Help setting up CCTV to home network

forestfanstill

Hi, We have purchased a 8 camera CCTV kit with DVR of 1TB and wish to connect it to the home network using a spare desktop computer as a server so we can view the cctv on our laptops etc. is this possible and how could we do this?

Strider590

Depends on the DVR and what sort of output stream it uses.

If it's RTSP, then you can use VLC media player and record the stream with a bit of faffing.

If not RTSP, then you may be able to use Contacam. This is really good, because Contacam has detection mode and can be set up to give you a webpage showing detections that you can access from anywhere in the world if you have a domain name or static IP address for you network.

Another option is to use FTP menu to send recorded files over network to an FTP server.

forestfanstill

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B013SL9WGK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Specification
* New Progressive 1/4" color CMOS image sensor
* Video resolution: 1280*720p
* Lens: 3.6MM
* Build-in IR-cut filter, color on day, auto switch to B&W at night
* 24pcs high quality LEDs up to 20M night vision
* Weatherproof: IP66, indoor & outdoor

* Video compression: H.264 to save storage space
* Encode capacity / Decode capacity: 8*1080N@12FPS / 4*1080N@12FPS
* Video input / output: 8CH BNC / 1CH VGA, 1CH HDMI
* Audio input / output: 4CH RCA / 1CH RCA
* Playback: 4CH
* Interface: RJ45 10/100M for Network, 1*RS485 for PTZ control, 2* USB 2.0
* Wireless: 3G, WIFI (extendvia USB)
* HDD: 1*SATA port up to 6TB capacity
Hope the specs help clear up things.

were

I have used iSpy and it was fantastic software. Movement and/or sound triggering too, and movement zoning, but you have to leave the PC on 24/7. Think it did mail too?
https://www.ispyconnect.com/man.aspx?n=Annke
https://www.ispyconnect.com/sources.aspx

You have seen this for your amazon link? "Get set up quickly and easily: You could scan the QR code via mobile device using our free Annke View app (available on iOS/Android). Say bye-bye to traditional, complex setup processes that require you to have a degree in networking. It can be quickly and easily setup by anyone. Instantly see live video using your computer, tablet, or phone from anywhere. "

forestfanstill

We are putting the cameras around the outside of the house. Police have used the 4 cameras we have to catch 4 criminals this year alone and adding 8 new cameras to cover blind spots in addition to ones already installed but making them available via a personal server on the desktop that can be used as dedicated server for the cameras would also help the police. we have a school crossing outside out house and the "lollypop" lady was almost run over by a car that failed to stop overtaking the ones that had and he also just missed hitting three kids and parents who were being ushered across. when police want coverage it normally needs downloading from the dvr but if they could view via web address would be better for us and also better for them too. plus if able to block access to it for public but have say user name and PW all who need access could have it but others would be blocked

also would that mean they would be able to search date and time for incidents?

were

720P - camera with good closeup resolution over distance and a wide angle too?

My camera is 2mp full HD, nice video, but always the wrong lense: either I want wide angle or to zoom into something narrow

To be honest there is software out there to convert mobiles into web cams. Many mobiles have cameras that have a higher resolution than the security ones, but unsure if wifi can handle the high bandwidth throughput, and you probably have one lying around at home?

After faffing around, my cam is now internal, focused on the front door with movement sensor covering the letter box

iSpy also has an anpr module but costs. Sound good as gate security, but bet that one would only need an A4 sheet with you reg no printed in large text to gain entrance Should be able to capture the reg of passing cars though?

chrisw

forestfanstill wrote: »

we have a school crossing outside out house and the "lollypop" lady was almost run over by a car that failed to stop overtaking the ones that had and he also just missed hitting three kids and parents who were being ushered across.

You need to be a bit careful about this. Whilst 'accidentally' filming somebody walking past might be ok, actively filming a public location, particularly where children are involved, could have legal implications, not least around the Data Protection Act.

kwikbreaks

Didn't the DVR come with software. It looks like a pretty generic Chinese one and the two I've had botht came with an excellent Windows program called CMS which you could use to set it up and download saved videos plus an Android app which allows real time viewing (in fact the app store has loads of these and you can check which work best for you). There should be no need to run a PC 24x7 to support your CCTV.

spud17

Agree with kwikbreaks
I set up a Swann 1080 8x camera system, the hd box was connected to the router and assigned a static address.
To view the cctv on the local network all you had to do was use the static address and your usual browser.
No software was needed.
I found that it was best to use a 32bit browser.
For first use, depending on browser, the box would offer either an add-on (Firefox etc) or an Activex component (Internet Explorer).

forgotmyname

You dont need a Separate PC for a server. Plug the recorder into your network and access from ANY PC thats on your network.

Or any device that you give permission to access your network.

Strider590

chrisw wrote: »

You need to be a bit careful about this. Whilst 'accidentally' filming somebody walking past might be ok, actively filming a public location, particularly where children are involved, could have legal implications, not least around the Data Protection Act.

DPA doesn't apply to domestic CCTV.


https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/libertycentral/2010/aug/31/householders-cctv-public-highway-film

The DPA contains an exemption for domestic use, however, so a householder who has a camera on their property for their own personal use would not be covered by the DPA even if the camera overlooks the street or other public areas near their home. This exemption also applies to recreational use, eg by using a mobile phone or camcorder.

Where you can get into trouble is filming other peoples properties.
As I understand it, the CCTV should not be filming a neighbours property unless it's unavoidable.