Recommendations for (Non-Cloud connected) Home Security Cameras

Devastator0 on 04/09/2024 - 16:42

Hi OzBargain crew,

I need some advice…please be kind. I am trying to help out my old man with replacing his existing standlone security camera system. He currently has a "Cocoon" branded standalone system (I think it's this one or something very, very similar) I think he bought from Aldi and it's absolute garbage. The system itself (while navigating the built in menu system) is incredibly laggy and I think the internal storage is failing/or failed as I can't play anything back on it. When I try to use the playback functionality, the system just locks up and reboots itself.

I need to give him a solid suggestion on a new, and way more reliable system to put in place but it needs to be one that doesn't require any sort of internet or cloud connectivity to work, nor the use of a smartphone to function. The current system works with a USB connected mouse to navigate the built in menu system and it's connected to my old man's TV via HDMI (the guy is over 70 years old and is not technologically savvy at all - no internet connection at home, no smart phone etc etc) but I have shown him how to use the existing system.

I would genuinely welcome any constructive recommendations/suggestions people have!

Cheers to all who reply!

Electrical & Electronics Security Camera

Comments

  • omguleh on 04/09/2024 - 16:48
    +4

    Hikvision or Dahua

  • geekcohen on 04/09/2024 - 16:54
    +1

    He currently has a "Cocoon" branded standalone system (I think it's this(cocoonproducts.com.au) one or something very, very similar) I think he bought from Aldi and it's absolute garbage

    Thats an Aldi system 100%. I bought one ages ago before changing all of mine. Great little unit for the price when I early on and didn't have much cash.

  • geekcohen on 04/09/2024 - 16:56

    What is his budget and do you want to change cables or not? Cocoon is 12V + BNC. Depending on what path you go down, could be a complete change with CAT5/6 cables.

    • Devastator0 on 04/09/2024 - 16:57

      Well, not sure on the budget, I think he'll accept a recommendation for him as long as it's a good one lol. As for the cables, I figure they would have needed to be changed with a new system anyway?

      • geekcohen on 04/09/2024 - 17:00

        Not always, you could get a system like Swan that uses the existing 12V + BNC cabling. But that would potentially be a lower quality. Upgrading to CAT5/6 would give you 4K depending on the unit/system.

        • Devastator0 on 04/09/2024 - 17:01

          Are there systems that use network cabling to just connect directly into a main DVR unit without requiring network switches or any additional devices to make work?

  • Italkdigital on 04/09/2024 - 17:00

    Isnt Eufy cameras from JB-HiFi dont need cloud base server? (but needs internet) anyway they aint cheap but are very reliable what ive read here on Ozbargain

    • Devastator0 on 04/09/2024 - 17:01

      Yeah, no good if it needs an internet connection or any networking equipment to make work. As I mentioned, Dad doesn't have any of that sort of stuff.

      • Italkdigital on 04/09/2024 - 17:03
        -1

        Was about to edit my post, you beat me to it lolz

        Edit: no internet either, limits what one can get lolz, but don't think these days security camera setups are to difficult to use I'm sure?

        • Devastator0 on 04/09/2024 - 17:04
          +1

          but don't think these days security camera setups are to difficult to use I'm sure?

          Sure, maybe for you or I who are tech inclined, but for my Dad who only uses dumb phones and took a fair amount of effort to show how to work the existing system, I'm trying to keep it uncomplicated.

          • Italkdigital on 04/09/2024 - 17:05

            @Devastator0: Edit again, Eufy have all wireless setups, easier to install,.. but obviously still needs internet to work 🙃😅

            Reply,….
            I agree mum took months to learn just smsing, she's a bit more savvy now doing fb messenger video calls to her sister overseas

          • Italkdigital on 04/09/2024 - 17:58

            @Devastator0: Im sure the Eufy setups just needs internet too remotely see cameras, the main box that has the harddrive for recording aka NVR can be hooked upto a TV to view cameras, so pretty much like ones statandard uncomplicated setup needing no internet at all, there solar version cameras need no wires at all to install, so very easy installation, batteries in cameras can stay charged forever depending how much sun shines on them or minimum year to need to recharge rechargeable batteries 🔋

            • Belistic on 05/09/2024 - 10:25

              @Italkdigital: We have the Eufy Security Cam 2 Pro 2K 4pk, and the cameras don't record if the internet is off, so the internet is required.

