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Joe Barr Gives ZoneMinder A Thumbs-Up

Posted by timothy on from the watching-the-non-watchmen dept.

I've been interested in the Free software home-security software called ZoneMinder for a while, but strictly as a lurker, checking out the project's site whenever I noticed it crawl down the Freshmeat home page. Joe Barr of NewsForge, though, recently had reason to install the software, which manages one or more home security cameras (which can be any Linux compatible camera -- he used some common D-Link wireless ones), watches for movement (generating alarms based on user configuration), and lets the camera output be streamed elsewhere, so a thief can't usefully just rip out the recording system. (NewsForge and Slashdot are both part of OSTG.)

6 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. Cool idea by TiggertheMad · · Score: 4, Insightful

    One thing I wonder about, though. The Screenshot in the article showed the driveway from a fairly long shot. Are the cameras good enough to read a liscence plate at that distance? And what about lighting? It might be hard to read a plate at night, although a motion detector on an external light might solve that problem.

    Getting pictures of theives is a good thing, making sure that they are good enought to ID someone is even better.

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  2. This is great! by Chocolate+Teapot · · Score: 4, Funny

    I can have it page me whenever there is movement in the shower. Ooops! Thinking aloud again.

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    Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise. - William Shakespeare
  3. Can't Tell You by techsoldaten · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Cannot tell you the number of times I have thought about implementing the exact same application. The idea of wireless streaming means the storage device can be kept off-site or in a very discreet location within the premises.

    One question I have is about the detection analysis, and how the threshold for analysis is set. For instance, there are a number of trees beside my front driveway and they sway and shake a lot. How does one go about making sure Zoneminder does not record the trees continuously?

    M

    1. Re:Can't Tell You by Mr+44 · · Score: 4, Informative

      IF you look at the website, you can (graphically) define exclusion zones within each camera's view.

      The software is really quite powerfull.

  4. Another good app.. by smclean · · Score: 4, Informative
    I've been playing around with my X10 wireless cam and Motion.

    Motion has motion detection and whatnot, and it's a pretty nice program, extremely configurable and extensible. Makes a nice webcam with java streaming .

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  5. Wireless Security Cameras: Bug your own home by VidEdit · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I think it is important to remember that even if the web access is secure anyone can intercept RF link warless cameras. Rather than supplying extra security, you may be letting thieves case your home or business. They'll be able to see what you have, if you are home, and where your security cameras are pointed.

    Plus, the privacy implications are also bad, you are letting anyone with a receiver to spy on you 24 hours a day.

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