Surveillance System ???'s

[scott00049]

I suppose this is the right sub-forum since this topic has no forum. I was talking to a client today who asked me about setting up a surveillance system for his two restaurants. He already has the cameras and pays someone (ADT I think) for a monthly service. He owns the cameras. He asked if there was a software that he could use and do his own monitoring. He asked me to look into system where I would install and do the monthly maintenance if needed, and just charge him monthly for keeping it running.

So I have read every single thread I could find on TN under the search of "security camera". There were 3 pages...lol. But my question is, does anyone here do a monthly maintenance contract for surveillance systems? Or is it all just install, educate, call if you need help??? It seems like this would be rather lucrative, but I couldn't find anything about a monthly service contract for surveillance systems.

Is there a website that is kind of a DIY type thing that talks about this? I haven't found one. I know I can do the install, and I have learned a lot just reading as far as equipment goes (ccd, frame rate, dvr recording duration, etc.) but nothing on service contracts.

Can someone point me in the right direction because this guy said he would buy it and give me the contract, plus he is part of a networking organization that he would connect me with a bunch of other small business owners who, according to him, would be interested as well.

So....this being a new area to me, looking for info. Thanks in advance for any input about service contracts and bundling equipment offers, etc.

Scott

 

[eliforp]

I have two clients with on site DVRs and they are set to auto back up to a external drive once a mo but other than that they are pretty much set it and forget it. They are both Pelco systems and are very stable. If I can answer any other questions just ask !

 

[rsarceno]

I've been using Foscam ($100 - $150) camera with BlueIris ($50) software to capture video/images. BlueIris comes with Web Server that allows you to view it anywhere where the internet is available.

Foscam has built in Web Server. There's an app on Iphone and Android call IP Cam Viewer light ($3) by Robert Chou. My clients Love it. Demo is available on driod but not on Iphone.

My last job, I installed 11 cameras (8 Outdoors and 3 indoor), In my experience capturing more than 5 cameras requires a faster computer to keep the frame rate setting to something reasonable. Those emachines that sells form $300 won't be able to handle it. Buying use system form Tiger Direct with eight logical processor for $450 is perfect. Add Crashplan for online unlimited disk space backup and your golden.

I have successfully deployed Foscam with POE, but it's limited to short runs (25-30ft) and it has to be Shielded Cable. If not the camera work during the day but not when it's dark. Wireless is also available but wired is better. Don't get me wrong, Foscam wireless is great (all my CAM at home is wireless)

Also chose the right IR camera for the right distance. High power IR camera use on a short range will give you the "SUN."

I installed Security's camera bundle with DVR. It worked great but mainly uses it for 2 to 4 camera setup for retail stores. For residential clients (which hard to believe) the most sophisticated users, I will only deploy Foscom. Retail store only views the camera when they have to. Residential view the security camera like watching TV.

Talking about TV. I also set up the computer where I split and boost the VGA signal to four TV (approx 25-50ft). Perfect for TV with picture on picture features

In addition, Foscom (indoor camera) comes with decent speaker and mic and also allow you to span left, right, up and down.

I always recommend to install a camera on the garage. How much time did you wonder if you close the garage door? How about, if you can just check your Smarthphone without driving back home.

DVR is great but BlueIris running on a PC computer seems more practical. It only recorded movement and not the whole 24 hrs. It saved time when searching.

BlueIris can also convert a clip to AVI or other format. Excellent if you want to share video clips specially to the police or other agency.

Hope this help

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Good post rsarceno.......haven't gotten into security camera setups myself....but the idea of setting one up for my own home has been growing on me, been wanting to dig into the topic over the winter. Foscam seems decent, book marked their website for future reference.

 

[scott00049]

Thank you for the replies. I will look into the equipment you suggested Rsarceno