Security Systems/Cameras

[Ethan Marquis]

Hello everyone,

We're looking into making some changes or upgrades on our school security camera systems.  Is there anyone that has a system they like and would recommend?  Or maybe a system they would not recommend?  The system product we have in place appears to no longer exist.

We'd be looking for basic security operations, remote access and monitoring, dependable wireless would be great.  Any other features you find useful or not?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Ethan

Stephen-Argyle

[Brian Norman]

Ethan,

This year we have upgraded camera systems in three districts with the ExacqVision VMS software.  The interface is easy for staff to use and it comes with all the bells and whistles like mobile apps for viewing and such.  The VMS software works with tons of camera brands, we primarily use Acti and Axis.  

Lots of company's sell it.  Barb might be able to chime in and say if the company the service coop has a partnership with sells it.

Let me know if you have any additional questions or want a demo at the next meeting.

Brian

[Ben Dahlin]

I'm in the process of replacing our old analog system.  I'm putting in hikvision cameras.  The cameras are reasonable and the software is free.  You must buy from a US hikvision reseller so they will honor the warranty (watch what you buy on amazon).  I've been buying them from http://www.bhphotovideo.com/  If you do some googling you will find that hikvision is a main camera manufacturer in china and make cameras for many other companies (honeywell, swann, lorex)

These are what I've been installing - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1134489-REG/hikvision_ds_2cd2...

The software installs on a server and records to the servers hard drive.  It takes a little bit to get used to how it works.  I have a little over 20 new cameras running right now.  They do have a app for ios and andriod that is also free.

Whatever system/brand you go with, IP cameras are a unbelievable improvement in picture quality and features. 

[Brian Norman]

Ben,  

Those are reasonably priced, we should hook one up to my ExacqVision server and see if they work.

Brian

[Ben Dahlin]

Looks like some of hikvision gear works with it.

https://exacq.com/integration/ipcams/#search=hikvision~tags=false

[Brian Norman]

Where do you find the Hikvision NVR software? On their website it looks like try and sell appliances/servers.

[Ben Dahlin]

Go to hikvision.com

Support > Downloads > client software > iVMS 4200

Here is a pic of the ones I've been putting in.  I'll add some video once it's done processing in google drive.

[Ethan Marquis]

Thanks for the ideas guys.

[Ethan Marquis]

Brian,

You mentioned these were reasonably priced.  Would you say $215 per unit is on the low end of an expected cost?

Thank you

Ethan

[Ben Dahlin]

Here is a sample video for one of the cameras.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7qh0PSYS_ypbVlobFpfN3BkU2c/view?u...

Ben Dahlin said:

Go to hikvision.com

Support > Downloads > client software > iVMS 4200

Here is a pic of the ones I've been putting in.  I'll add some video once it's done processing in google drive.

[Ethan Marquis]

Wow, impressive image quality compared to what we're working with.

Ben, would you mind if I share this film with my Admin's for product sample?  Also, do you have an opinion on what a per unit cost might be?  Website shows $215 suggested retail.

Thank you,
Ethan

[Ben Dahlin]

Yes, night and day difference.  Our recordings are set to 20fps.  That probably could be bumped down, but I like the smooth video.

bhphoto shows $180 when logged in.  They have dropped in price already.  I bought them last fall at $190.

[Ethan Marquis]

Awesome.  I think we'll go this way as well.

Thanks for info.

Ethan