judy-mavlon

Most DVRs now are compatible with analog cameras. I would suggest getting a 1080p DVR so you can upgrade your cameras in the future. You can go with either AHD (cheapest) or HD-CVI or HD-TVI. Just make sure the DVRs you purchase are compatible with analog cameras.

https://www.lorextechnology.com/hd-ip-security-camera-system/hd-home-security-system-with-1080p-ip-cameras/HDIP833W-1-p#overviewSection http://www.swann.com/us/swdvk-845004 https://www.lorextechnology.com/hd-ip-security-camera-system/hd-home-security-system-with-1080p-ip-cameras/HDIP833W-1-p#overviewSection This set is an IP system. Stronger night vision compared to Swann. Some cameras are only 72degrees view. Has front panel control. http://www.swann.com/us/swdvk-845004 This seems to be HD-TVI system. No front panel control. Everything else is fairly similar to Lorex. Both specs are very similar. IP systems MAY have a clearer picture, but I can't find the megapixel of these Lorex cameras. If you are not familiar with networking like changing IPs and understand the network, the Swann set may be easier for you. Since this is just for your house, both of these systems are good. If Costco has both on demo, I'd just go there and see which picture quality you like. Also, some people strongly prefer to have front panel control, so you may want to see if that's something you want. You also want to check out the app for both systems, it's something you will be using often on your phone.

Glad I could help!

You're welcome. You can send me a PM anytime if you need additional help. I've been in this industry for a long time and if I don't know the answer, I can usually find out through my network.

Yes, you should be able to just replace the hard drive. You may want to use the DVR to format the hard drive when you first install it.

Are you trying to replace the hard drive in the existing DVR? You shouldn't need the firmware version to do that.

If you need very specific features on the software, you can probably look into the Milestone software. https://www.milestonesys.com/where-to-buy/milestone-resellers/ I'm not expert on this software, but I think they only work with IP cameras. They have a lot of features you can play with. Check out their support page: https://www.milestonesys.com/support/. You can see what features they have through their quick guides and tutorials. I believe they have a free trial so you can download it to your PC and play with it. https://www.milestonesys.com/our-products/xprotect-free-trial-download/

I actually have a bit of connection with Nadatel. I can help you acquire the part you need if they have it available. You can send me a PM if you still need help with it.

If you're looking into IP systems, there is a camera called fisheye cameras, and they can view 180 degrees. That camera would work best for the garage situation that will see the front entrance and also the side entrances.

It's best if you can contact the vendor where you purchased it. Master passwords are not usually publicly posted for obvious security reasons. A lot times they have a tool to generate the master password, or it's a very unique string of numbers.

If you're in the US, you can check out the other brands Costco has. Since they have great return policy, you could give them a try and return if you don't like them. The features you mentioned are very common in most systems. Sometimes I also suggest asking a local installer since they are more experienced in which models are more stable.

Do you have a copy of the firmware? Sometimes I would re-flash the firmware in case the current one is buggy.

Are you going to be mainly accessing the DVR on the computer or smart phone? Your local installer should be able to show you a demo of the software or app they are using. Most of the time you can just call them and they can walk you through setting up the demo without even meeting up.

Do they have a support contact number you can call? Sometimes they have a way to reset the DVR to the default password in case the user forgets the password.

I agree with SunnyKim. If it's just for home application, you may want to check out AHD, HD-CVI, or HD-TVI systems. As for the kits sold at Costco or Sam's Club, they are made for the general public, so I don't think you can go wrong with them. They should have the typical features that most systems have. Which ones are you looking at? If you post the models for them, I can probably explain the differences for you.