Looking for help designing a home cctv system

[Helen]

First off, let me apologise for lack of technical knowledge (I'm a total noob).

I wish to create a cctv system for my home, but am totally confused by it all.

I want the system to be up to 4 cameras (IR)which will be wired and I want video to be saved to a DVR.

So my question is....what items should be on my shopping list?

Thanks
Helen

[iStorm]

Hi Helen, welcome to the forums, Are you looking to have the system installed or is it a d.i.y project? Either way your looking for 4 camera's with i.r take into consideration how far you want to see in the dark in meters, then double the distance and that is the type of i.r camera your looking for, you will need a 4 channel dvr with hard drive, now how long do you want to record for? whats the longest length of time you will be leaving the property un-ocupied, eg holidays, that will dictate the size of HD you require. What display are you going to use? Tv, Tft screen, if you go down the later route you will need a dvr with a vga output or you will need to get a vga converter, if its just the tv dont worry about it. Your correct in looking for a dedicated dvr, you may see 'cheap' cctv cards that you install in your pc, please avoid these like the plague, unless its along the lines of a huperlab, lastly cables, connectors and power supplies, cable, you will need some RG59+2 for the runs from your cameras to the dvr, the best way to discribe it is its like ariel cable but much better and you can power the camera's along the same cable, connectors will be b.n.c's and you will need a power supply from an electrical wholesaler, please PM me if i can help you more, Regards Iain

[Helen]

Hi Iain, thanks for the prompt reply, and thanks for clearing up a few things for me

Yes it's going to be a diy job (well the hubby is going to be doing it - he doesn't know that yet, but..............

The longest period it will need to record for is 2 weeks max.

I will want it to be able to plug into my lcd tv

I had a little look on maplin, and they seemed to have a lot of stuff...is it any good, or is there somewhere else anyone can recommend?
Thanks again....Helen

[securityman]

step away from "Maplin" few customers who had there cameras started to fail after 1year

I would recommend You buy off an Security Specialist (Few people to avoid is ADT)

The issue would be I guess your avoiding the Heavy duty look and you rather go for discrete look. and Would you rather for an Standalone Computer or how is the CCTV going to record, also What size LCD screen. also what kind CCTV Camera you prefer.

and if you get back to us we can hopefully help you.

and Welcome to the forums.

[iStorm]

Hi Helen, Securityman is right 'Maplin' stuff is very expensive for what it is, stay away from wireless, i'll try and put you a package together tomorrow when i have more time, You need to have a look around the house and work out what you need to see in the dark and how far away it is, do you want entry level equipment, budget, or hi quality, if you PM me with a budget ill have a look whats available for you, i'm sure Chris will show you some good quality equipment.

[securityman]

Helen I have Sent you an PM and where if you like to get back with that I can then start to have an idea of what your package should start to shape like.