Great topic! I think what you want is a video surveillance system. This involves a number of cameras and a PC that records the video from the camera, like a DVR. The software in the PC can be setup to only record when it detects motion. I looked into this a few years ago and there was at least one open source project for the software that records the video from the cameras. I'd love to hear from somebody that's actually set up a system like this and what they recommend. Andy. From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net [mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Owen Freeman-Daniels Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2009 10:01 AM To: Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net Subject: [Hidden-tech] Motion-detectors, camera suggestions, safety In light of the recent fires that have taken place in Northampton that are suspected arson, there has been much chatter about the installation of motion-detecting flood lights on the porches and homes of Northampton residents. Another suggestion has been the use of video cameras running during the night. Some are talking about positioning them inside their homes looking outward, others are talking about setting them up on their properties looking into the street. Does anyone at Hidden-Tech have suggestions for a good video camera useful for these types of purposes? Outdoor ones might need some durability to withstand the elements. I also have heard about a video camera that only turns on when it detects motion-- I wonder how well those work or if anyone has had experience with them. Another matter to consider is the duration of a recording-- possibly 6+ hours. Again, if anyone has any suggestions or experience with observation video cameras, it would be greatly appreciated. Owen Freeman-Daniels Ward 3 Neighborhood Association -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.hidden-tech.net/pipermail/hidden-discuss/attachments/20091230/991384ed/attachment.html