Is there an IDIOTS Guide to installing CCTV myself?

ozaz

Interesting thread. I hope the OP doesn't mind if I add a couple of questions. They might be relevant for her as well

1) I too am looking to get an outdoor security camera system for the first time. In terms of storage of video, I've noticed that there are broadly three types of system

A. Traditional systems that records 24/7 locally to a DVR/NVR (e.g. Amcrest, Swann).
B. Systems that record 24/7 to the cloud and don't record anything locally (e.g. Nest).
C. Systems that record only motion-sensed clips to the cloud and don't record anything locally (e.g. Ring, Arlo).

I would like a hybrid of A and C. I want to record everything locally to a DVR/NVR but also have motion activited clips immediately uploaded to a cloud service (in case of theft of DVR/NVR). I don't want to record everything to the cloud due to internet bandwidth implications. Are there any systems that provide such a hybrid setup?

2) I see that power over ethernet systems (PoE) are often recommended. Is there not a network security implication to having ethernet cables running outside your home? I mean, can't someone tap into these cables to access your home network? Or is there some kind of firewall that sits between these cables and the rest of your network? I realize it's very unlikely someone would bother, but I think it would make me feel uneasy if my local network is not secure.

I realise Q2 is getting a bit technical for this forum, but I suspect someone on the thread may have the relevant knowledge.

Thanks

Neil_Jones

As a general rule the network cables don't go outside the house, cables (typically BNC connectors) from the cameras are typically black, already weather resistant, you can cable-clip them to the brickwork and paint them if needs be.

If network cables do need to go outside for whatever reason they need ideally to be weather proof, otherwise they'll deteriorate quickly.

Frozen_up_north

In reply to Ozaz
On a home system you would not normally record 24/7, you would use motion activated recording. Some cameras now include passive infrared movement detectors to avoid false triggering from house lights, passing vehicle headlights, etc. The ones from Swann on demo in Maplin are currently of that type. Oddly enough they are using coax as opposed to Ethernet.

Local recording is fine and it isn’t reliant on an internet connection or any other 3rd party. I use a UPS on the mains supply to my Swann system, it stops glitches in the mains supply causing recording problems. Mine is by APC and cost around £80.

Regarding outdoor runs of Ethernet cable, these clearly need to be routed out of reach and of outdoor grade cable if exposed (often inferior indoor grade cable is supplied). The cabling on my Swann system is separate to home network cabling and would be hard to tap into in any case.

Since getting a Swann NVR system (Ethernet based), I’ve had good reports of the very low cost Floureon systems, often a whole system costing the same as a single Swann camera.

50Twuncle

I would be very interested in any updates to this question
We have a similar problem - People wandering into our property at night - at least opening the gate - I was thinking of perhaps a 2 camera set-up
We have a wireless fibre router - so wiould an IP system be best ?
Although, I understand that we may have problems in having a dynamic IP !!
Any advice welcome.....

forgotmyname

Dynamic IPs have never been a problem, lots of ways around that.

DYNDNS used back in the dialup days. And probably 100 more like it

rtho782

I'm a big fan of the Ubiquiti G3 kit, both the G3 cameras and the G3 Domes. There is even the G3 Micro for where you *must* have Wireless.

We have 8 of these around our house and I am recording to my home server (although they do make an NVR box if you don't already have a server, this just saved me cost) and cloud access etc is all free, no subscriptions etc.

Because it's all IP, you only need to run Cat5E cable everywhere, and it works via PoE so no separate power supply needed.

50Twuncle

I wonder what this https://goo.gl/GvAh2V is like - it is a solar powered IP camera - that claims to be waterproof - it would fit my requirements, perfectly - if it is any good !
ie) No problems with any cabling at all - no power or signal cables