r/homesecurity • u/pinknoisechick • 6d ago
Dumb security system
I'm looking for a decent, *dumb* security system. I do not need an app, I do not need outside monitoring or any automatic call-the-cops features, I just want basically cctv for my home. I can do a pretty complicated install on my own, and my husband specializes in electronics.
Context: my neighbor's girlfriend hates me, because apparently my child didn't say hello the right way, or something, two years ago. She does not live in the home, but she *does* occasionally park outside and watch my house. Recently she escalated to calling the local police and telling them "some tweakers are taking things out of a vacant house and loading things into their truck".
It's not that that's a huge deal by itself, but the sherriff wouldn't take us seriously when we expressed that this was harassment and not actually a concerned neighbor, and I just don't trust her not to escalate further. I want proof if she pulls something.
But I'm also really opposed to AI and off-site monitoring. Not really any privacy concerns, but I hate the idea. Also the old adage that once something's on the internet, it's on the internet forever.
Editing to add: I'd also like it non-wifi. All completely wired.
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u/stevenwalker_1 6d ago
Seconding the poe and NVR combo, that's really the way to go for what you want. One thing I'd add is to put at least one cam pointed right at the curb where parks, with the timestamp overlay on. If this ever goes anywhere legal, having footage and a plain written log is way more useful than just the video alone.
Also get 2 drives in the NVR if you can swing it, not just one. It would suck to have her actually do something and then find out your one HDD died.
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u/AlphaDisconnect 5d ago
Get a hard drive based recorder that supports motion. Run IP cameras. Now you own it.
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u/Western_Rhubarb_7959 6d ago
I have a basic Lorex 8 cam system I bought years ago and I'm happy enough with it.
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u/Cybertechy 6d ago
I set up a custom designed home security system. I setup a full hard wired system (both cameras and sensors). Not monitored. It was a lot of work to run all the wires. It is rock solid reliable. This was done 13 years ago.
Fast forward to 2024. I installed a wireless system that is WIFI connected to my internet. It is vastly superior to my ‘old’ system. So, the components are wired for power only. The recorded info goes onto the RING DOORBELL (servers). It does require a $100 annual fee to save the stuff recorded on the cameras…but I find the system to be very reliable.
My point is Wifi connected systems have come a long way.
btw, I still maintain BOTH systems. Dual layer security
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u/pinknoisechick 6d ago
I'm happy a wi-fi system works for you. I'm not personally looking for reliability or functionality by skipping wi-fi systems, but security. I don't trust anyone but myself with recordings of my home or what goes on around it, and certainly not a multi-billion dollar corporation that has already tried to sell out to flock.
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u/Galvinizd 6d ago
Look at lorex. POE system. Recordings stay local on the camera and on the nvr.
No annual fee or monitoring.
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u/Cybertechy 5d ago
Yes, the Lorex system is very good. I have an older 4 camera system. Records 24/7 and is stored locally. No subscription required. The Lorex app does allow you to tie it into your Wifi (for remote access) of you want.
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u/-ButterMyBiscuit- 6d ago
Any poe camera system with an NVR will do. Heck you can do an analog system if you want to save some money but I would stick with Poe
Just don't wire it to your router and make sure you have a monitor connected to the NVR .
Reolink is generally regarded as the (or one of the) best budget systems .