I'm looking at installing a CCTV system that has 3 camera's looking over each way in or out of our property and I want it to Connect to a dedicated PC. I dont know where to start looking and dont know how much money the system is likely to cost.

I would like it to only record images when motion is detected or a very large HDD will be needed.

Any input is greatly appriciated

You have two options - either IP-based video cameras which then go to a PC over the network, or video-based CCTV cameras which then require a TV capture card.

For the video ones, you can get a card like this:

Computer based DIY CCTV & PC CCTV

then you need to source your different TV cameras. You can get some small discrete ones which don't cost too much. If you want night surveillance, some models feature infrared LEDs which help night vision.

IP cameras also give you the option of going wireless, but they cost a fair bit more than normal composite video CCTV cameras. The cost difference will more than outset the cost of the composite TV capture card, and I think it's still a more reliable system than an IP-based one. Or rather you need to invest a lot of money to get decent IPTV based ones.

Capture cards normally come with software that will record the video on the hard drive, compress it and also allow motion detection.

I've never ventured into CCTV but I'd go with the PCI card and get some cheapish cameras.

Just done a quick check. Looks like the IP solution can be cheaper. CPC have a special offer on at the moment where an IP camera is £37.50 + VAT

Farnell InOne, distributors of electronic, electrical and industrial component products. Online ordering and 24 hour delivery as standard. and do a search for CS1215605

Comes with software for compression and motion detection. I *guess* there's no limitation to how many you can use. Of course you'll need cat5e running around the place and a small network switch to link them up to the PC.

Just done a quick check. Looks like the IP solution can be cheaper. CPC have a special offer on at the moment where an IP camera is