Geovision IP, NVR, Hybrid..???

Hi, I built a geovision DVR system years ago. I believe it is a GV-800 running ver 5 software, have about 8 cameras and 2 audio channels going in currently. We are thinking of adding more cameras, higher quality imaging to it. I've decided on a GV1480 board to cover all the fps we need. Already have a great quad core system we built for the coming upgrade last year. These are the questions we have though.

We want to add in IP cameras (GV-MFD110 and GV-BL110) for the increase in quality, and likely Geo ones to avoid the higher licensing fees associated with them. So:

1. how do these IP cameras integrate into a current GV 1480 via hardware? I get they take cat ethernet cable at the camera, but how does that connect in at the end of that run? I get the idea of PoE, but that's about it, I've seen no reference to how these tie in at the computer end.

2. how good is the quality on the current Geo Ip cameras, is it worth the licensing price premium to go 3rd party?

3. I assume I will be getting geo dvr 8.3 plus with the new board (1480a), but in case I don't does it come with the GV-NVR IP software, or is that simply just a license?

While I'm at it, any suggestions on outdoor analog (bnc) cameras?

When I initially built this geo system around 2000, we just tied in to a no-name, poor camera install (about 6 cameras) installed around 1996. And I know nothing of cameras. But we need good quality, weatherproof (in FL), day night cameras to replace the ones we have. We only want IP high res in the important areas (main entrance, office lobby, etc).

Also, on the new Geo card install, plan on putting in windows 7 64 bit, so I can take advantage of 6+gb ram, I assume that should help in recording for a buffer, has anyone gone this route and can comment on issues or performance?

Thanks for any input.