Security camera advice
 

Heya all,
Looking to install a single camera from my attic window aimed at my garage. Can it be done using my desktop as the recording device or do I need to go the DVR route? Also, where should I purchase the components from?

Chuck

After a few home invasions and someone getting on my property I put in a DVR system.Might get with a local co for help.The cameras I put in the first time were not good enough to get a ID on the perp,sure it showed me a person but thats all.Dont go cheap,if so save your money.JMO,Tom

We have been looking at security camera systems for a while but have yet to buy one. The one company that seems to have good quality is Lorex. Go to their site and see what they have. As mentioned the key is to have a top notch camera to get the best picture possible. The problem is that they do take up quite a bit if hard drive space. If you are using just one camera then it won't take up too much resources. Try looking at the wireless systems for your PC.

A few home invasions? Wow, Tom!

Got over 2 fences in my back yard and took a flat screen TV from my pool house.The nextdoor had someone go in but noticed someone was home and split.Got both on video but not good enough to ID.I now have a licence plate capture camera looking down my alley.Have 8 cameras around the property now but still have a couple blind spots.Like I said,make sure you spend your hard earned money on something that can actually pay off.Also put up signs,the cops told me the pros will see cameras and go to a easyer house.Hope their right.Tom

It depends on how many cameras you are going to have and how long a loop you need/want to have. The Prob with using your computer is you would have to partition the drive some how or use a 2nd HD installed in the computer b/c you are recording in a loop.

The best result I have is using good $120+- lipstick type B&W cameras. They are small but have high resolution (you need this b/c if you can not ID the person or plate the whole thing is a waste). Get teh most lines you can afford. Appro makes the best DVRs. They ain't cheap, but they are good. A 1TB drive will get you a long loop and you can set it to only record with motion or just continuous. I prefer continuous b/c I don't trust the motion feature. I have 2 drives linked together in the machine and get about 2 weeks worth of loop. I have several cameras. You can also access these over the internet from another location to see what is going on.

security camera
 

I'm looking into it. Will prolly go the DVR route. Thanks to all who replied!

Chuck

Check out Mobotix. Not cheap but don't need a DVR. The best I've found.