So, I am seriously considering installing a CCTV system at home and, with a long ranch style house, need around 10 channels to start. I have looked at so many cameras that my brain is spinning and I can't figure out where to go next.
Here is where I am and my current setup:
1. Elk M1 Gold system set up with internet connection
2. ISY-99i system with irrigation, and around 10 automated switches or outlets, and monitored HVAC
3. EKeypad Pro to monitor ISY and Elk
4. I currently have a semi-new Windows 7 machine with 1T of storage that isn't being used for anything else.
5. Also, since I have a ranch style house, it is pretty easy to run wires (Cat-5/6 or CCTV cable with power) anywhere in the house.
I can't figure out what I should get and here are my decision points.
1. POE Ethernet Cameras or CCTV w power cameras
a. CCTV cameras seem much cheaper
2. DVR Card for computer or standalone DVR
a. The computer CCTV card seems like the right way to go given that I already have a functioning computer but are the cards on ebay (16 channel PCI cards) for ~$100 worth it?
3. If I do go the DVR Card route what Windows software would you use?
I can't be the first one to try and figure this out.
Would some of you wise HA people out there help us newbies figure this out?
MANY MANY THANKS!!!!
Winston
Here is where I am and my current setup:
1. Elk M1 Gold system set up with internet connection
2. ISY-99i system with irrigation, and around 10 automated switches or outlets, and monitored HVAC
3. EKeypad Pro to monitor ISY and Elk
4. I currently have a semi-new Windows 7 machine with 1T of storage that isn't being used for anything else.
5. Also, since I have a ranch style house, it is pretty easy to run wires (Cat-5/6 or CCTV cable with power) anywhere in the house.
I can't figure out what I should get and here are my decision points.
1. POE Ethernet Cameras or CCTV w power cameras
a. CCTV cameras seem much cheaper
2. DVR Card for computer or standalone DVR
a. The computer CCTV card seems like the right way to go given that I already have a functioning computer but are the cards on ebay (16 channel PCI cards) for ~$100 worth it?
3. If I do go the DVR Card route what Windows software would you use?
I can't be the first one to try and figure this out.
Would some of you wise HA people out there help us newbies figure this out?
MANY MANY THANKS!!!!
Winston