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Above:
An 8 Channel (Camera) Digital Video Recorder Designed For CCTV.
An 8 Channel (Camera) Digital Video Recorder Designed For CCTV.
Good freeware security camera software
can be difficult to find, but we did find some from NCH Software
(screenshot at right) that does a decent job. The download is
240MB, and runs on all windows machines. You can find it here: http://www.nchsoftware.com/surveillance/insetup.exe
You will need to install the software, and establish an FTP connection with your ISP's server for the software to work. (You can also use the software without an FTP connection, and save the images directly to your hard drive).
You will need to install the software, and establish an FTP connection with your ISP's server for the software to work. (You can also use the software without an FTP connection, and save the images directly to your hard drive).
An Easier Free Camera Surveillance Solution:
If all of this FTP stuff sounds too complicated, there are easier surveillance software options. Eyespyfx.com has a free surveillance software service (right) that is much less complicated to set up. Essentially, you download their software package, hook up your webcam, and access your images through their website here:
http://www.eyespyfx.com/mobile.asp
Remember, these images are not being recorded, you are only able to view the images remotely. They do have higher end paid packages available with more advanced features.
If all of this FTP stuff sounds too complicated, there are easier surveillance software options. Eyespyfx.com has a free surveillance software service (right) that is much less complicated to set up. Essentially, you download their software package, hook up your webcam, and access your images through their website here:
http://www.eyespyfx.com/mobile.asp
Remember, these images are not being recorded, you are only able to view the images remotely. They do have higher end paid packages available with more advanced features.
Now that you have the proper indoor and/or outdoor surveillance camera(s) for your needs, it's now time to decide how you want view the images (remotely or from home), and/or the method in which you record the images for later viewing. You have some options here:
Record to a regular VCR;
Record to a time lapse VCR;
Record to a DVD recorder;
Record to your regular PC's Hard Drive;
Record to a dedicated DVR used only for camera systems;
Use an all in one device i.e. "Memo Cam".
Record to a regular VCR;
Record to a time lapse VCR;
Record to a DVD recorder;
Record to your regular PC's Hard Drive;
Record to a dedicated DVR used only for camera systems;
Use an all in one device i.e. "Memo Cam".
Recording With A Standard VCR, Time Lapse VCR, or DVD Recorder.
These methods (especially using a VCR) aren't used much anymore, as digital recording becomes more and more popular and more affordable. An obvious disadvantage is the relatively short amount of recording time you get on a regular VCR or DVD recorder. Although time lapse VCR's can record for 24 hours or more, but are still quite expensive. Add to that the fact you have to change tapes constantly, and manually search through the tape for a specific event. There is also no way of accessing these images remotely (i.e. through the internet). However, this may be the answer for you if you only need a temporary camera solution i.e. you suspect your neighbor of vandalizing your property, etc. If you have more than one camera, this method would also require the purchase of a quad splitter or multiplexor. This enables the VCR or DVD recorder to record from 2-32 cameras at once.
These methods (especially using a VCR) aren't used much anymore, as digital recording becomes more and more popular and more affordable. An obvious disadvantage is the relatively short amount of recording time you get on a regular VCR or DVD recorder. Although time lapse VCR's can record for 24 hours or more, but are still quite expensive. Add to that the fact you have to change tapes constantly, and manually search through the tape for a specific event. There is also no way of accessing these images remotely (i.e. through the internet). However, this may be the answer for you if you only need a temporary camera solution i.e. you suspect your neighbor of vandalizing your property, etc. If you have more than one camera, this method would also require the purchase of a quad splitter or multiplexor. This enables the VCR or DVD recorder to record from 2-32 cameras at once.
Recording To Your Regular PC's Hard Drive
If you use a web camera, or any camera with a USB connection, you will only need the proper software and internet connection to record images to your hard drive, and/or access images remotely through the internet. Surveillance camera software enables you to access your camera's images from any PC with internet access. Essentially, your PC at home uploads the images to the server at your ISP, and you access the images from your ISP. You simply enter your camera's "URL" in any browser, and access the images just as you would at home! Keep in mind though, that a broadband connection (DSL or Cable) is recommended to see the images in "real time". If either end is using dial up, you will most likely only get still images that refresh every 30 seconds or so.
