Re: Suggestions on inexpensive video security

["Allan Waghalter" <awaghalter@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sams sells several off the shelf system that includes multiple cameras,
recorder and monitor for around $500.  This would be a quick and easy way to
protect your home.

"the_tool_man" <john_manly@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1150748218.157575.173380@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Hi all:
>
> I've recently become the target of a couple of neighborhood kids who
> like to ring the doorbell at midnight and run away.  I'd like to catch
> them on video, so their parents (or police, if necessary) can be shown
> proof.
>
> My thought is to set up an inexpensive video camera looking at the
> door.  Perhaps I'll use two, one looking at the door (to show doorbell
> being pushed), one looking from the door to get the perp's face.  I've
> found some motion-activated cameras rated for outdoor use for $40.  The
> output from these would ideally be recorded on video tape for use as
> evidence.
>
> My delemma is how to record the output.  I can't figure out how to have
> the VCR start and stop in response to the camera.  I could put a
> separate motion detector outside the house and have it power on the
> VCR, but then it won't automatically start recording.  I could set up
> the VCR to record each night starting at dusk and get 6 hours worth,
> but resetting this every night would be a pain.  Does anyone make an
> "endless" VHS tape so I can let it record 24/7?Also, I don't know how
> to combine the video from multiple cameras.  Is there an inexpensive
> "box" out there that will combine two video signals and tile them into
> a single output signal for the VCR?  If not, I guess I can find a
> couple of yard sale VCRs and have one for each camera.
>
> Any help would be appreciated!
>
> Regards,
> Sleepless...
>