Need new system

Pixguy

n3wb
Joined
Feb 18, 2019
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
Location
New Hampshire
Hi Andy, I’m a newbie to this forum. I’m building a new home and I’ve prewired for poe. I’m looking at Dahua for a 16 channel nvr system with a minimum of 12 mostly outdoor cams. I’d rather have a 4tb hdd built in but can add an external hdd as well.
I’ve found you on Amazon.
I’m looking to spend 1000-1400. Please advise.
Pixguy
 

awsum140

Known around here
Joined
Nov 14, 2017
Messages
1,254
Reaction score
1,128
Location
Southern NJ
Andy, Empire Tech, sells Dahua and is on IPCT. He has a thread under the Vendors category. His prices are reasonable, the cameras are International version which means the firmware can be upgraded without bricking the camera and the shipping is quite fast. His email is listed in the Cliff Notes. Read the Cliff Notes on a real PC, not a phone.
 

aristobrat

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Dec 5, 2016
Messages
2,982
Reaction score
3,180
@Pixguy, just my opinion (and I’m sure some will disagree) ...

While I think Andy is hands down the best way to buy pro-grade Dahua equipment for significantly less than going through the traditional “professional installer” route, I don’t see him being able to do that and be able to spend the time to help design bigger installs from the ground up (like a professional installers do).

Unlike consumer-grade companies like Lorex and Amcrest that typically use the same model camera in their kits, Dahua has a bunch of different camera models and your prob going to want to mix-and-match them for your build. For example, a Starlight mini-dome might be best for your porch/patio, while Starlight Vari-focal turrets may be best for your driveway. Depending on if you want sound, there are two models to chose from. Need to monitor a mailbox that’s 80ft from the house? A Z5 bullet may be the best option.

IMO (and again, just my opinion) Andy’s not the best resource to help figure that out for a bigger design. He and his guys stay busy enough just shipping product for the folks ordering from the forum here.

The community here is great for asking those kind of design questions though. It just helps a lot when folks can read through the Cliff Notes document to get up to speed on the basics first. Then add some more specifics about your build (like where you want the cameras) and your initial ideas. Shouldn’t be a problem to get advice from a lot of folks with great experience. When your build is nailed down, Andy is a great place to order from!
 
Last edited:

looney2ns

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
15,521
Reaction score
22,657
Location
Evansville, In. USA
@Pixguy, just my opinion (and I’m sure some will disagree) ...

While I think Andy is hands down the best way to buy pro-grade Dahua equipment for significantly less than going through the traditional “professional installer” route, I don’t see him being able to do that and be able to spend the time to help design bigger installs from the ground up (like a professional installers do).

Unlike consumer-grade companies like Lorex and Amcrest that typically use the same model camera in their kits, Dahua has a bunch of different camera models and your prob going to want to mix-and-match them for your build. For example, a Starlight mini-dome might be best for your porch/patio, while Starlight Vari-focal turrets may be best for your driveway. Depending on if you want sound, there are two models to chose from. Need to monitor a mailbox that’s 80ft from the house? A Z5 bullet may be the best option.

IMO (and again, just my opinion) Andy’s not the best resource to help figure that out for a bigger design. He and his guys stay busy enough just shipping product for the folks ordering from the forum here.

The community here is great for asking those kind of design questions though. It just helps a lot when folks can read through the Cliff Notes document to get up to speed on the basics first. Then add some more specifics about your build (like where you want the cameras) and your initial ideas. Shouldn’t be a problem to get advice from a lot of folks with great experience. When your build is nailed down, Andy is a great place to order from!
:headbang::goodpost:
 

mat200

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Jan 17, 2017
Messages
13,670
Reaction score
22,782
Hi Andy, I’m a newbie to this forum. I’m building a new home and I’ve prewired for poe. I’m looking at Dahua for a 16 channel nvr system with a minimum of 12 mostly outdoor cams. I’d rather have a 4tb hdd built in but can add an external hdd as well.
I’ve found you on Amazon.
I’m looking to spend 1000-1400. Please advise.
Pixguy
Welcome @Pixguy

imho You may want to increase your budget expectations a little upward considering you want 12 cameras.
 

BigFoot

Pulling my weight
Joined
Oct 16, 2018
Messages
161
Reaction score
110
Location
UK
Hello @Pixguy

I'm relatively new here also - if you want help you've found the best place on the internet, IMHO

From my limited experience my suggestion would be either reduce your camera requirement or increase your budget

I'm sure you COULD get a 16 camera system for that kind of budget but whether you'd WANT it (and be happy with it) only you can decide

8 - 10 very good cameras would, in my opinion, be preferable to 16 mediocre ones

That said, I'm sure others on here with vastly more experience can advise you better
 

Pixguy

n3wb
Joined
Feb 18, 2019
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
Location
New Hampshire
Thank you to all who responded. I’ve yet to hear from any retailers so I will look into eBay or amazon for a package. But I will look for fewer cameras than first hoping so that I can get better quality cams.

I am seeing hybrid dvr’s that I’m unsure of. I’m thinking I’d use a external hardrivethat maybe I can place in a fireproof safe for a small amount of time.
 

fenderman

Staff member
Joined
Mar 9, 2014
Messages
36,897
Reaction score
21,250
Thank you to all who responded. I’ve yet to hear from any retailers so I will look into eBay or amazon for a package. But I will look for fewer cameras than first hoping so that I can get better quality cams.

I am seeing hybrid dvr’s that I’m unsure of. I’m thinking I’d use a external hardrivethat maybe I can place in a fireproof safe for a small amount of time.
It's as if you didn't read any of the replies.
 
Top