CCTV Camera System Recommendations?

[acidrain]

You talking about this?

BNC connector - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[KS17]

Just starting up this thread, but when I was a friend's place. I noticed with their newly installed 16 channel DVR set up. The installers used CAT5e cables but with some converter/transmitter for each cable to provide 12V and to receive the analogue signal. It looks like they used one pair for 12v and for Coax, but snipped off the rest for each cable. Looks unorthodox, but seems to work? All of this connects to a hikvision DVR. Anyone know of what these adapters are called?

Video baluns

 

[Rick Sanchez]

Video baluns

Yip. Looks just like them. Thanks. Is it industry for one to use them for DVR connections? alongside Ethernet? Looks quite a lot with all 16 of them attached to the DVR.

 

[KS17]

Yip. Looks just like them. Thanks. Is it industry for one to use them for DVR connections? alongside Ethernet? Looks quite a lot with all 16 of them attached to the DVR.

Depends on the installer or kits used. Some suppliers sell an install kit which comes with cat5e and balun. I've seen Dahua Cooper and HiLook kits come with them as well.

Installer wise it's basically cheaper or easier to use network cable as you can split the pairs across two cameras, instead on running a single power coax cable per camera. Coax doesn't use baluns, they're crimped on each end.

The baluns on the DVR can be a eyesore, if your cables aren't managed right. I've seen guys install DVRs in ceilings and enclosures because the client didn't like the look of the baluns.

 

[Rick Sanchez]

Depends on the installer or kits used. Some suppliers sell an install kit which comes with cat5e and balun. I've seen Dahua Cooper and HiLook kits come with them as well.

Installer wise it's basically cheaper or easier to use network cable as you can split the pairs across two cameras, instead on running a single power coax cable per camera. Coax doesn't use baluns, they're crimped on each end.

The baluns on the DVR can be a eyesore, if your cables aren't managed right. I've seen guys install DVRs in ceilings and enclosures because the client didn't like the look of the baluns.

I see, thank you. Yeah...an eyesore, at least it's in a cupboard but when pluging and sorting out the cables for the PC etc. It can get messy. So it can be either supplier or the installer preference. But wouldn't costs end up to be similar to IP cameras and a NVR? I have seen people use Hikvision IP, TP Link VIGI to more expensive brands. The installers seemed to have installed some Hikvision Turbo HD cameras and the appropriate DVR. Do manufacturers still make and sell the traditional RG59 Siamese coax cables?

 

[KS17]

I see, thank you. Yeah...an eyesore, at least it's in a cupboard but when pluging and sorting out the cables for the PC etc. It can get messy. So it can be either supplier or the installer preference. But wouldn't costs end up to be similar to IP cameras and a NVR? I have seen people use Hikvision IP, TP Link VIGI to more expensive brands. The installers seemed to have installed some Hikvision Turbo HD cameras and the appropriate DVR. Do manufacturers still make and sell the traditional RG59 Siamese coax cables?

Haven't looked at Hikvision and TP Link pricing lately, but Dahuas IP range is double the price of the HD range. NB that's comparing cost prices.
The Turbo HD cameras aren't bad. Although at 4mp and up I'd rather install IP cameras.
Coax is still around. If you look at the DIY kits, most still come with pre-made coax.

 

[RonSwanson]

Heads-up: A nasty authentication bypass on some older TP-Link cameras, if anyone has them on the internet, take them off immediately:

TP-Link NC200
TP-Link NC210
TP-Link NC220
TP-Link NC230
TP-Link NC250
TP-Link NC260
TP-Link NC450

SSD Advisory - TP-Link NCXXX Authentication Bypass - SSD Secure Disclosure

Summary A vulnerability exists in TP-Link NCXXX family of devices, the vulnerability allows accessing the device without credentials – this chained with well known and currently unpatched post-auth vulnerabilities allow for the complete compromise of the device. Credit An independent security...

ssd-disclosure.com

 

[janplank]

Read up on this thread and have a few questions. I am also now in the position to buy IP cameras but found that the sales reps aren't as tech savvy as I hoped to be. Phone a couple of companies and got the same average response.
I am having difficulties to understand the bandwidth a nvr has. Is this specification when recording or viewing only? Can a nvr record 16 channels at the same time or will the video be cropped?
I need a 16ch nvr (considering something like Blue Iris too). Preferably something of newer technology. I read up on the whole AI thing but not sure if it is more a sales gimmick?
2mp vs 4mp vs 5mp? Worth going for more MP to somewhat future proof the system?
Then the focal point? I need some indoor cameras for the house and other outdoor. With so many products on the market, I am somewhat overwhelmed with them all. Don't want to spend money only to find the camera is not fit for purpose.
Do IP cameras work with no light, like IR or is it better to install it where there are some light?
Maybe there are some installers on this forum? I will gladly appreciated some info from members with experience in the matter and who would like to share it.

 

[Clean Green]

Can a nvr record 16 channels at the same time or will the video be cropped?

It can, however, most NVRs drop quality the more streams you add, so for example, record 1 camera @ 8MP, 2 cameras @4MP and so on. The NVR I have, has limited 160 Mbps capacity, so if you connect 16 cameras to it, each camera can only use up to 10 Mbps, meaning the quality and resolution drops. However, this depends on the NVR you buy. I gave you the spec for mine.

Is this specification when recording or viewing only?

The Hikvision I have is only up to 8 viewing, even though it's 16 channel, so again, it depends on the product you purchase.

2mp vs 4mp vs 5mp? Worth going for more MP to somewhat future proof the system?

This depends on your use case and if you want to do things like facial recognition and, or if you want to see the pimples on someone's face? What is the purpose of your set-up? Me? I simply use my cameras to see if someone is doing any mischief. Even though I have 5MP cameras, they are set at @1080p, to lessen the space taken on the recording.

Do IP cameras work with no light, like IR or is it better to install it where there are some light?

Again, it depends on the specific models. The ones I have works fairly well at night with its own IR light. The picture becomes black and white.

It sounds like you need to go to an installer, explain what you want, and then ask them to combine a couple of products to suit your needs. If you want 16 cameras connected at high quality, while viewing all 16, it can be done, but you're going to have to be prepared to pay for it. If you want cameras with proper IR lights, again, it can be done, but you're going to fork out for it.