Question: What's the best (and/or easiest) way to get cctv system into my pc so I can
remotely access my X10 system and view the conditions? Can this be done simply
by adding an interface port to my computer and plugging in a camera or camera
system?
Answer:The easiest way would be to buy a simple TV Tuner/Video capture board
(typically around $100), and port the CCTV system into the composite
input of the tuner/capture card. This will allow you to view a single
input only, so you may want/need a device that allows you to switch
camera inputs. I have some IR controlled 4 camera sequencers starting
at $650. They allow for camera selection via IR control, and/or via a
built-in serial port, plus tons of other options (camera labeling,
RTC, various split screen and PIP modes, etc). A simple 4 camera
sequencer is about $150, and a simple quad-screen splitter is about
$550.
I also have a $820 device that connects to a PC parallel port that
allows you to have up to 4 color or B/W camera on screen in
moveable/sizeable windows, plus various recording and alarm functions.
