Interfacing cctv cameras into a computer

[TwoBills]

If so, what card or usb device did you use. I was thinking about using one of thesecrowjet, but I'd prefer to use a capture card.

 

[NokiaDude]

I think they come in kits. They're EXPENSIVE though.

 

[TwoBills]

Yeah, the Crowjet goes for around $400, but I've got a lot of customers that would cover that.

I'm more intrested in a pci card that would accept 1 - 4 cameras and software that would enable remote viewing and motion detection.

 

[Peter]

If you want to overdo it, go here: http://www.visiowave.com

Else, your average PCI TV card will do a fine job for ONE camera source at a time.

 

[MScrip]

Originally posted by: TwoBills

I'm more intrested in a pci card that would accept 1 - 4 cameras and software that would enable remote viewing and motion detection.

And then have it do what? Just look at it on the screen, or record it with DVR type functions?

If you just want remote viewing over the web, a network capable webcam should do that... that might be a direction to shoot for. Otherwise, you'll be getting into the professional CCTV range.

 

[TwoBills]

Originally posted by: MScrip

Originally posted by: TwoBills

I'm more intrested in a pci card that would accept 1 - 4 cameras and software that would enable remote viewing and motion detection.

And then have it do what? Just look at it on the screen, or record it with DVR type functions?

If you just want remote viewing over the web, a network capable webcam should do that... that might be a direction to shoot for. Otherwise, you'll be getting into the professional CCTV range.

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Record to the hdd.

The problem w/web cams, other than their lower quality, is their lack of weatherproofing, for outdoor use, and infrared capibilities, which seem to be getting more popular these days.

 

[MScrip]

I did a Google search for "windows based CCTV DVR" and found these. I'm sure there are even more solutions available.

http://www.video-insight.com/

http://www.aver.com/products/security.shtml

http://www.lennoxcctv.com/

 

[TwoBills]

Thanks for the links, but those are complete systems. I'm more focused on interfacing cctv into existing computers (or building an inexpensive rig w/cctv capture capibilities).

The tv card is one possibility, just have to find software to tell it to record on motion and figure out remote access. XP pro should take care of the remote access, but a lot of people have xp home, so I'll still need a software solution.

My searches have all come up blank, with the exception of a few pre-built, overpriced systems.

The web cam is another solution, but I'd prefer to use higher quality cameras. I have access to these.

Maybe I'll just blow the $400 and fool around with the Crowjet unit, but that seems excessive, also. Thought a 4 camera card w/software should be out there somewhere, for about $150. I'll keep looking.

 

[Peter]

Visiowave do have 2-camera PCI cards, and since their business is exactly about remote controlled surveillance, they do have motion detection software and networkability as well.

Mind that the low-cost multi-input cards can only sample one input at a time.

 

[dbleoslow]

I think it will be difficult to find cards like this on the cheap. These guys have a four port capture card for $200. Not sure if software is included. Here

I've used a few enterprise grade solutions and they sure as heck aren't cheap. Another good place to check out is Axis. They make standalone encorders that can dump the video files somewhere.

I've been out of the game for a while so I'm not sure what's out there.

 

[MScrip]

Originally posted by: TwoBills

Thanks for the links, but those are complete systems. I'm more focused on interfacing cctv into existing computers (or building an inexpensive rig w/cctv capture capibilities).

The tv card is one possibility, just have to find software to tell it to record on motion and figure out remote access. XP pro should take care of the remote access, but a lot of people have xp home, so I'll still need a software solution.

My searches have all come up blank, with the exception of a few pre-built, overpriced systems.

The web cam is another solution, but I'd prefer to use higher quality cameras. I have access to these.

Maybe I'll just blow the $400 and fool around with the Crowjet unit, but that seems excessive, also. Thought a 4 camera card w/software should be out there somewhere, for about $150. I'll keep looking.

You're right, those are complete systems. This is security we're talking about! Not some hobby. You've obviously got computers... who doesn't. But you're gonna need cameras and other equipment too. Why not pay someone for a decent security and monitoring system? Security is not something to mess around with... I'd hate to rely on Microsoft Windows as my security system! If you think a DVR capture card and motion detecting software should be about $150... keep dreamin'



Our dance studio is looking to buy a complete CCTV and DVR system from our security company. The DVR box alone costs over $2000! But, it's worth it.

 

[GimpyOne]

As another option, at the same Crow Electronics site you talked about earlier they do also have a 6 camera PCI card/software combo for sale as well. Not really sure if it does motion sensing, but it's a possibility.

http://crowelec.com/icu1000.html

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Peter
Visiowave do have 2-camera PCI cards, and since their business is exactly about remote controlled surveillance, they do have motion detection software and networkability as well.

