I know there's a lot of folks in this forum that either work directly with CCTV systems or at least around them... any suggestions on a decent brand for entry-level equipment (ie. not expensive, but not trash either)? I'm more concerned with finding a good DVR at this point... thinking of 6 to 8 channels, MPEG4 encoding, and excellent network connectivity for viewing/playback. Don't need massive hard drive space.

Thanks for any suggestions!

The most popular we like to use are dedicated micros. They might not be the cheapest but being able to be controled with a universal remote with RF, it can be controled throught the house or business if you are sending the monitor output to any room. It does still record while viewing playback and it comes with it's own web browser built-in so you can monitor remotly from anywhere without software from any pc at any time. If you want to keep cost low, look for their (Eco) line of products that start with an 80G drive with ethernet & IR remote control. They do have really large units also that have big hard drives and the ability to have alot of cameras connected.

Hope this helps,
BNC

I'll second the Dedicated reccomendation, we have done several of them and I happy with the product.

I've had very good luck with Speco DVRS.

I second the Speco DVR & cameras. They have a camera for every price point, and the PC based DVRs are very easy to work with and affordable. Dedicated is a very good brand, but tends to be more expensive.

if the budget allows & you can "get" Cat5e to the camera locations, I'd recommend an NVR solution + mpeg4 IP camera's.
if you like this idea I can give you some info

I have tried Visiontech and Everfocus DVRs that were recommended by my distributor. Both brands MISSED RECORDING EVENTS. Not every time. Just once in a while. Tech support would not believe me and said there was no problem. My customer and I saw it with our own eyes on four different DVRs. Stick with DEDICATED MICROS. Their tech support is top notch and their products are well tested and well made. If you are using DVRs just for fun, you can use the cheap stuff. If a DVR is used in a LIFE SAFETY SYSTEM (Most are) there is no room for missed events. Almost anyone can make a DVR but only a few companies have the manpower and money to properly debug the software/hardware and publish free software updates. You and your customers will be very happy with DM products and support.
Quality is not an expense; it is an investment.

I highly recommend the Dedicated Micros DVRs. The ECO eries does not have IR control (unless there is a new model). I would only use the Speco DVR if you gave it to me. I like the Speco cameras, but the DVR just isn't in the same league as DM (it's also not as expensive).

Yeah, I've been hunting around for online demos of these DVRs and/or downloading the monitoring software to see what it's like, and I see that you really do lose features/quality if you go too cheap. But I don't need premium either.

Aren't IP cameras rather expensive? I have no wires leading anywhere yet, so that's all up in the air, but in this case the system will basically be used for convenience and security.

You can get D-Link ip cams for under $100, and some Panasonic ip cams for about $125.

But if you get a networkable DVR, you shouldnt need them.

Everfocus is garbage, and their tech support is horrible.

There's a ton of fly-by-night DVR manufacturers since all you really need is a PC and your own software.

Beware the companies that you've never heard of, and also beware of the household name TV manufacturer's DVRs.

Anyone ever use Nuvico?

Daniel, I was going to mention that product this morning, however got too busy and had to head out to jobs today. I presently evaluating the NUVICO JV 4000 Model (economy 80gig) at my own residence since last Saturday.

It seems like an ok DVR , setup was pretty easy, I am using one of their Day/night cameras with LED's, color during day and b/w at night. It does have s-video, composite, and VGA output for local monitors with Infrared remote control, I put control into my RTI T1 and fed s-video into my Panasonic DVD recorder input which goes to my plasma.

I set it to only record motion, 20 seconds at a time, I had to turn the motion sensitivity down to about 4 (1-15). It does record lots of rain, and bugs when they are flying around but it does seem to catch all the cars and trucks driving by and such. The quality is best when viewed through the local monitors, the picture is poorer when viewed through the LAN or internet. The infrared control is very easy and the monitor information good with all sorts of symbols to let you know what is going on.

The DVR provides initial software through active-x for computers which will not have the client software on them. The client software CD gives you the ability to add multiple DVR locations to your virtual "quad" or any number up to 64. Software is a little clunky in that I cannot get my laptop to find the DVR on my network so I can use the client software, however my laptop does connect fine using the built in browser of the DVR. My home PC works fine both ways. Lastly the fan is very loud, you would definitely have to put this in an equip. closet away from living quarters.

Hope I wasn't too verbose.