We want to bump up our building security with video.
Based on my initial requirements analysis we've come up with some basic requirements.
1) Decent low-light (greater than 20 feet is likely).
2) At least a 6 camera DVR, but I know we'll likely end up with 8, 12, or 16 depending on what's out there.
3) Wiring will have to be installed, maybe through walls (we are two story), so RG-59 Siamese is the option. This also means I want a power distribution panel for the cams.
4) No audio needed for the system, though if the DRV includes it (likely will), I may utilize it.
5) A degree of stealth would be needed, we have white walls and almost any type of camera would stick out like Obama at a Tea Party rally.
6) There are only three doors in or out of this place believe it or not, for a big two story building. So covering the these doors are essential, however, many windows are ground level so I have to try and cover as much space as possible. This makes me wonder if we need wide-angle lenses, fish-eye or some other specialty lens. I can't put a camera in every office, but in any case this means at least 2 to 4 more cams.
If anybody has thoughts on the above, or has any further questions I should be asking, that would help.
As for the DVR, this is where I'm stuck. I know we would like basic after-hours motion-detect recording. Since the cameras are indoors, this seems the best way to do it. However, I'd also like a "secret" or stealth copy of all recorded video to be sent over the network to a NAS or even a workstation in case thieves try to steal or destroy the DVR. I've seen DVRs with backup DVD-R burners and even second HDDs, but of course the best way is an immediate mirror on an external recorder.
I realize the DRVs can be installed in lockable cages mounted to the wall and so forth, I will use all these techniques in my design, but still would want a secondary copy off the DVR.
I am torn on the functionality of web/network connecting, as well as during-hours operation. I've already got employees getting the creeps thinking they will be recorded or "watched" all day. While I don't want that either, by getting a remotely-viewable DVR, I can see the bosses sitting at home staring at us all day. On the other hand, if we had a robbery attempt during hours, naturally the video recording would be just as valuable as after-hours. How would I handle that? I thought about setting up the DVR (if possible) so that unless there is some reason to keep the video, a 24 window would go by and it would be automatically deleted (this is only if I let it record during work hours).
Can I set this up to record and auto-delete during work hours, but use motion detection and keep the recordings for after hours? I wouldn't want the motion-detect recordings deleted until after review, but don't care about the day time auto-deletes unless there is some reason to manually save it.
If I can't do such a complicated arrangement, what is the best practice here? Is it normal for an office complex to have video recording all day? Since this is also our warehouse, we have a lot of valuables here so an attempted robbery during the day, while extremely unlikely given the number of employees here, is not impossible. In that sense I thought about a "panic button" of some sort where any employee could quickly "start a recording". If that's not possible, then perhaps I could set up two or three workstations (such as the manager) that would be able to view live feed and begin recording if they see anything suspicious.
I'm just not sure what is practical, reasonable, efficient, standard, and the least maintenance.
One last requirement is that I want to battery power the DVR and power panel so that if power is cut to the building, I will get at least 10 to 20 minutes or more of recording. I would NOT want the battery backup to be flashing lights, beeping or otherwise exposing that it is keeping the system live. I don't want cameras flashing lights to expose themselves in the dark. It has to be battery backed up but also silent and stealth. Because of this, a robust way to message me or the manager upon these conditions (motion detect at night, battery activated etc). Perhaps connecting to phone and calling/texting. Perhaps connected to Internet for instant message or Email etc. If the DVR is able to Email me reports such as length of time recorded previous day, amount of space used, space free, and other general metrics like whether it has been remotely viewed and for how long, a log file of activities, that's helpful.
So what do you guys know about all this stuff? What else should I be looking at? And do you have any manufacturer or other recommendations, good websites to shop at, etc etc.
Thanks!