ZoneMinder Forums

Hi all,

i have a few questions about ZoneMinder

The actuall situation:
- we have 39 ip cams (Level1 FCS-1081)
- this cams can stream MJPEG and MPEG4
- we have atm 4 computers, where the software from Level1 (IP CamSecure) runs
- all cameras save mp4 file over these computers to a nas, when motion is detected


Because the software from Level1 is very slow, eat very much cpu time and cannot run as service, i want to change it.

Can ZoneMinder do this job?
- capture the stream, when motion is detected
- maybe one or more servers for this
- the mp4/mjpeg will be save at 704x576 @ 25fps
- let me watch the saved videos for a specific day/time
- how many cams can one pc handle (atm C2D 1,6GHz, 1GB RAM, 100MBit NIC)

Thanks alot for any response.

I have a new Zoneminder install DVD I'm going to put a link for asap. It's based on Kubuntu 9.04. The new kernel and OS has huge improvements. I'm confident it could run all your camera's and more. I've also installed the ZMviewer which allows viewing of the camera feeds in a nice GUI on the server among other features.

I'll get you a link if you are interested in installing it on a test server with the specs you mention. The 9.04 DVD can also run in Live Mode if needed. I will also help setup everything from a remote connection if needed. I've helped others setup security systems based on my current DVD, but this new one is even better.

Here is an 8.04 install running live with 2 AXIS cam's and a custom router.

http://67.210.200.98

Log in with admin/admin and mess around with the cams.

ZM I think would be mostly up to the task. Everything is stored though a jpeg snapshots, not mp4, or mpeg of any fashion.

As to how many cams a server can handle is extremely dependent on the settings.
I would suggest downloading one of the live CD's and playing with it, as you don't have to install the software to get a feel for the abilities and interface. There are several to chose from but I think you will find this one well documented, and supported, as well as he has been creating LiveCDs for us for over 8 years now I think. Just don't select install.
http://www.isentrix.com/pub/

When your done playing with it, remove the CD and reboot and the machine will be back using your previous software.

Same goes for my 9.04 DVD. Just tested it out and Zoneminder/Zmviewer/Freepbx all run without installing the actual software. The older 8.04 build did not run properly in live mode but this has been fixed. The admin panel I created still does not work correct in Live mode, but everything else is fully functional and working. Hope you find that Zoneminder meets your needs.

Here is a screen shot taken from the 9.04 DVD running in live mode with a camera attached, zmviewer running, and Asterisk/Freepbx going.