aaronwoolf wrote:As a former professional installer of video surveillance equipment, here are a couple of points:

Wired is a PLUS, not a minus. If they were "wireless", you'll still have at least one wire - power. Do you have a nearby (ceiling?) power outlet near every camera location in your home/business/garage/walkway/porch/barn? (Randomly running extension cords doesn't count - and is likely against electrical/fire codes)

Also think about power outages. When the cameras are powered centrally, one UPS will keep the DVR -and- the cameras going.

My cameras have an ac adaptor for plugging in and it also run on batteries. I have it set up to only be on at night so the batteries last close to a month.

There is this new invention called solar power.....

dsteidin wrote:You can purchase other various cable lengths or use a video balun and ethernet cable to carry the video signal. My experience with these products is that the power must be as close to the camera as possible unless you are running 18 ga or larger cable for the power.

I'd agree. I've made ~250ft runs, but always used 18ga for power. (RG59+power siamese cable) These cables are probably 22ga at best - good enough for 60ft, but you might not be able to extend them much.

On a side note, NEVER use the twist-on BNC connectors when terminating your RG59 cable, unless you like hard-to-troubleshoot intermittent video problems. Compression fittings are the way to go, with old-school crimp fittings a distant second.

tempx wrote:Does anyone know if you can turn the IR LEDs off and on remotely? Or do they come on automatically?

The IR LEDs turn on automatically. There is a light sensor. They will even gradually turn on/off with changing lighting conditions.

cheezwhiz wrote:Is it really saying that this records 240 frames per second (fps)?

Sounds unlikely.

240 FPS total. Divided by 8 is 30 FPS per channel.

mrirvinjr wrote:why are they selling the same item on sellout woot for 189.99??

The $189 system only has 4 cameras.

jphaus wrote:Can you access one camera feed using a URL, via something like this: http://camera.ip.address:8000/camera1 ? That is necessary to integrate into my existing home automation system, iGoogle, etc. Currently I am doing this with a USB web cam, but only have one so it's not an issue. If the DVR can do this then I'm in. I know there are apps, but I just want a static picture accessible through any device and a URL.

how is your camera accessible through google? that makes no sense.

gorilladogs wrote:They were composing poetry to their Mom with twigs in the forest. Your description of them is beautiful.

Are twigs known for their poetry? man I feel guilty, I have been using them as kindling. But I guess Cecco d'Ascoli started a good fire. Yeah, I know where I am headed, my family owns a time share there.
-d

8080david wrote:how is your camera accessible through google? that makes no sense.

There are webcam widgets for iGoogle. You configure it by giving it the address of the camera. It makes plenty of sense if you have an ip camera.

russela wrote:So the Swann is basically the same except that it has the better cameras?

It's more than that. Better cameras (and that's 3/4 of the deal, better power distribution technique, better interface, embeds time and date into video stream, better reset after power outage, better service, better app for 3G devices. I could go on and on but I would sound like a rep for Swann.

I have invested about $600 x 3 plus $250 for a harbor freight setup. So that's $2,050 for crap so far. I would spend another $2,500 and get something that was a real system (let's face it, these are toys, ,but some toys work better than others). For $435 and seeing the Swann system, 62 degrees of view L&R vs 20-35 with this (BTW they rate this one as 35 degrees wide). If my dog would only run in a straight line to the backyard, and my front door was on my driveway I'd be happier with the red grass and bluish pine trees of my other systems.

tejash55 wrote:anyone know if i can hook that DVR up to a computer monitor? or how i would be able to view the video?

Yes, very easy over VGA

how do you check on your order I have not yet recieved my order

Woody1 wrote:It's more than that. Better cameras (and that's 3/4 of the deal, better power distribution technique, better interface, embeds time and date into video stream, better reset after power outage, better service, better app for 3G devices. I could go on and on but I would sound like a rep for Swann.

I have invested about $600 x 3 plus $250 for a harbor freight setup. So that's $2,050 for crap so far. I would spend another $2,500 and get something that was a real system (let's face it, these are toys, ,but some toys work better than others). For $435 and seeing the Swann system, 62 degrees of view L&R vs 20-35 with this (BTW they rate this one as 35 degrees wide). If my dog would only run in a straight line to the backyard, and my front door was on my driveway I'd be happier with the red grass and bluish pine trees of my other systems.

Thanks, I ended up buying the Swann system. Not a whole lot more money if the improvement in features you describe are real. Amazon will be taking it back if not.

Regards.

Discussing it with husband but think we're in for this on top of a great security system.

aaronwoolf wrote:I'd agree. I've made ~250ft runs, but always used 18ga for power. (RG59+power siamese cable) These cables are probably 22ga at best - good enough for 60ft, but you might not be able to extend them much.

On a side note, NEVER use the twist-on BNC connectors when terminating your RG59 cable, unless you like hard-to-troubleshoot intermittent video problems. Compression fittings are the way to go, with old-school crimp fittings a distant second.

Great information!

Seemed like a good deal, but i needed more info, so i contacted the company for the needed info and ended up eventually getting a link for $150 savings.

Same product for $329.99!

Also found out that the 3.6mm lens has a wider viewing angle than is 6mm brother. all around a good deal me thinks.

RWoodward wrote:That one is for people who can count.

+10 Internets for you good sir (or ma'am).

I feel violated...They're on eBay for 270/FREE shipping. I hope Woot makes up for this. I feel like burning money on more crap to pile on my closet shelf. Maybe tomorrow...

LuckySlevin wrote:Did you ever get to the 'confirm payment' button from PayPal?

Same thing happened to me! Didn't get the email that confirms order so tried again. Email arrived second time

SoCalSteveMartin.... Which system did you get for $329.99? and was that AFTER the $150.00 savings?

