Cheap cctv options

[tradavang]

Hi, i'm wanting to set up a cctv system for part time usage for a friend so dont want to spend much.
Whats needed-- 1 or 2 cameras, monitor and recorder
Usage Audio and video

Now the question. We have a Astatec dvr80gt freeview box thats not in use, it has an 80gb hard drive. Can we use this for recording and playback purpose.
The connections on the dvr are Arial (coax) in
RF/TV/DVD (coax) out
scart 1 Tv
scart 2 VCR/DVD
Audio L and R
S/PDIF
Any ideas if we can use this to keep cost down and what sort of cameras we need (cheap as pos) prefer wireless to make it easy?
Thanks in advance.....
Dave

 

[breezer]

might work, might not depends on what you get. how are wireless going to keep costs down?
either needs batteries or extra place to plug it in. costs slightly more in the first place.

go and look in a diy shed, they have el cheapo mini kits that have scat leads

 

[Gees]

If you can get the thing to record from the external inputs it will work. But the disc will fill up quite quickly and is sure to be full just when mister intruder calls by....

Better off IMO getting a dvr card for a pc and using motion detect.

 

[NickHead]

I use a Triplex 4Ch Standalone DVR, about £250 and 4 good cameras from the auction site bought for £10-£40 each.

Has been on continually for about 2 Years now, records 5 days in High Quality Video, longer in lower quality.

I use Black & White cameras with a lux less than 0.001 and external LED infra red lighting.

Tried the cheap cameras, with monitor built in. Totally rubbish.

 

[gblades]

At work we have an 8 channel record with 3 B&W and 4 colour cameras attached. Recording at full resolution and the max frame rate it can cope with (cant remember if its 25 or 12.5 fps) a B&W camera consumes 100MB/hour and a colour 150MB/hour.

So with a 400GB drive it can record for 18 days approx.

If you are recording in a place where the general public has access (shops etc...) then make sure you have signs put up and you dont have recordings kept for over 30 days.

 

[Steve]

If you are recording in a place where the general public has access (shops etc...) then make sure you have signs put up and you dont have recordings kept for over 30 days.

Is that an actual requirement? What about where the police take a copy of the images for their veiwing and evidence?