The below was posted by Tricia in the Guthrie thread, which is presently closed so I can't directly quote.
Friendly reminder: we have a thread called “Give Us This Day Our Daily Thread.” That is my humble attempt to create a place where everyone can gather, say good morning, chat about life, compare coffee strength, discuss security cameras, and generally be human.
Prompted by the aforementioned thread, I've been looking for an active thread here on security cameras and security systems. I do recommend using the search feature to look at some past threads on this, as they contain some good info.
I'm personally a huge fan of hardwired security systems. I understand that if a home doesn't have the wiring already built in, wireless can be a viable option, but I strongly recommend against it if you already have wiring. (Why deal with vulnerabilities like jamming, and the hassle of batteries, if you don't have to?). Unfortunately, major security-system companies seem to be pushing wireless on everyone, so much so it's hard to find wired systems these days.
My current system doesn't have video, or the capability of adding it. So, I'm thinking a stand-alone video system with local storage in my home. I don't want a subscription, cloud, or other Internet systems. I also need one with an actual monitoring system that'll put the video on dedicated screens.
I've yet to find anything that doesn't need a smartphone (I don't have one) or WiFi, and it's driving me even more crazy. Even if I got a smartphone, it'd be useless to me to have alerts only sent that way, because I wouldn't carry a phone with me when in my house. I'm also going nuts over what is and what isn't wired; a lot of the "wired" systems advertised aren't; they're at most wired only for power, not signal.
I'd like (Not a necessity) something that can differentiate between humans and other large visitors. I've put in game cameras (like hunters use on wildlife trails) and have seen all manner of critters, including rabbits, javalina, deer, and an occasional mountain lion and black bear. But if not, I'd be fine with a live view provided it's on multiple screens I can place throughout the house. (My home is large, so I'd need multiple screens). Some systems claim "AI agents" that do this, but don't those require internet connections to work? And even so, being AI, are they at all worthwhile for this?
If anyone knows of a system that even might fit my needs, I'd very much appreciate a heads-up.
Edit to add: While I'm here making a post, I want to remark on the great job the mods do, especially on hyperactive threads like the current Guthrie case; it must be a truly horrendous job! So, thank you!!!
BTW, if I've misunderstood and this post isn't appropriate for this thread, could a moderator please delete it. Thanks!
