security cameras

[CAP1]

hey,
one of you had mentioned in a thread, some time ago that you work in the video security field. i couldn't find the thread, so i'm posting here now.
 i have a 3 bay auto repair shop in cherry hill nj. i don't need any video inside yet, as i am my only employee.
 i have, however, had a couple of incidences outside in the parking lot during "off hours"
 i'm looking for a decent setup that i could connect to a computer, and monitor 4 cameras. color would be good, but black and white would be ok. i think sound would be irrelevent, as i only think i need the images of the people on the lot. i don't particularliy care if i can monitor it from home or not, as it'll be recorded on the HD.
 i've got a catalog from "security cameras direct", and am leafing through it, but to someone that hasn't dealt with these before, i really don't know what would work best for my location.

any ideas?

thanks guys!

<<S>>

[lowZX14]

CAP, are you forgetting that your old buddy low works in the private security field?  I'll make some calls if you're not in too big of a hurry.

[CAP1]

CAP, are you forgetting that your old buddy low works in the private security field?  I'll make some calls if you're not in too big of a hurry.

you do?

i'm not in a big hurry.......bad things don't happen here often.........but i wanna catch the bastages when they do though.........

thanks dude!

[Gaidin]

This may or may not help, but do you have an alarm system on your business?  If you do, alot of times the companies that did the alarm can setup small IP cameras and run them to your office computer.  They may even give you a discount for the return business.

Just a thought.

[bj229r]

Ya can't see color at night--best image comes from B&W with infra-red flood built in, and best part is thief has no idea he's lit up like daytime. DVR's are just computers with expensive multiport video capture card, and VERY fancy software that takes a still 3-10 times a second. Recording live video straight to hard drive will fill it up in very short time. The stuff off the internet is good enough, but ya will need a DVR I thinkk

[Dragon]

I've had a few issues at my home in the last couple weeks, just purchased a SVAT CV0204DVR and connected 2 of the 4 cameras last night.  I'm planning on connecting the other 2 tonight.  Very easy install, the 2 cameras catch enough light from street lights and neighbors yards to record in color at night.  Motion sensors work great.  Tonight I have to finish the IP configuring so I'll be able to view live from work.  So far, very impressed so far.  Cost was $600.00 from www.WalMart.com.  I've already lost $3000.00 in tools and the straight jacket prevents me from owning a gun.  I though about getting the card for my comp w/4 cameras for like $300.00 but I'd have to connect it to my gamer and I was afraid it would kill F/R, but TigerDirect or CompUSA.com have the same setup with good reviews.

I think it would be money well spent, better to have it and not need it than this: 

[rabbidrabbit]

I would like to know more.  Are there any decent wireless setups or am I stuck running power and feedlines to each?  We have never had a problem but I'm thinking an alarm system for my house/ property isn't a bad idea.

[Dragon]

The reviews for wireless setups aren't good.  The power and feed run through the same cable, it's about the same size as a network cable.  I had to pull 2 through my attic, that was fun(watching the wife crawl around on all 4's) but not too bad.  The cameras are small enough to hide behind a downspout and mine happen to match the siding I put on the house this year. 

[CAP1]

The reviews for wireless setups aren't good.  The power and feed run through the same cable, it's about the same size as a network cable.  I had to pull 2 through my attic, that was fun(watching the wife crawl around on all 4's) but not too bad.  The cameras are small enough to hide behind a downspout and mine happen to match the siding I put on the house this year. 

i had already tried one of the "good"(so called) setups from X10 dot com. it;s kinda sorta ok. the still pics aren;t too bad. getting the multi cam setup sucks. the video quality sucks. i'm not happy with it, which is why i'm looking for something that actually works.
 like i said, i remember someone in here being in the business, so i figured i could come here for honest advice.
 i;m gonna check out the system you mentioned too......


thankd!