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Hi,

I'm planning on getting more camera's for surveillance.
But i can't make my mind up what to get.
Get different ip cams, or get a videoserver with cctv cams.

What's best?
pro's and cons?

Over here I use an aviosys ip9000. Has four video inputs and one ethernet "output". Advantage I experienced is that you can use really cheap (dealextreme?) camera's outside and pull a line inwards to that aviosys device. I had several outside camera's broken due to moisture troubles. Downside? Yes, you need to put the device somewhere central and pull cables towards it ... but then again .. you also need to do this with LAN camera's.

In my case maybe it was the costs of the camera's. One aviosys device (around 125 euro's iirc) and three dealextreme camera's (15 dollars each?).

Aside from practicalities, budget often plays a role in this decision. I'll elaborate a little more tomorrow, I really need to hit the sack now.

UPDATE:
Some things to keep in mind:
1. Your budget
2. Whether you have the opportunity to run cables all through the location.
3. Whether you need high-res images or not
4. Are the cams going to be placed inside or outside.


Some Pros/Cons

IP cameras:
Pros

• Self-contained, work independently of each other
• WIFI possible = easier placement/less cables
• POE possible = only UTP needed
• High resolutions possible (!)

Cons

• Expensive when buying pro brands
• Often an extra housing is needed for use outside = extra expense
• Should it break down you lose your whole investment (encoder camera etc)

Analog cameras with IP video encoder:
Pros

• Cameras can be had very cheaply = low cost of replacement
• When something breaks just one component of your investment has to be replaced not the system

Cons

• No high resolutions available
• Power cable + video cable needed to be run
• 'Weatherproof' ones are not always as weatherproofed as one might think= even if it says it's for outside use be careful with placement = out of the rain+wind

You didn't mention whether you intended to integrate your cameras in a HA system but if that is one of the intentions, be careful when buying cheap IP cameras that you get one that support access to images to a URL. Lots of chinese IP cameras use annoying proprietary interfaces.

Some IP cameras to have a look at: Axis 207, 207MW, 211, M10 series (but imho the newer M10 series is really a let down build quality-wise), Foscam, Mobotix Q24, Q22, M12.

Some Video encoders: Axis 240q, 241q, Aviosys IP video 9100A/9100B (some are very happy with it, some dislike it, take your pick), Axis M7001.

For analog cameras check any cheap camera store and have a look in the camera repository of the forum:
http://www.domoticaforum.eu/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2482

I use teh Everfocus ECOR 16x1 with h264 codec. Super system! Wired CCTV with iPhone app, web interface etc. Also in 4 and 9 camera's.

visit the Everfocus.de site or goto FRSecurity.nl

Thanks for the fast replies.
All the pro's and cons don't make it much easier to make a desicion.

Has someone any experience with the axis q7404 videoserver?

Is there a way to save streams for a certain amount of time triggered by homeseer?
Does a videoserver always need extra software, like axis surveillance station, to save streams on for example motion detection?

Generally, yes you need extra software for saving streams.

Your other option would be using the FTP image upload function, which can be triggered internally and externally.

p.s. a q241 would probably be more economical over a q7404, unless no h.264 is a dealbreaker for you.

Hi CRaZee,

Consider a NAS (e.g. Synology) with IP-cams.
Very very great functionality.

Esteban wrote:Generally, yes you need extra software for saving streams.

Your other option would be using the FTP image upload function, which can be triggered internally and externally.

p.s. a q241 would probably be more economical over a q7404, unless no h.264 is a dealbreaker for you.

Does a ftp image upload just upload jpegs or can it also upload moviefiles?