Be careful, the minus 10 degree Celsius operating temperature is 14 degrees Fahrenheit so if you live where it's colder then that at night this isn't for you

houndawg wrote:After reading some of the questions and comments about different products on Woot, I'm amazed that some of the people on here can even operate a computer well enough to post. This particular product is for people who are smart enough to figure out how to find longer cables and know how to run them inside walls. If you can't figure that out, then you need to break out your checkbook and hire someone to install a system for you. Then again, you probably won't be able to figure out how to run it once it's installed.

don't be such a gourd. some people just aren't as handy as others.

Zetabee wrote:I'm tempted to put one outside my house just to see what would happen. WHAT WOULD I SEE? Most likely nothing, but WHAT IF I did see something? That would freak me the hell out! Do I want to know about murderous ghosts and supervillains lurking out there in my yard when I'm not watching, or do I want to live my life in bliss not knowing?

For what its worth if you can record and put on the net I say hell yeah we (I mean you) want to see murderous ghosts and supervillains outside your house... if you cannot (not sure this set-up can) then no sadly you want to live your life in bliss not knowing... :|

http://www.amazon.com/ZMODO-CCTV-Security-Camera-System/dp/B005XRYQPK/ref=cm_cmu_up_add_glance

I'm teetering on purchasing this. Had a drug deal go bad in my front yard and someone got shot, and had someone break into my vehicle all within the last couple of months. I even had one of my neighbors have their house attempted to be broken into. It's even worse I am living in what's considered the best neighborhood in my area..

I am moving shortly, however, and it will be to the UK. Does anyone know if the firmware settings have the ability to select the light's frequency? I know the camera I have pointed at my front door has the option to select 50/60hz as the light frequency.

Also, is the included power adapter capable of accepting up to 240v? Is it marked as 100-240v?

How do I get four channels to show on one monitor at the same time?

For $100.00 you could add these not so great 4 camera's to your existing system and use them for odd coverage areas. Inside the garage, inside the building at the entrances and exits, kid monitors etc. For that it's worth it. Even a cheap POS is still $50 for one camera

Is the nitevision good for indoors?

ProzHack wrote:How can this be put on a wireless network... cheaply?

Get a refurb wireless print server such as the Netgear WGPS606--on eBay for ~$25 and use it as a wireless bridge. **Note: The WGPS606 does NOT support AES encryption, so if you have Wireless-N router, you will have to enable TKIP AND AES, which may restrict your Wireless-N attached devices to G speeds.

I'm sure you can hunt around and find an N print server/bridge.

lunarsmoke1 wrote:If I drink too much tequila, will I still be able to see the image on the DVR ?

If you can still manage to remember how to log-in to the viewer!

I bought one of these 6 or so months ago when they first showed up on woot. The DVR is great. Has plenty of controls to do what you want.

The Android app is pretty good too. No way to view all 4 channels at once, but when you turn your phone landscape it makes the camera you chose full screen. So I leave my phone on a dock at work with the front door camera on all day. Just a little extra security without much effort (note if you do that you have to set your backlight to not time out else it gets dark)

The cameras are crap. They are good enough to get an idea whats going on, but unless you already know the person, you aren't going to really get enough identifying information to recognize them again in real life. Good news is once you have this installed, you can replace the cameras with nicer ones as you see fit and you'll have a really decent security system for pretty cheap.

I get a decent amount of interference on the lines running through the attic. I tried avoiding power but I might have accidentally run it parallel with some power somewhere that is causing it. I need to go check again. There appears to be a nice converter that will allow you to pass the video/power over cat5 or cat6, so eventually I will probably migrate to that setup for the least noise.

60ft doesn't sound like much, but I had no issue running cables all over my house. You can buy extensions if you need more, but you will probably end up with noise.

The web interface requires Active-X, so unless you're on Windows you're out of luck. If you try loading it through a remote desktop session or through a virtual machine the cameras don't show up, but everything else works. They need some sort of directx hook or something to work. So you have to be physically sitting at a windows computer.

Did I miss anything? Definitely worth the $110 to get a starter security camera system.

