Review on Swann HD SDI 8 Channel from Costco

[hexproject 0]

http://www.costco.com/Swann-8-Channel-HD-SDI-Security-System-with-2TB-Hard-Drive-and-8-High-Resolution-Cameras.product.100037980.html

 

just got this on the deal... with $500 bucks off $2000.

here's my experience.

 

My house has Co-Axial Cables, but i wanted HD quality.

Because let's face it, there's no point in security if it's not clear security.

 

I installed it over the weekend and to my surprise, has been a very good experience.

 

PROS:

 

Quality is excellent, video wise. Also, called tech support for help, they were very helpful and resolved my issue. They knew what they were doing. The quality of the camera and POV on the bullet was very good, covered all the spots I need. Setup was a snap, and i am pretty happy with my purchase.

 

CONS:

 

Didn't like the dome camera. i couldn't it to swivel left and right and the OSD would let me rotate it to what i needed to be. it was basically for ceiling application only. can't really get to the spots that i need to on the wall. Software wasn't very good, but using HIKVISION which works perfectly.

 

 

Overall, experience has been very good, the only thing is the dome and software. I am thinking about returning it and getting the LOREX since they are all bullets. I think it's more flexibility. also, i need 2 more channels then the 8 channels.

 

So i am not sure if it's a good thing to go with one 8 channel and 4 channel one or go with the Q-SEE 16 channel one from Costco, anyone has any experience with that one???

 

I just don't need the dome cameras... anyone one of these sets and wants to trade a couple of bullets for a couple of dome???

Edited July 29, 2013 by Guest

[daveshoot 0]

Did you reflash the cameras and/or NVR, or just load Hik software to operate them? I would be interested in giving the latter a try.

 

I went the IP route or I might have been interested in your SDI domes. I am pretty happy with the cameras overall, but the night vision needs work, and the Swann software limits access to camera features. The software has been the only real disappointment in general.

 

I will be adding PIR and external IR sources, though. The circle of LEDs is too attractive to bugs (and I have sprayed) and too intense in spots, not enough in others.

[hexproject 0]

i haven't had the need yet to flash the software.

i think eventually Swann will catch up with the software.

i am just tweaking things here and there to get to where the image is good.

 

i am using mac OS plug in to operate them.

 

i have coax cables, so had to use HD SDI, it's been good so far.

 

also look at SHD-870 swann camera.

 

 

I am not sure if IP can use coax? i think you would need a balun?

i just don't have a lot of ceiling mounts, mostly wall mounts..

 

i didn't have bug problem, but spider problems.

i don't yet know how to use PIR or external IR source....

[hexproject 0]

also trying to figure out which camera is better.

SHD-870 or the ones i got.

looking at some varifocal ones from Swann as well.