NVR or PC Based recorder

[FONT=&quot]Hi there, [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am currently setting up a new CCTV system in a new house.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I am purchasing 12 HIK Vision cameras, a mix between the DS-2CD2132F-IS and the DS-2CD2532F-IS.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I was originally going to go with a PC based recorder and with either the HIK Software or Milestone.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Now I am wondering if I will need a higher spec'd system to handle HD feeds from 12 cameras and that perhaps I am better off getting one of HIK's NVR's to do the recording for me.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I am also wanting to interface with an alarm system and use the indoor cameras as motion sensors to trigger the alarm. Is this possible with an NVR or PC Based system?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]What NVR would people recommend?[/FONT]

mhz said:

[FONT=&amp]I am also wanting to interface with an alarm system and use the indoor cameras as motion sensors to trigger the alarm[/FONT]

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Do not do this unless you have stable inside lighting and no windows or doors. You will eventually regret it. PIRs are cheaper and far more reliable.

As for the recorder, pick your poison. NVRs are adequate and cheap enough. A PC running decent recording software will do 12 cameras with a celeron and 4G of ram. It depends on how you want to view and review and your usage pattern really as to what you need. I've seen a couple of domestics done with Hik 7616 recorders that do the job.

Blue Iris seems popular here too if you have a later model PC with the right specs.

A pc based NVR will give you the best options. If you dont like the software or need a specific feature you can move to a new package. As brad pointed out, you dont want to use pixel based motion detection to trigger an alarm.
Also you might want to reconsider dome cameras...they have issues with ir reflection...also note the mini dome has VERY weak ir.
You might want to look at the 2mp hikvision turret cams.

fenderman said:

A pc based NVR will give you the best options. If you dont like the software or need a specific feature you can move to a new package. As brad pointed out, you dont want to use pixel based motion detection to trigger an alarm.
Also you might want to reconsider dome cameras...they have issues with ir reflection...also note the mini dome has VERY weak ir.
You might want to look at the 2mp hikvision turret cams.

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The problem I have is that I wanted to use the mini domes inside and they are small enough to not stick out like dogs balls like a bullet cam will. There is no way the missus will allow me to put up something like bullet cams either.

@fenderman made a good point on the mini domes. I have one outside my front door. It needs cleaning regularly to stop it reflecting ir on the domes. I just give it a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth.

i think you are nuts putting cameras inside the house, but that's just me.

Brad_C said:

@fenderman made a good point on the mini domes. I have one outside my front door. It needs cleaning regularly to stop it reflecting ir on the domes. I just give it a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth.

i think you are nuts putting cameras inside the house, but that's just me.

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Why nuts?

mhz said:

Why nuts?

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Privacy is a massive issue. Cameras inside are a privacy issue. Cheap shit Chinese cameras which have already been identified as having security issues are another level entirely. Yeah sure, they "addressed" the identified ones. What else lurks in there?

The best way to protect your footage and therefore privacy is not to have the footage in the first place. That goes the same for any cameras, but the I sure as hell would not have cameras inside a house. But then I also have stickers over the cameras on my devices also.

Like I said, just me. I don't have "social media" accounts, don't post YouTube video of my house, kids or dogs and appreciate privacy. You do what's right for you and your family.

That's a fair call and as a security conscious person you make some really valid points.
I work in IT and and IT security is also part of my job.

My home setup I believe is quite good. While I do have social media accounts, I am wary of who I allow to see my posts and photos and don't post anything I believe will compromise my security.
My home network is also locked down very tightly.
I also would not be placing cameras in bedrooms, just common areas of the house.

mhz said:

[FONT=&amp]Hi there, [/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]I am currently setting up a new CCTV system in a new house.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]I am purchasing 12 HIK Vision cameras, a mix between the DS-2CD2132F-IS and the DS-2CD2532F-IS.[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]I was originally going to go with a PC based recorder and with either the HIK Software or Milestone.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Now I am wondering if I will need a higher spec'd system to handle HD feeds from 12 cameras and that perhaps I am better off getting one of HIK's NVR's to do the recording for me.[/FONT]

[FONT=&amp]I am also wanting to interface with an alarm system and use the indoor cameras as motion sensors to trigger the alarm. Is this possible with an NVR or PC Based system?[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]What NVR would people recommend?[/FONT]

Click to expand...

Not sure if I would have my cameras set off my house alarm as mine is monitored and false alarms may be costly. Besides you will get an instant email if your inside camera was set off so you can see what is going on in an instant and contact police if need be.

