Re: Re: CCTV with XBox

[Sean <thunderchilduk@xxxxxxxxx>]

the limiting factor is the RAM.

You can hack it into a full linux box and even get myth TV running on
it but you still only have 64Mb to play with.

you should be able to find a 733Mhz PC second hand for the same or
less and upgrading the RAM won't require a soldering iron.

Sean

On 1/4/07, Martin Howell <martin.howell@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Thanks chaps, looks like I misunderstood - I thought that the X could
be
> hacked to a more or less complete linux box, but maybe I made too many
> assumptions.  No worries, I have enough spare bits to build a 'real'
pc.
>   Any suggestions for suitable cameras for in/outside?
>
> Thanks
> Martin
>
> Paul Gale wrote:
> > I've not heard of that either - but that doesn't mean it doesn't
exist!
> >
> > I have a geovision system and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it -
the features and software are outstanding. You could go entry level and get
a cheaper card but you still need a reasonable mid-range PC for this. The
bigger the card (i.e. more cameras), the higher spec PC you'll need.
> >
> > Alternatively, you could look at ZoneMinder which is a great bit
of (FREE) Linux based software. It's nowhere near as feature rich as the
geovision cards/software but is very capable. You'll also need to do a lot
more configuring and find suitable capture cards for the cameras although I
think there's a Linux/ZoneMinder pre-built distribution available?
> >
> > Paul.
> >
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: ukha_d@xxxxxxx [mailto:ukha_d@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
> >> noel_pilot
> >> Sent: 04 January 2007 18:03
> >> To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
> >> Subject: [ukha_d] Re: CCTV with XBox
> >>
> >> Hi Martin,
> >> AFAIK I've never heard of an xbox modded or otherwise being
used for
> >> cctv?!  i might be wrong but in all my trawling of forums
i've never
> >> seen it mentioned.
> >>
> >> You might be able to get a web browser working on an xbox and
> >> theoretically view ip cameras but i wouldnt be overly
confident about it!
> >>
> >> most people on this list i think will reccomend geovision, it
requires
> >> a pc to be on 24/7 but has many many benefits,
> >>
> >> i don't have it myself although i'd dearly love to! so i'll
leave for
> >> others to explain the ins and outs :)
> >>
> >> Noel
> >>
> >> --- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, Martin Howell
<martin.howell@...> wrote:
> >>> A recent spell in hospital, leaving SWMBO alone at home,
has brought
> >>> forward my plans for rigging up external and internal
cameras around
> >> the
> >>> ol' homestead.  I'm attracted by the idea of using one of
the 50 quid
> >>> Argos Xboxes as a base, because its a) cheap, b) quiet
and c) small-ish.
> >>>
> >>> I have no experience with these boxes, so I could do with
some guidance
> >>> from those who have done this kind of thing before.  My
> >> understanding is
> >>> that in addition to hacking the 'Box, I will need a TV
(or a monitor
> >>> with some kind of TV/VGA adaptor); a wireless bridge or
similar hooked
> >>> into the 10/100 port (I already have a wireless network
running round
> >>> the house), and some kind of keypad/keyboard to be able
to steer the
> >>> beast. It will also need some software to monitor the
cameras and sound
> >>> alarms and start recording when movement is detected. A
couple of
> >>> immediate questions spring to mind:-
> >>>
> >>> - what do I need to do the hack the Xbox, and where is
the best
> >> place to
> >>> get the bits from?
> >>> - any suggestions for suitable cameras and monitoring
software -
> >>> ideally, the cameras would be wireless IP to minimise the
plumbing and
> >>> allow them to be seen from other PCs on the network
> >>> - can I use the speakers from the TV for sound from the
cameras, or
> >>> would I need to rig up separate speakers?
> >>> - what are my options for a keyboard of other input
device - the box
> >>> will only be used for this purpose, so don't really need
a full
> >>> keyboard/mouse arrangement
> >>>
> >>> Lots more questions in the pipeline, no doubt.  I have a
soldering iron
> >>> and a selection of suitable hammers, so am not afraid to
take the lid
> >>> off and start hacking about, but I need to understand the
scope of what
> >>> I'm getting into first - what looks like a cheap solution
may end up
> >>> being just as expensive as building up a PC from bits in
my junk box.
> >>>
> >>> Thanks
> >>> Martin
> >>>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
>
>
> Grizelli Associates Limited
> IT Project Consultants
> 2c Nethermoor Road, Middlezoy, Bridgwater, TA7 0PG
> UK Company registration no. 2468872
> VAT registration no. 713 1775 49
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


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Former teacher of Albert Einstein.