Any recommendations for a simple CCTV and alarm system to fit?

[HappyHippyDad]

Hello all..

I have been considering CCTV for a while. We have had a few break ins recently, so it's time to actually do it!

I'd like to try and do it myself, so I'm looking for a pretty simple CCTV system and perhaps an alarm.

Any suggestions chaps?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Probably no issue for here, but remember Hikvision is on the USA naughty list so if you are installing for a client who has USA business customers that might just be an issue.

What's the 'naughty list' PC? Environment, spying??

 

[Dartlec]

That is worth knowing. A bit of searching eventually found how owns them:

Is Reolink A Good Brand? - brainyhousing

Our discussion will be brief and to the point. These cameras are excellent. When it comes to entertainment and app functionality, Reolink‘s cameras are among the best on the market. There were, however, some slight delays between notification & live view while using Reolink’s Argus 2 or Argus...

brainyhousing.com

So Chinese but not on the naughty list, a few issues, but overall seems fine

What software do you use?
We have been using Vivotek's own stuff (they are Taiwanese, though cameras are made in China) and it is OK, better than we expected in many ways, but Windows-only and latest promises all sorts of cloud-based stuff we do not want to touch.

Reolink seem to update their firmware relatively often, which is always a bonus - and the issues they had with some software (I Frame setting related) they claim to have fixed with the latest version.

Their mobile app is by far the best of the ones I've tried too, and doesn't need a subscription unless you want the cloud stuff.

I use Agent DVR mainly now for recording, running in Docker, though I also have a backup using the QVR Elite software that comes with my QNAP NAS.

Agent is free, with subscription for remote access through an app (though possible to set that up manually if you know what you're doing). The subscription also lets me tie into Home Assistant quite nicely, so I can disable internal recording when I'm home.

Runs on Windows, Linux or Docker, so lots of choices, though obviously a dedicated NVR is easier for clients as less maintenance or set up.

 

[pc1966]

What's the 'naughty list' PC? Environment, spying??

A bit of both. Essentially the accusation is the company is working with, or directly controlled, but the Chinese government/military.

So the obvious risk to any USA company is the cameras being back-doored to allow an (easier) intrusion to the host network. For example, via the cloud-based app sort of software, or hidden in checks for software updates, etc.

The other more disturbing aspect/accusation is they are actively involved in the support and management of the Uyghur internment camps that China seems so secretive about:

CCTV watchdog criticises Hikvision Uyghur response

UK surveillance camera commissioner criticises failure to answer "basic questions".

www.bbc.com

 

[pc1966]

So the obvious risk to any USA company is the cameras being back-doored to allow an (easier) intrusion to the host network. For example, via the cloud-based app sort of software, or hidden in checks for software updates, etc.

Of course any competent company anywhere in the world would have a separate network for CCTV, etc, and have it firewalled from going out as well as coming in to mitigate this sort of risk.

The number of truly competent companies can, it seems, be counted on a few fingers...