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Thread ID: 118498 2011-06-07 11:00:00 PC based security video systems Tony (4941) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1207552 2011-06-07 11:00:00 Is there anyone who can provide info/recommendations/personal experience of PC-based security camera systems? Questions:

How do they compare with stand alone systems on

Price
Functionality
Ease of setup
Ease of use (especially for non-techo users)
etc


As usual, all suggestions are welcome - especially if they come from personal experience.

TIA.
Tony (4941)
1207553 2011-06-07 11:09:00 I haven't used one, but was eyeing them up during a spake of thefts from work.

The one's that I have seen are based on W2k or XP, have inputs for 4 or so cameras, and are largely self contained units that are ok to leave running without user input (other than the occasional reset when Windows does it's thing.

Prices can be steep, but there can be some value in the 2nd hand market... although you'd want to be sure of the software installed and have a backup.
Paul.Cov (425)
1207554 2011-06-07 11:14:00 I haven't used one, but was eyeing them up during a spate of thefts from work.That's my reason as well. Tony (4941)
1207555 2011-06-07 12:06:00 You could try something like this but its not free

www.nchsoftware.com

You can use normal webcams
Speedy Gonzales (78)
1207556 2011-06-07 12:16:00 Thanks Speedy. That looks interesting. I'm not looking for free - just not too expensive. :)

Do you know what the availability/functionality is of weatherproof usb cameras?
Tony (4941)
1207557 2011-06-07 12:24:00 Only thing is, how would you mount a USB cam? And how many cameras would you need? And whats the price bracket? Speedy Gonzales (78)
1207558 2011-06-07 13:25:00 Friend installed 4 top notch cameras in his motel, pretty soon they caught someone pinching the outdoor chairs, sorted that out, a week or two later they came back and pinched 2 of the cameras, all a waste of time. Cicero (40)
1207559 2011-06-07 14:07:00 http://www.yawcam.com/ is worth a look. Free, web based and motion sensing. Jester (13)
1207560 2011-06-07 20:47:00 Only thing is, how would you mount a USB cam? And how many cameras would you need? And whats the price bracket?Well, yes, exactly. Tony (4941)
1207561 2011-06-07 22:00:00 Make sure you check out the resolution & images in a low light situation before purchasing. Most low cost systems that I have seen are next to useless identifying anyone more than 2 or 3 mtr from the camera or at night. Just last week I watched someone walk away with two truck batteries from a funeral home here - at 6.45pm - couldn't even see if he was a she, or what age etc! Paul Ramon (11806)
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