ZMODO DVR-DK81103-1TB 8 CH Security Surveillance DVR With 8 Outdoor Sony CCD Security Camera System

This goes for any Zmodo system, at least ones that use the DVR-H9108V DVR.

The intention with using the Zmodo system was so that the camera feeds could be monitored from any desktop PC (works with IE only. Really.) in the environment. I discovered that after installing and plugging in to my LAN that the system sends ARP packets every two seconds, which apparently is enough to interfere with a separate streaming video server. If you configure a DNS server in the network setup, it makes a request for a server (www.server.cn, was it?) in China, *every two seconds*.

I can't see any reason for this and don't know if this was a lame hack by their engineers to just get something to work right they couldn't figure out, or if it's a serious bug they completely missed. Haven't heard back from support, and likely won't, given that it's not just a "How can I...?" type of question.

So, if you want a LAN-enabled monitoring system, look elsewhere.

I purchased this system to cover the outside of my home and garage. I was actually able to use 6 cameras to cover my outside and used 2 inside the garage. The images are clear and I have 2 cameras set to send emails when motion is detected. Also works great on keeping tabs on my dogs when I'm at work. There was plenty of cable. I didn't have to buy anything extra. I'm very satisfied with this system.

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This is a great starting security system. Night Vision works well in pitch black darkness.

Reasons I took away a star.

1Camera has failed (1/2 of the Red LED lights stopped working, so it only picks up half of the viewable area in Darkness. Works fine during the day, but 1 side is blurred at night.

System was difficult to learn for tech savy (about 2 days). I sat in front of the camera system which shows I did read the manual front to back. Took about 2 days to learn everything. Things like learning the difference between normal recording and alarm mode. After learned it's pretty easy understanding though.

Backing up video. I have backed up a few videos, but unable to watch them on anything else. Still looking into this, but so far the few video converters from the company have not worked.

No Zoom (allows Zoom in with blur, but no Zoom out). I think these cameras are set at a pretty close range only, but can give facial recognition within 10 feet.

I plan to buy better Cameras when I find them and keep these 8 for inside/Front door use.

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