I would suggest for outside the turrets are better easier to point and better night and no spider webs and domes are fine for inside.

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Multi-language-Full-HD-V5-3-3-1080P-CCTV-Camera-DS-2CD2335-I-With-30m-IR/319147_32464044170.html?spm=2114.8147860.0.66.aG8RXp


Make life easy and I vote for 7608NI-I2 16P way easier than PC based , make sure you buy a NI model not N so you can upgrade. Cameras don't really ever need an upgrade but, NVR does.The 2132 FIS is one of the only cameras I have that are a pain in my ass. If you want sound then perhaps get a Dahua with built in mic instead.

I think it comes down to what you want it to do. Some love NVR's for the ease, others want the flexibility and options that a PC can provide with the right VMS. Saving money on an NVR can allow you to upgrade to a better route or cameras. Spending more on a PC and you may have to cut back on certain things. Its all give and take if you're on a budget but you can certainly search this forum for advise on how and when to get the best deals and make the most of your budget.

I prefer the PC with BI so that's the route I went. All things considered you'll need an i7 for that many cameras and then the software. NVR may be cheaper but you get what you pay for. Also, once you get in and set it up, you will most likely get "the itch". Meaning you wanna tweak this, upgrade that, add something here, move something there. My intial idea for a 6 Camera system boxed system for $800 on Amazon has bloomed into an 8-10 camera customized system while also upgrading my home network and I'm currently about $1900 in.

Also I'd have to agree with Brad_C, I'd try and keep most of the cameras outdoors covering the high traffic areas depending on your level of networking skills. Speaking from my work experience, there are some sick and creepy people out there who enjoy creeping in on the lives of others. I'd be hesitant to give anyone access to the inside of my house, even if its just to monitor pets.

Check out this link for a better idea of what can happen if you just plug in a camera and let it stream without any restrictions or safeguards.
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/11292-Who-is-watching-you-Russian-website-puts-local-cameras-online?highlight=russian

Jack B Nimble;127877 I would suggest for outside the turrets are better easier to point and better night and no spider webs and domes are fine for inside. [URL said:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Multi-language-Full-HD-V5-3-3-1080P-CCTV-Camera-DS-2CD2335-I-With-30m-IR/319147_32464044170.html?spm=2114.8147860.0.66.aG8RXp[/URL]

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I am assuming the turret style is not susceptible to the IR glare like the normal dome cameras?

mhz said:

I am assuming the turret style is not susceptible to the IR glare like the normal dome cameras?

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They are not as the IR and lens are separated. Domes frequently have issues. Avoid them.

Thanks for the advice. I am now also leaning towards the 2332 as I have read on a few threads here that the 3MP are better in low light and these models seem to be the most recommended one here.

mhz said:

Thanks for the advice. I am now also leaning towards the 2332 as I have read on a few threads here that the 3MP are better in low light and these models seem to be the most recommended one here.

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The native 2mp will be best in low light. The 4mp is better in low light than the 3mp...but only a bit...

fenderman said:

The native 2mp will be best in low light. The 4mp is better in low light than the 3mp...but only a bit...

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Ok, damn that's thrown a spanner in the works now. So what camera(s) would you recommend?

mhz said:

Ok, damn that's thrown a spanner in the works now. So what camera(s) would you recommend?

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Look at the 2mp hikvsion turret (LTS has a readily available variant)...
Also, dahua has released a new camera, turret style but claims to be exceptional in low light (starlight) and has an SD card slot and mic. If the pricing is in fact accurate 190 or so, that is the go to cam. Its not yet available on the market.
See the first cam in post 3..
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/13913-Two-new-interesting-cams-from-dahua?p=126667&viewfull=1#post126667

fenderman said:

Look at the 2mp hikvsion turret (LTS has a readily available variant)...
Also, dahua has released a new camera, turret style but claims to be exceptional in low light (starlight) and has an SD card slot and mic. If the pricing is in fact accurate 190 or so, that is the go to cam. Its not yet available on the market.
See the first cam in post 3..
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/13913-Two-new-interesting-cams-from-dahua?p=126667&viewfull=1#post126667

Click to expand...

I would prefer to stick with HIK as I have used them in the past and I am familiar with them.
Also being based in Australia I would prefer buying to aliexpress.com as it tends to be a lot cheaper

mhz said:

I am assuming the turret style is not susceptible to the IR glare like the normal dome cameras?

Click to expand...

That's correct you will not have any glare on a turret camera and no spiders.