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Any idea what a fair price is to install six cameras, DVR in a tire shop. The back shop is high ceiling and he wants the DVR on the web so he can access it from a different site. Thanks for your help.

We don't post any pricing here but it would be difficult to price that anyway with what you have given us. There is a lot involved when pricing a CCTV system. Here are some points:

In order to figure out equipment, a site survey to determine the views your customer would like to see is necessary. Have him show you what he thinks would be a good camera location and then go from there.

First, what are the lighting conditions for each particular location? Is an after hours view required when the shop lights are out and if so, what are the night lights like? The reason for these questions is to determine whether you want color, B/W, or both (day/night cameras). Keep in mind, that infrared doesn't work on color cameras so if it is required, you may be better off with B/W. If the lighting conditions are low all the time, day/night cameras which cost more, are useless because they probably will be in B/W mode most of the time. DVR's are available in both color or B/W format. Obviously a color unit is more expensive.

Second, environmental conditions. Do you require weather/dust proof cameras or housings? If there are any outdoor locations, you will probably require a housing with a heater/blower in it. I know they make all in one cameras that are supposed to be low temperature proof, but check the specs, most of them are only good to -20C (-4F) and being from Alberta, this probably isn't acceptable.

Third, location of AC power to run these cameras. The closer the power, the easier the install normally. You will have to take into account the current draw from the camera (infrared units will require more) and the housings if they have heaters or blowers. If you have to run a distance to get power, you will have to resize the power wire gauge to compensate for this. More and more customers want their camera system on some sort of a power back-up system. They want to be able to view/record in case of a power failure (see Johnyreb's post under "speciality protection" about yanking the power source of the wall). This usually requires running all power wires back to a central location for the back-up unit. The DVR and the router/modem will have to be on this supply as well.

Fourth, the DVR itself. For six cameras you could get away with an 8 channel, however, some sites you just know that they will require more cameras eventually. Might be better to price a larger unit for expansion. The size of the hard drive, whether or not they want a CD burner on the unit or not. Software licensing if applicable.

Fifth, the monitor (if it is a non PC based DVR). There is a big difference in price when you go from a 9-12" up to a 21" monitor, especially when a color monitor is involved. Use a high resolution monitor, not a T.V.

Sixth, Sundries. Cabling (is office ceiling a return air plenum requiring fire rated wire?), connectors, mounting arms, monitor mount, UPS, etc.