New User hardware recommendations

[mitchell2345]

Hi,

I am looking at adding a zoneminder install on my Ubuntu server. Looking for some general recommendations on camera hardware.

I would like to run 4 camera's to start out and maybe upgrade to 8 one day. What is best choice? Wired camera are not an issue. I do not need fluid video but at least want some quality. Is there a recommending card that works "out of the box".

Network or PCI slots are available.

Thanks,
Mitchell

[alf]

Go to blue cherry

http://store.bluecherry.net/products/PV ... d-OEM.html


This works for me


Then do a search for any cctv cameras. I got four OK ones a few months ago for $100. they should come with the cables but you may need to get some rca bnc adapters.

[graphicw]

I would not recommend anything from Bluecherry as it is overpriced. A Kodicom 8800 clone would do nicely. You need only look for bt878 on ebay to see several kodicom 8800 cards for sale. I have found them for as low as $40.00 before on ebay. These particular cards operate very well with zoneminder. Pico clones are good if you are only going to have a couple of cameras. These cards will show up under a search of bt878 as well.

[SteveWrightNZ]

Anything* BT878 works well. For 4 channels, get a card with 4 BT878 chips on it - one chip per video channel. For not a lot more money it will be vastly easier to get watchable video on it. Later, to upgrade to 8 channels just buy an additional card.

* There will be exceptions. Standard disclaimer applies.

[bb99]

Not to buck the trend but I purchased a PV-143 and then a PV 149 from bluecherry after having toasted several ebay specials. Initially installed against 1.21.3; 3 or more years latter and many upgrades they're still working like the day they were installed. Bluecherry stands behind their products with service, returns (never had to), and also advice. They also dump products that don't last or where the manufacture doesn't stand up for the warrantee. I don't have any affiliation with Bluecherry other then being a satisfied customer.