How do I go about setting up a computer security camera?

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RB

Could a novice person be able to set up a computer wired/wireless security camera device?

I want to set up several cameras in my house wirelessly connected to my computer that can record and I can watch if I want to "off site" with another computer.

Can I do it myself or should I have someone come and set it up?

If I can do it myself, can you give me any advise on a book or video on how to do it?

Answer
Wireless system packages may be the way to go here...a bit pricey any way you look @ it.
Google for 'home security/video cams' or similar.
After acquisition & deployment, try this application to tie it all together for remote viewing:
V-CamShow
enables you to watch your favorite web cams as a slide show or a screen saver. You can add as many web cam images to the slideshow as you want, automatically disable or reduce the refresh rate for inactive cams and more. The program comes with a large list of international locations and new web cam locations are added regularly which can be imported into your list. You can also add your own webcam to the list.
Freeware; other webcam utilities in the general heading here also.
http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/gmm/fwwebcamviewers.html

How to Record to PC from a Security Camera?

Shawn B.

Hello! I have been having problems with vandalism and theft in my neighborhood and am trying to capture the scumbags doing it. They've let air out of my tires, stolen garbage can lids as well as a wheelchair, slashed two tires on our old Jeep before I got rid of it, have tried getting into our house numerous times and are apparently quite comfortable around my house due to the fact that I work third shift and thus when the cat is away these mice tend to play.

Right now I have a wireless security camera set up that comes with an A/V output (yellow and white plugs to the front of the TV). I'd like to record to my computer so I can have more efficient recording and playback rather than recording to a VHS tape. Does anyone know how I can record from the A/V to my computer? I have a Dell Dimension 1100 running Windows XP by the way.. I'm guessing I need some kind of an analog to digital converter (is there such a thing?) and some sort of software to play the footage? Can someone point me in the right direction so I can catch these little bastards?

Thanks for your help! I appreciate it!
I've also considered simply setting up a trail camera on the corner of my house in order to record these people in the act so that I can get a conviction and show them that this is not the right house. Does anyone think that's a better idea? I just want these losers to back off!

Answer
It can be a bit expensive to get an analog camera to record on the PC. You would need a DVR capture card that could hook the camera to the PC and maybe an adapter for your specific wires. A less stressful way would be to purchase a small home security camera package that comes with a standalone DVR that can record days of footage, a couple cameras and all the cables and wires you need to install the system. There is a headache with trying to piece everything together and trying to get all the components to work. Whereas getting a package you know everything will work together.

I found this one for only $375.
http://www.apexcctv.com/p-1213-2-camera-security-dvr-package.aspx

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