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Does anyone have recommended pre-built PC's or builds? I was considering building one from scratch on Newegg. I purchased (4) Swanns with the intention of building a PC with BI, but I realized I could save a boatload by purchasing the Lorex 8-channel 4 camera system w/NVR. This was before I got an update for BI which appears to considerably lower the CPU usage so I could build a lessor system (I was under the impression I needed an i7 before.) I also read a review from 3 days ago about the Lorex system having motion detection issues (too sensitive.) I now have both of these and am trying to determine which I should return: (2) http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-2-Pack-NVR-IP-Bullet-Cameras.product.100039914.html (1) http://www.costco.com/Lorex-8-Channel-Full-HD-PoE-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-Hard-Drive-and-4-HD-1080p-Cameras.product.100035609.html It's critical to me that I upload footage/images offsite to ensure if NVC or PC is compromised I have a remote backup. This seems to be much easier via BI.

im just gonna stop second guessing my self and keep what i got... it works for my needs currently. I'm playing that game now, except I'm going between: A. Wait till Swann system comes back. B. Buy Lorex system C. Build PC and use BI with either Swanns or Lorex cameras C is more costly by ~$700 but likely the optimal customization, but more maintenance. A is unknown when/if the system will come back. B seems like best option for me.

How does the story end!?!?

Has anyone setup a mirror drive with an NVR but made it external? With the wires extending ~6ft? Can you only do it via SATA cable or can you via USB? I read in the Lorex manual you can backup via USB HD but it sounded like mirroring was only for SATA. The key is I want the mirror SATA drive in a secured location.

240FPS is BS if you do the math, this is from the manual: "Realtime at 1080P resolution up to 4 cameras (120fps in total). Additional cameras supported @15fps each (8-Channel only)" Quoted from this manual: http://www.lorextechnology.com/downloads/security-nvr/LNR200-Series/LNR200_SERIES_MANUAL_R1.pdf So... 4 cameras @ 30fps == 120fps 4 additional @ 15fps == 60fps Total: 180fps Unless I'm being a tool and missing something obvious or looking at the wrong manual, Lorex has some explaining to do.

It really is a waste of hard drive to record over 15fps, there are many samples on youtube on this, here is one example: Full disclosure: I'm a novice when it comes to video surveillance. I would have expected more blurring and I was thought with 15fps the likelihood of having a good still (visible face/etc) wasn't as likely (hence less fps.) I'd be interested to see that comparison but with a person walking and running. I thought it was a 'bigger deal' as I'd read quite a few comments in various threads that people wanted 30fps. If 15fps is entirely sufficient why bother with 30fps? I imagine it'd also save a considerable amount of HD space.

Got my (4) Swanns today, still on fence about buying NVR + 4 Cams or just a PC. Wish Swanns had come with the extra 40ft/cable. Still considering this setup: http://www.costco.com/Lorex-8-Channel-Full-HD-PoE-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-Hard-Drive-and-4-HD-1080p-Cameras.product.100035609.html or possibly buying a PC. Reading the fine print is key: "Realtime at 1080P resolution up to 4 cameras (120fps in total). Additional cameras supported @15fps each (8-Channel only)" While I only want 4 cameras right now, I don't know if I would want more, and if I did I'd be annoyed with 15fps. Does anyone know how many FPS 8 1080p cameras on Blue Iris would output?

Ditto I'm still new to all this, what exactly does having an alarm input get you? When I think alarm, I think alerts (email/texting) but I presume it can set off an actual alarm?

If the NVR could upload via FTP on motion detection I'd be sold. But the reality is a lock box won't stop someone with a crowbar or decent hammer, at best it slows them down.

Thanks! Very helpful. Is anyone else concerned that someone could make off with the whole NVR unit and you'd be SOL?

Does the Lorex DVR send emails with still photo(s) and/or links to video? I really like the text functionality, does anyone know if you could sent a text via email address with it? I'd assume so, but you never know. 100' cables would be a nice over the 60'.

My 4 Swann cameras are on their way, someone hurry up and order/review this so I can decide if I want to return (or sell) the Swanns for that all-in-one package or build out my own PC setup. Saving ~$700 sure sounds nice... but Blue Iris has some fantastic features.

While I ordered 2 pairs of Swann cams before they took the offer down, I'm starting to think if they post a new setup with 4 cams + DVR I should go that route as I'd save a lot of money. Anyone else in the same boat? $766 for 4 Swanns + ~$700 for a i7 PC... seems a hell of a lot cheaper to buy a package deal. My biggest concern is about the DVR software being as customizable as Blue Iris. Thoughts?

Wow.. looks like I ordered my Swanns just in time, as they're MIA from Costco's site. Good work on flashing, curious what the video size (mb) differences are for 720/1080/2048..

I'm in the same boat, I'll share what I'm currently considering getting. I'm unsure about buying the PC pre-built or building it myself, I still need to price that out. But if you were wanting full control, flexibility and didn't want to build a PC from scratch this setup may work well for you too. Likely 4 (2 sets) of the Swann 1080p's: http://www.costco.com/Swann-1080p-2-Pack-NVR-IP-Bullet-Cameras.product.100039914.html This PC to record (i7 core + 4gb ram for HD cams suggested): http://www.costco.com/HP-ENVY-h8xt-Desktop%2c-Intel%c2%ae-Core%e2%84%a2-i7-3770-Quad-core%2c-3.4GHz.product.100029672.html Using Blue Iris for software: http://blueirissoftware.com/ Netgear ProSafe GS110TP for POE Switch: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003KPHYBA Again, I don't have this setup, it's just what I'm considering current time.