Network cameras

Consider the Axis M1054 for indoor use and the ACTi ACM-1231 for outdoor use, both of which are megapixel and can stream audio to SecuritySpy. If you need a camera with pan/tilt/zoom control, the Panasonic HCM715 for indoor use and the the Toshiba IK-WB15A for outdoor use are both excellent choices.

Ethernet switch or wireless access point

All wired cameras must be connected to an Ethernet switch - ideally a Gigabit speed switch. Connecting the cameras by wired Ethernet offers the best performance and reliability, but wireless cameras can also be used, which require a wireless router or access point.

Cabling

Use Cat-5 or Cat-5e Ethernet cables to connect your Mac and each camera to the Ethernet switch.

Mac

A quad-core iMac or Mac mini will support up to 20 standard-resolution cameras, or 6 megapixel cameras. Approximately 600 GB of free disk space provides a month of storage.

A dual-core Mac mini will support up to 10 standard-resolution cameras, or 3 megapixel cameras. Approximately 300 GB of free disk space provides a month of storage.


Overview

Choosing a system
    Types of camera
    Progressive scan
    System demands

Example systems
    Budget
    Home or small business
    Professional

Network cameras
    Choosing network cameras
    Network hardware
    Ethernet cabling
    Local networks
    Setting up network cameras
    Setting up wireless cameras
    Network camera notes

Analogue cameras
    Analogue cabling
    Quad processors
    Choosing input hardware
    Network video servers
    PCI input cards
    Firewire inputs
    USB inputs

FireWire and USB webcams

Audio input
    Microphones

Remote monitoring
    Internet connection
    Seting up your Mac
    Setting up your router

Triggering actions

Getting help

Example systems – Home or
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