Anyone put in IP cameras in wash?

[AdamA]

As opposed to coax connected cameras to a DVR? Interested in connecting several sites.

Pro's, con's, costs? Whose did you use?

Thanks,

Adam
adam.bend@gmail.com

 

[bigleo48]

Adam,

I have 30 cameras in my DVR. To me, the whole point of the DVR is to have a video "server' to capture & record video as a system and a single point of remote access.

If I had 30 IP cameras, I would need to assign IP address to all along with different UDP port numbers to be able to view remotely. I would then need to open a browser for every camera. Then I would still need a server and a fast ethernet switch to record. I'm sure there is software to solve the multi-browser issue, but I don't see how this would be any easier or less expensive.

Also, cameras typically need two cables, one for the video signal (coax for baseband video and CAT-5 for IP) and power (some have another cable for sound). Even if you go WiFi, you still need power...so the whole cordless thing is mute.

 

[AdamA]

Thanks for the reply.

I wasn't think so much of wireless, since like you say you need power. Some do power over Ethernet, but you still need a cable.

I was thinking more of these possible advantages:

1) DVR (or PC) offsite, so it can't be stolen as part of the process,
2) Future protection, since all services seem to be moving to IP.
3) Sharing DVR/PC between sites (ie just having cameras at each site, adding a camera at my house etc.

Thoughts?

 

[MEP001]

It might be feasible if you had only a couple of cameras at each site, but with 16 or more you'd be better off with a DVR. There are systems that will upload video data to a remote location when an alarm is activated, so it will continue to "record" until the unit is disconnected. You can even go a simple route and have the video data recorded to a USB hard drive that's hidden or locked securely in a safe, so even if a crook takes the DVR the data is left behind. You wouldn't even have the ability to search by motion event with an IP camera. I can see them being useful only if you want to watch live activities remotely.