Defender USA has a surveillance system that uses the H.264 video compression technology which is the widely accepted standard. While this is not 1080P high definition, it does provide ample resolution to identify subjects that come into a camera's field of view. The company claims the 1 TB hard drive will provide 4 years of video data storage, but you will not get anywhere near this amount of time if you use 30 frames per second, which I chose for a more accurate video playback. Based on my four days of use, I'm estimating one month of video data storage which is plenty for my needs.The DVR is small and has no front panel buttons; every menu option is only accessible with either the included mouse or the remote.
What impressed me most with this system is the cameras. No cheap plastic housing; these cameras are housed in heavy metal. One small complaint is the size of the hole (5/8") that must be drilled to feed the small siamese cables' BNC connectors through. It would be better to design a quick disconnect for the power and BNC connectors on each end of the cable. This would allow a much smaller hole to be drilled.
This system includes a one year warranty, but Defender USA will double that warranty to two years for the submission of this review.
The video speaks for itself, the system comes with everything you need to install it, but you will need to plan it out, and I seriously doubt you will get it done in less than 2 days, unless you install security systems professionally. Plan out the wiring lengths, and the power access points carefully! And before you start drilling and running cable, test all of the components, and make sure everything is working. Configure the router/central box and test out the various features you plan to use, before you start to alter your house.
Overall, it is a good system, but it could be a little bit better. I wish at least some of the cameras were wireless, so running power to all of the cameras wasn't such a problem, and I wish that the end-caps for the wiring weren't so huge, and I wish that the manual came printed out, instead of on a mini-CD. And the configuration of the system to communicate wit mobile devices was especially painful. But, the core system of the cameras, wiring and power all worked flawlessly, and that is what is important.
4 stars. I received this item through the Amazon Vine reviewer program, and have no prior knowledge of or experience with security cameras and systems.
I do have experience building desktop PCs, setting up home theater systems and home networking computers. I am also pretty good about finding information and reading directions. That being said, my review is not that of a professional installer of these systems, but rather your average Joe (or Josephine...) and my experience with this product. Admittedly a tad long, it icludes my impressions of the product as well as specific info, some of it taken directly from the manufacturer's website (as noted).
NOTE: Some areas on this Amazon product page say product info is for 4-Channel/4-Camera unit this is for the 8-Channel, 4-camera Defender Sentinel set-up, which is what I received.
IN THE BOX:
DVR with 500GB HDD
4 Outdoor Security Cameras
4 65ft Extension Cables
Power Adapter
Four-to-One Power Splitter
Mounting Hardware
2 BNC to RCA Connectors
10ft RJ-45 Ethernet Cable
6ft Power Adapter (cUL certified)
6ft RCA video cable
Instruction Manual & Software CD
USB Mouse
IR Remote Controller with batteries
Quick Start Guide
Window Warning Stickers
BEFORE INSTALLATION:
Go to the Defender-USA website and click SUPPORT. Go down to INSTALLATION TIPS and click 'CLICK HERE' to view Camera Mounting Tips. This takes you to YouTube and DefenderDIY's channel of videos which will help you to visualize your installation.
I highly recommend watching the Defender 5-Step DVR Set-up Tutorial. You can do it with just the Quickstart Guide, but this was very helpful to me as I'm a 'visual' learner.
Defender's YouTube channel is a great resource (40 videos most helpful) for installation and operation of this system.
If you don't have Internet access, or prefer a printed version, you can view the PDF User's Manual which comes on the min-sized CD packaged with this system.
All of the 'How-To' will be found in these two sources, as the Quick Start Guide 1 sheet with a basic diagram is minimal and not very helpful for set-up and use.
INSTALLATION: CAMERAS
Recommendations on placement of the 4 included outdoor cameras can be found in the PDF instructions and at the Defender-USA website. The 4 included outdoor cameras are the 600TVL series high-definition cameras which make seeing details in video images much more likely. The picture quality is very good and color reproduction seemed true in the cameras I received.
