Someone tried to break into our house last week so I have been researching this and other security stuff recently. There are many options.
There are several brands of camera that have a built-in computer and web server. This would be a simple unit that each homeowner could get independently, but it could be managed centrally via the Internet. To keep it simple I suggest that everyone get the same unit. I'm currently experimenting with the Panasonic BL-C1A. It costs $85. It is small (about 5x5x2 inches square with the lens on the 5x5 side) and not ugly (color is white). It does not look like a security camera. It has a very clever bracket that makes it easy to mount and aim. The BL-C1A plugs into power and an Ethernet jack (the BL-C20A uses WiFi). The camera is managed entirely via Web browser so it can be managed remotely. (Panasonic says it is Windows/IE only, but that is completely untrue.) It includes a dynamic DNS service (free) so each camera can be set up to have a URL (http://nnnnnn.viewnetcam.com). Using the URL the camera can be accessed from anywhere even if the homeowners' have dynamic IPs. The BL-C1A's camera can be monitored live via the Web browser. You need to enter a password to access the camera. It has a motion detector that works well that can trigger actions. Actions include sending emails (like to a shared Gmail account) or uploading pictures to an FTP server. I think the whole Panasonic package is well thought out from the standpoint of doing a useful job. They got the big picture right. The camera is not just a piece of technology that you then have to figure out how to integrate. I was happy to find that all the pieces I expected I would need to add were already there. Only negative on the BL-C1A is that it is an indoor camera. It would have to be set up in a window pointing out. (Outdoor cameras would cost a lot more.) I am considering using it with an outside mirror for better aiming, but I have not yet tried that yet. The big trick for you will be working through all the technical details (like why a dynamic DNS service is important). This list should be able to give you a lot of help. >Vandalism in a residential neighboorhood has me looking into possibly >putting up an array of video cameras that can watch the streets to get a >handle on groups of people cruising the street and ripping mirrors from >cars and trashing mailboxes. I am looking to cover a street between 1/4 >and 1/2 mile long. >What would we need to set up in our homes to get the video? >How can we access and record the video? >What kind of money are we talking about? ************************************************************************* ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *************************************************************************
