Samsung SHR-1041K 4CH DVR Surveillance System

We needed some kind of security system installed as we have some problem neighbors doing juvenile stuff on our property. So far, so good on this unit. We bought it from a "big box store" so we'd be able to return it easily if it wasn't quite what we wanted. This week, we set up all four cameras at the front of our house. I had no problems getting everything to work straight out of the box. I like the long cables but I think I'd like to see higher quality cameras provided. They're fine and they're in focus and everything is recognizable, but I doubt I'd be able to do any facial recognition from across the street. The "quick guide "wasn't really much help in trying to find the main administrator menu on the machine. "Virtual keyboard"?? Found it by accident by madly clicking on the screen. Once I got into the system, it became easier of course and I already feel safer just knowing that my property is being "watched". I'll write an update on how the system is working after I've had it up and running for a couple of weeks.

Update April 2010: I've now had this unit for about 5 months and it still does exactly what I wanted. It sits there quietly doing its thing; it's nice being able to review the recordings and discover which of our neighbors left the HUGE tire marks on the driveway or which local drunk peeled off at 100mph on Friday night at 2am. Nice to have the proof especially when they vehemently deny it! We've also been asked by our HOA to provide evidence of underage driving on our streets. Their Momma denied it (no not our little angels!) I provided the video evidence to the HOA. No more problems since then. Glad to help! Archiving scenes is pretty easy once you've done it a couple of times. I use a generic USB drive. No problems.

Any criticisms? Yes, but minor ones really. I don't like the "FF" or "REW" features. You'll be revewing footage at, say, 5x speed, see the scene you want to review and it flies by while you're trying to press the 1x button or PAUSE or REVERSE button on screen. Very confusing. I'd also still prefer to have higher definition cameras, so I could make out licence plates/faces but even so, just having the cameras there acts as a great deterrent. Don't get me wrong, I don't sit there scrutinizing every second of footage. Most weeks I never even go near it. But it sure makes me feel safer and a little bit more informed about the goings on our crazy street.

To set this up you need to hook up a monitor, keyboard, and mouse directly to the DVR. Once setup, then you can remove all and hook up to router on network. Trying to get it setup for first run through router is next to impossible.

This works great with XP or with a monitor directly connected to the DVR.

The DVR has a problem with IE8 and Win7. Can get picture and sound, however, the picture keeps blinking off and on. We recently converted all computers in house to Win7. All show the same problem (where all worked perfectly before). I will be looking for a firmware update for the DVR which should be the fix.

The balance between color and night vision is fantastic. The ability to search recorded history works great. I have a more expensive system, and its quality just can't live up to this product.

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This is a pretty good system for the price, but the night vision is just horrible. It is all fuzzy and you cannot see anything at all. I haven't been able to get my remote to work either.

I do like how they give you very long chords for the cameras.

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For the price I paid, this system is perfect. In my particular situation, I wanted a DVR compatible with my older cameras and cabling since they're still in working condition. What was obsolete was my old VHS recorder, which only recorded one frame at a time and had to be changed daily. If you are looking to keep your older rj11 cameras, for home use, this system is ideal.

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Would recommend for a great starter surveillance system. I have it installed under carport and porch, so they have been out in the weather (TN) but don't take direct hits from it. The night vision is ok but works better with outside lights. You will need to by a monitor. Frr starters it works great and for the price I paid it works great.