So up to this point it seems like the video cannot be streamed/exported to another device? I'm trying to justify getting one of these if I can somehow integrate it into my home server.

Although, it seems like I could just connect it to the network and connect remotely through port 9000? But what's that give me? the DVR interface?

This is a good deal for a small DVR. I record 4 cameras (motion only) and I get 3 months easy to a 500GB hard drive. So even a small drive would work in this.

The downside of this deal are the CMOS cameras. They tend to be less true on color and sharpness as a CCD camera.

But honestly, if I didn't already have a system, this setup would be great. DVR, cables, and cameras. Just change out the cameras later for higher resolution CCD ones and you're all set.

I picked one of these up on ebay during a special for 189. I have a 'real' thousand dollar 4 camera system and boy can you tell the difference in so many ways.

The set up is easy. The cameras are just OK. The remote is light and chincy feeling. The dvr and programming is cumbersome to say the least. The cameras have a very tight focal range, in other words, they don't give you a wide view of anything.

The system is ideal for a house or small business when you don't want to spend big money on a camera system. It will serve the purpose of seeing who came to your door, etc.

This system is made in China. I had to laugh.. in the instruction manual, how poor the English is. There is one question they put in the troubleshooting and the answer begins with ' yeah' you can.

For the price here on Woot.. .its a good enough deal if you want to get into video surveillance.

nitefallz wrote:So up to this point it seems like the video cannot be streamed/exported to another device? I'm trying to justify getting one of these if I can somehow integrate it into my home server.

Although, it seems like I could just connect it to the network and connect remotely through port 9000? But what's that give me? the DVR interface?

The guy that made the IP Cam Viewer app in Android figured out how to get the stream out of the dvr, and depending on the settings you enter you can get two different feeds (one with and one without the imprinted info of date and time on the video).

That's all I know. A google search might help you find an option like using VLC or something to save the stream.

ARRRRGH!!!! I just bought this 4 days ago on Newegg! I think you can tell from my reaction that I paid more money.... >:-|

I hooked up one camera yesterday just to see what it's like. Reasonably impressed for the price. I expected some grainy choppy footage like I've seen in all those convenience store robbery videos. No way. Much better than that.

The cameras themselves are pretty small. The camera is roughly the size of the palm of your hand. And the entire camera with mounting hardware is about that plus your fingers. I stretched out the 60' cables across my house. I don't think I'm going to have any problems reaching wherever I want with them. Plenty of length.

The night vision is fair to dodgy. Inside with all the lights off the picture looked surprisingly good. I could spot moles on a kid's face. But once outside it was a different story. Everything was just real dark. Once someone got within ~10ft you could see them well enough to make a description. But other than that, you'd have to have known the person prior to make any ID. I tried turning the lights over my garage on just to see if it made an improvement. I thought for sure it would.... it didn't for some reason.

I bought the 8 channel from WOOT.
I upgraded 4 of the cameras/cables (bought used on ebay) and that solved the picture quality issue for the cameras that were mounted outside. I added a power supply with FUSES because having one octopus rig is starving pilgrimic.
The only gotcha for me was the model I bought did not support motion detect, they don't all support this so go to the zmodo website and look up the specific model.
That means it's recording all of the time.
The last thing is that the DVR returns to some random date when it loses power which would make searching for a specific time a PITA. I am putting in a 12V backup to solve this.
Put the DVR in a VERY secure, hidden place. If it's stolen so is any evidence.
Remote access via the Web may be easy for some, but look into this before you leap. Getting around cable's dynamic IP adress is something to consider.
Not a bad deal, IMHO, if you understand how much work is involved running the cables.

I have this and it works great:

http://steminnovation.com/section/iZON/24/interior.php

Records to YouTube, no hard drive needed, view on iPhone or iPad.

Anyone had experience with this or similar systems running below specified operating temperatures?

I am interested in a camera system for a barn, but it can drop to -25*C in the winter.

Raines8416 wrote:Anyone had experience with this or similar systems running below specified operating temperatures?

I am interested in a camera system for a barn, but it can drop to -25*C in the winter.

