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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What security camera would be work the best?

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Mama of 2

I am looking for a security camera that records all of the time. I don't know what would be best for that to go to the internet or dvd. I have no knowledge at all on these. Someone please help me.

Answer
all depends on how much money you want to spend, the most expensive route is to get a dedicated DVR and camera package from Swann or Lorex, anywhere from $600 on up, you could also get IP security cams from Wilife and Swann. the cheapest option is to get a DVR pci card and convert an obsolete PC to a DVR. I use a Swann DVR PC guard card with a Swann bullet cam and a lorex BW all weather cam. the card is installed on an old athlon xp 2500 computer with a wireless card up in my attic, i acces via web. the swann card has good clear instructions on how to do this.

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

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

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UPS Package was stolen, can I mount a camera on widow in NYC?

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AA

My package was stolen this morning from inside my front door, I was wondering if there's any laws preventing me from placing a security camera mounted on my window. I live in an apartment complex and my window is right above my front door. Thank you.

Answer
other than the landlord objecting if you drill into the building supports, no reason not to do it

Which Surveillance outdoor camera is good to buy?

Betty

Around my house and my backyard I cached few black kids and got tired to call cop o them. I m thinking put security camera. Cant give decision which camera is good? Wireless with built in monitor or with dvd and I need extra cabel wires to join it? Plz help

Answer
Ms. Betty I understand your concern for the safety of your property, yourself, and the neighborhood. I found a great surveillance system that has everything you need to setup a small system at your house and start monitoring your home. The package comes with 2 color cameras that switch to black and white at night to better monitor what is going on at night. The great thing about the system is that you can view the live feed from your smartphone so that you can still monitor your home while you are away on vacation.

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How do I get the signal from a security camera (RCA connector) into my computer?

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dagadegatt

I'm pretty sure the security camera output is RCA. I need to feed the video from the camera into my computer for processing in Max/MSP. Please help.

Answer
You'll need Video Capture device. I've used X10's USB Video Capture Adapter I'm very happy with it. I use it with their ActiveHome Pro Software and iWitness Software.

They often have package deals, where you can get all this plus wireless devices to trigger the recording, software to allow internet access to the system (and do zillion cool things I never even thought of doing).

They even have remotely controlled Tilt & Pan bases for cameras.

My only complaint is that the resolution of some of their cheaper cameras is a little weak.

how to make a cell phone work with a security camera?

kris

I have some security cameras at home and i want to know if there is a way to see what is happening from my cell phone while i am out somewhere, is there a program that i can buy. thanks

Answer
Buying ADT's technology is the way to go, if you can afford it. It's a full-scale, high end home security system. The do have packages starting at just $99!

I just got my system and couldn't be happier, especially with the cell phone monitoring capability.

You can call them and they'll walk you through the process: 1-877-264-2173

They offer so much more than the other companies:
â¢Digital Keypad for Police, Fire and Medical Emergency
â¢Up to 20% Homeowners Insurance Discount
â¢Front and Back Doors Protected
â¢Control Panel with Battery Back-up
â¢Lawn Sign and Window Decals
â¢Interior Siren
â¢100% cellular monitoring

ADT Pulse is a technology that I will be using a lot. Here's some information on it:
From almost anywhere on the road, your office or the beach, you can keep track of your home easily. Depending on your plan, you can experience unheard of access to your home via Z-Wave⢠technology, your personal command center, compatible mobile phone, and an interactive touchscreen.

When the installer did a demo and showed my the cell phone monitoring, I almost collapsed. It is the coolest technology I've ever seen! And I just love this feature where you can remote Arm/DisarArm/disarm your security system with your iPhone application or cell phone.

Highly recommended. I did about a month of research until I finally realized this is the best out there!

Best,
Kristen

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How do I get the signal from a security camera (RCA connector) into my computer?

best security camera package image

dagadegatt

I'm pretty sure the security camera output is RCA. I need to feed the video from the camera into my computer for processing in Max/MSP. Please help.

Answer
You'll need Video Capture device. I've used X10's USB Video Capture Adapter I'm very happy with it. I use it with their ActiveHome Pro Software and iWitness Software.

They often have package deals, where you can get all this plus wireless devices to trigger the recording, software to allow internet access to the system (and do zillion cool things I never even thought of doing).

They even have remotely controlled Tilt & Pan bases for cameras.

My only complaint is that the resolution of some of their cheaper cameras is a little weak.

what kind of signal does a BNC camera output?

David H

A security camera outputs a high resolution image through a BNC connector. What kind of signal is it? What can read that signal? Using an adapter to make the BNC into an RCA jack won't work will it?

Answer
I would suggest going direct to a DVR or monitor.

but you can buy adapters but like all adapters you will lose image quality.

If you are looking at CCTV equipment here is an earlier post.

These brand manufacturers also have a complete line of CCTV cameras and DVR for any application from residential to military and stand behind there warranties.

http://www.ascendentgroup.com (Recommend)
http://www.honeywell.com
www.pelco.com/
http://www.bosch.com


Ascendent Technology Group 's has a really good 4 camera package for around $500.00 and will sell direct if they don't have a dealer in your area.

http://ascendentdvr.com/cctvpackages/avpâ¦


Not all CCTV equipment is created equal, in fact there are many options that offer varying performance take cars for example. In the world of CCTV you can find the equivalent of a $2,000 golf cart and a $350,000 Ferrari and everything in between. Both have 4 wheels but that's where the similarities end, itâs under the hood that counts.

