SwannProfessional NVR Security System with 2TB HDD, 4K UHD, 4 Camera 8 Channel, Wired Surveillance CCTV, Outdoor Indoor, PoE, Colour Night Vision, Heat Motion Sensing, Smart Video Analytics, 889904

Ordered this Swann Professional NVR Security System for my home, and I must say it's quite the package! With a price tag of £572.98, it's definitely on the pricier side, but it comes with some impressive features. However, in comparison to modern smart camera options, this set does feel a bit dated, especially considering the lack of wireless connectivity. Dealing with wired cameras can be a tad cumbersome, so that's something to keep in mind.Installation and Setup:Setting up this system was a bit of a learning curve for me, being my first security system. I followed the instructions and did some online research to get everything up and running. Although it took me some time, I reckon subsequent installations would be much easier. Once I had it all sorted, I tinkered around to customize the settings to my liking.Performance and Features:The picture quality on this system is simply impressive! The 4K Ultra HD resolution offers remarkable clarity, surpassing the standard 1080p cameras. Even at night, the color night vision capability delivered great results. Having a 2TB HDD included is a real bonus, providing ample storage space for continuous 24/7 recording or triggered event-only recordings using Swann True Detect. With True Detect, you can store up to 365 days' worth of video footage.Pros:📸 Excellent picture quality with 4K Ultra HD resolution.🌙 Effective color night vision for enhanced visibility.📂 Generous 2TB HDD for extended storage capacity.👌🏼 Customizable settings for personalized surveillance.🌦️ Weatherproof design ensures durability.Cons:💰 Relatively expensive compared to modern wireless options.🔌 Wired cameras may pose installation challenges.📱 Learning curve for integrating with Alexa and the app.Final Thoughts:Overall, the Swann Professional NVR Security System offers a reliable and efficient surveillance solution for your home or small shop. While it may not have the latest bells and whistles found in wireless options, its solid performance and robust features make it a worthwhile investment. Installation can be a bit tricky initially, but once it's up and running, you'll appreciate the exceptional picture quality and the peace of mind that comes with continuous recording. There's still more to explore, like integrating it with Alexa and the app, but for now, I'm quite pleased with my purchase!

If you want a wired CCTV system, you’re unlikely to do better than this one from Swann.INSTALLATIONA wi-fi signal can be very flaky or non-existent, where you want to place a camera. Cables, on the other hand, are reliable and provide a better signal than even the best wi-fi.Of course, the downside is the difficulty of running cables, especially since you have to thread RJ45 plugs, not just cables, through holes. I’ve installed the NVR in an upstairs cupboard with cables running up into the loft and out from there to the camera locations. That was fairly straightforward but won’t always be possible. You need to do some careful planning before buying.Power over Ethernet eliminates the need for separate power cables, greatly simplifying installation.There’s a lot of software customisation to do, to get the best out of the system. Hence, I wouldn’t recommend it for a first-time CCTV user or technophobe.PERFORMANCEOnce installed, it all works superbly. The cameras produce quality 4K images in daylight, better than any I’ve seen from wi-fi cameras, even the Arlo 4K cameras that I’m now selling! At night, colour images become a little grainy but still make it easy enough to identify people and read stationary number plates, as long as they’re within 9-10 metres. Beyond that, you’ll see what’s going on but not get much detail.Differentiation of people and vehicles works well but it’s a shame the system can’t identify animals, parcels on doorsteps, etc. Facial recognition is useful though.I haven’t had time to try Alexa integration yet but it should make a welcome enhancement, especially with Echo Show or other display-equipped devices. I believe it will enable Alexa commands such as “Show me the driveway”.It’s great to have 2TB of storage in the NVR. You don’t need a cloud subscription and don’t have to worry about your recordings being lost if someone steals a camera with integrated SD card.This is a sophisticated system. There are far too many details to go into here. I recommend downloading the manual from the Swann website and studying it, if you have specific questions or requirements.VALUEEnough. I could write a great deal more! This certainly isn’t a cheap system but keep in mind that, unlike many wi-fi systems, there’s no need to pay for a cloud subscription. Long-term cost of ownership will be lower than with big names such as Arlo. Assuming you’re able to run cables to the cameras and can afford this system, it has to be worth five stars.