Home security setup -

[alapon77]

Hello,
I thought maybe I'd know how to set up my own surveillance system in the home after working for a major CCTV retailer but I have a certain set of wants/needs that I'd like to have taken care of and I know that my former employer won't want to deal with it without trying to sell me a super-expensive system. So here it goes:

• Home use on doors and in the garage
• Probably no more than 4 cameras
• Would like to record onto a DVR hidden in the house (maybe the attic)
• Would like to control DVR and access feeds over a secure Internet connection
• Would like for DVR to upload post-alarm snapshots to a secure server

I haven't decided on the camera types yet or whether they'll even be IP. Considering covert and IR. It's all about the remote viewing and data storage for now.

Would love some direction on where to begin with this.

Alan

[Bobby]

Hi Alan,

If your going to be indoors only I would suggest using the Axis M10 series cameras. These will easily suit your needs. As for the DVR have you considered instead of going DVR to go with a NVR or Server based system?

As for the secure internet connection, I would suggest looking into a small business Router w/ a firewall, then simply restrict the IP access to IP's/DNS addresses you will access from.

[Gilbert]

If your going DVR just make sure you have a new DVR that does H264. The older ones that run Mjpeg tend to fill up fast. Ask me how i know....

[SteveP]

You can get IP cameras that have IR and are relatively covert. Vivotek, Axis, ACTi, and Arecont make some nice cameras that will do what you need. A good camera with IR should cost about $200.

You will also need good video surveillance software like Security Monitor Pro. It runs on a PC and can upload snapshots to a website, or email them directly to your cell phone. Small form factor PC's are available that you can tuck away in a hidden space, or in the attic and you can use Remote Desktop to connect and administer it. Remote viewing is available and it is a completely open system where you can upgrade cameras without getting tied down to a single system or a specific manufacturer.