You can buy additional cameras for this security set-up, as it has 8-channels (8 cameras) and there is an input for audio input via microphone. Defender has information on how to order more cameras, cable and accessories in the box.
If you want to purchase a Defender Pro Sentinel set-up with more cameras from Amazon consider these: Defender 21116 PRO Sentinel 16CH Smart Security DVR with 8 Hi-Res Outdoor Security Cameras or Defender 21113 PRO Sentinel 8CH Smart Security DVR with 8 Hi-Res Outdoor Security Cameras.
Mounting screw hardware for the included 4 outdoor cameras are included, as well as 65' of PRO FT4 cabling with each camera. This cable is rated for professional installation through walls, approved for fire safety.
You can mount these cameras on desktops and ceilings too, but the mounts that these cameras shipped with are specifically for outdoor installation.
The end of the camera cords that go to the DVR have yellow (to the DVR) and red (to the 'octopyus' like power cord that is one of two AC adapters that ship with the unit.
Cameras are set to record as 'always on', but you can set them up to record on a schedule or be motion-activated, which can so be modified to fit your situation. For example if you live on a busy street, you can block certain recorded areas from tripping the motion detection.
You can set up 'Privacy Zones'; up to 4 per camera, and run cameras in 'Covert Mode' with password protection. The cameras will appear not to be live on the montitoring screen to unauthorized users, but they will actually be recording.
INSTALLATION: DVR
If you can hook-up a DVD player, you can hook up this system!
In the box you'll find the DVR, USB Mouse, remote for DVR, 2 AA batteries (for remote), Network cable, AC power supply for DVR (short cord on this one...), CD for software installation and PDF User's Manual.
Again, look at the DefenderDIY YouTube videos to see how to set-up the DVR if it's unclear to you.
A Quickstart Guide is included and small label tabs are on some items that say 'For DVR' or similar.
The unit comes in two boxes, one with cameras and cabling, and the other with the DVR and its accessories. The box with the cameras looks overwhelming, but basically, it's just a lot of cords!
DVR UNIT:
On the back of the DVR are 8-channels (hook-ups0 for cameras, audio 'in', audio 'out',and 2 USB ports (use 1 for included mouse and the other for a back-up hard drive like Seagate Backup Plus 3 TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive (STCA3000101). The DVR has a 500GB hard drive with overwrite feature, and Defender says you can store up to 4 years worth of footage on it, so an external back-up would only be necessary if you want to archive footage. NOTE: If reviewing archived footage, you can search for items by event, putting in a specific search timeline to view.
I hooked mine up to a PC monitor via the VGA hook-up. You can also view what the camera is seeing via a TV by using the video out (yellow) ended cord which is included. The VGA cable is not included with this package.
The front of the unit has two lights on the upper left hand side (facing the unit). One is green, it remains steady when the DVR has powered on and one is red, it blinks as the DVR is recording.
You can use the Defender remote control to enter modifications, set networking information, etc..., no matter what monitoring device (TV or PC monitor) you're using. When using the PC monitor and mouse you can right click to get more options to menus to adjust and set-up the system.
The DVR is set to NTSC video format by default, but can be changed to PAL in settings.
Menus in English, French, Russian, Italian, Portugesse, Spanish and Romanian are given.
Once you have hooked up your cameras to the back of the DVR, connected a TV or PC monitor, connected the USB mouse, and powered up the unit by plugging in the AC adapter, you should see a picture on your monitor with 4 or 8 channels (depends on your settings when the unit powers up).
Depending upon how many cameras you have hooked up, and what channels they are connected to, you will see corresponding video streams from these cameras. These streams will not be recording until you set them up!
NETWORKING & WORLDWIDE ACCESS:
The networking features are more complex to set-up, but again, check out the YouTube DefenderDIY tutorial videos and the PDF Owner's Manual on the CD for that information.
Once your DVR is networked, you've got an AMAZING tool at your disposal for keeping an eye on your location from anywhere in the world!