Mind that the low-cost multi-input cards can only sample one input at a time.

Doesn't the Hauppauge PVR500 have two independent inputs/tuners? You could use two (or more) of those for a multi-camera DVR at a (somewhat) lower cost. If you just want to stream and record from them all, I think even something as simple as SageTV could do that.

 

[TwoBills]

Peter: Didn't look at Visiowave's website close enough. That 2 channel card looks like it could do the job. I send them an email for more info. They've got an office near here, in Mclean, Va. I'll stop in next time I'm through there.

dbleoslow: Couple of good sites. Bit rich for my blood, tho. I think my search criteria has been wrong. I've been searching for "video capture cards" instead of "dvr capture cards". I'll try that next.

MScrip: lol. I've got 2 computers. (1) I had to build after hanging out at AT for about a year. The other one, well it's a clunk, but a tight, well working clunk. I've also got 4 or 5 thumb, chip, infrared, b/w, color cameras in my truck at any given time.
32 years in the security industry, well, makes me a bit more than a hobbiest. Couple more years and I might just have it down pat. That $2000 dvr you mentioned is just what I'm trying to work around. Everyone has a computer and wants a cheap, uh, inexpensive, dvr type setup. Thought I could do it with a card and some software. Maybe throw in a big gig hdd. This would only be a video back up to a "real" security system.


Gimpy One: Talk about going the long way around. That ICU-1000 from Crow bears checking out. Gonna have to get my dealer to dig out some specs on one. Ie: price. We use Crow pirs a lot. One of the best units in the business, so I know they make quality stuff.

 

[MScrip]

Originally posted by: TwoBills

Everyone has a computer and wants a cheap, uh, inexpensive, DVR type setup.

Yeah, everyone wants to save money... but I hope customers don't skimp on security and surveillance technology. They'd better not cut corners on something like that! As long as businesses have a good security system, a surveillance system might be secondary.

We've got a good alarm system at the dance studio already, but we decided to add surveillance in case anything happened, and we needed video proof. The system we're looking at includes the Bosch Divar DVR with integrated DVD burner, and 9 cameras for the studios and outdoors. It's a pretty sweet system. Pricey, but well worth the investment.

Bosch Divar DVR with DVD burner

Bosch Flexidome cameras

 

[TwoBills]

Just a couple of points for you to check w/your security company/video company:

Is the phone line secure? I'm not talking about the line monitoring stuff that's built into the software of the security system. Something like conduent with hardware tampers. Or better yet, totally buried and inaccessable.

Will the dvr be in a locked box, well hidden and bolted down? The 1st thing a perp is going to do is steal the recording device.

As far as technology goes, well, that's just needed because everybody else has it and in order to survive in this business you have to keep up w/the Jones. I can secure an area with a handful of relays and some old equipment laying around my garage. But, gotta keep up w/the Jones, so we use leading edge stuff. Our main system is based on the Elk M1 control, Crow motions, properly positioned glass detection, high quality, hidden, door switches, voice recordable siren drivers, etc. A lot of overpriced, over designed stuff, but that's what the customer wants, and pays for. Puts bread on the table.

As far as video goes, well, same thing, high quality cameras and housings. If you're close in, like a cash drawer or a full face picture then those chip cameras that come in those domes are ok, but otherwise, a full size camera with a 3 - 12mm zoom lens will give you better pictures. And after all, that's what it's all about, pictures. We're still using vcr, but that's because there's annual maintenance contracts that go with them, plus my associate has to be dragged, kicking and screaming into the 21st century. That's what I'm doing now, w/the dvr capture cards.

For now, what I want to build is only for a few select, high dollar, techie type customers. I've got a doctor that I've installed an infared, nitrogen filled, camera on his back door, waiting for recording equipment. I talked him out of the vcr and we're going to go with the crowjet or a capture card on a computer. Just for fun.

I've got another customer that we added coax, etc to his prewire, for future video. This guy is very paranoid (overlapping pir zones and such). We can slap in a dvr, etc., but I'd like to get into the computer part of it, so I figure if I can get someone else to pay the freight, well.......................

Bottom line, using an existing computer, I figure I should be able to add this and have something inexpensive to offer the lower end customers (that already have cameras in place):

-4 channel video capture card w/software: $250 - $300. (prices adjusted based on AT posts).
-160+ gig hdd: $75 - $100.
-oh, yeah, a cheap burner: $50
That's $450 maximum, total. What else would I need? Now I know I can go with a professional grade dvr for under $900, but everybody is doing that, and the mom and pop stores are left out of the loop.