SoCalSteveMartin wrote:Seemed like a good deal, but i needed more info, so i contacted the company for the needed info and ended up eventually getting a link for $150 savings.

Same product for $329.99!

Also found out that the 3.6mm lens has a wider viewing angle than is 6mm brother. all around a good deal me thinks.

cheezwhiz wrote:Is it really saying that this records 240 frames per second (fps)?

Sounds unlikely.

240 frames per sec. devided by 8 cameras. So with 8 cams thats 30 frames per sec.

I bought the 4 channel model and it has the same cameras. They make grass look white and the trees look pink.

tejash55 wrote:anyone know if i can hook that DVR up to a computer monitor? or how i would be able to view the video?

I use the vga port to hook it up to a small computer monitor. I also got bnc to rca plug converters and use one of the two bnc video out connections to bring the feed to an input on my tv. I just hit the input on my tv remote and can see my cameras on my widescreen tv!

tejash55 wrote:anyone know if i can hook that DVR up to a computer monitor? or how i would be able to view the video?

Yes, there is a VGA out for a computer monitor. You can also view it via any computer with Internet Explorer or from your phone...

FisherQueen wrote:This would be super-handy as a classroom management tool. I'll bet if my students were surrounded by cameras, with film I could pull up as needed in parent-teacher conferences, I'd never have to give a detention again.

I cant even imagine all the students that would throw a fuss about this including other staff. Ultimately, running into major legal issues. Wouldn't recommend.

bbonacci wrote:Great post, and you may already know this, but your cats are probably doing nothing to wear themselves out. Cats will sleep anywhere from 13 to 20 hours a day. What did they do all day.....probably sleep.

Are you sure what your cats are doing?

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/09/0907_040907_feralcats.html

This thing works with Symbian? You mean my wife can watch all 8 channels while she's on that thing? KEWL! Oh, wait - that thing is a SYBIAN, not a SYMBIAN. My bad.

Woody1 wrote:THANK YOU WOOT!

Been eyeing this one on Amazon Swann SWDVK-825508 8-Channel Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone Viewing and 8 x PRO-550 Cameras
for a very long time. 62 degree angle, CCD, Cord through the base, and so much more than todays woot. Had been $599 with a 2 month backorder and just dropped from $565 to $435 today only and only 15 units left now. Glad I checked.

The zmodo seems like an equivalent system, at least by reading the specs...why is the Swann a superior product? (In other words, please explain why you spent an extra $180)


edit:
nm, it seems you've already answered it.

gravityisweak wrote:Those IR cameras make all the difference. Makes night time look like a relatively crisp black and white image.

Can you tell me what settings you are using for your cameras? Using the default, I am only getting shadows. My development does not have street lights so it is very dark. I have put up a spot light. Still very dark. I did try adjusting the settings yesterday. Nothing but darkness.

How much did this unit sell for?

tgordo22 wrote:How much did this unit sell for?

$279

I'm going to check the mailbox everyday.

8080david wrote:how is your camera accessible through google? that makes no sense.

I do access my cameras through an app called ip camera on my android devices. It requires using a dynamic-DNS solution but that can be configured at the DVR.

cmr9625 wrote:Can you tell me what settings you are using for your cameras? Using the default, I am only getting shadows. My development does not have street lights so it is very dark. I have put up a spot light. Still very dark. I did try adjusting the settings yesterday. Nothing but darkness.

in my experience, the cameras that ship with these are somewhat on the crappy side, I have switched a couple of the cameras on my existing 4-channel unit for better 620 tv-line cameras and the difference is literally night and day. Also, for night-vision cameras, spotlights may not be as effective as IR (infrared) floodlights.

FatherStorm wrote:in my experience, the cameras that ship with these are somewhat on the crappy side, I have switched a couple of the cameras on my existing 4-channel unit for better 620 tv-line cameras and the difference is literally night and day. Also, for night-vision cameras, spotlights may not be as effective as IR (infrared) floodlights.

What cameras did you switch to? And pricing? Any pictures you can share would be helpful. thanks.

Ebay extension cables are pretty cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-100ft-Video-Power-Cable-CCTV-Surveillance-Wire-b3p-/110700840076?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c648c48c

Previous posts speculate on the 60ft cable length and extending it beyond. Any one know for sure? I have sent an email to the Zmodo support guys for clarification/recommendation.

sanfordturbo wrote:Ebay extension cables are pretty cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-100ft-Video-Power-Cable-CCTV-Surveillance-Wire-b3p-/110700840076?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c648c48c

Previous posts speculate on the 60ft cable length and extending it beyond. Any one know for sure? I have sent an email to the Zmodo support guys for clarification/recommendation.

wow, got a reply from them already!

"Yes you can use cables as long as you'd like. Certain kits just come with 60' cable but you are welcome to order cable in any legth, however we cannot change the items in the kits. "

Hi guys and ladies!!!

Any idea when is WOOT starting to ship out this item???

Thanks

Any tracking number and carrier information would be sincerely appreciated.

Would a "please" help get some info?

sanfordturbo wrote:wow, got a reply from them already!

"Yes you can use cables as long as you'd like. Certain kits just come with 60' cable but you are welcome to order cable in any legth, however we cannot change the items in the kits. "

And yet another reply:

"I wouldn't recommend that only because the 60' cables are a bit thin (30 gague) to extend. They work well at the 60' range but if you want to go past that I would say just get the proper length cables. I think connecting anything to the 60' cables will degrade the quality of the signal."

Basically, if you need 160 feet of cable, don't daisy chain them. get a 160 foot cable.