Now that I'm done with the rant on flips at [Link: remotecentral.com], I must ask your help in locating a product.

Right now, the one data cable we can find from the data closet at one end of the house is being used as an HDMI extension. If we convert it back to a network cable, we can put a WAP in the kitchen, but then we lose our directly-connected DVR monitor.

Is there something dead simple that can connect to a network and monitor a DVR's output? We'll need one there and another in the Family Room some thirty feet away. A computer with internet, at each location, would do it. The question is, is there something simpler, even if it's a miniature computer, that would give us these images in these two places? I don't even know if this is the right question, so please set me straight.

And I think this question is generic enough that model numbers are not needed to suggest some products. FWIW, they use PCs.

Thanks for any help!

As a last resort you could use EoP for the network. This is about as simple as it gets. And, there are some MOCA end points that offer Ethernet connections.

Regarding the security DVR - does it have a network interface that could be used to view the cameras in a manner that would be acceptable to the homeowner? Would require use of the company's monitoring software, I'm sure. But full-featured mini computers are plentiful these days, all the way down to the Intel Compute Stick.

For reference, there are devices that can encode and stream HDMI video lossy over a network, the intention being for internet viewing or other purposes where top quality isn't necessary.

If a computer and monitor at each location could do it then I think a cheap tablet with dvr app might work? Or too small?

Network decoder
What brand of DVR?

video storm, an ip based video distribution system that would allow for network and video by using basic unmanaged switchs

Wireless VGA or composite Transmitter/Receiver.
Not sure the models, distance or what the display device would be.

The DVR is NOISY and is in a closet that is off his parents' room. We'll probably change it out, so I need suggestions of brands to use.


FWIW, 25 feet and three walls to the closer display. 50 feet and five walls to the further display.

looks like you need one of these devices from my friends at Zektor

[Link: zektor.com]

Sorry, but it doesn't do it. After reading the description: If I am very lucky, I will be able, in several places, to torture two pairs out of a CAT5 into service as a network cable. Any one of these locations can have a switch for multiple device connection.

Every place I can do that, I can connect a full-blown computer, and use the network to view the cameras. What I need is a device that can connect into the network and look at the camera images.

The Zektor device intends to use one full CAT5 ONLY as a conduit for video. So, no, this is not the approach I need.

Did I misinterpret its description?

I was thinking you wanted hdmi plus Ethernet over cat 5

An APP on a iPad can be the monitor or will that not work for you?
TabletKiosk makes portable computers and some can be mounted. They can
run Windows IE for most of the DVR/NVRs that require ActiveX.

Wireless video senders:
[Link: bhphotovideo.com]

Well if you plan on swapping the DVR out, how about a Synology NAS running Surveillance Station? That is if the cams are IP or you plan on using encoders.

Then you could use the VisualStation 360HD which hooks up to ethernet and provides a HDMI out to any monitor.