 Excellent Value for the Price |
| Review Date: December 30, 2007 |
| Reviewer: David Schwind, Hampton Roads |
| I recently bought this system and spent yesterday installing and tinkering with it. I am quite happy with it! Here are my thoughts: Everything that came in the box was as expected, save that the DVR didn't have an S-video output as I had seen it with before (I believe I bought an "upgraded" one which didn't have the output). I was initially disappointed, but later found that the regular video-only composite output worked fine for me. That was my only disappointment with the system, and it has turned out to be a non-issue. One of the big things I was looking for was ensuring that each camera didn't require a local power source, as I didn't relish the idea of running receptacles to each camera location. This one has a single cable with an S-video connector that runs to each camera and carries both power AND video signal, so that worked out great. Installation was a breeze (despite spending a day in my attic) and the components worked together the first time I put the system together. Bringing the picture up through the web was also a snap as well - the instructions in the user guide are quite good for what you need to do. One of the biggest complaints about this system (and really all others in the sub-$1000 price range) that I had read before buying it is the lack of night vision clarity. I don't know what people are talking about with this particular system because I was impressed with the picture I got from the night vision from the cameras - out to about 20 feet away from the camera in a completely dark inside room and with some lights (like indirect lighting through windows) my outdoor cameras were able to have a complete field of view. As far as installation, I am not a techie, but installing it was very straightforward and made sense. It went together quickly and though it took me a day to install, the majority of that time was spent running cables through walls and through ceilings to have all of the cables hidden from view. Data recording is a snap, and changing menu items is easy as well. The only thing I wish I had known before I installed the cameras is their field of view, which I had expected to be zoomed out a bit more than they actually are. Had I known what I was going to see, I would have probably mounted the cameras back a little further from the areas they are recording in order to get a better overall view. My suggestion would be to lay the system out BEFORE installing it to ensure that you are happy with the view that you have before you start drilling holes and running cable. Overall, I am very happy with the system and I have already recommended this system to a family member who is planning on buying it as well. I would highly recommend this to anyone! |
Exceeded my expectations
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| Review Date: February 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Uwood2, |
We recently purchased and installed the SVAT web ready DVR system at our place of business after being hit by thieves and vandals. The night vision cameras were unbelievably bright in a dimly lit area. Some of the features I like about this unit is of course the night vision cameras, the ability to view the cameras over the internet, the ability to record continuously or as motion sensors.
This unit was well worth the money. We have not been burglarized or vandalized since installing these. The presence is an excellent deterent. HOWEVER, If they come back -- We are ready! |
Web Ready Security Camera System and DVR
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| Review Date: March 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D. Schaefer, |
| SVAT CV0204DVR Web Ready DVR Security System w/4 High Resolution Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Surveillance Cameras I recently purchased this item after going through the past couple of years with some moderate vandilism and criminal mischief around our house (ie. taking our decorative hay bails and lining them up across the road, stealing our decorative garden light, and breaking into our backyard to let our dogs out ultimately with one getting struck by a vehicle.) Anyway, these events led me on the hunt for a way to secure the place my family lives. I researched many types of camera systems and even consulted some experts and with my security background I came to the conclusion I need something simple and easy to install. When I came across this product, I knew I found what I was looking for. Well priced, good coverage, connects to the tv in the living room or any tv in the house for that matter, and I can see it from anywhere in the world! One point here, if you work for the government or somewhere with major firewalls, don't plan on being able to access this system from their network, I already tried and it doesn't work. Anyway, the installation was easy, I did spend most of the day in the attic running cables, but it was worth it. As far as the night vision goes, it works fine for me, although it's so windy here I do have to keep the lenses clean of the dust that blows around. The pictures day and night are perfect for my needs and it's in full color during the day. I did have some trouble with my internet service provider at first when I was attempting to access the system over the internet. But, a couple of phone calls to the SVAT support desk and I was up and running without any problems except the whole government computer issue. I now have full coverage around the house and my worries are minimized. |
Five stars... BUT, read ALL the reviews
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| Review Date: May 24, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Kemo Sabe, Bellaire, Texas United States |
I'll give this five stars because it's an ambitious effort for under $600.00
However, read all the reviews carefully for the cons; there are many and none noted seem unfair. Just take them into account before jumping into anything.
If you do not have prior networking experience, and/or hard wire experience, do NOT buy this as it can eat you up. In my area, installation was offered for $250.00. If you can get that deal, go for it. Otherwise, be prepared to work, perhaps hard, to get this to do what you want it to do.
If you do have prior networking and hardwire experience, keep in mind that this system, used fully, opens up your PC to all sorts of evils in order for it to work remotely. You may want to set up different profiles/users to get around some of this. And, if you have done lots of hardwiring, this system has you making some pretty big holes in things and leaves you wondering what to do with the excess cable, wondering how well the soft cable will hold up under stress and time, and so forth. My use for this system is short-term and I have a spare laptop to dedicate to this, so I'm OK with lots of the downsides just mentioned.
Out of the box, this deal is simple enough. I was disappointed, to the point I quit asking, with tech support. I had no problems (after reading and heeding all the reviews) installing the system. But, fine-tuning it and getting more out of it without their input was just wishful thinking. It worked well enough for what I wanted to do, but it is by no means a "heavy duty" system or a "one size fits all" solution.
First off, you have an effective range of 15 to 20 feet. It's handy for seeing that "something" is going on. But, it's not really a good ID system to prove "who" was doing something.
Second, four cameras is probably not enough for any real security. Again, handy for some things - like, "Is somebody in the driveway?". But, once you start thinking about it, there are many areas around home or work that you might want to keep an eye on. And, anyone who wants to sneak up on you can check out the camera layout easy enough and find a way to get to you without being seen.
Third, reviewing and off-loading video is slow, clumsy, and, akin to video editing. It has fast-forward features, etc. But, rewind is slow and viewing/copying is in real time. In fact, for practical purpose, everything happens in real time. Unless you know when something happened, you'll be at this a long time. And, if you have it on FF3, you may miss the tiny bit of activity that happened entirely.
Fourth, it would be nice if it could be set to record ONLY motion. From what I can figure, when it detects motion it records at the frame rate you set... Meaning, in real time it can do x frames per second, but when motion is detected it begins recording at x times 4 frames per second so you can see more detail. If your actor is moving quickly, you may get nothing at all, or, nothing at all useful.
I'll stop there. It's a good "nanny cam," and it can be handy for watching day-to-day real time comings and goings. Do not, however, bet the farm on this thing. It's just not solid enough to count on it for a lot.
Still, for under $600.00 AND providing some remote access ability, you can't knock it on the very basics that it CAN deliver. |
I install lots of these
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| Review Date: December 2, 2008 |
| Reviewer: L. Haycock, |
| I install video surveillance systems and a few years back I started seeing SVAT units. Since then I have installed many of them with no problems. They are not high end units but are perfect for home and small business. The DVR does generate ALOT of heat so needs good air circulation. The night vision is ok, 10 foot max without some other sort of ambient lighting but the cameras are good in low light so just a regular porchlight is plenty to light most of a yard and keep the camera from going to B/W mode. Need install in Kern County CA area by licensed contractor? contact me: LONNYISHERE(at)GMAIL(dot)COM |
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