Security Camera System for Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA HOA

Started by JenniferR • 9 replies • 2190 views

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JenniferR (California)
Posts: 9

Posted:

Do you have any experience yet with HOA’s monitoring a camera security system (analog cameras to a DVR) via the web (in addition to having the DVR in their garage room) and uploading the video from the cameras/DVR (which does it come from ?? – I’m assuming it has to go thru the DVR as the DVR has the software loaded…) and what their costs have been? Anyone that I can talk to to piggy-back on their experience?

I’m investigating getting either DSL or CABLE for the HOA for the 15 camera security system we're thinking of installing. (Car breakins and graffiti are main reasons) Will 1 static IP address be sufficient for us? What UPLOAD SPEED do we need to order from either AT&T or Earthlink (DSL service) or TIME WARNER CABLE to facilitate getting the video onto the web? So far, all I see is 768k as an upload speed. (Download speed is different) and prices are around $110 per month (which is already pricy to add to our budget) Has anyone ever had satellite service for this kind of application? Is it better? What kind of download speed do we need on our individual computers?

We're a 40-unit condo property in 7 buildings spread over about 1 1/4 acre lot in San Fernando Valley. The lot is about 300 feet deep and 200 feet wide with a subterranean garage. Most of the cameras will go in the garage, but a few will be outside.

If your condo already has experience in installing these systems, I'd like to hear about it!
Jennifer

MikeS1
Posts: 668

Posted:

I have a wireless linksys internet cam hooked up to my router and it works pretty well except for at night, until I added more lights. Motion detector works great (150-200ft). It was a little difficult to configure auto-email alerts in the router and part of the problem stems from the fact that most ISP's don't allow you to use auto-forward using SMTP. Hooking it up to a DVR is a no-brainer. If you want to connect to it via the internet, you have to setup TCP/UDP port forwarding which is a pain; but there is a service that you can purchase from Linkysys for about $20/per month that makes it very easy to dial into the cameras from the internet. We're getting ready to setup the same type of security system for the Pool/Clubhouse as well.

MikeS1
Posts: 668

Posted:

ISP access may very depending on where you are located. Satellite broadband is very slow and I don't recommend it if you can get DSL or cable. Most ISPs don't care how many devices are hooked up to your network and very few charge per device, but some will register the mac address and charge you per pc. An asymetric dsl with 968kb download is fine for what you want to do. If you continuously monitor the cameras remotely, DSL is Ok, but you might want to consider just using a DVR and either use a direct connection or wireless connection from the DVR to the camera, if you can locate the DVR within a reasonable distance of the cameras.

hoatalk (California)
Posts: 603

Posted:

You may want to also investigate any liability with your insurance agent/attorney. I have heard that our local schools here will not install video cameras due to potential liability, because they can't ensure they are monitored and working 100% of the time. May not be true, but something to consider....Is there any implied service level if the cameras are mounted and owners know about them? What if something happens and the cameras are not working? What if a resident assumes they are monitored and they are not? Just something to consider....

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JenniferR (California)
Posts: 9

Posted:

Thanks Mike,

Appreciate your reply. It's actually 768 kb for the upload that I was inquiring about (not 968 download -- but I figured that was just a typo). We're trying to gauge whether an internet monitoring ability (simply for our board members' convenience) is cost effective or not. Certainly we can rely on the DVR ...but in the middle of the night, when a panicked homeowner calls saying they hear alarms going off in the garage and aren't sure whether there is a problem, no board member is ever going to go down there to check it out (until after the fact) for obvious reasons. Police are stretched SO THIN in Los Angeles, this kind of a call is a very low priority - so we're kind of on our own to police ourselves. Your advice to rely on the DVR will certainly be the most cost effective but not as user friendly as we'd like....

We're still waiting for a bid and reply from the security camera company which, I think, is delayed because of all the wildfires here in California. Lots of folks not going to work and attending to things close to home.

I would, however, like to hear from other HOA's that have installed multiple camera systems (where there was no computer network previously) to hear their stories. I've given up on the IP camera system as it requires the same kind of hard-wire installation (cable inside conduit whether it's coax or Cat 5 or Cat 6) as the other (analog cameras recorded to the digital DVR) and the IP system cameras are MUCH more expensive. Plus you have to maintain a network in a more complicated way. Wireless isn't an option for us as there's too much distance and too much cement between the camera locations and where the DVR would be located.

As to the suggestion from the HOATalk moderator re: legal issues and implied -- I guess we'll need to include a disclaimer in the rules and regulations that gets us off the hook -- something to the effect that the system is intended as "assistance" in identifying potential vandals and not intended as an actual deterrent to crime (although it would be a nice side benefit).

