thank you

 

[14049752]

Generally, ptz (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras aren't worth installing in a smaller security system. For the price of the cameras, you can usually get two normal cameras, to cover a larger area and have a better picture. Additionally, I've had a few instances where clients of mine have had the camera zoomed in to the wrong place and left it....if they hadn't zoomed, they would have probably gotten a much better picture.

Honestly, I don't have much experience with preconfigured DVRs....I've set up a couple, and thought about getting into them a little more, but I think it's more of a liability than I want to take.
My in-home and in-office DVRs are based on Zoneminder linux, though. It's a free linux app that does some really nifty stuff....and it'll run on minimal hardware. My office dvr is running two cameras on an old low-end P3...and could easily handle two more.

 

[purple_minion]

Generally, ptz (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras aren't worth installing in a smaller security system. For the price of the cameras, you can usually get two normal cameras, to cover a larger area and have a better picture. Additionally, I've had a few instances where clients of mine have had the camera zoomed in to the wrong place and left it....if they hadn't zoomed, they would have probably gotten a much better picture.

Honestly, I don't have much experience with preconfigured DVRs....I've set up a couple, and thought about getting into them a little more, but I think it's more of a liability than I want to take.
My in-home and in-office DVRs are based on Zoneminder linux, though. It's a free linux app that does some really nifty stuff....and it'll run on minimal hardware. My office dvr is running two cameras on an old low-end P3...and could easily handle two more.

I debated asking in a PM, but thought perhaps it would be helpful to others. What cameras are you using?

I have tried a decent Logitech Notebook webcam that worked under windows, and sometimes under Ubuntu, but no zoneminder on several linux distros. Looking at the zoneminder site it seems you can order several cameras through a linked web store, however the IP ones I saw on there are about $300. :O

More on topic, what benefit would pan and zoom be good for, unless you are monitoring from a remote location and want to do something in real time. I suppose if it's mounted out of easy access it would help repositioning as well.

 

[Jory]

I've installed about a dozen of these. The quality isn't really that great, but they're dirt cheap, or at least used to be. I just noticed they're a bit more expensive now (used to be $479 I think). You might be able to piece together a cheaper setup.

The majority have been installed for 1-2 years so far, and we've only had one completely die. I've had to replace HDD's and cameras a few times. Most of them are running in pretty brutal environments though (heat and dust).

 

[scoop818]

security cams

I've installed a few, mainly i have done dome cameras for indoor use. some things I have learned to be conscience of is:
1) cameras - TV lines 420 (a little grainy) or 480 (clear)
2) DVR cards live and playback fps. divide cards total number by number of channels. Higher the fps more the card cost.
3) most cameras com with a 3.6mm lens which is good for wide angles and shorter distances. If your distance is longer or narrow you may need to change lens.

I would reccomend you go to apexcctv they have some pretty good tutorials on this stuff.

 

[LunchBox]

Generally, ptz (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras aren't worth installing in a smaller security system. For the price of the cameras, you can usually get two normal cameras, to cover a larger area and have a better picture. Additionally, I've had a few instances where clients of mine have had the camera zoomed in to the wrong place and left it....if they hadn't zoomed, they would have probably gotten a much better picture.

Well PTZ is something that is wanted but its not needed. I would setup a box like you have. The problem is that I am dealing with a person who calls because the PC wont take her password because caps lock is on and she doesn't notice.

I've installed about a dozen of these. The quality isn't really that great, but they're dirt cheap, or at least used to be. I just noticed they're a bit more expensive now (used to be $479 I think).

I saw that one. One of my choices. The problem is that it needs to be able to record audio.


I was thinking about getting a DVR by it self and 2 cameras by them selfs but not sure which ones that would would make the whole packaget be $600 or under (including cables etc).

 

[Jory]

The two indoor cameras have microphones, and I'm pretty sure you can record the audio on at least one of them.

 

[LunchBox]

If anyone is from California. Law regarding the recording of employees and clients walking into the store. Does a sign need to be posted? Does it matter whether its voice and audio? A friend just told me that I need a permit, but I have walked in to many stores with no sign and they have cameras?

Any input is appreciated.