If it's dark you'll likely solve your camera issues, the night vision LED's tend to generate enough heat to keep the cameras going in most bullet type cameras.
The DVR will generate heat too, so if it's in an enclosed area, it should do fine.
Your mileage may vary of course. These are pretty cheap cameras, they'd be the only weak link here. The DVR in a small enclosure (vented in the summer!) should keep itself warm. Keep the walwart that powers the camera in that box too, and for sure you'll solve any cold issues.

Would I be able to see a live feed on my Droid Bionic?

vjl wrote:Each camera includes a 60-foot cable - so does that mean all 4 cameras have to be within 60 feet of the DVR to hook up to it?

Coming from an experienced installer (of more "pro" systems):

With some of these systems, you can extend the cable 200+ feet and have no problems, it depends on the source power supply amperage, and cable type - I can't guess at this.

Worst case, if you extend the power cable more than 60 feet, the camera may not work, or will stop working at night (when the IR LEDs turn on and the power draw is significantly more)

Using a separate power supply near the camera and extending just the shielded video cable will work fine.

ProzHack wrote:How can this be put on a wireless network... cheaply?

https://www.google.com/search?gcx=c&q=wireless+bridge

or

https://www.google.com/search?gcx=c&q=wireless+gaming+adapter

timmyboy1 wrote:With the rising popularity of these type of systems, it is easy to find several sites that sell BNC/power cables at various lengths, so you can just order longer ones if needed.
I suppose the mfg. felt that 60ft. was a good average length.

Tim

You could also consider the video balun/power gizmo that monoprice.com sells. This would allow using Cat 5 instead of the pre-assembled cables.

whatsamattaU wrote:Product manaul:

DVR: http://www.zmodo.com/downloader/index/download/file_id/1002/?___SID=U

Mobile phone (Symbian, Windows Mobile) monitor option with DVR:
http://www.zmodo.com/downloader/index/download/file_id/1002/

I hope the quality of product is better that English on the instructions. Even I can tell grammer is bad( havent checked spellings)
-----------------------------
Why does appear the boot running too slow?
①There are too much capacity data in hard disk drive, the system will automatic search the data when the system boot up, caused the boot
running slow.
②The hard disk drive error will cause the system research the data repeatedly, caused the boot running slow.

05：Why does the system halted of DVR during the playback and search the video file information in progress?
Please check if you install the hard disk drive or if the drive is ok or not? Please replace the good one for it soon;
If the ambient temperature on the high side or not?
Is there any heaven current installation

With the price of hard drives these days you could by this and just rip out the hard drive. 2TB for 109 aint too bad

theimmc wrote:You can use a UPS. Then you don't have to worry about how to cut over from mains to battery when power goes out.

A UPS would be pointless. The guy suggesting a car battery was much closer to what you would want to do. Unless you spend a buttload of money on a huge capacity UPS which will still only run for under an hour, a 12v deep cycle marine is the only way to go, and for a fraction of the price of a UPS. It can be paralleled with with the power supply to maintain the battery charge, but suggest an isolation diode and .5 ohm resistor to prevent overload to the power supply when the battery becomes exhausted. It will run for hours and hours without AC power.

tirk wrote:I was about to order one then saw this:

DVR-H8114UV DVR (HD is not included)


No Hard drive? Is that correct?


isnt a 500gb standard in these systems? How the hell do you record.

LOL!!

I bought one of these tha last time it went up.

The daytime quality is good. The night quality is just ok.

I have my cameras mounted underneath the eaves of my house facing my driveway, etc. and although the cameras are "weatherproof", it seems when it rains the cameras become worthless. Even after the rain is done, the IR sensor remains filthy and I have had to go up and clean the "lens" of the cameras after every rain just to be able to use them at night time.

pissedwookie wrote:With the price of hard drives these days you could by this and just rip out the hard drive. 2TB for 109 aint too bad

Supports up to 2TB 3.5” SATA hard drive, not included

It is unbelievable how difficult people are making this thing.
First, it's $109, so start everything from there.
Second, take a look at the pictures of the thing. Do a google search for the model number and look it up on the Zmodo website.

On the back of the player there are a bunch of connections.

You can output video either VGA or BNC... get a BNC to RCA connector if you want to watch it on a TV without a VGA port.

