Home CCTV

I'd go for IP Cameras at the core and either use the cameras' local record, detect and email abilities, or buy a copy of Xeoma to use at the core.

You could start here, although there are plenty of sources:

CPC/Farnell sell systems and components. If you use Linux, then Zoneminder is your friend.

I'd much prefer everything to be held centrally. What kind of machine does Xeoma need to run - I've got a HP Microserver running always on.

It should easily run on an HP microserver. It's very linux friendly, though apparently will run on MacOSX and Windows too.

Re forum - sorry, cannot remember. There are so many...

I'm looking more for personal recommendations of good kit and a good seller. Hikvision cameras seem to get good press, but I'm not sure they'll combine with a NVR type device, or if there are any UK sellers that don't charge a huge premium over importing them myself.

Ah - this seller claims English firmware and half the price of UK suppliers:

Now I know the foibles I might get my future ones here...

The Zoneminder recommendation is still valid, then. And it's free!

Thanks. Does anyone know what kind of hit I'm looking at for the duty?

Theoretically 14%

In practice not likely to be charged, at worst you might get hit for VAT depending how it's declared on the paperwork ...

I thought duty had been done away with and all you were liable for was VAT?

/ I thought duty had been done away with and all you were liable for was VA T?/q

I thought there are/were? Duty thresholds such that items costing

The trouble is that if they do charge you the admin fee will probably be around £12-£15.

I have been lucky so far having got a nvr and three cameras from china with no duty/vat.

It's the fee that puts me off. I don't mind the duty, if I've got to pay it I've got to pay it, I just resent the level of the charge they make for paying it for me :-)

For that rate, I'd rather find a seller that charges me the duty and pays it on sending the item. Amazon.com do this - I bought a pebble smart watch that turned up from Royal Mail and looked like a normal parcel, no hint it had been sent from overseas. It had, as I was able to track it, but very interesting.

Anyone know of any sellers that offer this option?

Have a look at System Q.

Bill