Multi-use CCTV

[ChurchMouse]

I have been asked to consider a CCTV system for the local church which meets, or at least attempts to meet, the following criteria. The church is large - approximately 50M long by 18M wide.

1 - Low cost - goes without saying of course! It's a church.
2 - CCTV cameras which can be used as service enhancers during the day (show organist playing, choir singing, etc.) by routing selected images to a screen via a PC to video projector), and when church is closed switching them to motion activated surveillance mode.
3 - Some of the cameras need to be steerable cameras
4 - Easy wiring as it would have to be DIY and church fabric does not lend itself to concealed wiring.
5 - Connection to internet for remote control when needed.

My thoughts are to make this a PC controlled system, recording to hard disk using software control. IP cameras (some remotely steerable - ? via PC and switchable via PC). Wiring would use Cat5 cable as I am not sure about wireless having heard of interference problems. Internet connection would be by connecting wired or wirelessly to adjacent (50M) LAN in the vicarage.

While technically minded I have no experience in this field, though very competent in respect of computers.

Am I on the right track with these suggestions or should I go back to the drawing board. Suggestions re suitable equipment/software would be appreciated. I am not asking anyone to do my research for me but the experts amongst you may have answers at the tips of your fingers!

[brian]

Hi churchmouse- welcome to CCTV core.

As for recommendations - not sure if they can help, but you could try somewhere like Pakatak Security & Surveillance Products

Alternatively, we have a few users here who may be able to help, such as iStorm:
Home

Hope that helps.

[iStorm]

Thanks Brian, Hi Mouse, I would go for a pc based digital system, mainly for the reason that you know what your doing with computers, Your first point is an easy solutions, you can run a video cable from the second output on the Dvr cards you will be buying to the projector, just as you would a dvd player or other source device! As for PTZ (Pan,Tilt,Zoom) Camera's i think your talking about? Because all your camera's would be I.P camera's if they where connected to a networked P.C! P.T.Z would allow you to access the pc from some where else and control the camera's target area and zoom! Zoom lense required on camera, you could also bare in mind that you can have 1 PTZ camera covering multiple area's if you installed P.I.R detectors, you could designate each P.I.R a zone, then program the P.T.Z's to turn to the selected zone upon activation, more expensive camera and motor but less camera's, I could go on and on, but as i say to most people, you realy do need a survey and some quality advise! Before going forward and spending the chuch's money so to speak! Hope this has helped please drop me a call if i can help more!

[ChurchMouse]

Thanks Iain - useful information.