MikeS1
Posts: 668

Posted:

Unless you're a geek, you're right to consult with a professional due to the type of building that you currently have.

AdrianC (California)
Posts: 36

Posted:

Very interested to follow this thread as we are currently in search for hotel type key cards/ keyless entry fobs for our pool and laundry rooms clubhouse and maybe gates, also we need video too.

We are thinking of a "Proof of concept" installation with 2-3 high res low light cameras and a 16 channel DVR, that will record up to one months activity on a single blue ray type disc. We could then add up to even 32 camaras as they are motion activated and recorder would switch between cameras as they activate.

Do not have a current price list to hand, but can get one and let you know details if you like.

We have been advised to go "cable" as the wireless systems are subject to all types of interference. We will probably test both side by side to see.

See also the other discussion on keyless entry.

AdrianC

JenniferR (California)
Posts: 9

Posted:

AdrianC,
Could you explain what you mean by "Proof of concept" installation? Does that mean that an installer is going to install a 3 camera system with the DVR and the internet/cable access and THEN you either give the go-ahead to add more - or does the installer take it all away with no charge if you don't like it?

(I read it that you would simply stop at the 3 cameras if you didn't like the system and eat the cost.... but I might be wrong, therefore the question)

I'd be glad to show you what we've come up with so far in detail and
I'd like to follow your progress as well on both fronts - the camera system as well as the keyless entry/fob scenario.

E-mail me directly at [email protected] so we can exchange a bigger volume of information.
Jennifer

10/27/2007 12:56 AM Quote Reply
Very interested to follow this thread as we are currently in search for hotel type key cards/ keyless entry fobs for our pool and laundry rooms clubhouse and maybe gates, also we need video too.

We are thinking of a "Proof of concept" installation with 2-3 high res low light cameras and a 16 channel DVR, that will record up to one months activity on a single blue ray type disc. We could then add up to even 32 camaras as they are motion activated and recorder would switch between cameras as they activate.

Do not have a current price list to hand, but can get one and let you know details if you like.

We have been advised to go "cable" as the wireless systems are subject to all types of interference. We will probably test both side by side to see.

See also the other discussion on keyless entry.

AdrianC

MikeS1
Posts: 668

Posted:

Jennifer - Keep us posted on this. I'm curious about this as well. Thanks.

JenniferR (California)
Posts: 9

Posted:

Well, here's some info appropriate for LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA and Security Cameras. Hope others can add to it!

We’re still waiting for the rest of the security camera system bids to come in but meanwhile here’s a piece of the puzzle:

GENERALLY NOT INCLUDED in a security camera system bid is the DSL or CABLE dedicated line that you need IF YOU WANT Board Members (or whoever is designated)to be able to view the recorded content via the internet on their own computers.

Here's my research on costs for a DEDICATED DSL LINE into a common area room for Security Camera System uplink for viewing over the internet.(October 2007):

And the WINNER IS EARTHLINK (for lowest per month cost!) (at around $80 bucks a month)

10/19/07 10:41 RE: EARTHLINK DSL LINE FOR SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM -- I spoke with Bruce Smith at Earthlink - 866-306-1885 -- can call till 4:30 on PST

He says we need a dedicated line -- (kind of looks like a cable line) to the site where the installation is and where there is a D-mark Zone (where a phone box is)

For 1 static IP address:

ADSL (Asynchonoous - different upload speed from the download speed)
768 kb upload /1.5 download + one static IP address $ 79.95 per month./12month contract.(month to month after that) free installation; taxes extra

Covad is subcontractor that does the installation, 2 to 2 ½ weeks from placing the order all should be ready. would install a dedicated line: $79.95 +Tax upfront fee/rebate on this -- 768 kb upload 1.5 download. (attached to a router) included in monthly reoccurring fee;

10/19/07 2:46p ; AT & T DSL LINE

Bob - DSL expert in Business Dept. 888-278-3533 [email protected]

Business Dept. general # is (800) 750-2355

Need a Dedicated line --

Static IP Address

ADSL - Elite level is 768 kb UPLOAD speed (5 static IP address) $84.99 DSL + 13.99 - tax and surcharge ($85 + $24) = $109 per month approx.

After order in, takes 3-5 days;

TIME WARNER CABLE DEDICATED LINE:

COSTS FOR CONDO SECURITY SYSTEM: -- TIME WARNER CABLE bandwidth -- upload speed -- Jeff Weise (310)974-1449 [email protected]

768 K upload (36 mo contract) $101 per month + static IP address $15 per month on any package = $116 per month

survey needed of site.

SO for other HOA Board members -- while you're getting bids from security camera vendors, add this to budget for recurring monthly HOA charges.

Anyone else have suggestions?

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