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General discussion

Poll: Are you considering home video surveillance?

Apr 25, 2014 10:01AM PDT
Are you considering home video surveillance?

-- Yes. (What is your need for it?)
-- No. (Are you against it, or do you have no need?)
-- I already have one installed. (How's it working out?)
-- Not at the moment, but maybe in the future.
-- Other reasons. (What is it?)

Vote here: http://forums.cnet.com/2706-21566_102-2412.html

Discussion is locked

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Inexpensive DIY system installed
Apr 25, 2014 11:39AM PDT

I live in a remote area with a 1/2 mile private road to the house. Video surveillance is part of my security system. I have a monitored security system in the house (a DIY project). I also have sensor buried under the road at the gate (1/2 mile from the house) to trigger an alarm in the house when someone is approaching with a vehicle. In addition to sounding alarm, the driveway system, if I choose, will also activate a dialer to call my cell phone with a message. I have three wireless video cameras (Insteon system) which I can view on my smartphone to see who/what is coming down the road and around the house. The Insteon system also allows me to remotely turn on lights which may freak out any intruder. As a backup, I have several Reconyx cameras (license plate and color photo) placed in strategic places and encased in locked, metal security boxes to take a series of still photos of any traffic on the road to the house and around the house day or night. Of course, the still cameras catch a lot of wildlife and normal activity around the house. Usually the memory cards can be reformatted after a very quick review of photos unless you want to keep the deer, fox, coyote and bobcat photos to show friends.

It may sound paranoid, but the local newspaper lists about 20 crimes in the area on a daily basis. You probably would install a similar system.

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I am researching a DIY system
Apr 25, 2014 4:49PM PDT

I am looking for a geed DIY setup but not formost for security. My Mother has chosen to live out her years in her home of almost sixty yrs. Her home is two story and she chooses to live solo a good bit of the time so I fear for her safety, especially the stairs. I am looking at installing a camera looking at the base of the stairs (conveniently the front door so I get safety and security with one camera). Another will cover family room (also covering back door) and another camera in the kitchen. It will have all of the typical bells and whistles like the other emails talked about and I really liked the one about covering his long driveway.