Ive been trying to evaluate decent low cost options for a webcam setup. While some of the options seem pretty decent they need to run on a windows install and im not keen. Uneccesary overheads, system changes due to ongoing updates and associated potential security and reliability issues.
Ive been interested in zoneminder for some time, and running it on a good server distro should be much more suitable and reliable.
I have linux experience, network experience, PC experience etc etc. Centos or ubuntu would be my initial preferences in that order.
Just never managed to get hands on with IP cameras until now.
I have some questions though.
The system will be initially 3 x Avtech AVN257 D1 H.264 IP cameras, potentially expanding in the future to between 6 and 8.
Considering either a pure IP system NVR or a hybrid PC DVR to save some cost on cameras in future.Can zoneminder, with the right dependencies, easily handle H.264 streams from cameras and record properly, either full 25fps pal or stills etc etc. Can it also record multiple streams at D1 and handle streaming out h.264 viewing or multiviewing locally and via web. Motion detection would be used, and Im hoping there might be licence plate recognition possibilities for one camera.
The system will be 2 wired gigabit lans linked by an 802.11n 5ghz mikrotik exterior routerboard wifi bridge, most cameras on one half, 1 or 2 cameras and DVR/NVR on other half, both backed up by UPS giving approx even run time. DC via POE from 2 DC multi output PSU. Whole system and site is completely off grid on generator powered Outback UPS mains system hence the UPS for outages and power quality, whole thing needs to be low power consumption, low as possible anyway.
For PC thinking ITX H61 mobo and a 35W TDP sandy bridge pentium, should be adequate for 8 cameras plus os and viewing demands. Storage prob 1TB, softraid if easily possible and within budget.
Ive evaluated what I can short of a practice run with a livecd or test install on something PC but my main grey area is the aforementioned h.264 requirements.
Any feedback much appreciated.