[Blueface]

Greg,
Long ago I faced the challenge of cameras for my home.
It was the old bullet lousy resolution with video tape days.
I now have a great 500GB unit, with 9 cameras (8 outside and one inside that looks like a motion sensor for alarm).
The cameras outside are over 20 IR which gives me great night vision. Front of house has over 30IR.
Rather than do myself, I chose to have professionally installed.
While this is a project one can do depending on home and camera locations, I am glad I had a professional install it. With my limited attic space and all lines to run, glad they did it.
Mine also has remote viewing on my iPhone/iPad but the DVR alone,mwhich has flash drive and records DVD's ran me around a thousand, buying online.
I got a cheap 15" Best Buy brand LCD TV for $125.

I recommend you get the best available as that technology changes fast.