let's talk about home security video camera systems

[TurboMinivan]

Jeeper's "help me identify this vehicle" thread reminded me about this topic. I've been contemplating the purchase of a multi-camera DVR home security system. I'm fed up with a neighborhood dog that keeps taking huge dumps right by my front porch. I have a hunch who is to blame, and I've politely asked the owners about it... but they claim innocence. I'd like to know if I'm actually correct.

A friend has a neat-looking system for his shop. It supports up to 8 color cameras (he is only using 6). Each one is wired into the DVR. The video output splits the screen so as to show all feeds simultaneously, though I think he said each feed records individually. He said he got his system at Costco, though this was a couple years ago.

Random Google image:

Anyway, I was curious what experiences you guys have. Anybody have a system at their home (or shop)? How much did it cost? How pleased are you with its performance?

 

[Kiel]

cover the dump with bacon grease, when the dog assailant come to midnight dump again he gobbles up the delicious treat, the circle of life

 

[benjy]

Heard good things about the Costco product. The IP stuff resi alarm companies (ADT, Vivint etc) have on the market will not leave you a happy consumer, skip that option.

 

[TurboMinivan]

Heard good things about the Costco product.

I don't even know which brand(s) are carried by Costco--I don't have a membership--but that's encouraging to hear.

The IP stuff resi alarm companies (ADT, Vivint etc) have on the market will not leave you a happy consumer, skip that option.

Nope, I am not interested in a monitored service. I just want a standalone system that I can install and that's it.

 

[jeeper]

We bought the Qsee brand at costco. They go on sale fairly regularly for a great price.

Some items to note:
The better camera you can afford, the better off you are. My images shared were from a cell phone picture of a screen in low res. We actually record at a higher res.. But I have never figured out how to get the higher res off the DVR. We have 6 cameras, option of 8. Day visibility is WAAAAAAY better than night, so good night lighting helps.

Most people try to hide their cameras, so the can 'catch the bad guy in action'. Best way is to put them at face level for the whole world to see. Add some warning signs even. You wan to prevent the crime, not catch it.

I have used them many times to identify the pooping dog, or littering neighbor. Watching a swat team raid my yard in search of a bad guy was also fun.
We also use them fairly often to see how a child was injured, or what really happened.

For the $400 +/- they cost, I think they are well worth it.

 

[jeeper]

I don't even know which brand(s) are carried by Costco--I don't have a membership--but that's encouraging to hear.

you can buy online form them, and its only a small price more for non members.

 

[Deleted member 12904]

I have done system integration including camera for 15 years if any of you have specific questions. I don't have any direct experience with the cheaper consumer stuff but it's all copy's tech we work with daily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[UNSTUCK]

We bought the Qsee brand at costco. They go on sale fairly regularly for a great price.

Some items to note:
The better camera you can afford, the better off you are. My images shared were from a cell phone picture of a screen in low res. We actually record at a higher res.. But I have never figured out how to get the higher res off the DVR. We have 6 cameras, option of 8. Day visibility is WAAAAAAY better than night, so good night lighting helps.

Most people try to hide their cameras, so the can 'catch the bad guy in action'. Best way is to put them at face level for the whole world to see. Add some warning signs even. You wan to prevent the crime, not catch it.

I have used them many times to identify the pooping dog, or littering neighbor. Watching a swat team raid my yard in search of a bad guy was also fun.
We also use them fairly often to see how a child was injured, or what really happened.

For the $400 +/- they cost, I think they are well worth it.

I REALLY want a system. I was just looking at your other thread with the pictures. The quality is pretty poor. I assume the hi res that you speak of makes them much clearer? With the hi res, are you able to figure out the model of the suv? What are the specs of your cameras?

 

[gijohn40]

sam's club has a few systems that you can get either at the store or online.. I have installed the cheap stuff all the way up to IP cameras. if you don't want to spend alot of money get one that has at least 700 tvl or is 960 these are kinda like high def but not quite. I have set a few systems up so that you can go online and watch anywhere as long as you have a internet connection at the dvr.

The newer IP cameras are great an provide a clear picture but are expensive.

Here are a few sites you can go and get systems or just parts.
www.securitycameradirect.com
www.supercircuits.com
and of course you could spend a few new jeep costs on systems from Pelco.

THere is a site in SLC that you can get systems locate as well.
ADI

 

[gijohn40]

oh yeah.. most the new DVR have a HDMI output you can put to a tv or the standard pci connection for a computer monitor.

TO retrieve footage from a dvr just do a search and find the time that you want retrieved. then hit back up and it should ask for either a DVD disc or a usb thumbdrive.

 

[jeeper]

I REALLY want a system. I was just looking at your other thread with the pictures. The quality is pretty poor. I assume the hi res that you speak of makes them much clearer? With the hi res, are you able to figure out the model of the suv? What are the specs of your cameras?

We have our system hooked up to an older monitor that cannot play the higher res. so I have not tried to look at the higher res. The quality is even more poor in the tread because I took a picture of the screen with my phone.. Posted it on FB, then copied it into the tread. RME wouldn't take the larger file.

I believe we have the 700tvl cameras.

 

[gijohn40]

I have installed a few in lock boxes that are bolted heavily to the wood beams of the ceiling in a closet. or you can get the IP cameras that send the video to a network attached storage that can be off site. that way if they do look for the DVR they will never find it... and in the process they more then likely will run across more cameras that might get better pictures of the perp

 

[UNSTUCK]

I was thinking about a dummy dvr to stack on top of my other boxes for the home theater with wires going into the wall. Then having the real box located in my room closet. Too much?

Costco's ad this week has a q see hd system with 2 tera drive and 6 cameras for $800. I think I want 8 camera though. I might go for it.

 

[jeeper]

^ that is a steep price imo. That systems will go on sale for $500-$600.

 

[jeeper]

Good sale on camera sysytem, but it ends today. $399 for 16 channel, 2tb hdd, 8 cameras.

http://www.costco.com/.product.906873.html