Advice needed on security system
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These days even a low cost webcam might come bundled with enough software tol allow it to capture and e-mail an image or video upon motion detection by the camera itself. Some may even allow you to do this without subscribing to a 'middleman' service. You could probably also create the automated lighting via an inexpensive off the shelf PIR/light unit. But if you want a more professional solution capable of much more but at a realistic cost then the IDRATEK system might be what you're looking for:
You can achieve your requirements using just a few modules and the Cortex software from the IDRATEK system. Multiple cameras can be managed. Video or still image recording can be triggered on pretty much any measurable event including motion detection via the camera itself (and for this Cortex provides comprehensive access to image zone sensitivity settings). IDRATEK provide PIR detection modules but it is also easy to connect any off the shelf sensors into the system using inexepensive digital or analogue I/O modules. Similarly lights can be controlled via power control modules (most of which include some uncommitted digital inputs as well).
Camera handling features include: Recording of videos with sound, recording of still images, recording of 'film rolls' - which essentially means capture of a series of still images before and after the trigger event. All of these features and others can be triggered upon arbitrary signal or time events or via direct user demand. User selectable sensory or other data, eg. date/time, can be overlayed onto images. Various methods of displaying images/live video on the PC running Cortex are also provided.
Images, video clips and any other measured data for that matter can be automatically e-mailed. Events from any sensors or abstract signals such as 'end of video recording' can cause such e-mails to be sent. The system can also action other functions upon any such events eg. calling any phone numbers, flashing lights, or essentially actioning anything else to which the system is connected.
Remote access to the IDRATEK system is achievable by internet web browser, phone or even e-mail. The Cortex web server automatically creates a web page structure for your setup through which you can access, for example, camera features and any videos or images. Immediate control can also be exercised via the remote web browser eg. take immediate snapshot or start video recording etc. Any other data (present or historical) can also be easily viewed. The web server provides password secured access for multiple users with independently configurable security settings for each user - down to individual object level.
No middleman is required - you simply need standard phone/modem/ISP services to the Cortex running PC.
Aside from the camera and security functionality the system has much much more to offer. Cost for the basic services that you mention will probably be in the region of a few hundred £s - excluding the cost of the PC which you would dedicate to the system.
For any further details you can directly contact: kzkaram@idratek.com
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Originally Posted by Karam