You can access your control panel for the system via the Internet or an app that can be used by iPhones, BlackBerry Bold, or Android phones.
You can also receive email security warnings based upon parameters you set-up in Advanced tools.
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION:
1. Easy to install and use.
2. Quality built.
3. Video quality and zoom feature are excellent.
4. Highly customizable.
5. Online networking for remote views with email warnings, and apps for viewing while away from location.
6. Like that you can back-up to external hard drive.
7. Would work for home or business.
8. Security settings allow for 'covert' surveillance.
9. Adjustments for privacy areas and adjustments for motion sensitivity are nice perks!
10.Great tool for monitoring any area in light and dark situations.
While the price will be prohibitive to some, the Defender Pro Sentinel 8CH Smart Security DVR with 4 Hi-Res Outdoor Security Cameras is a great product, with excellent support and tutoriials online.
The PDF Owner's Manual is well written and easy to follow.
The toughest part about the installation of this unit for most people will be getting the cameras located and properly adjusted, and the setting up the networking components. Both can be done by anyone, it will just take a bit of time to read or view how-to videos, and patience.
If you want security for your business or home that you can monitor no matter where you are, I highly recommend this system which has great features and room to grow!
ITEM SPECIFICATIONS PER DEFENDER WEBSITE:
DVR
Functionality Pentaplex
Video Compression H.264
Audio Compression G.711
Number of Channels 4
Video Input 4/8 x BNC
Video Output 2 x BNC
VGA
Audio Input 2 x RCA
Audio Output 1 x RCA
USB Port 2
Resolution 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024
Recording Total Frame Rate NTSC：60fps@D1、120fps@HD1、120 fps@CIF PAL：50fps@D1、100fps@HD1、100fps@CIF
Recording Frame Rate Per Channel NTSC: 1fps~30fps adjustable
PAL: 1fps~25fps adjustable
Recording Resolution NTSC : D1(704 X 480), HD1(704 X 240), CIF(352 X 240) / PAL: D1(704 X 576), HD1(704 X 288), CIF(352 X 288)
Recording Modes Motion Record, Schedule, Always
Pre Recording Max 10 seconds
Post Recording Max 5 minutes
Recording Media HDD (Backup via USB)
Storage Capacity Max 1TB HDD
HDD Type SATA 3.5"
Storage Capacity Max 1TB (HDD)
Video Format NTSC/PAL
Video Loss Alarm Auto Detect Alarm
Audio Bitrate 8 kbps
Live Frame Rate 30 FPS
Live Viewing Full, Quad, PIP, ZOOM, SEQ
Picture-in-Picture Yes
Network Protocol TCP/IP, DDNS, DHCP, PPPoE,UDP
Network LAN IP Static, Dynamic
Network Connection 10/100 BaseT Ethernet (RJ-45)
Supported Operating Systems Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, OSX 10.5 or above
Browsers Internet Explorer, Safari
Back-up USB Flash drive, USB disk & network
Play Search Mode Time/Date, Event list
Play Speed 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x
Pan/Tilt/Zoom RS-485 Pelco D & P
OSD Language Display Multi-Language
Time and Date Stamp Display Yes
Password Protection Yes, Menu Password, Clear HDD Password
Operating System Linux
Processor ARM 9
Disk Full Warning Yes
Automatic Overwrite Option Yes
LED Indicators Power, HDD
Housing Material Aluminum
Housing Color Black/Silver
Power Input 12V DC 3A
Power Consumption 10W~15W
Power Adapter Input 100V 50/60HZ~240 50/60HZ
Operating Temperature 32°F~104°F
Operating Humidity 10%~90%
Dimensions 8.75x11x2"
Weight 3.75 lbs
Cameras
Image Sensor 1/3" CMOS
Resolution 600 TVL
Outdoor Use Yes
IP Rating IP65
Focal Length 5mm
Focus Type Fixed
Optimal Focal Distance 20 ft.
