Ex-Roughneck

I have been reading around the forum last couple weeks and I see there are some really advanced members. Hoping I can get some free advice from somebody. Residential Application for: 2100 sq ft house, 1 story, corner lot, 7200 ft Lot that house is sitting on. I would like to keep the total investment under $3000 max. I am looking to buy a boxed, complete, system, minus monitor. I am not a network savvy type individual. I do not want to buy low end. I want a quality system that is basically plug in and it works. I have been looking at COSTCO and have my eye on this system, link below. I have done some reading on the forum and realized the limitations of dome cameras -vs- bullets. I was thinking of adding 4 bullet cams in time to round out the 8 channel system. Actually I think I might be able to get the coverage I want with 6 cams total. I also have some thoughts of piecing a system together (Mix match), but I am worried that there might be some conflict with say example DVR and it recognizing the camera etc., and with my non-network mind be screwed by not being able to get it working. I think back to Windows 95 and that brand new sound card that would not work...back in the day...some of us, non savvy techs, can relate and have traveled that road. I think it was called the Highway to He@@. Again I am a true novice and looking for a good solid Home system, NVR, good cameras. I am not super concerned about viewing images over cell phone or computer while at work, but I think that probably most come with this capability. Question 1: Will I be better buying a complete boxed set and then when it comes to adding cameras stick with the same MFG? Question 2: Are my concerns about piecing a system together unfounded when it comes to mix matched parts syncing and operating correctly? Question 3: Is this AdvertX-8 system overpriced junk? http://www.costco.com/AvertX-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-3TB-HDD-and-4-1080p-Autofocus-3MP-HD-IP-Dome-Cameras-.product.100097383.html

Thanks I will reset the cameras, format the drives, and report back with camera usage. I'll try and grab a screen shot also. That was default value that the set up wizard projected..I just went with the wizard.

I have purchased the below SWANN system from Costco. http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-HDD-and-8-3MP-HD-IP-Cameras.product.100146087.html I have the NVR hardwired to my internet router and I want to be able to review and save files and playback NVR recorded files on my Desktop windows 8.1 computer. When I go to set up the Swann software it tells me that it does not support 64 Bit operating systems. Question: Is there software I can download on the internet that will work with both Windows 8.1 and this Swann System I purchased and costco?

I had somebody contact me and asked about resolution. I went with default on the camera set up. Currently they system came with a 2 TB HD the Bios recognizes 1863 GB I added a 3TB and the bios recognizes the drive as 2793 GB for a total of 4657 GB. Currently I am recording all 8 each 3 MP cameras at Default 1024 x 768 all cams recoding 24/7. At this camera rate all 8 cameras total are using 23.08 GB per hour and a cumulative 554 GB per day. 4657 GB recording 24 hours a day = 554 GB. //2 each HDD will record for 8.4 days of continuous recording at this resolution. In the set up Wizard I have the other non Default options in the drop down below 1280x720 1280x1024 1600x1200 1920x1080P Can anybody shed any insight on what resolution would be best? I know the JPEG I posted is not real clear above but it shows the default view. I have never had a camera system but I am real happy with the clarity.

Snap that up and buy it! See my other posts here at this forum. I got the same COSTCO system but was 8 channel 2 TB for $1199 back in NOV 2014 for the same price. I got the 8 channel and 2 TB and expanded to 5 TB and am extremely happy with the system. You got some room (8 potential cams) to grow the system. True plug and play and COSTCO and Swann have been great to work with.

Your right Boogieman. The 2 man team did all that plus aiming the cameras and coming back to each to fine tune the view of each cameras. It was a team of 2 men and just the attic work alone scared me off from attempting the job. I just envisioned myself crashing thru the ceiling dry wall and landing hard in the living room floor. The installer guys were electricians and were doing some work on the side. They got here around 9 am and were out by 330 PM. They had done many systems in the past and I will give them 2 thumbs up. Actually I was incorrect and came back to the forum only to correct myself. The guys charged me an additional $75 for the 2 new 110 volt outlets. I forgot the other one he installed due to multiple beers fogged my memory. The other 110 Volt he installed for the TV. $675 for install which included 8 cameras, running HDMI from NVR to TV (I mounted TV on the wall), cat5 from NVR to AT&T Router, 2 Each 110 Volt outlets which one for dedicated 32" TV and one for NVR. I bought / furnished all parts and the $675 was for labor only. I think I got a great deal on the labor. Those guys worked their A@@es off especially the attic man. Bottom line add $75 to the total price I mentioned earlier.

I have more to add. I called Swann Technical Support. Wait time around 5 minutes. The Swann View Plus does in fact work with Windows 8.1 for local viewing and playback and recording of previous camera footage of all 8 each 3 MP cameras on my desktop PC. I could care less about smart phone viewing. My problem was I am a dummy and was not using the Swann View Plus software correctly. Currently I have the 8 camera system going to a dedicated 32 inch TV for viewing. I have the CAT 5 from NVR to my AT&T router. I am able to monitor all 8 cameras, search, and record previous recorded images and video from the desktop PC. No issues with Windows 8.1 and accessing and manipulating the Swann NVR/POE device. It came with a 2 TB WD Purple Drive. I added an additional 3 TB WD Purple and now have a 5 TB system. All recorded images are going direct to NVR and not the desktop PC. Bottom line. I Super happy with the Tech Support and overall functionality of the system. In review. Glad I bought the packaged system that came with the 8 each 3 MP cameras from Costco. It was true plug and play. $1199 For system on sale in November. $135 For additional WD 3TB HDD with shipping $600 For Full install which included a new 110V outlet. $135 Lock Down Cage for NVR. Total Investment $2059 Thanks for the old hands like Boogieman sharing advice. This is probably my last post, but I wanted to share updates that could possibly help the rookies like myself.

