Boogieman

How does one do that with a Windows 7 computer? I have determined the IP address of the NVR and can ping it from the CMD line (and it responds). But I'm not clear on how to log into the device itself to check the disk. The SwannView Link software logs into it ok, but I am kept at arms length from the actual disk - so can't run chkdsk for example - or see how much free space it has.. pull it out and connect to pc..or try a known good disk in there.

Take it easy? NOTHING you said is accurate. Why are you simply posting nonsense? Its better to be silent than post misinformation.

Why would the streams have to pass though your server? Record to the blue iris machine..even if you also want to record to nas, there is not reason it has to pass though your server... If you connect the BI machine to the same poe switch as the cameras, there wont even be any data passing through your router.

Does your system come with a NVR or ip cameras? That is irrelevant.... OP, it is not recommended to use wifi...but if you wish, what you are looking for is a wifi bridge...also look at powerline adapters.

It will be tough to meet the 500 mark, unless you wait for sales...look at hikvision or dahua systems and or their rebranded equivalents swann and qsee/lorex respectively (at costco).

Range is never an issue in a home...a single cable can be run 328 feet. Not sure what routers have to do with this, you can use any router you want. You are not limited in cameras..what are you talking about? Any chance you are Sunnykim's cousin in china?

check the drive

If I go the PC route what PC spec would you recommend to run a system with about 12 cameras? Varies by vms...first choose software then buy hardware to suit.

Great advice toss...

Do not update anything unless you read the threads discussing the subject.

Dont update the firmware......search google for hikvision 5.25 firmware you will find posts that discuss this.

IF your cameras are china region cameras do not update the firmware..where did you buy them?

How much did you pay for it? you might consider getting an HD cvi/tvi unit so you can upgrade you cams...I dont understand why you would want to keen an item the is giving you trouble from the get go.

Send it back. Most of annnke's reviews on amazon are fake. Did you properly reformat the drive when you put it in?

Look for an authorized dahua or hikvision dealer in canada..

No they only have the same risks if you use VPN...if you simply port forward, a pc is much more secure because NVR's if they are ever updated are SLOW to get updated. There are tons of threads discussing the pros and cons.

YES because there is a NTP time server setting where you need to enter the correct info! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Time_Protocol You need to enter the correct setting for YOUR timezone.

That is NOT accurate. Most standalone NVR;s are NOT properly patched for vulnerabilities... takes months for them to be patched. Then at some point, the manufacturer stops updating firmware. Not to mention the cheap junk that never get updated because the supplier is long gone. VPN will resolve any problems.

Yes you are correct, my bosses at dahua, hikvision, costco, amazon, newegg etc, give me direct orders. They tell me to fight china spammers like you. Again, as usual you are off topic. Stop giving bad advice to end users. Read my posts more carefully so you learn something. I beg you to buy an IP camera just for testing, one 720p one 1080p and one 4mp. Its clear you never used or owned any ip cameras and are only exposed to the low end D1 cameras your junk china company sells. Nobody wants your intentionally misleading and false advice. Not sure why the moderators have not removed you as simply a china spammer. Do not try to get out of a direct focus. This one does not prove that you are not peddler of 4MP ip camera. The china scammer strikes again. You need to be removed from this forum. What is the direct focus? Did you not see where I mentioned 2mp AND 4mp? Stop lying. China scammer.

Yes you are correct, my bosses at dahua, hikvision, costco, amazon, newegg etc, give me direct orders. They tell me to fight china spammers like you. Again, as usual you are off topic. Stop giving bad advice to end users. Read my posts more carefully so you learn something. I beg you to buy an IP camera just for testing, one 720p one 1080p and one 4mp. Its clear you never used or owned any ip cameras and are only exposed to the low end D1 cameras your junk china company sells. Nobody wants your intentionally misleading and false advice. Not sure why the moderators have not removed you as simply a china spammer.

Sounds eerily similar to the installer I talked to. This installer just jumped straight into TVI as if its the only thing in town. Badmouthed bullet cams and when IP was suggested, he brought up the bandwidth thing. However your video seems to suggest to go to a higher pixel count because when zooming in it will give greater detail. Guess that is the key how much detail and how far will objects be. Your minimum should be 1080p...going from d1 to 1080 is much greater than going from 2mp to 4mp...4mp is not double the pixel density... Regardless, my point was that with respect to hikvision, the 2mp and 4mp are better at night and low light, than the 3mp..

There is no trouble with spot monitoring with 2mp of 4mp. Im convinced that you dont understand what spot monitoring means. TVI is transitional technology and should not be installed in a new installation. Its 2015 not 2005. I do not need to prove anything to a poor peddler of Hikvision 4MP IP Camera. Way to not answer the question. Oh and by the way, I mentioned BOTH 2mp and 4mp cameras in my post. Stop making up lies about "spot monitoring" when you dont even know what that means. At least in this post you dont promote D1 resolution anymore making false claims that D1 is the same as 1080p. So it looks like you are making progress. Great.

There is no trouble with spot monitoring with 2mp of 4mp. Im convinced that you dont understand what spot monitoring means. TVI is transitional technology and should not be installed in a new installation. Its 2015 not 2005.

Yes, check the time settings, its likely set to the wrong timezone....

Its made by hikvision...there are 2mp and 4mp version of the turret that are better than the 3mp. You cannot randomly select an NVR and expect it to work with any camera...match the camera manufacturer to the NVR.