SB_Jim

I'm trying to keep the cam as "obscure" as possible. I'm hoping to keep people from seeing it w/o looking for it. When the sun is getting low there's no simple way to keep the sun from it.

Thx V-18, There's just one cam that I'd like to record F/T, so if HDD space becomes an issue, I would likely pursue adding another HDD to move to 4TB from 2TB. Have you any idea about the scenario I wrote about in this same post - copied below? "Related to masks, if there were an undesirable light source in view - even including the IR from an opposing facing IP cam, could I essentially remove the "glare" by simply masking an area around the source - which I have no need to look at anyways??" Thank you, Jim

I realize that I'm "Johnny come lately' on this post - but I enjoyed it so much I had to add my two cents. Several yrs ago my neighbor's teenage daughter had a crazy party when the parents were gone. Drugs & alcohol. Police were called, and yard tools such as shovels & brooms were thrown over the side fence onto my roof & some stayed while some tumbled to the patio below. Parents would never acknowledge ANY responsibility at all (still don't), and never replied to my two requests to please help gather their tools & beer cans from my yard. Shortly thereafter, my cameras were up - one of them facing my rear gate and due to proximity - also happens to partially look over their fence. They're still very upset that I have a camera there, and even as recently as last week their younger daughter threw a large ice cube over the fence (7 foot high) from inside their side door. I happened to be working in the yard, and noticed it as it began to melt. I used my DVR to confirm what happened, and then went over and asked the parent if there was a reason for the ice cube. There was more denial by both parents & child - & I was cursed at by his lovely wife. So, needless to say, they've earned the camera - that will be replaced in a few weeks with an IP No appologies from me for placing the camera!! Cheers, Jim

Well, as a new guy who knows a little bit about basic concepts of networking, DVRs, and surveillance cams - yet is very much motivated to learn a whole lot more - I really appreciate having a place where I can come to both read extensively - and pose my own DIY and tech questions - knowing that many of the participants on this forum are actually willing to share their knowledge and experience. So, for the many of us - Thank You! Jim

You guys Rock! You really delivered the goods today, and I thank you for that. I've learned lots of valuable info as I consider my options. In a perfect world, Swann would offer more than their 2.1MP bullets - but that's probably not happening soon. For my needs, the bullets they offer will work perfectly well for the 4 areas that are my primary "watch zones". The IR will be plenty sufficient since I have a good amount of ambient lighting around my home. The primary reason I was considering passing on the Swann was due to the inability to mix & match other IP cameras. But, I think I now know that this scenario seems to be a bit common among several other IP NVR players - with the exception of the hybrid systems. You're right, I ought to have my socks knocked off by the improvement of a 2.1 MP IP cam vs my existing 660 TVL analogs. And, I also agree w/ another point made that I should just ditch my analog cams and go with the IP - up to 8 with direct PoE to the NVR. The hybrids are convenient, but for my general needs, why not invest just a bit more in a couple more cams ($349 / pr), and enjoy the "goodness". I'm getting closer to placing an order w/ Costco online for the Swann 8 CH 1080 NVR - and may order two more (pricey) cams to round out most of what I want to monitor. With the improved resolution, it may allow me to use one less camera to monitor an area where I'm currently using two. Testing would tell. Sale ends on the 14th, and I like the extra 2 yrs of warranty + consierge service. Thanks again for the time & thoughtfulness of your replies. You really came thru in a great way! Jim

Thanks, All, for your kind replies. I definitely know more now than I did last evening. I would be okay w/ a hybrid NVR, and likely use 4 or so IP cams 1080P plus some better qual analog cams where the HD smack isn't really as necessary. In a true hybrid, will most any analog / BNC camera work? And, if I understand one comment written to me, an SDI would not work w/ a hybrid NVR? Thx again for all of the good tips. More are welcomed if you feel inspired! Jim

Really glad you're all providing so much info on this Swann NVR as I've got my eye on it as well for my home exterior. BTW, I owned a lower-end Swann product for 5-6 yrs without a problem, and now it's used by my brother - again without any issues. I use the mobile app and the PC app to view from out of town, and these are both highly reliable and responsive. From the 8CH Swann HD's owner's manual (which I downloaded from the web) it states: Recording Resolution: 1280 x 720 (720P) 1920 x 1080 (1080P) Recording Frame Rate: NTSC: Up to 30fps/channel PAL: Up to 25fps/channel Somewhere I recall seeing a statement of 240 fps max., but I don't think I saw it in the owner's manual. I don't find anything about a frame rate of 60 - as some have claimed was part of the spec. Also, the Swann tech group sent me an email the other day saying that the power consumption for each provided camera is 4W - if anyone was curious. I could live with the 4 cams for a while, but I sure wish that we could find a solution to using another brand & other styles. The add-on cams are sure pricey - but they're 2.1MP - so hopefully they perform at an expected level. Jim