How much does a video surveillance system cost for ADT or Brinks?

Web surveillance

• How do we set up a video monitoring system,allowing us to monitor a business over the Internet? Currently, there are no computers at the sites to be monitored. The home office is running Win98SE (soon to be updated to a "?")and, this week, will be connected to broadband cable. Areas to survey: Drive-Thru Window, Outside Menu, Two Cash Registers, Office,Dining Room and Kitchen. (fast food: fried chicken, catfish,etc.) Naturally, cost is a factor. Harold in Rockdale, TX 76567

• Answer:

  Hullo, Harold, thanks for asking! Unless you wish to install a webserver at the monitored location, you'll need standalone or remote web cams. Depending on the type of camera selected, you may also need to add additional telephone outlets, in order to access each device. We don't have the in-depth knowledge of the physical location and specifications to "design a system" for you, however, I can fill out the concept a bit, describe the hardware, and locate some of the lower priced models and reviews, so that you can make informed choices. I don't know what level of familiarity you have with web cams. So we're pretty much on the same page, and using the same language, here's a How Stuff Works article that explains "How Webcams Work" in case a web cam primer would be helpful. How Stuff Works | Webcams http://computer.howstuffworks.com/webcam1.htm Remote Web Cams ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A remote web cam is TCP/IP Network Camera with built-in webserver. The camera system is capable of transmitting images directly to the internet, or possesses its own IP address, and can be accessed from a web browser. "Stand alone web cams have been around for a few years but only recently have dropped in price to a few hundred dollars. Stand alone web cams differ from standard web cams in that they have a server and connectivity built in making them independent of a computer." Remote Web Cam | Putting eyes on the web http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000350.php Point-to-Point: IP Cameras Extend Video Monitoring http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/nea/200303/comnet_233197.html There is probably some additional consideration needed for outdoor installation. You'll want to check specifications to learn if the camera case is rugged enough to withstand typical temperatures and weather conditions. An enclosure may be required. Installing an Exterior Security Camera | Do-it-Yourself Guide http://www.homesecurityandalarms.com/planning/exterior-cameras.aspx Low Cost Network-TCP/IP Cameras ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Polaris Industries GLNC-05 [List price: $149.95] "Plug and view the image from the Wireless Internet Camera with a valid IP address. Supports web configuration with password protection. Allows remote access from web browser for live image viewing. Supports TCP/IP networking, SMTP e-mail, HTTP and other Internet related protocols. http://www.polarisusa.com/cgi-bin/view_product_detail.pl?product_category_id=57&template_id=823 Panasonic Network Camera [List: $399] View a location anywhere in the world, remotely pans 140° and tilts 120° with 2X zoom. Viewable over virtually any internet browser. Expandable to 8 cameras, 2 lux low light rating. SuperCircuits | Panasonic Network Camera http://www.supercircuits.com/STORE/prodinfo.asp?number=WV-NM100&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=6 NETCAM [List: $239] Standalone camera, no PC required, live streaming video. SMTP Email support to email images automatically. Motion sensing support. No special software, just open in your browser. WebCam Standalone FTP/Webserver Built-in http://www.twstore.com/netcam.html AXIS 205 Network Camera "The AXIS 205 is a small, easy-to-use camera. It has it's own IP address and built-in web server, so it goes anywhere your network goes, instead of being tied to your computer. It offers superior image quality with three resolutions up to 640x480. It provides up to 30 frames per second in all modes and supports up to 20 users simultaneously. With the AXIS 205, you can set up multiple cameras affordably. You can view live video from any standard browser. You can e even add password protection to restrict viewing. The AXIS 205 has as many uses as your imagination allows. Indoor use only." Security Ideas | Axis 205 Network Camera http://www.securityideas.com/ax205neca.html Epinions | Axis 205 NetCam http://www.epinions.com/pr-Axis_205_Network_Camera_Webcam Star Dot Netcam - Digital Internet Cam and Server [From: $499] Standalone Network Camera -- Automatically Transmits Live Images On Web -- Requires No PC to Operate -- Excellent Digital Image Quality -- Live Images Viewable with Web Browser -- IP-Addressable (static or DHCP) -- Ruggedized Design, Outdoor Enclosures Available Operates from -40°F to +120°F -- Powered by Linux, Runs Web Server Internally -- View Live Images on Windows, UNIX, Linux, Mac http://www.stardot-tech.com/netcam/index.html Epinions | Star Dot Netcam http://www.epinions.com/content_141025840772 Answer Strategy | Search Terms ---------------------------------------------------------------------- "remote security cameras" "standalone webcam" OR "standalone web cam" "network webcam" OR "network web cam" tcp/ip webcam OR "web cam" I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions about the material or links offered, please, feel free to ask for clarification. I will be glad to assist you as needed. ---larre