how do i set up a diy security system?

[Legolessed]

One of my friends wants to set up a security system that can either show 1080p or 4k video. He doesn't want a lot of wires everywhere so wifi cameras are a must. He also wants to set up a DVR system to record the footage to some hard drives. I know a Linux distro could accomplish this but I don't know which one would work best. He doesn't want the system to be too expensive. like around $500 if possible. He only needs 3-4 cameras. He also wants to be able to view the footage from his iPhone. I don't know exactly how to do this but I know it must be possible. Thank you so much and I hope you have a fantastic day!

[LtStaffel]

I'd look for some open source software solution that runs on Linux. Then make a cheap PC running something like Lubuntu and put that software on it. The viewable from iPhone part is probably not going to happen. The budget is too low for all that stuff to happen at once. 3-4 cameras can happen if you get something like those $9 wifi capable microcontrollers (I think they're called nodes or something like that, they're similar to arduinos) and then live cameras. Also, 1080p and 4k is WAY too expensive for budget, and would take up a LOT of space. Especially at 4k.

[Legolessed]

9 hours ago, LtStaffel said:

I'd look for some open source software solution that runs on Linux. Then make a cheap PC running something like Lubuntu and put that software on it. The viewable from iPhone part is probably not going to happen. The budget is too low for all that stuff to happen at once. 3-4 cameras can happen if you get something like those $9 wifi capable microcontrollers (I think they're called nodes or something like that, they're similar to arduinos) and then live cameras. Also, 1080p and 4k is WAY too expensive for budget, and would take up a LOT of space. Especially at 4k.

What about this? Would this work? https://www.lorextechnology.com/hd-dvr-security-system/hd-1080p-4-camera-home-security-system/MPX84W-1-p

[Legolessed]

9 hours ago, LtStaffel said:

I'd look for some open source software solution that runs on Linux. Then make a cheap PC running something like Lubuntu and put that software on it. The viewable from iPhone part is probably not going to happen. The budget is too low for all that stuff to happen at once. 3-4 cameras can happen if you get something like those $9 wifi capable microcontrollers (I think they're called nodes or something like that, they're similar to arduinos) and then live cameras. Also, 1080p and 4k is WAY too expensive for budget, and would take up a LOT of space. Especially at 4k.

Or this? 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LWS96JV/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1500183583&sr=1-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=3180E8fsUWL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

[LtStaffel]

5 hours ago, Legolessed said:

Or this? 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LWS96JV/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1500183583&sr=1-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=3180E8fsUWL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

I don't know about specs on those kinds of cameras and equipment; but just the fact that there are bundles at that price point makes me wary.

[Holzkohlen]

I guess the easiest solution would be to buy individual IP-cameras and use a PC or maybe just a Raspi to record those streams to a harddrive. Just lookup some tutorials on that one. You can setup a simple script  for that, even on a schedule, like only record at night or whatever.

To watch the footage you could setup a samba-share, which is a very simple thing to do.

 

I am note sure how well a Raspi would handle 3-4 simultaneous streams however. But I guess an old PC would do just fine.

[Aelita Sophie]

The Arlo you linked are very decent and low-powered. Also it has app support for Android and iPhone. (And even Windows Mobile if I'm not mistaken) Though do keep in mind, that bundle is without mounts. You'll need to buy those separately. As for storing the footage, I think you can configure the base station to store the footage on a network drive or even a USB hard drive. Though my experience with them is fairly limited, only used them once for a client. It seemed fairly straight forward.