Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - What do you think of this idea ? Webcams + pc + software

Do a google search for "webcams for home security" <a href='http://www.google.com/search?q=web+cams+for+home+security+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a'> here</a>

It should turn up several good results. Has anyone tried this ? I can see a few faults with it - namely, what happens if the power goes out ?

Anyway, its what Im considering. Basically the setup would be something like this:
- wireless web cams with usb interface
- usb hub
- software that detects motion
- email/pager alerts

So, Im thinking a good setup might be to setup 6 external cameras. A group of two cameras at diagonal corners of the house so that all sides of the house are covered and makes it easier to run the power cord(s) to the outlet. The power cord could be run along the underside of the roof, down the exterior wall to an outdoor outlet. Then 2 more cameras, one covering the back door and one at the front.

comments ?

Another thought, is the wireless signal might need boosting with range extenders.

Hi-
Thanks in advance for your time! I don't know if I posted in the correct forum.

I would like to know if there is a small cam made that can be activated by motion, which then sends data wirelessly to my home computer, and then sends an e-mail to me which has a small video file to let me see what is going on security-wise in my home. I spend a lot of time on the road and am concerned about security, even though I have a home alarm system. Does such a product exist?
Thanks!
Ray

You _can_ make a webcam do stuff like this, but realize that your video quality is going to be iffy at best. Honestly, you may be able to find an inexpensive DVR system that will turn the trick for you, or even an IP camera.

Often by the time you assemble all of the bits and software to pull off this kind of thing, you may well have spent as much as the cost of a bottom end DVR system for far worse quality.

Another thing I just realized (doh) is the web cams probably wont last long if placed outside due to moisture/condensation etc. So Im now limiting my placements to indoors, and will need fewer cameras.

My thinking has always been to buy the right tool for the job. At first glance web cams might seem cheaper, but to get what you want you'll have to spend more money and countless hours just to get them to work. Even then, the video quality won't be very good and youll probably need to add wifi signal boosters.

A quick search turned up a 4-channel DVR for $289 that has motion detection, alarm relays (that can trigger an alarm input on a security system), automatic e-mail notification, and video-over-IP so you can logon from any internet-connected computer and view your cameras.

A complete 4-channel system including the DVR, cams, cabling, power supplies, and monitor was well under $1,000.