I bought this 2 TB NVR system from COSTCO. NVR is a Swann CONVR-B83mp http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-HDD-and-8-3MP-HD-IP-Cameras.product.100146087.html I want to expand/slave the existing drive to record more. I am looking at WD at their Purple Drives. I see they have 6,5,4,3 TB Drives. With the 2 TB drive that came with the system can I buy any size WD drive and slave with no issues? Bottom Line. I don't want to buy a large drive if they system won't recognize the full value of TB the HDD actually is. Could this possibly be an issue?

I put in the 3TB system with no issues. It actually had a seperate slot to plug in on the motherboard. Swann came with @TB Western Digital HD and I was able to add the 3TB drive. Very simple process. Just Install and initialize. It was plug and play.

I got a hold of Swann Tech Support on the Telephone. I did not see that option earlier I thought I was limited to emailing my questions. Swann picked up right away and had a good session. My NVR system 3MP - 8ea cameras I bought at COSTCO came with a 2 TB SATA2 hard drive came with a Slave cable. No where in the documentation did it state max size I could expand or add to. I saw looking at Western Digital Purple drives and they go up to 6 TB. Anyway. Swann told me that keeping the existing drive I can add a 3 TB drive (2+3) and increase my capacity to 5 TB total slaved. They also told me that I need to add a SATA 2 drive. Of course the WD PURPLE drive I bought from WD was a better SATA version than that because they don't sell SATA 2, I am assuming ....2 is older technology. I hope it is backward compatible and will reveal the true size of the drive when I slave it. My fear was say if I slave a 6TB drive to the 2 TB drive it would not recognize the true size of the slaved drive. I will post the outcome later once I receive and install the drive. Happy New year to all.

Thanks. I have emailed Swann a couple times...No reply. I will attempt again. Thanks for the reply. Their Cameras are good. There Customer Support....Not so Good. Merry Christmas.

http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-HDD-and-8-3MP-HD-IP-Cameras.product.100146087.html Sorry forgot to post link.... Nice system!

I bought this one. Really Pleased. Very nice quality. Night Vision is SO-SO. If you have some back lighting much better in Night Vision View.

Got everything set. Extremely happy with clarity. Originally I discovered I did not receive the CD, contacted swann and they sent promptly. CD includes a 95 and 56 page manual and software for win and Mac, etc. Installed software and can see the view on the PC also. Still have alot to read and learn. Right now I have accepted default settings and in continuous record mode and consider myself a satisfied customer. Question: Does anyone have a clue to how long that will record before writing over previous recordings? The HD is 2 TB.

Quick Review. Got the system installed today. Plugged in all eight (8)cameras and they were truly plug and play, and had no issues with connectivity. Got the view adjusted on all and they all had a nice clear, crisp color picture in daylight showing on my sharp 32" tv I bought to use as a dedicated monitor. I still have not ran thru the SETUP wizard due to darkness and beer drinking. So far impressed with the crisp daylight views. The night vision I will give it, just a OK. Not sure if when I set up things will change and I don't really know what a good or sorry night view looks like. I have a clean picture. I just plugged in the NVR into the modem and the modem recognized the NVR as a swann with no issues. So far so good. More to follow after I run thru SETUP.

Install is next Saturday. Will post the review once it is up and running.

I finally had time to un-box and test the system prior to installation. I hooked up all the wiring and to the cams and the 32" stand alone LED HD TV I bought for exclusive monitoring. TVs are so cheap now days I thought why not. The NVR found all the cameras quick. Set up wizard is very easy to follow. My first impression is this is a really good system. Once I get it installed I will review again. I am glad I took back the 4 camera system to Costco and purchased the 8 camera system. Once you start pricing the cameras it is cheaper to go with the 8 cam system. Definitely more bang for the buck. Costco definitely has some good pricing on their all in one systems.

As I was looking at COSTCO, I saw they just added this 8 camera, NVR, 1080P system to the sale for $1199. After figuring the price of the 2 add on cameras @ ($349) to the 4 camera 1080P ($799) I would have about the same price as this 8 camera system. Instead of buying 2 cams for my 4 camera system, I ordered this 8 cam system and when the 4 cam system is delivered tomorrow I will take it to COSTCO for refund. http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-HDD-and-8-3MP-HD-IP-Cameras.product.100146087.html

I bought the $799 costco system recommended at the beginning of the post by boogieman. Will these Costco/Swann add on cameras be plug and play with that system above? http://www.costco.com/Swann-3MP-HD-IP-Add-on-Bullet-Camera-2-pk.product.100146709.html Sorry about all the dumb questions.

Boogieman You say earlier that Swann is a re-branded Hikvision. Where you show me this Hikvision dome camera (link Below), will it plug in and just work with that 8 channel Swann system you showed me earlier from COSTCO? Again if I plug and it don't play I am pretty sure I am screwed. I am not a network savvy person. http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD2332-I-Turret-Network-Camera/dp/B00GYHEG0S/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1416063268&sr=1-2&keywords=hikvision+turret

One more thing, I want to go a total of 6 cameras, end state, I think. I see these Swann add on cams at Costco. http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-NVR-Security-System-with-2TB-HDD-and-4-3MP-HD-IP-Cameras.product.100146086.html HELP: They have a warning: Note: These SDI cameras will only work with SDI DVR Systems. Be sure to verify your system type before ordering accessory cameras. (Are these SDI cams compatible with that link Costco Swann link you posted?) Do you think I should add a couple dome cams instead? Again this is a outdoor application, mild South Texas environment, San Antonio.

I appreciate you taking time out of your day to reply to my question. Thanks.