The tampering with/adjusting cameras is also an unknown concern of disquised cameras (changing bird feed?), which means more automation, higher level cameras(adjust by focus/tilt/rotate,...), and software which all have to be compatible. By the time I get it initially dialed in, the cat is out of the bag where its at.
AHP advertises turning on/off house lights predominantly but anything can do anything if you know how and got the money/time. I would rather not start off that complicated, or it would have reduced chances of success in the long run if can't start out simple.
Plus wireless have the batteries changed which is another bird feed change I guess. Wired sounds the best initially since all kinds of 2.4Ghz gadgets and gadgets made to disrupt wave ranges; and I'd want looking outward in a criss cross pattern in front and back with maybe a dummy camera for my visible's front and back (not having as many cameras as you evidently).
The bird house facing outward with no pedestal might be noticable. So bird houses and flood lamps are the main ideas on houses facing outward?
Have you ever been robbed yet? :-)
Thinking now about 2 IR w/audio cameras front and back w/internet storage (but I don't have 160GB storage on my scsi hard drives), and
I don't know how sound would be recorded per photos: although I realize its a different card to support, or if sound would be per realtime vcr storage and realtime exclusively. I would like to alarm and record movement of designated areas.
...... does hiding IR cameras behind flood lamps overshadow image with bright blotches when lamps are one, or does it switch modes back to color in brighter lights? Flood lamps seemed to be a way to get the proper angles for cross camerasupport without having items that can be tossed around with strong winds; and would turn on for physical encroachment at night time, where as camera alarms would be 24/7 and pointed to other places than physical encroachment.
...... is there problems with IR behind windows looking outside,
How do you disquise the red light in IR camera?
And just saw my 'high' camera position position today, from one of your earlier suggestions.
Thanks Kindly Dave!!
...Your house sounds magical...
first, place a large pail under your chin to catch the drool... 8) ).
Is there a centralized surveillance camera updated law data base anywhere, like what you can record visually and/or soundwise? Mainly I wanted to catch Nuisance sounds, and all talk would be Spanish mostly, which I don't know for the most part any way. I am in Florida which doesn't seem to have many laws comparable to other states in SE USA where I've lived most my life.
Your house sounds magical. It would be a good ad for X10 to have a video of your house systems, to show what is possible.
I'm still working on camouflaging IR cameras outside, but am anxious to get my control screen with motion activated alerts and flood lamps. I can't wait until my first clean bust, lol.
I don't know of anyway of "looking" at an IR LED (or IR camera), and knowing it's "Wavelength" of light output. IR cameras (and illuminators) generate IR light in the wavelength(s) between 850nm - 940nm.
The cameras are more sensitive to the lower 850nm... which is also HUMAN VISIBLE. The HIGHER wavelength (940nm) is NOT visible to humans.
The only way to know what your getting is to check the specs.
It would cost more, but may could use only one versus two cameras since will be sheltered behind wall anyway. Or at least can get lowest cost camera for cross vision redundancy.
One angle or view is usually paramount anyway.
X10 has a ninja, PAN AND TILT (CR14A) camera stand, that others have mounted a wired IR camera on. X10 also makes the Vanguard 44X Zoom Video Camera System with 1/2 mile ZOOM and NightVision. The Vanguard is (I believe) not intended for outside use, however because it doesn't use IR lights it can be used through a window.
Another way to increase your cameras nightvision effectiveness is to use decorative or security lighting around your home.
I'm not sure if this would be helpful to conceal your cams? I have two enclosed in a lexan cube which seems dark to the eye but IR cam see's through it.
Used the film mentioned in INFRARED GOGGLES FOR UNDER $10 (http://www.amasci.com/amateur/irgoggl.html) (Art/Photoshop place has it) in combo to get dark black cube so no one knows it's a cam but get motion detect on it. Obviously it gives you IR B/W image but just a thought.
My yard is full of squirrels but they can't get to birdhouses because hanging and they spin if they try. ::) :D
Good Luck
[TTA Edit: Combined 2 sequential posts; added description to LINK.]