I purchased this security surveillance kit because of its features and it does all what it claims. The hardware is very stable but the software can use some refinement, nevertheless I'm pleased so far with it. Here is a list of the Pros and Cons.Pros:
The Hardware works great
The Seller & Tech support is top notch
The cameras included are good
Remote viewing on mobile platforms works good
Very useful features for video & audio recording
Cons:
The software needs to be refined some more
User interface is sub par
Manuals could be better
User cannot upgrade internal hard-drive without voiding the 1 year warranty.
This was my first time installing a surveillance system but I'm no stranger to electronic, video and computers with my geeky lifestyle. In setting up the system I had to call tech support because the manual is written in poor English. The same goes for the menu system on the unit setting screen. The wording doesn't always convey a proper direction and can be ambiguous.
Tech support was more than helpful and that what won me over. For the questions that they could not answer they would contact the manufacturer and get back with me promptly via phone or email. For the issues that the manufacturer could not resolve the developer of the software would contact me and provide updates to the software.
The onscreen menu is very basic and generic looking, the menu format could be a little more intuitive, but once you overcome that, the features and stability of the unit will make you happy. I installed this system with 8 cameras, four bullet style and 4 dome style. The bullet style cameras (the ones included with this kit) performs well in day and night and it has very flexible mounting options. It shows color images in the day and black and white when the inferred is on.
I've had this for over 4 months now. After the unit was set up with all cameras in tact, I typically run the unit headless (without a monitor) since I can access the unit via any PC on the network or through the internet with the NetDVR software. For the most parts I don't need to access the unit and it just sits on a shelf as it monitors and records to my configuration. I only visit the unit if I want to view a past recording or activities but after is in place it does not need to be nursed.
A list of user options includes:
video quality Best Fine Normal
Resolution D1, HD1, CIF
Audio
Frame rate 1 thru 30 fps
Time scheduled recording
Motion recording / motion sensitivity / motion determined areas
Pan Tilt Zoom will capable cameras
Snap shots.
Mobile platform apps Windows, iOS, Android, Blackberry etc.
Alarms .... just to name a few.
I have it set to "motion recording" and with the 500 GB hard drive that's in it I get about 30 days of recording before it overwrites older data. I was told that It would cost $150 + the price of the drive to have the hard-drive updated which is a definite turn-off. If I try to replace it or upgrade it myself I would void the one year warranty ... So I'll stay put for one year and in the meantime I'll update this review as I see fit.
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