95% of all wireless cameras are compete junk and any wireless camera under $400 run on 1.2, 2.4GHZ or 5.8GHZ and wont offer encryption. This is bad for 2 reasons one the signal can easy be jammed, with a laptop you can actually hacked video feeds so a criminal can use it to spy and know a good time to target your business or home.

Just like any other consumer electronic in the end you get what you pay for. Most retailers and sellers make about a 40-80% profit margin, this is after costs like shipping and overhead. That means when you buy a product that costs $100.00 the manufacturer usually has only spent $30 to build it which simply means itâs not a good product and will probably have a working life of about 2 months. There is a reason these products are 1/10 of the price of good and reliable DVR brand names. The type of seller these products attract are online sellers (ebay) and will make profits margins as low as 3% which means they canât afford to offer good service or allow for RMAs (returns). Cheap products are like disposable razors they are NOT designed to last for a long time and you will end up replacing them every 2 months.

Now some products can be made cheaply like ipod cases, screen protectors, and other simple products with no moving parts or electronics. DVRs need to be good quality as they run 24/7 (20X more than the average electronic device) and process anywhere from 30-480 frames per second which in a year is over 15 billion images, and a good DVR should last 3-5 years.

A true DVR and camera require years of research and development to facilitate the seamless integration of both the hardware and software. DVRs are highly complex systems that must run 24/7, processing millions of images per day and are one of the few products that canât be made both well and cheaply. Cheap and inexpensive products like Q-see, X10, Swan, Lorex, and other low grade DVRâs and cameras sold by Tiger Direct, Newegg, radio shack Sams Club, are not used by any security professional and should only be used by hobbyists.

To be honest the "frys" productsare Garbage and are not used by anyone who has worked with CCTV or security products. I They are poor quality especially for IR cameras, due to low quality material, low S/N ratio, and low grade CCD image chips.

Also as far as night vision or IR cameras go most do not give good images in the dark. Many companies claim good night vision but there are only a handful of brands who give night vision over 30 feet out doors. normally if a cameras is rated 150 feet of IR it will give you ok images at 30 feet at night and good images at about 20 if rated for 60 feet you might get 15 indoors and will be useless outdoors.

Now one option for wireless is using commercial IP radios which are basically wireless routers on steroids and can offer distances up to 40km of wireless with military encryption, this is not a cheap solution but neither is digging a trench. using these radios not only give you a security infrastructure but also communications infrastructures as well for internet and other purposes (LAN network)

Good radio company
http://www.tranzeo.com/

now in order to use this wireless network to distribute video you need to buy IP cameras which are similar to IP cameras only they transmit video over networks instead of a cable.

The company I recommend for CCTV products is Ascendent Technology Group they have a large product line and offer better products then Pelco Honeywell and Bosch and are about %20 cheaper and in my opinion have the best IR outdoor camera line up.

For an IP I recommend uses Ascendent`s IP servers that have a hard rive built in which does 3 things. Allows you use any analog camera and convert it into an IP addressable server. Allows you to distribute video over the network and has an HDD in it so that if the network goes don't or your NRV (network video recorder) goes down or gets stolen you have data redundancy. some companies use SD

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What kind of security camera should I get to view behavior from a different location?

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xtheximper

I need a camera to put in my workshop. This location has electricity, but does not have internet. My home is about 500 feet away from my workshop. I need to be able to view activity from my home at any time. I want a camera that I can simply plug in to work or that will work wirelessly. Any ideas of cameras I could use for security purposes?

Answer
Planet ICA-HM130 1.3 Megaimultaneously providing H.264, MPEG-4 and M-JPEG video streaming, the PLANET ICA-HM130 is a 1.3 Mega-pixel Dome Internet Camera which can capture high resolution color images at 1280 x 1024 pixels. It is equipped with both network and analog video output interfaces for flexible viewing and recording options.

Compliant with IEEE 802.3af PoE (Power over Ethernet), the ICA-HM130 offers users the option of powering the camera over the ethernet cable. The ICA-HM130 also supports Store-to-NAS function for saving the video file to a NAS (Network Attached Storage), which can save the PC resources and keep monitoring surroundings with built in motion detection. The 2-Way audio feature allows you to communicate to the camera remotely by adding an external microphone and speaker. Besides the web browsers, it also provides 3GPP capability that enables users to view the live video via a 3G mobile phone remotely.

The ICA-HM130 provides a professional grade security system to protect your property and life. The camera comes complete with the PLANET Cam Viewer Lite software package that allows multiple cameras to be viewed and recorded at the same time. The Cam Viewer Lite helps you to setup a comprehensive and effective surveillance system quickly and easily. Working with the Cam Viewer software the ICA-HM130 can be one of the most cost efficient IP cameras available.
pixel Indoor Dome With H.264 Compression and POE

Are security cameras at Home Depot monitored all the time?

unknown

Im not trying to steal
Just curious, because I notice the aisles wih boxes of bolts and washes are not packaged in boxes, can be easily stolen.
Also How long do they keep their recordings?

Answer
They monitor them 24/7 and if they see you they will arrest you the type of device they use would determine how long they keep them but usually it is a continuous loop that resets every 24 hours but some keep a copy on a yearly basis so if you are anyone you know has or is considering taking something you may end up with free housing.~

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