Re: CCTV Software

[Phil Marius <cctv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks for all the response so far, perhaps I had better clarify what
I was on about, and why.

Ok, when I talk about network cameras I'm talking about such things as
Axis 206, 210  not webcams.

I want to use network cameras because they come as a unit, they dont
need add on devices, the image quality is just as good as most normal
analogue CCTV I have seen (and I have worked with analogue CCTV - not
exclusivley - for well over 10 years).

The ability to remotely view the cameras - without add on devices or a
PC - over the internet is a great thing - going away on holiday and
you know if you need to you can view your home, or have your friends
do it for you withought having to visit regularly.

The ability to easily fit into a home using cheap cabling - Cat5 - and
even PoE (less power cabling) and wireless networking means that
installations - providing good quality professional standard images -
can be achieved wthout ripping a home completely apart. Add another
camera a year later - no problems as its all very scalable.

Standard cameras require more complicated cabling, must have a power
source nearby or a cable run for power, require addons to make them
work over a network and basically the whole thing gets a bit more
complex - (ok, for those hardcore CCTV guys I know its not
complicated, but compared to Cat5 and PoE it is)

Thats why I am looking at Network (or IP if you prefer) Cameras, the
only downer as I can see is that the price of software that would
record on motion is cost prohibitive to this market!

Software is available, but its aimed at the business market which is a
shame, the cameras are now affordable for home use, but the software
is the killer. You can get plenty of cheap viewers but unless you sit
watching all the time and wait to press a record button when you see
something happen its relatively useless from a security point of view.

Not sure what was meant by cctv cameras generally give a better
picture, especially in low light - surely this is a function of the
pickup device and in that case CCD tends to be better for low light
than tube (??)

Ok so I know there are many ways of doing this stuff for the home, and
each has its advantages and disadvantages, but I just think the
network camera is a neat, tidy and good quality solution.... shame
about the software though for recording.