which recording s/w for PTZ IP camera (long)

E39MSport

Hi,

I have 3 IP cameras around the house. One, at the front, is an advanced panasonic iPro camera which covers almost all of the functionality that I require (tracking, alerting, web access, image storage on SD or FTP to local computer and/or attached to Email alert). However, remote access requires ocx installation which is barred on my work laptop, so I can't access from the office without using a personal laptop.

The others are an external Panasonic fixed for the rear and an internal panasonic. These 2 also have internal web servers but deliver less functionality. They do however offer Videomotion detection triggering image storage and alerting. Unfortunately Panasonic hasn't fully standardised the interfaces for the cameras.

At the moment, I have 3 static IP's on the LAN for the cameras and access to ports 81, 82 and 83 are forwarded to the respective cameras. I use dynamicdns to handle the dynamic IP assignment from eircom. Even with my crappy 1Mb "broadband" (I am remote), the remote access is adequate for me. Obviously, I have to access the cameras seperately in different browsers.

Ideally, I'd like recording of images from all 3 cameras on software motion detection to ba managed by one recording app that can be accessed remotely allowing me to view and conrtol (where applicable) the 3 cameras in one screen.

This is where my dilema is. I tried milestone which is too unintuitive and difficult to use. Yesterday I got icatcher set up which looked good and tiked all the boxes (no ocx either) until I found that it doesn't support iPro PTZ. Also, I'm very happy with the PTZ cameras funtionality and I don't really want some software to emulate its functionality after spending all that money on it in the first place. I found with icatcher that when the ptz camera itself tracks a moving object, it totally messes up icatcher, even when the camera is panning on guard duty. So, its my understanding that I have to basically switch off the cameras fucntions and hande over control to the recroding software which imo is less rich in function and not as good at motion detection.

Has anyone got a recording/serving solution for multiple cameras (one or more PTZ) that they are happy with? No sales pitches please.

Currently, I am thinking of going with one of the Panasonic bundled apps to simply records images from all cameras on vmd (not a signal from the camera but secondary detection as the cameras also detects and tracks) and continue to access the cameras individually over the internet.

I'm a bit disappointed with Panasonic tbh. Suc great kit but such rubbish integration and software.

K
(sorry for the long post and the muddled nature)

bushy...

Team viewer http://www.teamviewer.com would enable you to log in to a PC at home , it might tide you over until you find a more suitable solution.

FusionNet

I am at a loss as to why you got all these different cameras in the first place? Did you purchase them yourself at seperate times or did someone sell them to you with the promise that they'd work? Also are you looking for a free/cheap option or willing to spend more hard earned euro and get it right?

Now before I go forward and recommend everything (and to be honest statements like "no sales pitches" will put people off helping you as remember its hard to be a securuty installer and recommend a product with out it seeming like we're trying to sell you something. On this forum we all help people out) can you please specify what cameras you have with detailed model numbers and any other required information. I have one idea for a solution but Id need to confirm those cameras will def work, unlike your last software attempts.

Talk soon

E39MSport

Thanks Bushy. I've been thinking of that solution also - nice one.

FusionNet, I have: -
Panasonic BL-C121
Panasonic BL-C140
Panasonic WV-NS202A
I bought them because I wanted to. Suggestions welcome.

FusionNet

thats grand well at least someone didnt try and pull the wool over your eyes. I know of a piece of software that should work. Im just making a call now to confirm and If the supplier confirms all your cams will work Ill post up the software. Its pretty cheap..

E39MSport

merci bien