Hullo, Harold, thanks for asking!
Unless you wish to install a webserver at the monitored location,
you'll need standalone or remote web cams. Depending on the type of
camera selected, you may also need to add additional telephone
outlets, in order to access each device. We don't have the in-depth
knowledge of the physical location and specifications to "design a
system" for you, however, I can fill out the concept a bit, describe
the hardware, and locate some of the lower priced models and reviews,
so that you can make informed choices.
I don't know what level of familiarity you have with web cams. So
we're pretty much on the same page, and using the same language,
here's a How Stuff Works article that explains "How Webcams Work" in
case a web cam primer would be helpful.
How Stuff Works | Webcams
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/webcam1.htm
Remote Web Cams
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A remote web cam is TCP/IP Network Camera with built-in webserver.
The camera system is capable of transmitting images directly to the
internet, or possesses its own IP address, and can be accessed from a
web browser.
"Stand alone web cams have been around for a few years but only
recently have dropped in price to a few hundred dollars. Stand alone
web cams differ from standard web cams in that they have a server and
connectivity built in making them independent of a computer."
Remote Web Cam | Putting eyes on the web
http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000350.php
Point-to-Point: IP Cameras Extend Video Monitoring
http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/nea/200303/comnet_233197.html
There is probably some additional consideration needed for outdoor
installation. You'll want to check specifications to learn if the
camera case is rugged enough to withstand typical temperatures and
weather conditions. An enclosure may be required.
Installing an Exterior Security Camera | Do-it-Yourself Guide
http://www.homesecurityandalarms.com/planning/exterior-cameras.aspx
Low Cost Network-TCP/IP Cameras
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Polaris Industries GLNC-05 [List price: $149.95]
"Plug and view the image from the Wireless Internet Camera with a
valid IP address. Supports web configuration with password protection.
Allows remote access from web browser for live image viewing.
Supports TCP/IP networking, SMTP e-mail, HTTP and other Internet
related protocols.
http://www.polarisusa.com/cgi-bin/view_product_detail.pl?product_category_id=57&template_id=823
Panasonic Network Camera [List: $399]
View a location anywhere in the world, remotely pans 140° and tilts
120° with 2X zoom. Viewable over virtually any internet browser.
Expandable to 8 cameras, 2 lux low light rating.
SuperCircuits | Panasonic Network Camera
http://www.supercircuits.com/STORE/prodinfo.asp?number=WV-NM100&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=6
NETCAM [List: $239]
Standalone camera, no PC required, live streaming video. SMTP Email
support to email images automatically. Motion sensing support. No
special software, just open in your browser.
WebCam Standalone FTP/Webserver Built-in
http://www.twstore.com/netcam.html
AXIS 205 Network Camera
"The AXIS 205 is a small, easy-to-use camera. It has it's own IP
address and built-in web server, so it goes anywhere your network
goes, instead of being tied to your computer. It offers superior image
quality with three resolutions up to 640x480. It provides up to 30
frames per second in all modes and supports up to 20 users
simultaneously. With the AXIS 205, you can set up multiple cameras
affordably. You can view live video from any standard browser. You can
e even add password protection to restrict viewing. The AXIS 205 has
as many uses as your imagination allows. Indoor use only."
Security Ideas | Axis 205 Network Camera
http://www.securityideas.com/ax205neca.html
Epinions | Axis 205 NetCam
http://www.epinions.com/pr-Axis_205_Network_Camera_Webcam
Star Dot Netcam - Digital Internet Cam and Server [From: $499]
Standalone Network Camera
-- Automatically Transmits Live Images On Web
-- Requires No PC to Operate
-- Excellent Digital Image Quality
-- Live Images Viewable with Web Browser
-- IP-Addressable (static or DHCP)
-- Ruggedized Design, Outdoor Enclosures Available
Operates from -40°F to +120°F
-- Powered by Linux, Runs Web Server Internally
-- View Live Images on Windows, UNIX, Linux, Mac
http://www.stardot-tech.com/netcam/index.html
Epinions | Star Dot Netcam
http://www.epinions.com/content_141025840772
Answer Strategy | Search Terms
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"remote security cameras"
"standalone webcam" OR "standalone web cam"
"network webcam" OR "network web cam"
tcp/ip webcam OR "web cam"
I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions
about the material or links offered, please, feel free to ask for
clarification. I will be glad to assist you as needed.
---larre |
Clarification of Answer by
larre-ga
on
30 Aug 2004 08:53 PDT
I considered that possibility before answering originally. However, I
think the initial costs would be very similar. I am not sure the
lower-end "regular, non-network" web cams would stand up well to the
commercial environment. They die quickly enough in a personal use
situation, not to mention outdoor use.
Estimated costs (low-ball):
Dell System: $600
Cabling: $150
Cams (7 x $80): $560
Software $200-$300
Router/Modem $100
Broadband connect $30/month
Better suited to just this application, rather than a general purpose
PC, perhaps, might be a dedicated video server -- a small unit
specifically designed for the one task, with the necessary software
for multiple channel input built right in.
VIDEO SERVERS:
AXIS 2400+ (4 Channel)
http://www.axis.com/products/cam_2400plus/index.htm
Multimedia VPN Server Center (Tiny Network Server, under $200)
http://store.yahoo.com/4ebuyer/muvpnsece.html
Video Server (List, $179)
http://stores.ebay.ca/SecureNet-Video-Corporation
StarDot Technologies Express 6
http://www.stardot-tech.com/express6/index.html
Further questions? Feel free.
---l
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