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[ca95965]

This is all completely new to me and I want to be sure that I get the right components.  I am probably going to get the 4-cam security system for $269, but I live way up in the woods and need this system right away, so please advise me if you know for sure how I make sure that I:

am able to view camera views on my PC

have audio capabilities for each of the 4 cameras (yesterday while on this site I found a place where you could upgrade individual units to include audio for ten bucks each but today can't seem to find it and really need this feature)

and could someone PLEASE explain to me the concept of wireless ?  I am a dweeb with this and don't understand why if it's called wireless it needs cable or cords, but see that it does.  I also see that it says that each camera needs to be within 100' of the transceiver, but I do not know if this is because that is the longest length of cord that comes for each or if that is the farthest I can place my cameras from the transceiver for them to work. 

Also, and this is something I am confused about because I have been back and forth to so many pages of the site, I would like to understand how to upgrade the units to record by sensory input or if that capability is included and the manual and software will be enough to take care of that

I just want to be sure that I completely understand this so I can order my system right away - I have criminals destroying my property and need evidence for resolving the problem. 

So... assuming I buy the 4-cam system at the top of this page
http://www.x10.com/products/xx16a_as_cam_41806_promo_vcr_2_0418.html, what do I need to order extra to upgrade these cameras so that they are also audio, and if the 100' thing I read is not to be interpreted to mean that I can't put any  of the cameras more than 100' away then I would want to also order extra cords, since I live in the woods and there are many places where these vandals have entered and it's acreage that is not fenced.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Mary

[x10challanged]

Welcome to the forums ca95965,
The concept of wireless is video/audio transmission without cable.  You do have to provide a power source for your cameras to plug into.  You should check your local laws concerning audio recording without consent, though it is a nice feature it may not be legal in your state or city.
100' is the distance "unobstructed" that this system will receive video transmission.  It may be less if you are going through trees, walls or anything else in the "line of sight" between the camera and receiver wireless antenna.
If you are going past the 100' in a wooded area I don't think you will get the results you are looking for with wireless,  you probably would have a more reliable system that is hard wired.  That will take a little more work but since you will need to run electricity to your cameras you can run video/audio cables at the same time.
I am not fimiliar with the hard wired systems so hopefully someone else here can give you information about that.

[ca95965]

Thanks, Challenged.  I was wondering about the obstruction issue and am glad you brought that up.  So that leaves me asking again, just what IS wireless?  You said the transmission, so does that mean each camera has to be plugged in to the transceiver but from that transceiver to the computer where I can view and hear the feed is wireless?  I'm pretty confused here.

As for the legal aspect, thanks also for bringing that up.  I have had signs posted for some time stating that due to problems I have had here that all intruders must expect to be photographed and taped, and do intend to also post the things that come with the cameras once I have them too.

Anyone out there who can explain exactly what hard wired means as opposed to wireless?

Mary

[x10challanged]

Wireless means that you do not require a cable to be run from the camera to receiver for video/audio.  Images are instead sent to your receiver via radio wave .  However, you still have to get electricity to your camera so it can send and receive radio waves via its antenna.  So "wireless" refers to the video/audio not to the electrical.  Compare it to a TV antenna getting it's signal from the TV station.  Then the antenna is connected to your TV's receiver for viewing

"Hardwired" does not refer to a wireless camera, but instead to a camera that requires a cable to be run from the camera to a video receiver. So compare that to "Cable TV" where the cable comes from the closest telephone pole to a receiver usually close to your TV and from there to your TV for viewing.

That is about the best comparison I can give for the differences between them.

As far as "transmission"  with wireless the  receiver which is connected to your computer will receive the radio waves "transmitted" from all cameras.  Each camera will have a different setting i.e C1, C2, C3 etc. so your computer will know which camera you want to view.

Wired cameras work the same except you have cables plugged directly into you receiver from each camera.

Hope that helps

[ca95965]

Thanks very much.  That does make it easier for me to understand.  I still need to find something, if such a thing exists, that will allow me also have a camera working at the end of my property where there is no power and which is too far to run extension cords to also.  There's no cable up here and I don't have any satellite service, either, so maybe that won't be possible at all.

Thank again.

Mary

[x10challanged]

I do not know of any camera system that does not require electricity or battery power to operate.  Any "wireless" will be limited by obstruction i.e. trees, walls etc.  All battery powered cameras I know of only last a few hours before you have to replace the batteries.  I think your best bet would be to run electricity and video cables to where you want to install your cameras.  You may want to contact your local security companies and see if they have any other recommendations for you to research further.
Good luck

[dave w]

X10challenged, really isn't very challenged at all. He is on the mark with regard to cameras requiring power and a way to get video back to your monitor or TV.

FWIW:
If the 100' transmission range is within your scope then power is the real obstacle. X10 makes a battery pack for their cameras but operating time is only about 4 hours for eight AA cells. doubt you will find that acceptable. However, I have seen a remote installation using a car battery to power a (non X10) camera. The battery needed to be swapped for freshly charged battery weekly. I think it ran 24/7 but not sure. It was a short term kluge to watch some remote radio gear for a few weeks. Just a thought.