There is an AUDIO in and AUDIO out. It probably supports 1-channel audio recording although I cannot say for sure.

You can buy any cable length you want from a ebay... just search for "surveillance camera cable".

No, a HARD DRIVE is not included... again, it's $109. You can put one together from TigerDirect for CHEAP. The only thing I cannot find is whether or not the USB port on the back will support the power requirement of a "portable" harddrive, or if you'll need to buy a plug-in self-powered type.

If you're worried about power problems/outage, get a UPS backup... again, cheap from TigerDirect or anywhere.

Also, if you install the cameras where thieves/scumbags see them, they'll either move onto the next house (ideal), or if they REALLY want your house bad enough, try to find your DVR so they can steal it and leave not trace. DON'T INSTALL THIS THING NEXT TO YOUR HOME COMPUTER OR STEREO, THEY'LL FIND IT. Put it in the attic back in a corner with your UPS and run the video and mouse cable down through a wall to your TV.

Unless you're going to have this thing PROFESSIONALLY installed (not likely for $109), you're gonna have to get creative with how you route wires, set up recording, manage lighting, test everything, etc...

IT'S $109... buy it and have an adventure.

There is a sticker on one of the access screws. If your remove it to add a HD, you will void the warranty.

pissedwookie wrote:With the price of hard drives these days you could by this and just rip out the hard drive. 2TB for 109 aint too bad

Umm... did you read the writeup?
Supports up to 2TB 3.5” SATA hard drive, not included
The "not included" part means that you don't get a 2TB hard drive.

Woot hypes the four camera system - I order two and then see the eight camera system. Since Amazon bought 'em... Draw your own conclusions. New caped monkeys at the controls? Disappointed this visit.

Ringo4422 wrote:A UPS would be pointless. The guy suggesting a car battery was much closer to what you would want to do. Unless you spend a buttload of money on a huge capacity UPS ...

A standard UPS would work fine; Even a cheapo 600VA unit should run for several hours.

The main switching adapter is 12V 3A; The wall-wort for the cameras is 12V 1.5A; Total power is 54W max, but probably less than 30W average.

A cheapo ups will have a 12V 7AH battery (84W-Hr, less some nominal conversion losses)

Don't forget to allow 10-20W for an old LCD monitor; And, if you want it to maintain network connectivity, you'll also need to backup your internet, network hub/switch, etc.

Running directly off a car/marine battery might work, but they used switching power supplies for a reason, the unit (and cameras) may like the nice, filtered 12V power supply. A lead acid battery sitting at 13.8-14.4V with some form of crude charger attached might be a little harsh for the cheap electronics.

TellarHK wrote:Does anyone know how the iOS application to view the cameras remotely works? Is it a good app at all?

I have a system like this. It uses a free app called ASee+. It is a very simple app. You can only see live video. You can not review reorded video. And it is a iphone app (not Ipad app).

Could hook it up to a slingbox for remote access anywhere

Caffeineismydrug wrote:Don't forget to allow 10-20W for an old LCD monitor; And, if you want it to maintain network connectivity, you'll also need to backup your internet, network hub/switch, etc.

Running directly off a car/marine battery might work, but they used switching power supplies for a reason, the unit (and cameras) may like the nice, filtered 12V power supply. A lead acid battery sitting at 13.8-14.4V with some form of crude charger attached might be a little harsh for the cheap electronics.

I did this for a living up until a few years ago and feel I pretty much know everything on this subject. This is a toy but it will get the job done cheaply. Very low res cameras, 30/15fps recorder, no motion detection, consumer entry level stuff.

Nothing is cleaner than battery power. Switching supplies that come with this are noisy crappy power sources, but they are cheap and they work well on cheap equipment.
I agree that a UPS is necessary to maintain internet connectivity, but that's it. Who cares if the monitor is working when the power is off anyway. It's a survielllance system to capture intruders, etc.

Look up Geovision on Google for real stuff.

Hard drives have more than tripled in price in the last 2 weeks. Some flood problem in some 3rd world country where they are assembled supposedly. If you want a hard drive for a decent price, buy it quickly.