Video Security (home) (connect, system, phone, recording)

[irman]

Assuming one has a camera that hooks up to a TV
CAM-LA-BS14420-W

When connected to a computer, and the proper software,
I guess you could record a 24 hour period.
No idea yet how much storage one needs for that ?

Question(s):
Does anyone have any savvy about how to do this ?
Can you hook up more than one camera and do this on the same computer ?
What kind of software is available to do this ?
Could the software do *motion activated* recording ? (less recording time required ?)
Any other suggestions ?

I appreciate any help/suggestions.
(Just looking for ways to do *it on my own*, without buying really expensive complete kits !)

I did find this:
http://www.simplehelp.net/2006/09/27...curity-camera/

[NJGOAT]

Originally Posted by irman

Assuming one has a camera that hooks up to a TV
CAM-LA-BS14420-W

When connected to a computer, and the proper software,
I guess you could record a 24 hour period.
No idea yet how much storage one needs for that ?

http://www.seagate.com/files/staticf...-3-1202-us.pdf

That article explains the amount of storage space needed for various types and quality of video. Overall, you need about 72GB to record 24 hours of high quality (1280x1024 @ 30fps) video.

Question(s):
Does anyone have any savvy about how to do this ?

I have looked into it in the past, but now have cameras that are integrated into my regular security system.

Can you hook up more than one camera and do this on the same computer ?

Yes, you can have as many cameras as you have inputs for.

What kind of software is available to do this ?

iSpy: Open Source Camera Security Software

This was the one I was looking into as it is open source for the software itself. The company also allows you to do things like recieve alerts and remotely access your system from a smartphone for around $5 a month. You don't need to pay for those feautres, but they are nice to have for $5. The software also does way more than just record and allow you to view video.

Could the software do *motion activated* recording ? (less recording time required ?)

I believe that would require a motion activated camera. However, as the Seagate link above shows, the recordings don't take up nearly as much space as you think they will. A 1TB hard drive, which can be bought for around $50 right now on sale can store nearly two weeks of video. Since all you want to do is record a 24-48 hour period constantly, I wouldn't mess with the motion activated stuff as it will add a lot of cost and complexity.

Any other suggestions ?

I appreciate any help/suggestions.
(Just looking for ways to do *it on my own*, without buying really expensive complete kits !)

I did find this:
How to use your PC and Webcam as a motion-detecting and recording security camera - Simple Help

If you already own the camera and have the hard drive space on your PC, then the above software will let you get started. However, if you are looking to invest in the camera, need to buy a hard drive, need multiple cameras, etc. then you may be better off just buying a kit. There are kits that start at less than $300 and while the cameras aren't high quality, they are something.

[irman]

@! NJGOAT -- Thanks for the comments.
I have been lurking on the net, and reading umpteen blurbs and blogs, and am now more confused than ever ...

In essence, when I *put together* all the requirements I would like (*** see below), the cost is a bit prohibitive when purchased as a kit.
So ... , still looking if I can slap something together myself ...

*** :
motion detection
E-mail or warning sent to phone
license plate and face detection

Most low priced systems, do have most of what the average requirements may be,
but then the distance to get good clarity (at night) is limited ...

[Amillen Blake]

You can go for a standalone IR light. Infrared is a light which can be seen even during the night or deep darkness. Using an IR light will help you get a clear picture quality. The main purpose behind installing an IR light is to provide light for security camera during night time. I think you can go for “Axton IR illuminators”. They provide IR with low rates along with lifetime warranties. And the illuminators with Axton synchronize well with any type or any quality of CCTV camera.
https://www.google.com/#q=Axton+IR+illuminators

[irman]

Originally Posted by Amillen Blake

You can go for a standalone IR light.

Thanks for the suggestion, except for the price they are charging,
I can get better cameras that will do the job.
Neat idea anyway.