Re: Harddrive-based camcorder as standalone security camera?

["Doug Way" <dew_dropper@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks Roland.

I have to say, the VIP X1 looks very useful for what it does, basically
converting an old composite analog video or security camera to an IP
network camera with a web server (like an Axis camera, etc), for a
pretty cheap price ($130 or so).  I might need one of those at some
point.

I don't think it will help that much for this set up, though... I
didn't see anything about a purpose-built external USB hard drive in
the VIP X1 manual.  The manual indicates that a computer of some sort
is needed.  (Do you know what the name of this purpose-built hard drive
is?)  Also, I don't think USB 1.0 would be fast enough to transmit a
decent video signal anyway.

Right now, for my standalone setup, I think I'm resigned to my option
#3.  I don't think the hard-drive based camcorders are quite there yet
in terms of being used as a security camera, but they're getting close.
 I have to wonder if sometime soon there will be some sort of Linux OS
which could run on one of these camcorders, which could then have some
custom security-oriented software to record non-stop to the hard drive,
use motion detection, etc.  That would be the ultimate standalone
solution... maybe in a few years.

On the plus side, I did find a dirt-cheap DVR recorder on the net that
I'm tempted to try, the GadSpot GS760, 250GB 4-channel DVR for $260.
(Oh crap, now the site says they're sold out, they weren't yesterday.)
Anyway, some kind of decent 1-channel DVR is all I really need.  I
guess I'd also need a cheap LCD monitor & adapter to hook up to the DVR
to be able to view recorded video, although I might be able to get away
with not setting that up at the temporary setup location.  Although
maybe it would be best just to get the LCD monitor too, because then I
could just buy a regular security camera (without viewscreen) instead
of a camcorder.  I see cheap 14" LCD monitors are availabe at WalMart
for $125 or so... of course, a composite (BNC) video to VGA adapter is
another $75.  Still, I may still be able to get something going for
less than $600 total.

- Doug


Roland Moore wrote:
> If you have never used one of these this might be someting to look at, the
> VIP X1. The VIP X1 features DVD-like quality MPEG-4 video, at up to 30 FPS
> over IP networks. Either PAL or NTSC video can be received and displayed
> with  a standard web browser. Bosch recommends the use of a purpose-built
> external USB hard drive, with a capacity of 250 GB and which can be used on
> Bosch's VIP X1 and VIP X2 plus their audio and PoE derivatives. This would
> be easy to lend out and set up and you could use most any camera you wanted
> to complete the set up.