Swann PC DVR 4 Net by Swann
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Our Price: $249.85 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $90.00 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Swann PC DVR 4 Net
Digital camera Review: Kinda neat - great starter for DIY home security
Summary: 4 Stars
First, I had no trouble installing it and getting it to work. The problem I did have is that the camera I was using to test the card didn't work... that was frustrating. But, when I tried another camera everything worked as it is supposed to. The software is by no means perfect but if you will find out everything you need to do by tinkering for a bit. Notice, I have not tried the whole remote viewing Internet thing->I can imagine that will take a lot more tinkering time. All in all, I am quite pleased with the card and wish I got better cameras. Thanks.Digital camera Review: Not as good as their cameras, but it works.
Summary: 4 Stars
The Swann PCI DVR Card is an affordable card & Software package. The Software is certainly not pretty, or flawless, however once it is set up, it does what it is supposed to, and does it well. It's easy to use and refine to your needs.
I have had trouble getting the software to install after a clean install of windows. FYI: when re-installing windows. Remove the DVR PCI card. Install Windows. Shut down, install card, boot, install software. The software will not install if you re-install windows with the card in the machine.
I also was disappointed to learn that my Mac Laptop, and Linux-based Nokia n800 Tablet are not be able to view the video stream remotely, because they do not support Internet Explorer. I also have had friends with PC and IE 6-7 try with no success. Setting up windows firewall and my router to let the host stream was not well documented. I looked into using a Linux based program but the hardware was not supported. tough luck.
If you solely dwell in the realm of windows you should be fine. I'm still trying to find a universal remote viewing option that works.
Digital camera Review: Ok, but fickle
Summary: 3 Stars
This card is pretty straightforward. Plug it in and hook it up.
My only problem was that it needed re-seating the first time I hooked it up. (pull it out and re-set it into the PCI slot).
It cleared up after that. The software it comes with is great and includes motion detection to turn your cameras on so you don't record every little thing, though IR cameras attract bugs so you may see more than you want to.
The software could be better, but be sure to download the updated version from the website. It supports all desktop resolutions, sort of. It doesn't change the software but it will run at (my experience) up to 1280x1024. You can full-screen your camera by simply right clicking on the image.
The manual? It's just a joke. Playing with the features will teach you more than the manual, and you can't ruin anything aside from recording to the wrong place, but that's set up when you install the program so you'll be fine there.
The card does come with lots of converters from RCA so if you bought the Swann RCA with power cord you'll be OK plugging it in.
Digital camera Review: PC DVR Card
Summary: 3 Stars
Unless you are going to dedicate a single computer to the cams that work with save your money. Even though I had to contact the manufacture to get it to work with my Vista pc, it will Take some IT knowledge to get the program to work.Digital camera Review: PC DVR Net
Summary: 4 Stars
This PCI card is installed inside your computer. Your computer must have Windows XP or 2000, but the system requirements on RAM and processor speed are overly strict. I am running this card on a 650 MGHZ HP with a mere 56 MB of RAM. It's obviously sluggish if I play back multiple cameras, but it records just fine. I also bought a pair of SWANN Bulldog cameras for outside, and 2 of the SWANN wide angle cameras for my garage and tool shed. This combo works great for me.
Otherwise, I agree with everything RY said in his review, especially about the need for a 10X fast-forward on playback. Regardless, the card works like it's supposed to, and the price is hard to beat.