Starting from SCRATCH (almost)

[yoerz]

Hi everybody,

I recently started working for this store that has a about 5 security cameras already installed, but its a pretty old system, with an old computer connected to some VCR or something.

We wanted to upgrade it so we called the company and they want WAYYY too much money for a new system. So I thought, hell.. I already have the cameras installed, I'll buy a new computer and do it myself.

The way I figured it - I'll get a new computer, install linux on it, put Zone Minder, get the X-Guard 9 Port system (only 200$) and I'm set.

So basically my question is this. Am I right?

I mean, do I need a new PCI Card or can i use the old one? it looks like its still ok, but I don't want to take the chance that it doesn't work on ZoneMinder, and also maybe the other company locked it or something,
In fact, maybe they locked the cameras! Can i use the cameras?
They seem to have a standard connection..

Anyway, I would REALLY appreciate some advice!

Thanks a lot!

[yoerz]

since no one wants to reply, let me refine my question.

The current card we have is:
Digital Video Recoder Model Num. HICAP50A / B
techwell TW 99

Will this card work on ZoneMinder or do I have to get another one?

and whats the difference between older cards and newer cards..?

[voronwe]

Hi Yoerz

since no one wants to reply, let me refine my question.

The current card we have is:
Digital Video Recoder Model Num. HICAP50A / B
techwell TW 99

Will this card work on ZoneMinder or do I have to get another one?

Your card will work under ZoneMinder if it works under Linux, said in other words ZoneMinder dont use drivers to the card, linux does. So if linux supports your card, you should be set.

and whats the difference between older cards and newer cards..?

The main diffrence is that the newer cards might be faster, grapping with higher fps and so on.

[maciekc]

since no one wants to reply, let me refine my question.

The current card we have is:
Digital Video Recoder Model Num. HICAP50A / B
techwell TW 99

Will this card work on ZoneMinder or do I have to get another one?

and whats the difference between older cards and newer cards..?

I have tried to get HICAP100 to work in linux.
The manufacturer has drivers for linux, but they really suck.
You can get images in jpeg format - via attached simple source code. If you're programmer you'll get it work with zoneminder. I couldn't do that by myself.
If you want I can send you drivers and simple source code.

Better use some oem bt878 card - last time I bought one noname for about 140$ - 4 chip, 8 input - 100fps.

[yoerz]

Thanks for the reply guys, I really appriciate it..

This card has never worked with Linux (at least not on our systems) only with some old windows 98 program that we dont want to use any more.

But buying a new card is find by me... I think we need the upgrade.
What do you guys recommend as the "easiest" card out there, one that EVERYBODY supports, and everybody has drivers for?

(and is also cheap