Jan 17, 2019

DIY Home Security Surveillance System - Part 4

Updated: Sep 21, 2019

System Components & Cost

This is the fourth in a series of six articles that is intended to provide you all of the necessary information to install a good and reliable camera system while helping to remove any uncertainty associated with purchasing the proper hardware. Simply put, the goal of this series is to help you determine the appropriate system hardware and components to ensure proper protection of your most valued assets. In this article I intend to provide you with information about the components that you may want to consider when planning the layout your surveillance system. I also will give you an idea of the cost that you may expect for a DIY surveillance system.

Prior Important Content

If you missed the previous articles of this series allow me to encourage you to take the opportunity to review them. Particularly, I suggest that you watch the previous two articles. In the second edition of this series I compare and contrast the PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras to WiFi cameras and make recommendations regarding the best cameras for indoor and outdoor surveillance systems. In the third article talk about the many elements that you will want to consider when planning the layout your surveillance system. That article gave multiple tips for the enhancement of your surveillance coverage, it also addressed many factors that you must consider for the proper placement of your Network Video Recorder. Be sure to check them out.

The NVR is the Heart of the Surveillance System

That said; let’s talk about equipment and cost. Be sure that I will leave a complete component list in the video description that is included below this video. The heart of any Power over Ethernet surveillance system is a good Network Video Recorder or NVR. The NVR that I selected was Amcrest NV4108E-HS. This unit features 8CH Recording, Playback & Live View supporting up to 8 Amcrest IP Cameras. It provides up to 8MP/4K Resolution @ Real-Time 30fps. It also provides limited support for third party brand ONVIF compliant IP Cameras.

The NVR software provides intelligent search, playback, and backup functions. These functions provide enhanced ease of use and security. The NVR is Plug & Play. It is easy to setup and easy to configure. You can scan the provided QR Code on NVR from the "Amcrest View" app to instantly access live viewing and playback.

The NVR connects to and manages all the POE IP cameras on your network directly through their Ethernet cables for ultimate ease and convenience in a home security system. The throughput of 80Mbps enables you to watch things happen, as they happen, in real-time, providing highly reliable HD video without loss or delay. The unit also includes USB backup feature.

The NVR comes packaged with power supply, USB mouse, network cable, and quick start guide with user manual and CD and it is guaranteed for a Full Year from purchase. There is also US Support and US Warranty offered by Amcrest. My cost for the purchase of the NVR was $179.99 via Amazon.

You'll Need to Add a Surveillance Hard Drive

It is important to note that the Amcrest NVR is not shipped with the hard drive. The unit supports internal hard drives up to Six Terabytes. The hard drive needs to be purchased separately and installed. I installed the Western Digital Purple 4TB Surveillance Hard Disk Drive. The drive was simple to install. I followed the clear instructions provided in the quick start guide. I estimate that this size drive provides me with about 30 days of recorded activity, depending of the levels of motion detection. The cost at the time I purchased the drive was $108.99

Power Over Ethernet Cameras

I also purchased four Amcrest ProHD Outdoor 1080P POE Bullet IP Security Cameras. These cameras can be purchased at a cost of $60 per camera. I recently purchased a fifth camera that I will soon be installing. I did not include this additional camera in the cost of my initial installation price.

Network Wire, Connectors, Crimping Tool & Tester

I purchased 500 feet of Cat5e Ethernet Network LAN Cable. The cost of the cable was about $65 dollars. Add to that the cost for the Cat5e RJ45 Connectors. (I purchased a pack of 50 connectors), a crimping tool, and connection tester. These additional items cost around $30.

Total Surveillance System Cost

Adding all of these items together I arrived at a total system installation cost of $634.38

As mentioned in the beginning of this video, I have included product links in the description below for your convenience. Please feel free to use them to investigate product reviews and current product price information.

I trust the information presented in this article has gotten you a little more comfortable with installing your own surveillance system. If you are currently considering the installation of security cameras, I am certain that you will eventually come to the same conclusion that I did; the relatively low cost and minimal effort needed to install a good and reliable camera system is not only a good idea, it is also a very wise investment. The peace of mind I have gained by after installing my Amcrest system is invaluable to me. If you are contemplating the purchase of a good and reliable surveillance system be certain to check out the component list for my system listed below.

Thanks for reading this intro segment on Home Video Surveillance. Be sure to subscribe to this website so that you'll get notice of the additional articles in this series!