Customer Reviews

SVAT CV300-4CH-001 User Friendly Web Ready 4 Channel DVR Security System with 4 Indoor/Outdoor Weatherproof Night Vision Surveillance Cameras

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I purchased this item in June 2010 and paid $399.

The product was easy to install, but only if you use the wires provided with the kit (comes with 60' per camera). The down side of using the included wires is, you must install the wires. My house was pre-wired for security cameras, but the pre-wiring used CAT5 and COAX so I had to create custom 4-pin DIN connectors. Creating custom DIN connectors required a great deal of soldering and heat shrinking, but it beat crawling through the attic and running wires through walls.

The cameras are decent, with okay resolution and okay frames-per-second (FPS). They only have a 60 degree range of view, so 4 cameras provides limited views.

The DVR is very disappointing. This system uses a single-function DVR, which means you can only do one thing at a time (either play back or record), but you cannot view the video if the unit is currently recording (you have to stop recording). The DVR also only supports a max of 30 FPS across all 4 channels/cameras. I allocated 10, 10, 5 and 5. The DVR also has poor resolution - maybe its the cameras, but I think its the DVR because the live video is much clearer than the recorded video. In addition, the DVR is rather cheap. I attempted to format the hard drive when I first installed it the unit, but got a message that there "was no hard drive." After hours of fussing with it, I finally just unplugged it for 30 minutes or so; after which it detected the hard drive and allowed me to format.

Connecting to the DVR: You can connect to the DVR in one of 2 ways - via a USB cable or via a network (including the internet). Connecting to an internal network (e.g., home network) is fairly simple, and can be done in a few minutes. Configuration for external network (e.g., internet) access is a bit more complicated. I eventually figured it out, thanks to some helpful websites, but it took 2 or 3 hours before I got it working. If you plan on accessing the DVR from your network, you cannot have the DVR connected via the USB too (not at the same time). When the USB is connected, the hard drive is "in use" by the computer connected via USB, and thus, other computers can only view live video - cannot playback recorded video. Of course, this is not explained in the manual and is definitely not obvious when logged in from a remote computer.

Software and Play back: To play back recorded video, you need the software (DxClient). There are two ways to access/use this software. One is to install it on your computer (requires Windows - sorry Mac users). The other is to use an Active-X control in Internet Explorer (sorry, but it doesn't work with Firefox). Either way works fine. The software (user interface) is straight forward, but it's also confusing. To playback video, you click an icon to bring up a play list, then select the video you want to play. The problem is, mine only shows one play list and when I click it, I can't tell if I'm playing a recording or watching live footage. Thus, either the software is buggy or the DVR is not recording; either way very disappointing.

Since this is my first surveillance system, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I am not very satisfied with with this purchase. If I had to do it over again, I would have done more research before buying and would have paid more for a higher quality system.

The cv-300-4ch-001 video security system from svat is a great product. It is easy to set up and use. It gives you peace of mind, because you can see what is or has gone on in and around your home even when you are sleeping or not at home. The video quality is excellent. The Hard drives holds a lot. The cameras are small so not too noticable. I would definately reccomend this product.

I don't have much patience anymore with setting up electronic equipment, god only knows I've done tons over the years. So the first thing I did with this unit was to take the manual out when I had time, and read it. Something men have a hard time doing, lol. I was totally surprised at the ease and laymens instructions! The hardest thing about the whole set up was feeding the cables throughout the house! The unit set up was sooooooo easy to learn! And I NEVER say that about electronic set-ups anymore! I had the thing going within literally minutes! And for such a low price, I am blown away to all that it can do! My only small concern is the night vision. My cameras are all set up outside. And like the manual says, night vision isn't too good past about 15'. Unless you have sensor lights outside as well. In which case it views great! Other then that, I'm really happy with it! Good product with a great price!

I purchased this system to view a home used seasonally to keep tabs on. I could not get it to work and call their support line.

The recording told me my order in line was #2 and referred me to tutor videos on their web site. I tried to view the videos with no luck while on hold. Their recording moved me to #1 in line after 55 MINUTES of waiting. After 1 Hour and 10 MINUTES of waiting I received a recording that told me support was not available and to leave a message. Boy did I ever leave them a message. Anybody who buys a system from these people is out of their minds. I purchased the system to long ago to return it to Amazon so someone on Ebay will get a real deal for this junk.

It did not work good at night, it did not work at a long distance. The dvd went out in about 3 weeks, record for awhile and then stop. It was a hassle to send back and I had to pay $15.00 to ship to have repaired, and I do not when I will get it back.

If you are serious about security look elsewhere. The setup was easy and the system performance is good. The problem comes if you have a failure. One camera failed shortly after installation and was returned. The recording unit then failed before the failed camera was returned to us. Below is the text copied from the SVAT RMA. We sent the unit out for repair 10/15/10 and it was received back here 11/18/10. More than four weeks to repair. We had no security here for over a month due to the repair policy. I called to expedite the repair but was told that it was first in first out and nothing could be done. I requested that they ship me a replacement unit and I would give them my credit card number to invoice if they found the failure was caused by abuse and not covered under warranty. No dice. I am not upset about the failures, stuff happens. I am upset about the repair policy. This is not a toaster oven, or radio, this is a security device meant to provide protection. Four weeks to repair is not acceptable for this type of device.

RMA DETAIL

-You MUST include a copy of your receipt for any warranty service.

(WARRANTY IS VALID 1 YEAR FROM DATE OF PURCHASE)

-Turnaround time is roughly 2-4 weeks from the receipt of the goods at our warehouse. Please note that shipping product express may not significantly reduce the turnaround time.

- Customer is responsible for the cost of shipping defective unit to SVAT. SVAT will cover the cost of shipping the unit back to the customer ONLY if found to be defective.