  • Marty156 on 04/09/2024 - 17:10
    +1

    Should be easy to do.
    4 or 8 channel NVR with HDMI output (to re-use tv as monitor) 4 or 8 POE cameras.
    Replace power/BNC cables with Cat 5.
    This makes its "own" network, does not require Internet or network.

  • soan papdi on 04/09/2024 - 17:12
    +3

    Worth researching about Reolink NVR (has HDMI out for TVs) and PoE cameras (needs ethernet cabling in the walls but never need to charge). Does not need Internet to work, the NVR saves videos locally.

  • Ryanek on 04/09/2024 - 17:24

    Stay away from Swann

    • eug on 04/09/2024 - 17:29

      Surprisingly the old Swann 4-camera setup I installed at my parents place a few years ago is still running fine. I had to pick an AHD system to reuse the existing coax runs so had limited choice.

      • Ryanek on 04/09/2024 - 17:56
        +1

        The software is abysmal

  • mitt on 04/09/2024 - 18:09
    +7

    I would suggest a reolink NVR system. It does all the cloud stuff but does not need it. The NVR is its own network switch. You just use the existing cables to pull through some Ethernet cable. The reolink gear is the best bang for buck gear out there right now. Cheaper & you end up with garbage hardware & unusable software or always online junk that requires a subscription.

    You can pay more & get better, but the ROI isnt really there unless you want some of the wilder developments in camera tech.

  • lovepub on 05/09/2024 - 07:59

    Not much suggestion to give, but Get the old man some internet. Or at least introduce him to the World Wide Wonders. Then the options would open up. Would go for wireless battery operated ones which can last up to months with one charge for motion triggered videos like Eufy.
    Plus he will soon be addicted to watching reels, TikTok and everything. Would keep him occupied and entertained. Not too old to learn the basic functions of surfing the net.

    • 2esc on 05/09/2024 - 10:07

      He probably doesnt want the internet because of waste of time 90% of the internet actually is.

      As to being occupied and entertained there is still newspapers, books and free to air tv is still available.

      Lots of people dont just stop as they get older my 75 year old mum looks after 8 acres of manicured gardens. I was going this weekend to cut up some fallen limbs from the strong winds for her well she just let me know she cut them up with the chainsaw yesterday.
      My mum can use the internet and does for gardening and diy projects.

      But truly the internet is one of the biggest time wasters in lìfe.

    • Devastator0 on 05/09/2024 - 19:39

      Nah no point…like I said in my OP, he barely is able to use his basic, "dumb" phone and only just manages to use the DVR that he currently has. Just one of those older people that can't learn new stuff and just gets instantly frustrated if it's not super simple immediately.

  • CaptainSizzle on 05/09/2024 - 08:31

    If your father is happy enough with the current system, apart from the lack of recording, (and I'd bet he is given his lack of tech interest) why not keep as much of the existing system as you can. Keep the cables and cameras. You don't need 4K (I sure don't anyway). Just get a new 12V DVR (ie: not a network-based NVR) and use the existing BNC cabling and cameras. Search AliExpress for "dvr recorder cctv" and check the specs.

    Or maybe the existing box just needs a new hard disk? Does he care about the existing system being "laggy"?

  • jv on 05/09/2024 - 09:24
    +2

    Reolink PoE NVR

  • jv on 05/09/2024 - 09:47
    +1

    and I think the internal storage is failing/or failed as I can't play anything back on it.

    Have you tried reformatting the disk via their app?

    • Devastator0 on 05/09/2024 - 19:37

      Unfortunately, it doesn't work. The moment I try and use any option on the DVR interface that hits the disk, the whole system just locks up and power cycles.

  • Devastator0 on 05/09/2024 - 19:40

    So, a bit of an update…for more of an immediate solution, I've ordered a replacement HDD for the current DVR to hopefully get that working but as a replacement for the system itself, I'll look into the Reolink PoE NVR's as from what people have said here (genuinely, thank you for the suggestions), that may be the best option for him. Also allows better quality camera options which he did mention he would want so that works.

    • jv on 05/09/2024 - 20:58
      +1

      Reolink PoE NVR's as from what people have said here (

      Keep an eye on Amazon, eBay as well as their online store, sometimes one is cheaper than the other and they often have sales on…

      • Devastator0 on 05/09/2024 - 21:08

        Yeah, 100% will do mate. Cheers for that!

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