Simple Surveillance.

Yes, a simple search on the topic in Google will produce copious amounts of hits.

X10 is probably the cheapest way to go, but you will need to integrate their cameras into a web server.

There are web enabled cameras out there that connect directly to a network via an ethernet cable. They are more expensive, but generally much easier to integrate and of higher video quality.

Lastly, there are a number of systems you can buy that have a set of cameras and a digital video recording machine as a hub. Many of those DVRs have a network interface. They record images continuously and allow real-time streaming of video onto a network. Prices range from the low to mid $300s and up for a four-camera system.

Thanx a lot A.H!

Yes. I bought a simple camera with IR vision and sound for under $100.00USD. It is wireless capable, but I hard wired it because my office has an extensive network.

It was easy to install and operate. I'd do as AH suggests and buy a package with multiple cameras. If you already have a wireless router that makes it easier.

I think a wireless one ain't a bad idea, i'll give it a try, Thanx!

should try www.harborfreight.com they have a 4 camera units with recorders. On sale for under $200.00

Even loving the site, info highly appreciated!

They have a lot in stores!

I am coming into this late but I figured I would add my $.02

X-10 has an excellent line of low cost, high quality products. I used them for years before I moved on to wireless IP cams.

I have a simple set up at home. Two cameras, one fixed and one PTZ. Both are routed through a Linksys Wireless Router. Both are connected wirelessly through a secured network.

These can be viewed on any internet capable computer anywhere in the world. The cameras have built in mini-servers.

For internet viewing you will need a fixed IP address or you can use a service such as: http://www.tzo.com/ or others, some of which are free. If you only plan to view from home, a fixed IP is not needed.

Here is a screen shot view of the Linksys Wireless-G Internet Home Monitoring Camera WVC54GCA:

(Picture quality is slightly poor right now due to glare off the window due to bright sun)

Here is a screen shot view from the WCS-2040 P/T/Z Wireless IP Camera:

Here is another view from the WCS-2040 P/T/Z Wireless IP Camera:

These are also viewable from many web enabled cell phones.

Both can be set up to detect motion within a user defined area. When this area has motion, a screen shot can be sent to an e-mail address, cell phone and/or be recorded.

_{Hey Lyn, the company is still here =}

Those pictures are great, compared to my cheapie camera.

Can't say too much for the snow, though.

_{You, obviously are too good a host. We may get snow on the mountains surrounding Phoenix tonight. Brrrrrrrr.}

There is a decent program for webcams, called cam wizard, that uses any webcam for security. You set the motion detection field and sensitivity. When motion is detected, it sounds an alarm, if desired, and emails you pics from the cam. With another program, like gotomypc, you can view the cam from anywhere. It works pretty good, and is cheap. My pc audio is run to my amp and surround sound system. If the volume is turned up, you basically can not stay in the room when the alarm sounds.