I would like to distribute 8 cameras to the TV's in my house. I am a little unsure If I need a modulation unit. Because I will also be using a 8 ch DVR.

So the question is do I need a 8ch Modulator If I will be using a DVR?

Or what is the best way to distribute 8 cctv and record them?

Thanks
Shawn

It partly depends on what wiring you have in place. The easiest way is to take the video out from the dvr and in to an 8 way dist. amp then out to each tv over coax. But that way will require a coax (or cat 5 with baluns) to each tv.

It partly depends on what wiring you have in place. The easiest way is to take the video out from the dvr and in to an 8 way dist. amp then out to each tv over coax. But that way will require a coax (or cat 5 with baluns) to each tv.


I've bunch of extras of each type of wire at every drop ie 4-5 cat 5's and multiple coaxes. So thats no the problem.

When you say 8 way dist amp, you are not talking about 8 way modulator right?

Do you mean something like this http://www.antonline.com/p_DA-550BID-GP_241848.htm

From what I recall the DVR's usually have a BNC/Composite out, I am assuming I will need to convert that to an F connector.

Then how do I go about controlling the DVR from the DIff parts of the house where the TV's are?

I am thinking possibly an remote ir solution for that like Xantech.

This is like dominos...

Shawn

Depends on if you want to be able to watch live or just through the DVR.

If live, you will need 8 channels worth of modulators to put each camera on a channel, plus another channel for the DVR (9 total).

Does the DVR have outputs for each input (unlikely), or just one output and you select the input via the DVR?

If 8 outputs (unlikely), modulators on each output as well at the main output to be able to view recorded events.

If one output (likely) and you want to be able to watch live as well as recorded events, you will still need 9 channels worth of modulators (3 HMM-3s (http://www.cencom94.com/gpage8.html)). T the camera inputs (do NOT use TV splitters -- they don't work for baseband video) and send them into the modulators. The output of the DVR connects to the 9th modulator. The outputs of the modulators are combined utilizing a BALANCED 3-way splitter, which is then fed into your distribution system. The modulators pump out 25dBmV, so there shouldn't need to be any amplification for them.

If live viewing isn't a concern, then a single channel modulator (HMM-10H or CT-400 (http://www.cencom94.com/gpage8.html)) would do just fine. For remote control, that Channel Plus amp would be what you need, along with the targets and emitters.

You don't need a modulator. All you need is a video dist. amp like this:
http://www.amazon.com/AV-700-Composite-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B000BLEMIE
Feed the video feed from the dvr to the above and then run a single video feed to each tv on an unused video input of the tv. Then all you have to do to view the cameras is to pick the video input they are fed to.
You will be able to view live or recorded video from the dvr.
You will need an IR repeater or RF remote to be able to remotely control the DVR for the cameras though.

I wouldn't try and modulate 8 channels of video. Too much equipment involved and if you have extra coax going to the tv's, then it's easier, cheaper and better quality to do it that way.

You don't need a modulator. All you need is a video dist. amp like this:
http://www.amazon.com/AV-700-Composite-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B000BLEMIE
Feed the video feed from the dvr to the above and then run a single video feed to each tv on an unused video input of the tv. Then all you have to do to view the cameras is to pick the video input they are fed to.
You will be able to view live or recorded video from the dvr.
You will need an IR repeater or RF remote to be able to remotely control the DVR for the cameras though.

I wouldn't try and modulate 8 channels of video. Too much equipment involved and if you have extra coax going to the tv's, then it's easier, cheaper and better quality to do it that way.
Really depends on just what he wants to be able to do. If the DVR is recording input 1 and he wants to be able to look at the other cameras without disrupting the recording, the cameras would need to be modulated. If none of that is a concern, then that A/V distribution amp would be the way to go.

Any multiplexing/triplex DVR will let you look at any camera's live feed while it still records all the cameras.

Egnlsn & Brian thanks for the great tips.

Englsn the DVR I am getting does have loop out for each channel. Its a 8 ch DVR with 8 loopouts. I would like to view Live and have option of Recorded stuff.

Brian I think I like your setup, It greatly reduces my costs for equipment. And allows me to view live and recorded material.

Repeater system is very simple & cost effective, it can be had from ebay for about $70. I have extra cat 5e's at every tv location. I guess I just need to get Learning remotes for where the tv are to control the DVR via ir repeater.

on a side note, I am also installing Russound CAV 6.6. I may be able to use the imputs on the CAV but it will use up my inputs. I think I'll keep it simple and use a AV distribution amp. I'll have to fiddle but If I can use the ir repeater system of the CAV for the dvr that would be awesome. I am going to have 18 cav keypads.



Shawn

Just so you understand, the loop out will only show the feed for that particular camera. That's not what you want to use.
If you use the video out of the dvr, it will show whatever cameras you have it set for. You can usually set it to a single camera, or some combo of 4, 8, or 9, etc. Get a nice universal remote with an LCD screen and program shortcuts to cam 1, cam 2, cam 3, or the multi view, etc. Then you can pull up any or all cameras easily.

Just so you understand, the loop out will only show the feed for that particular camera. That's not what you want to use.
If you use the video out of the dvr, it will show whatever cameras you have it set for. You can usually set it to a single camera, or some combo of 4, 8, or 9, etc. Get a nice universal remote with an LCD screen and program shortcuts to cam 1, cam 2, cam 3, or the multi view, etc. Then you can pull up any or all cameras easily.

I know what you mean Brian, I mentioned the loop out just to refer to Englsn's comment.

I'll be using the video out, I'll just have to convert the bnc to rca on the distribution amp side.