Night Vision Yes
Number of IR LEDs and Range 36
Night Vision Range 100ft
IR LED Control Automatic (CDS Sensor)
Min. Illumination 0 lux
IR Wavelength 850nm
Video Output BNC/DC
TV System NTSC
Viewing Angle 60 Degrees
Electronic Shutter 1/60 ~ 1/100000 sec
AGC Automatic
ELC Automatic
Gamma Correction >0.45
White Balance Automatic
Sun Shield Yes
IR Cut Filter Yes
Housing Material Anodized Aluminum
Housing Color Black/Silver
Signal/Noise Ratio >48dB
Camera Bracket Yes, anti-vandal
Operating Temperature -10° ~ 60°C / Degrees
Operating Humidity 98%
Camera Power Input DC 12V 300mA
Power Adapter Input 120V 60Hz
Dimensions 6.75x3x5.5"
Weight .9 lbsTerrible product. After contacting support, I found out that the 16 channel has a more limited recording resolution than the 4/8 channel not documented anywhere. In live mode, the cameras have limited resolution and cannot be used to make out a license plate or facial features at only 4 feet away in daytime. The software interface is clunky. I returned this and will wait until I can afford a nicer DVR system and higher quality cameras.
Pro tip: after I purchased the system, I started searching YouTube for examples of recordings from the kit. I wish I had done that before, as they demonstrate the poor quality of the unit. Do some checking in forums or YouTube for demonstrations or still shots that will provide you with a better idea of the camera quality.I have a lot of issues with this product, but to sum it up, the cameras seem to be ok but the DVR isn't close to what the description makes it out to be. Do not buy this if you want a real security camera system.
I purchased this camera system after my truck was broken while parked in my driveway in front of my home.
I began by setting up the system and connecting all four cameras to ensure everything worked properly, which it did. I got good images on all four cameras, they switched from day to night more with a click from the relay. Next I got the network setup to allow me to hide the DVR away in my closet. I completed the installation and setup over the network.
I installed three of the four cameras in strategic spots around the outside of my house to allow me to monitor these areas. I next configured the alarm and recording settings. After playing with the various resolutions, I settled on the highest as the other settings where inadequate. In order to make out facial features, the person had to be no further than 5-8 feet from the camera. Considering the camera was mounted 15 ft off the ground, this only leaves a little margin. Here is when the real issues became apparent....
I could not get the recording resolutions and other settings to work in the highest resolution. I tried many combinations and in the end, I had to call customer service. After sitting on hold for 10 mins I got online and tried their chat interface. After another 5 10 mins, a rep connected with me on chat. After going around and around with this person telling me my network was to blame and another 5 mins, I was finally connected with a rep on the phone. She also insisted at first the issues I was seeing was because I was connected to the DVR over my local network and that they do no support a switch between the DVR and my laptop. Being a network engineer, I found this ridiculous and insisted we move on. What I did find out after some persistence was that the DVR only supports 50 fps across ALL cameras in the highest resolution setting....or that is what they were telling me. In reality, what I found was that it actually only supported 4 fps for one camera in the highest setting. However, when you play it back, the playback speed is accelerated and seems to be proportional to the fps setting. For example, when you set it to 4 fps, it plays back at 4x normal speed. I have since been able to get the middle resolution to work at 8 fps on three cameras. Next I turned my attention to the motion detection and alarms....
I had originally placed the cameras in my attic while I was running the cables. At the default sensitivity, the motion alarm when off every three minutes (also a default setting) even though nothing in the cameras view was moving. I've since mounted them all outside. I've had to turn down the sensitivity all the way to the lowest to keep the alarm from constantly going off. In addition to a car or person coming into the field of view, I've the following is a list of other things which set off the motion alarm. The list was compiled at the lowest sensitivity.
snow falling from the sky
snow falling from trees which previously had fallen from the sky
rain falling from the sky
birds
squirrels
blowing trees
shadows of blowing trees
changing from day to night
changing from night to day
spiders (that was pretty cool to watch actually)
ghosts
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