Swann 8 Channel Security System with 1TB Hard Drive, 8 1MP Cameras, 720P SDI DVR, and 82′ Night Vision

What customers say about Swann 8 Channel Security System with 1TB Hard Drive, 8 1MP Cameras, 720P SDI DVR, and 82′ Night Vision?

1. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

   
   Very excellent value and OUTSTANDING tech support, November 28, 2015

   By 

   SF Bay Guy (San Francisco, CA) –

   This review is from: Swann 8 Channel Security System with 1TB Hard Drive, 8 1MP Cameras, 720P SDI DVR, and 82′ Night Vision (Electronics)

   I have bought many “consumer” CCTV security systems and have installed in various applications (mostly commercial residential properties) and have tried nearly every “consumer” brand including Swann, Lorex, Qsee and even a few off-name. I have experimented with all types of cameras, cabling and even wireless. I have also interviewed numerous “commercial” system installers for residential and small business, and found most use unbranded systems because nearly all DVRs use public domain software and common hardware. Some mfgs just do a better job with build quality and support. Swann is one of them. I do see some systems that offer better specs than Swann, but you CANNOT beat their tech support. For most applications, scanning QR code on system with phone, pad etc. sets up 90 of network access. But for more custom configs or for ability to access via ANY web browers with DDNS login, you need to tweek router. This can get a small challenging because you not only need to determine all open ports on router, but also set port forwarding so you can safely get access directly into the DVR remotely. As with any tech support, most support only up to their product, but NOT Swann. They will really login to your router (with permission of course) and test and completely figure your system. As I am very technical, I normally am very critical of tech support (esp 1st level) and my questions usually are at level2 or 3 before I call – but Swann’s first line support has time and time again demonstrated that they not only know their products inside and out, but are very network savvy and have supported me with pretty much every make of router commonly available. I have resold all other brand dvrs and now have standardized on Swann just for that reason.

   Comments about security leaks are certainly possible, and exist with ANY product that has open port to internet (including gaming consoles, skype or other web apps) so no different then any. Probably less risky because you can select an unpopular port vs. these other apps that all standardize on a single port.

   Regarding this specific system, I did notice a couple cameras has build quality and that you must be certain to get the higher quality cables if you need to extend or run long distance. But the quality for a BNC cable is incredible and nearly on par with the 2x priced NVR system/cameras that use Cat 6 cable.

   Watch for sales as these always go on sale at Frys electronics and sam’s club.

   0

   Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

   Was this review helpful to you? 
   

   
   |

    Comment

2. 2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

   
   Insecure security system., August 12, 2015

   By 

   a. roque-escobar –

   This review is from: Swann 8 Channel Security System with 1TB Hard Drive, 8 1MP Cameras, 720P SDI DVR, and 82′ Night Vision (Electronics)

   I bought thus system in January of 2015. By May I noticed that it was not recording on some of the cameras. The way this system works is such that it will record until the disk is near full then it starts to overwrite ancient video. Each camera is supposed to have the ability to turn on and record while some a activity is happening in front of it. Well in May we noticed that some cameras were not recording. A call to tech service hooked us up with a tech who instructed us to try several things. One of them was to reset and reformat the drive then start over. By the end of June again it is not recording only this time it’s worse.

   I requested they replace my unit with a new one. That would take 10 to 20 days. I send mine in, then they send me one. I requested a trade where they send me one and then I get it I send theirs back. After some argument they agreed but they requested a buy receipt. I provided it via email. I still don’t have a working unit.

   Since their system gets on your network at home or office so you can see it from any computer or mobile device, I believe someone has figured out how to hack the system and prevent it from recording. I can nearly bet money the hardware is just fine. There are complaints on the web about these systems. They are all similar – no recording. If I don’t get a fix on this problem, I will return the system and try get my money back.

   Today anything hooked to the web is in danger of getting hacked. This is an insecure security system. I would not buy this system if I was looking from scratch. I do not recommend this system for security.

   0

   Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

   Was this review helpful to you? 
   

   
   |

    Comment

3. 1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

   
   Bought in 2015 works pretty excellent called service because i needed help connecting to …, October 5, 2015

   By 

   bobby jones –

   This review is from: Swann 8 Channel Security System with 1TB Hard Drive, 8 1MP Cameras, 720P SDI DVR, and 82′ Night Vision (Electronics)

   Bought in 2015 works pretty excellent called service because i needed help connecting to the net and they walked me thru it. We have access via, tv, or cell phones, tablets

   0

   Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

   Was this review helpful to you? 
   

   
   |

    Comment