I want to add a DVR to my OmniPro and I'm wondering if anyone has advice on which to use:
Here's what I need from the DVR functionality:
I'm a software guy so I'm naturally drawn to the WL3/WHS thing, but I know WHS is going to update soon in a non-backwards compatible way and that may cause big delays in updating WL3. I also want to avoid buying Automation Studio because I don't want to do the fancy customization it offers, but fear I must have it to make the OmniTouch 5.7e talk to the camera server or similar nonsense. That might make the 68A00 a better option. On the other hand, having a WHS box that can also do backups of the home PCs is pretty cool.
So, has anyone evaluated these and made a choice they can justify?
- Hardware via HAI's own DVR 68A00
- Software via HAI's WL3 running on WHS
- Something else
Here's what I need from the DVR functionality:
- Compatible with IP cameras of various brands (I've not bought them yet, but don't want to be tied down if I can avoid it)
- Record or mark recordings based on events
- Email still pictures based on events
- Display live feed on Omni IP Console (already have an OmniTouch 5.7e)
- Display live feed on some kind of iPhone app (currently using free HAI app which is good enough for me)
- Convert 1 analog camera to IP. I'm assuming I can do this with a little standalone converter box. It's worth mentioning that I have 1 legacy analog camera and will buy 3 external cameras, which I currently assume will be IP.
- Implied above: 4 cameras will do it for me
I'm a software guy so I'm naturally drawn to the WL3/WHS thing, but I know WHS is going to update soon in a non-backwards compatible way and that may cause big delays in updating WL3. I also want to avoid buying Automation Studio because I don't want to do the fancy customization it offers, but fear I must have it to make the OmniTouch 5.7e talk to the camera server or similar nonsense. That might make the 68A00 a better option. On the other hand, having a WHS box that can also do backups of the home PCs is pretty cool.
So, has anyone evaluated these and made a choice they can justify?