Google this and be prepared for an astounding 4 million or so hits. For the neophyte, where to begin?
There are video vs digital recorders vs pc-based software, 4 to 16 channel recorders, various hard drive sizes, wired and wireless set-ups, fake, hidden and visible cameras in color or B&W, various resolutions, infrared technology, etc… and dozens of brands of each. This plethora of configurations raises the question; Do I simply have lots of good choices, or plenty of opportunities to screw up?
It’s a shame these systems are ever needed. We didn’t think we did but some spineless twit has proven us wrong. My wife’s brand new car, one week old, was hit with spray paint and paint remover. It’s now mocha bronze with a haphazard off white and plenty bare sheet metal. Wind whistles around the windshield and rear where the mouldings were eaten through. Just… damn. A couple of months before, her old one was broken into as well.
We’ve had a family move in recently, bringing with them lots of teen traffic, drinking, etc. Neighbors in our once quiet area are concerned, stressed and fed up. Me, I’d just like to catch the perps so the courts can shut this crap down.
I’m thinking a 2 to 4 camera wired system that sends motion activated color, high res pictures to a DVR with at least 40 hours of write time might be appropriate. If a wireless was competent it’d be nice to skip the cost of a professional install, but I certainly don’t mind doing the custom route if it’s the way to go.
Any suggestions? Pitfalls to avoid? Must haves? Brands to steer clear of or embrace? I want it easy, reliable and capable. Then, I’ll be able to sleep again.