You can also use the software to record images to your hard drive, but keep in mind you will need a very large hard drive, especially if you are recording in real time (30 frames per second). You can imagine how fast your hard drive's memory will be used up if it is recording 30 seperate images every second! Luckily, most camera software enables you to adjust the frame rate, or only record when it detects motion in the picture. This saves quite a bit of memory, but hard drive space will always be an issue with PC-based camera systems.
If you use a web camera, or any camera with a USB connection, you will only need the proper software and internet connection to record images to your hard drive, and/or access images remotely through the internet. Surveillance camera software enables you to access your camera's images from any PC with internet access. Essentially, your PC at home uploads the images to the server at your ISP, and you access the images from your ISP. You simply enter your camera's "URL" in any browser, and access the images just as you would at home! Keep in mind though, that a broadband connection (DSL or Cable) is recommended to see the images in "real time". If either end is using dial up, you will most likely only get still images that refresh every 30 seconds or so.
You can also use the software to record images to your hard drive, but keep in mind you will need a very large hard drive, especially if you are recording in real time (30 frames per second). You can imagine how fast your hard drive's memory will be used up if it is recording 30 seperate images every second! Luckily, most camera software enables you to adjust the frame rate, or only record when it detects motion in the picture. This saves quite a bit of memory, but hard drive space will always be an issue with PC-based camera systems.
Using Regular Surveillance Cameras (i.e. With RCA Cables) With PC's
If you have a camera with only video outputs (the yellow RCA cables), you will not be able to use these cameras with your PC without a video capture card, which essentially converts these analog video signals to the proper USB (digital) format. These video capture cards also come with their own camera system software. If you have ever installed a network card or video card yourself, you shouldn't have problems installing a video capture card. Again, be sure your PC has sufficient memory to store a decent amount of images, even for home use, a minimum 60 GB hard drive is recommended.
If you have a camera with only video outputs (the yellow RCA cables), you will not be able to use these cameras with your PC without a video capture card, which essentially converts these analog video signals to the proper USB (digital) format. These video capture cards also come with their own camera system software. If you have ever installed a network card or video card yourself, you shouldn't have problems installing a video capture card. Again, be sure your PC has sufficient memory to store a decent amount of images, even for home use, a minimum 60 GB hard drive is recommended.
If you have several cameras, and wish to record for extended periods of time, a dedicated DVR may be the best solution for you. They usually have a very large hard drive (at least 80 GB or more), can be used with USB or Video output cameras, and come with higher-end software with more features. These units are generally more expensive, and are used more in commercial and industrial situations. However, they continue to drop in price as technology advances.
Above:
The "MemoCam" Combines A Camera, DVR, And Motion Sensor In One!
The "MemoCam" Combines A Camera, DVR, And Motion Sensor In One!
Using An All-In-One Device i.e. Memo Cam
Using A DVR Designed For Surveillance Systems
For ease of use and installation, a "Memo Cam" (right) is a great choice. It serves as a motion sensor, concealed camera, and DVR all in one. Images are stored onto a memory card, like those you might find in digital cameras. The device comes with a remote control, and software.
Essentially, you set your user preferences (frames per second, only
record when the unit senses motion, etc.), insert a standard memory
card, and mount the unit. The only extra equipment you will need
is a memory card reader, which you can get anywhere for around $75-$100
USD. Memo Cams are usually priced at $400-$600, depending on the model.
Above:
A standard 4 Channel (Camera) Video Capture Card.
A standard 4 Channel (Camera) Video Capture Card.
Any Free Surveillance Software Available?
Above:
Freeware Camera Surveillance Software From NCH Software.
Freeware Camera Surveillance Software From NCH Software.
Above:
A Free Web-Based Surveillance Service.
A Free Web-Based Surveillance Service.
Security Camera Surveillance Recording Methods: VCR, DVD, DVR, PC