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We're looking into installing a video surveillance system - just to watch who's coming down our L O N G driveway as there are no windows with that view. Also plan to add a camera to the front porch, too.

Anyway, what type of cable is typically run from the DVR to the Monitor and are there any maximum length restrictions to be aware of?

Keep in mind, we have ZERO experience along these lines! Just an El Cheapo unit from Sam's Club that focuses in on the driveway and out to the road.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,
Michelle

Your TV should have yellow ports marked something to the tune of "video in." Your DVR probably may have either a BNC or a RCA style jack for the video out. You can use pre-terminated video cable purchased from your local Radio Shack. Make sure that the cable either has RCA or BNC ends. My guess is that you will also need a RCA to BNC adapter (Radio Shack sells them too).

I can only hope that your Sams DVR features Internet viewing. This is a very important feature. Providing that your DVR has this feature, you can view your DVR from any PC in your house. Advanced DVRs such as the PC-Witness Pro, and the 1304, can even display videos on cell phones & PDAs.

Most importantly, make sure that the Sams DVR features 640x480 RECORDING resolution. We commonly see Sams DVRs display 640x480... but only record at 320*240 or 720*320. Any resolution below 640*480 is NOT acceptable, and will not display a sharp picture when a recorded video is displayed at full screen or exported for law enforcement use.

Boy, I sure wasn't clear, was I? I have that problem a lot!!

We have had the El Cheapo Sam's Club thing for several years. We're going to dump it and go to a "real" system.

As of right now - we have NOTHING purchased toward this new system. I'm still in the research phase.

Let me ask another question then - will "internet viewing" work with satellite internet (Hughes)? We moved W A Y out in the sticks and satellite is our only option. (we sure do miss the "big city" DSL option!).

Next question - just how in the world are the cameras powered? Where do the "non-camera" ends of the siamese cable go?

Thanks!

Regards,
Michelle

Glad to hear your are getting rid of the el cheapo Sam's Club CCTV system. Please feel free to write about your experiences with it so that perhaps less people make the mistake of purchasing one.

Regarding Hughes Internet... the problem is with what's called port blocking. It's how certain internet service providers (ISPs) attempt to govern their users bandwidth usage. Although blocking certain ports normally does not interfere with regular internet browsing, it can make is difficult (and even sometimes impossible) to host a server. This can quickly make matters complicated when attempting to remotely view surveillance video from your DVR via the Internet.

There are two main things you need to combat port blocking by your ISP. (1) Only purchase a DVR that allows you to customize the port settings that it transmits via the Internet on. The default is port 80, or port 8080 ... two of the most commonly blocked ports by those ISPs that practice port blocking.

Secondly... Only go with a DVR vendor that strongly supports their equipment!!! Specifically, make sure that it is a company like Cctvwholesalers.com that offers free networking advice and premium set-up services to help set up your ISP's router and firewall.

One last option. Wireless web services with companies such as Verizon s becoming rather affordable, with speeds rivaling satellite.

Hello Friend,
Suggesting you an appropriate answer I will request you to consider a BNC cable to connect your DVR with the Monitor/TV.We have been using them and it is truly giving awesome results.