Swann 8 Channel 8 Camera Security System, Wired Surveillance 5MP Super HD DVR 2TB HDD, Indoor/Outdoor, Heat & Motion Detection + Night Vision, Pairs with Google Assistant + Alexa, SWDVK-849808

The 5MP are some of the best on the market at this time. Installation was easy. Setting up the app was easy.However, after initially purchasing two systems with 8 cameras each, Swann ruined it for us with their automatic updates. The updates erased one of the passwords on the DVR, which we were never able to recover (customer support was not helping any). We ended up purchasing a third set to replace that receiver, replace two cameras that went down after a little over a year, and have some spares on hand.We're planning on updating to 4K systems shortly, but it won't be through Swann.

intermittently loosing connection with cameras, possible power supplies issues or cable resistance not adequate for these modes. Also noise on the video pointing to poor cables shielding. IR functionality not so impressive, LUX is too high (switching to BW during the night). Upgraded from an older 480 lines Swann model that ran fine for 10 years, except for one camera that half of the LED's died so this newer model does not justifies the price, even at $499. Not happy with it. Considering returning it to try other products.Swann technical incompetence and management arogance is a major warning for all potential buyer, be aware, make better use of your funds elswere.Update (posted on Swann Community website):To:All owners,Swann Development teamI would like to make a comprehensive list of problems with this system that includes all observed issues.Please add from your experience or propose solutions.Here is what I could find so far from my system (rev 20180512) and from other sources:DVR issues:PIR config. disappears some time at 12am exactly (no reboot performed)Need to wait for day light to be able to restore PIR config.Dark image on one channel - problem isolated to that specific DVR input channelPre-Recording not function correctly - does NOT saves video prior to eventaudio keeps cutting in and outHDD size not sufficient, need archiving service optionFirmware updates failednight time images very grainy after 20180512 fw upgradeCamera IssuesMissed major PIR events during the day and nightNight video quality poor (LUX)Video quality issues (cables, camera, DVR):Video flickering during the night on some channelsVideo lost during the night with white screen proceeding before thatVideo with almost horizontal stripesPower Adapters issuesdifferent adapters perform/impact video qualityCables issues:Picking up noise, older Swann system Cables are clean from noisePossible AC/RF/uW influence on the cables ?Max cable length - is it really 300ft even if using Swann certified cables ?Skin effect trap do not workCustomer Support:Lack of proper tech training for L1 or 2 personnelDragging calls/issues for hoursStaff do not care or not capable resolving the problemsUnresolved issues 6 months so farL3/Dev team failed to call on 3 agreed times despite management commitmentUS based CS office (CA based) much more responsive to request, no coverage after 5pm orsometimes not working during the weekdaysLack of escalation process to Executive VP level

In one year, the DVR has been replaced 3 times and each of the cameras has been replaced at least once.Constant problems. There was a problem with one of the camera plugs on the DVR since day one. After 2 ½ months of contacting technical support, I was instructed to return the defective DVR and they will supply a replacement in 5 to 10 days. In addition, the PIR does not work. I get 200 to 300 emails daily, and review of the video shows leaves blowing, shadows from the neighbor’s tree, car passing and absolutely nothing.

Right out of the box 5 of the 8 cameras had problems. The night vision is very poor and the image is full of lines. Daytime motion detection is only good out to 15 feet and if you walk fast towards the camera, you will be under the camera before it starts to record. Swann sells a 200 foot HD cable but their tech people told me after 3 calls and 4 hours of testing that night vision will not operate beyond 120 feet due to cable power loss. The PIR is useless and does not prevent false alarms. Bottom line…system is fine for daytime live view only but forget about recording any motion and the night vision is super grainey to capture any good image. Super disappointed !!

Purchased this unit in April and have taken a lot of time to familiarize myself with all the features. I installed a Swann for my sister about two years ago and we have had a Night Owl, which we returned to Costco. What I have found with this unit is that their product information is not quite accurate. The PIR/Motion sensor picks up on the smallest leaves moving so you get a lot of events recorded. The field of motion is very narrow. There is a pre-record option enabled, but I have not seen where it records prior to the event. My sister has a cheaper Swann and it pre-records 5 seconds before the motion alert kicks in. The Push Alerts are not consistent. AND we now have a warranty issue with one camera not functioning correctly. On the plus side, the video is very clear. The Home Safe App works good, although I prefer the Swann Safe App. The unit is accomplishing what we intended, but I wanted a unit that would not record on every motion since we have lots of wind. This unit does not meet my expectations.

I believe this products works. The DVR died and after going through a big hassle with tech support I did get it replaced. The re-manufactured unit they sent already had a password on it and a year later I still don't have the unit running. I have some technical knowledge but tech support pumps out so many disclaimers that digging through the email to find your answer and then I have a hard time understanding what they are talking about. I get aggravated and know to put it down and try later but I'm making no progress. It should be a lot easier. It's like Swann couldn't care less. I'm very unhappy with this company. I have to repeat data in emails each time it's like they don't keep track of their work orders or they are trying to discourage people to contact them.

Easy to install generally but you need to make sure you have a gmail address to have notifications sent out. The images on the monitor are fine but a bit less precise on the phone or iPad monitoring. Working well so far.

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