Windows

D-I-Y Home Surveillance System Snafu

Posted by on Jun 14, 2006 | 3 Comments

Installing a D-I-Y home surveillance system has been in my top five to-do-list for more than a year now. Like many of the geek home improvement projects I’ve put off doing around here, it’s the search for the right components at the right price that’s held things up. But it’s not just the cost. While there are some awesome surveillance cameras out there, I’ve run into one huge roadblock…

I’m keen on the idea of wireless remote control cameras. The ability to pan, tilt, and zoom is crucial. Quite simply, I need to cover as much area as possible with the least number of cameras.

Forget about those wild hidden cameras. I don’t need anything stealthy. I just want video feeds that can be accessed from any computer in the house.

So what’s the problem (other than cost)?

It’s ActiveX.

Every unit I’ve checked out so far uses ActiveX in the browser to control the camera. That’s just not going to work here at ranchero indebto. Now maybe I’m a rebel with out a clue, but I don’t use Microsoft Internet Explorer or ActiveX… I want to be able to control the cameras on my Windows PCs with Firefox and on my Macs with Safari.

Okay, so maybe I just need to keep looking…

Related: Wireless Surveillance Cameras

[tags]diy,activex,do it yourself,home surveillance system,wireless remote control camera[/tags]

  • John

    Check out Clover’s standalone DVR. It handles four cameras (You use what you want) and is controllable from the internet, (without a computer) as long as you have an ISP connection. It will do pan, zoom, tilt if you have a camera that is capable. 160 GB hard drive is built in.

    Link… http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=335454

  • John

    To clarify my previous comment. The DVR connects to the internet without needing a computer. Obviously you need a computer to access the internet and control the camera remotely. It DOES NOT use ActiveX. You can buy any type of camera that you prefer, it does not require Clover cameras. The DVR will also accept a second hard drive for even more storage. Unit is priced at $300.

    I have no connection to Sam’s Club nor Clover. Just a satisfied consumer.

  • Mike

    I was wondering how your DIY went and if you have or could provide some details as to the equipment you used? (if anyone still checks this site) Thanks.