Hello experts,
Looks like I will be entering into the IP camera business. Client has a malfunctioning analog camera system and wants to remotely view new system from internet. It is a takeout pizzeria so cost is a factor but I don't want junk either. Need to record to DVR and HD and have current network in place. Have been looking at TRENDnet, D-LInk and LInksys. Would like AXIS but too pricey. Any opinions on others?
I have read other questions but lots of them are outdated.
They don't seem to have kits available.
I need 8 cameras, a monitor for onsite office (any LCD?), a DVR and from what I read I need a POE switch that will be powerful enough to power all cameras. POE seems the best way to go from what I am reading since if you do wireless the cost goes way up and you still have to run power cables. Is that right? Then there is the business of how to access it remotely. Some have software through their site but can't seem to find out much about the others. Is it a simple as going to an HTTPS site? What considerations do I have to give my internal network for security? Is their third party software that I will need to purchase? Am I missing anything?
Any help is most appreciated.
4rg
So, you don't really have existing infrastructure to consider keeping. They are proprietary cameras running on low-grade telephone wires. I was no clear on the existing installation.
If the existing DVR is dead, and the cameras use a proprietary connection to the video switch and DVR, you are probably facing all new equipment.
There may be a hack to be made to adapt your RJ11 out to a RG6 balun. But, are the cameras worth any significant money to merit custom work?
Not a criticism. Just a honest question about cost-prohibitive conversions.
If you are considering small consumer POE IP cameras (~200-500USD), you don't really need a DVR. They can be configured to save files to a Windows file share or upload to an FTP server.
What is the specific requirement for a DVR?