Cheap CCTV solution – Monitoring shouldn’t be hard!

Do you want a CCTV solution but don’t know where to start? Do you think that the equipment are too expensive for what you’re trying to do? Well, I do. That’s why I searched and searched for a solution that works for me. And I guarantee, you’ll be surprised how easy and cheap it could be. is defunct, and your Webcam software takes too much RAM and Storage. Let me introduce you to iSpy an open-source Windows only software that lets you utilize your webcams, ip cameras and even your existing CCTV system into one control software. It handles the recording, storing, backup and even let’s you upload the videos into Youtube. Protect your home and your business where ever you are!

iSpy Rocks.

Slick Interface and Easy-to-know controls!

For this project I’m gonna go super cheap, like seriously cheap. iSpy is incredibly easy to use, download it and see for yourself! You wont even need this “tutorial”. You can go ahead and take the steps that I’ve done but I’m sure (if you’re serious enough and not a cheap skate like me) you’ll do better than my setup.

First that we need is Hardware:

A windows PC ( XP, 7, 8, 8.1) – according to the recommended requirements, 2GB of RAM and 200GB of storage space should be enough, I used an existing laptop. I recommend using an existing system too, iSpy is not too demanding on resources.

Web Cameras ($5 each)- I’ve bought 2 different kinds of webcam both less than 5 dollars. I obviously don’t need something super fancy.

Optionals that I bought:

USB Repeater extension $8 – Totally not needed, but I am still using the laptop and its not a dedicated surveillance PC, so I bought this. Why a repeater and not just an extension cord? Well, I’m going to use a non-powered hub and I don’t want those cameras to be slugging each other for power.

3 port USB hub $2 – So that I could use more Cameras in one place.

So the set up is pretty simple, Install iSpy, and add your cameras. Adding cameras are too straightforward too, just click add cameras. I’ll try to go deeper next time, on a more in-depth review at this incredibly awesome open-source software. Tinker around the software, because that’s what geeks do.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted on by the author in Geekbraindump on June 21, 2014.