[TriLUG] PoE cameras (for security) and software to record them

[e.m.fields]

Hi David
I've been looking into this problem myself. I'm using ubuntu karmic on a 
couple of somewhat underpowered laptops and hoping to set up a wireless 
network for home surveillance due to a home care situation.

I've researched a little bit about the cameras, and it seems like the 
most bang for the buck in the sub $100 range (with wireless ) is these 
little Linksys IP cameras 
<http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=wireless+camera&ved=0CD8QrQQwAg&show=dd&cid=13007843675613481358&sa=title&os=reviews#>.

As far as configuring the cameras:
I know that I can do this with windows XP without too much trouble, but 
I'd like to be able to manage it with linux... some of these cameras 
require, for no sensible reason that I can determine, that you configure 
them using a windows exe on a CD through Internet Explorer. Mmkay?

*I'd like to hear confirmation from someone who has done this w linux. 
**Anyone?
*

Regarding recording to disk:
Again, I am concerned that these cameras probably include some 
proprietary windows software and no documentation on how to do it by any 
other means. I am certain I can get live video over the net 
webcam-style, but not sure about recording it.

Software:
Read good reviews about this: http://www.zoneminder.com/


Please let me know of any further progress or success with your setup. I 
take it you're going to do this via ethernet instead of wireless?

Thanks
- matt fields


David McDowell wrote:
> Hi folks.  I know I'm looking for the opinions of Greg Brown on this one.  I
> believe he may be our resident expert, however I'm open to the thoughts from
> all.  I have acquired some power over ethernet injectors and thought I could
> use them to put up some video cameras for fun, like aimed at my front door,
> back door, etc.  I also figured there's no point to that without software to
> display/capture the video and log it.
>
> Any suggestions out there for the hardware and software?  I would prefer the
> software be open source, linux based and hopefully easy to use, but I'll
> take options for open source on win, lin or mac.
>
> thanks,
> David
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