re: I want security cameras but am overwhelmed by the whole process

I was looking at the monitoring link posted earlier, but what I would want was a device that could be added to my current system to notify me by and be viewed on my phone. I would think that separated in-home video storage would be easiest. Three cameras that could be wired to DVR type device would be fine. I set up a closet for my media and security when I built the house and the areas where I want to set up the three cameras would be exterior, possibly another interior.

Looking for a DIY setup that is the most cost effective.

Good thread.

I have my cameras integrated with my home automation, but they don't work to well.

Playback and setup s kind of a mess. ( ICS realtime) Looking at doing a stand alone system.

Yeah, that part is fine.

It's the ICS Realtime that is kinda messy.

I'd think it would work better just to run the cameras via separate app.

IDK, two,years at most?

quote:

---

You have Control 4 right ?

---

My C4 box fried in a lightning storm.

We own a security/A/V company. I cant tell you how many of these Sams club or self installed IP camera systems we have removed and then installed professional components for customers who wanted to save money and do it themselves. You will want night vision (IR) , Hi Def, All weather cameras. You want them tied into a DVR with at least 1 TB hard drive for every 4 cameras worth of memory. You will need this DVR hard wired into your router and set up with an app for remote viewing (not as easy of a task as one might think).
Pay someone the money to do it once and correctly. You will have a warranty on parts and the installation as well as support (local) for your remote connectivity issues (and there will be some) .
A four camera system like the one I described above would run you about $1500.00 to 1800.00, depending on the construction of the house. DVRs double in size, so if 4 is too small, then you jump to 8, 16 and so on.

I am interested in installing one camera on the side of my house under the eave, which would be aimed across driveway and at front porch. Really just want to deter package thieves or to catch them in the act. Looking for a very minimal and simple setup.
How much would something like that run installed by a pro? Or do I really need a pro for such aa simple setup(1camera)?

quote:

---

Which one did you have, CR?

---

i had the HC-250. surge came through my cable line. fried that, modem, and router. plus the coax plug on my TV and receiver.

Roovelroe shoot me a message

<-@aol.com