Swann - Pro-Series 9-Channel, 4-Camera Indoor/Outdoor Surveillance System

I'd put off buying a security camera system for my home, but a discounted price at Best Buy prompted me to jump in. The features and quality looked too good to be true, but it turns out it's not - it's truly a good quality system that's remarkably easy to install. The hardest thing is running the included 60-foot cables from the DVR location to the cameras. I started with the DVR, since my primary desire was to have a system I could monitor from my mobile devices. I installed the unit, plugged it into my router, set the DMZ on the router to allow Internet traffic to my DVR and presto, I was online viewing the DVR from my iPhone and iPad. Cameras were a bit more challenging. First I scouted my property and decided on optimal locations, also realizing I needed one additional wide angle camera (Swann PRO-761, also purchased from Best Buy). Next I tested each camera and cable - the instructions were very clear it's important to do this BEFORE installing and routing wires. It DOES help to be an experienced do-it-yourselfer to install these, at least in my house. There's limited space in my attic where the wires would be run, and the roof slopes down to a too-narrow place where the cameras would mount. I knew the wires would have to be pulled from inside from the outside after pushing a fair amount of wire through a small opening - this allowed wires to be hooked with a wire coathanger. All in all, this was a piece of cake. I was even able to use my iPhone while standing on the ladder to adjust each of the cameras. Not everyone will be able to install this themselves, but Swann has made it about as easy as possible for a moderately experienced do-it-yourselfer to complete installation in a day. The only criticism at this point is I don't use a PC, only a Mac. The log in and change password options aren't available to me on the Mac version of the Swann MyDVR program. Also, the image quality isn't great on the mobile app, probably to save bandwidth. Even the MyDVR program shows a non-optimal image, but once identifying a segment of interest, the digital download is full resolution. Summary: Top-notch, excellent construction quality, very good image quality. and completely intuitive installation. A great buy.

Bought this unit to replace DVR and cameras from old system with horrible night vision. These 700 DVL cameras are very good without the expense of HD equipment. Night vision is fairly good, especially when not competing with other ambient light sources. Initially installed the DVR with existing cameras to ensure protection coverage, but systematically replaced the old cameras with the ones in the kit. Also bought an extended IR range, variable focal length dome camera (Swann SWPRO-781CAM) for the entry way (unfortunately not carried by BB). Again, no problem. As with any wired camera system, running the wires is always the biggest challenge. Also would be a good idea to estimate how much wire you'll need before ordering/picking up, because the wire normally used for these systems include both power and video (no audio for the wire in the kit) and the supplied wire may not be long enough. It's available from a variety of sources, but not something that you find just anywhere. As far as quality, if you're expecting a video quality sufficient for picking folks out of a lineup, you'll be disappointed. Still not to that quatliy, but I wasn't expecting it either. One word of warning that kept this from being a 5 star review: the internet interface and instructions are really challenging, especially problematic if you have a firewall. Instructions don't help at all, except for the simplest (and least secure) home networks. Plan on being on the phone with Tech Support (they speak english, but probably still not in the US, so be prepared). Involves opening up required ports, etc. Another point is that keep in mind that if you're looking at keeping an eye on things at home while at work or travel, you'll need to have the same ports open on both ends, and most time your employer may not allow that to happen. If you keep things simple with apps on your mobile device running 4G or LTE (e.g. not Wifi) they you should be OK, Be warned, though, the apps aren't very good (but better than not seeing at all) and the new version (8/2013) has some serious bugs.

Wasn't sure what to expect but couldn't be happier.Night vision is great and can see all sides of my property.With a little reading was able to adjust sensitivity of each camera based on location.Set on motion detection it lists time and day of activity on dvr playback and is easy to review.I work long hours and can keep an eye on things while i'm gone. Not living in best neighborhood and people are now aware of my system.Think twice about tresspassing

Got this camera/DVR system for home security use. Good range of camera vision, and picture is pretty good. Overall, this is a very good camera system for the price.

I bought this to keep an eye on the place after a couple incidences of vandalism. I put the cameras out of reach but in plain site. I let it be known that "big brother" was watching. I hadn't had any trouble since. I get email notification and a picture of motion activation sent to my phone. A nice feature to see who is coming and going in your driveway and the door. while I'm away from home.

the cameras were easy to install/connect and set for our intended use and they have been performing at the level we were expecting

I did a ton of research before buying. You have to get at least 700 TVL resolution or you will not be happy with the images. The software on the DVR is straight forward. I wish the alarm/motion sensitivity would not get triggered by wind and rain. I had set it up to email me when it saw motion in our driveway.... So when it rains, I get an email every 5 minutes. The nigh vision is good but not great. I ended up keeping my outside lights on to help improve the images. My favorite feature is the free ipad/iPhone app to watch live video (lower resolution since it is streaming.). I can see multiple cameras at once... Get an email when someone pulls in the driveway, etc...

We installed these in our home and they work great. Went back to purchase another camera to add to the system.