 

[ITG Tech]

With a simple system find out what he expects to spend. This will help guide you to the type, quality, features of a system. I don't do the cheap stuff so I guess I won't be much help here, but the following are things that I have learned (the hard way):

With only two cameras stay away from the Pan Tilt Zoom. As mentioned it may not be looking in the right direction to catch the action. What exactly will the cameras be recording? The general area or pinpointed on an entrance or cash register etc. Will the cameras need to work in the dark?
Will the cameras have motion detection or record live all the time?
Stay away from any audio it is a whole different set of legalities involved with voice recording.
What level of image quality will be suitable? Do you want to be able to read the serial numbers of a dollar bill from across the room or just be able to tell if it is person or a dog?
Will the cameras be easily reached if so do you need a vandal proof camera that can not be tampered with. (I had to put a camera monitoring another camera because an employee kept moving it away so he could steel from the owner.
Are the cameras in plain sight or hidden (concealed) I
Are you wanting to have the DVR in a PC platform? Or a stand alone DVR
What does the client want to be able to do with the images recorded? Make copies on a DVD R?
How much recording time does he want before over-writing the data?
Remote access and control
E-mail notification
There are a lot of variable and features that are available (for a price).
I have been using professional casino grade equipment for my clients.
I will be happy to share what I have learned, but this post is already way too long.

 

[LunchBox]

With a simple system find out what he expects to spend. This will help guide you to the type, quality, features of a system. I don't do the cheap stuff so I guess I won't be much help here, but the following are things that I have learned (the hard way):

With only two cameras stay away from the Pan Tilt Zoom. As mentioned it may not be looking in the right direction to catch the action. What exactly will the cameras be recording? The general area or pinpointed on an entrance or cash register etc. Will the cameras need to work in the dark?
Will the cameras have motion detection or record live all the time?
Stay away from any audio it is a whole different set of legalities involved with voice recording.
What level of image quality will be suitable? Do you want to be able to read the serial numbers of a dollar bill from across the room or just be able to tell if it is person or a dog?
Will the cameras be easily reached if so do you need a vandal proof camera that can not be tampered with. (I had to put a camera monitoring another camera because an employee kept moving it away so he could steel from the owner.
Are the cameras in plain sight or hidden (concealed) I
Are you wanting to have the DVR in a PC platform? Or a stand alone DVR
What does the client want to be able to do with the images recorded? Make copies on a DVD R?
How much recording time does he want before over-writing the data?
Remote access and control
E-mail notification
There are a lot of variable and features that are available (for a price).
I have been using professional casino grade equipment for my clients.
I will be happy to share what I have learned, but this post is already way too long.

The legality of voice I learned about today. I guess I need to call the city to check into the rules. Prior to this I figured voice/image would be treated the same. I am really sure why voice alone is an issue.

The cameras will mainly be used to monitor employee in a hair salon. The owner works 7 days a week and the first time she took a day off 15 clients came in but the money was for 10 or so.

The area is rectangular shaped. One camera would be on the opposite end of the longest part which would record who comes in etc. The second would be almost right above the reception desk watching the money and the monitor screen (this would be the one with voice recording).

The client does not want anything connecting to the PC so a DVR would be the best choice. I am not sure how much recording the HD's hold but during the business hours recording non-stop and probably setup for motion for after hours.

Yes, it would be very important that the client can review\look at recodring and or live feed (however it works).

So.

DVR
2 dome cameras
remote access to review

What brand should I look for?
Does any of the CCTV cameras work with a DVR? is not what am I looking for?

The client is looking to spend $600 or less. She normally likes to spend but right now she is tight with cash due to the economy.
Legally what is the difference between recording video and audio?

Thank you for you input and advise ITG Tech. I may have to PM

 

[ITG Tech]

$600 will get you an entry level DVR. I suggest that you go to your local stores such as Best Buy, Sam’s, Radio Shack, etc and see what they have on the shelf. Check out the features and capabilities and try to match them with your clients requirements. Check out the web sites that deal with this stuff. You have a lot of homework to do. Remember what ever you put in for your client, they will require training and support. DVRs and cameras are like everything else, they tend to have problems that require technical expertise from time to time. Make sure you have tech support when things happen.

 

[ITG Tech]

These are some sources for equipment as well as technical information regarding video surveillance equipment.

http://www.armelectronics.com/
http://www.dvrsystems.net/thingstoconsider.htm
www.scdlink.com
http://www.specotech.com/