bitslice said:
I reckon the PC spec is a tad high though,
try the software out first on a normal desktop, just running the two cameras you have;
just to get a feel for the requirements.
The video encoding is done in the camera,
so I'd say a fast processor and 2Gb RAM isn't required
Two cameras with motion sensing on a test system of an XP3000 + 1Gb mem uses about 200Mb of RAM & 40% CPU time.
The system wont exclusivly be used for recording the streams. I've decided that we're gonna use it as a 3rd server. Wack 2K3 on there, add it to the AD, and the extra storage can be used for the video projects that are starting soon as well as.
Add in the cost of a UPS.
The UPS we have has the capacity for 5x the load thats on it already, so we'll just plug it into that.
The cameras though, its not really possible for us to put a UPS on each one, so we're investigating the usage of PoE, as the cameras we already have, support it.
Gopher_By_Fende said:
I know you have mentioned already having a couple of IP cameras, how much will it be to buy another 8?
Hello BGB, long time no speak.
AFAIK, our supplier will sell us the Axis 210As at around £200 a piece.
But, they wont all be bought at once, at first, just the main computer suites, then over time, the other ones as well.
also, apart from the fact that you have these cameras already, is there any particular reason that you want to go with a PC based CCTV system? i ask this because in my experience, PC based DVRs are a lot more of a handful than a dedicated DVR CCTV system, and come with a lot more problems in installing, maintaining and running. You may pay a little more for it, but these things are specifically designed to run a professional CCTV system 24/7/365 on there own, and are designed so they can be operated by anyone, even without any computer experience (like IT teachers - HA!
) . You might be better asking the school to spend some money on a fully fitted CCTV system (although i thought they had one already).
Reason? Gives me a nice little project to do.
Seriously though, as stated, we already have existing IP cameras, and even before i started, they wanted to fit more.
Also, unless you're paying a fortune for the top end IP cameras, you won't be getting the same quality as industry standard CCTV cameras, especially in low light.
The ones we have, afaik, are top end ones. They have the ports built in to hook up other surveillance devices, like trip switches and other security devices, and the night mode that they have is excellent imo.
If its for you and you IT bods to use during the day, then a PC system probably wouldn't be too much hassle. If, however, its going to be used by teachers, security and other staff, and is there for surveillance during the night as well (Which in that area is pretty much essentially - i should know, i lived there all my childhood!) then you might want to get the school to crowbar the purse open and get to the chewy sterling centre.
Its basically gonna be maintained and run by myself, and only really accessed as/when required, with me controlling it for whoever wants a nosey.
Bty, im not at
that school anymore, got a new job about a month ago, work out of town now at a place thats like the garden of eden compared!
Give us a shout on MSN, we'll see if we can persuade turnip to go out for a drink sometime.
