How to Build a Home Video Security System With your computer

As the cost for video surveillance equipment continues to tumble, making DIY surveillance more accessible for more budgets, and as the technology becomes more user-friendly, many homeowners are opting to put together a video security system they can operate from a home desktop computer. There are two approaches to this project: using wired or wireless camera methods.
Instructions---------------------------------------------
With Wireless Cameras

Step 1

Purchase a wireless surveillance camera that comes with a receiver module. You can also purchase multiple-camera sets tuned to work with a single receiver on the proper radio frequencies. If you buy separate cameras, each with their own receiver module, you may need to manually tune each camera so they will not experience radio frequency conflicts. Multi-camera bundles generally require no complicated manually tuning.

Step 2

Install the wireless cameras in the proper locations, screwing the bases to a stable surface if possible. Plug the wireless camera into a power source using the special AC adapter, which will come with the camera for this purpose. A standard wireless camera AC adapter cable will be about 3-feet long. Use a standard power extension cord to extend the "reach" of the AC adapter block to the nearest power outlet.

Step 3

Plug the video camera receiver unit into a power outlet near your computer. Connect the receiver to your computer using the adapter included in the package: the type of connection used will depend on the make and model of your camera system. How the video images are then displayed on your computer, or how they may be recorded to your hard drive, will be determined by the make and model of the wireless system.

Step 4

Tweak your wireless cameras as necessary. Because wireless cameras use a UHF radio frequency to send images from the camera to the receiver box they are prone to some reception problems, especially when used around cordless telephones, wireless intercoms, some cell phones and devices that use a lot of electricity. Adjust your camera placement so it has a "clearer shot" to the receiver box if you experience fuzzy or "rolling" picture from a wireless camera.
With Hard Wired Cameras

Step 1

Purchase a video "splitter" or "multiplexing" PC card for your desktop computer. This is a video card that offers a port, or several ports, for connecting hard-wired video surveillance cameras directly to your computer. Video camera PC cards can be purchased separately or bundled with the video cameras intended for this use. Most bundled packages will come with software that will split your computer monitor into the appropriate sections to make it possible to view multiple cameras,
Step 2

Install the video card in your machine. Unplug all the rear cables and open the side cover to your computer. Locate an open PC expansion slot and remove the screw holding the slot cover. Remove the metal slot cover and discard it. Insert the new video card into the slot. Reinstall the screw to hold the video card to the chassis frame. Re-cable and start your computer.

Step 3

Install the drivers and any software package that came with the add-on video card. Insert the Set Up disc in your CD or DVD drive and start the Set Up program. The program will walk you through the installation of the drivers and any software. Reboot your computer when this Set Up is complete.

Step 4

Install the hard-wired video cameras in chosen locations. Screw the camera bases to stable surfaces if possible. Most hard-wired cameras derive power from the cable connection and won't need to be plugged into a power outlet. Some cameras, however, may indeed need to be plugged in to a wall outlet however. Access to power outlets, particularly in outdoor or remote camera locations, is a consideration when buying surveillance cameras. Look for cameras that do not require direct power if this may be a problem.

Step 5

Connect one end of the video feed cable to the camera and run it back to your computer. If the cameras have an "on" switch, turn the cameras on before leaving the camera location. Most surveillance camera bundles come with 50-foot, 100-foot or 200 foot cables, but you can also purchase longer cables if necessary. Plug the other end of the camera cable into the port on your video add-on card. Repeat this for any other cameras.

Step 6

Start your video surveillance software program and evaluate the images the cameras should now be sending to your PC. You may want to tweak or adjust the cameras so they pick up the proper view.

Step 7

Set up any image recording program that may come with your bundle package. This makes it possible to use your computer like a DVR and record images directly to your hard drive. Most surveillance DVR modules can be adjusted to record continuously or only when motion in front of the camera trips the camera sensors.