Anyone else think that "4-channel DVR" actually meant a DVR to record television channels? Really poor product description, Amazon. Edit: Since this is apparently STILL an issue 5 months later, I was referring to the product title AT THE TIME, which was simply "4 Channel DVR." The Gold Box deal for this product was similarly titled, and the image did not feature any cameras. It looked, for all intents and purposes, like a DVR you would find under a television, and not a security system. Anyone else think that "4-channel DVR" actually meant a DVR to record television channels? Really poor product description, Amazon. Edit: Since this is apparently STILL an... » Read More Anyone else think that "4-channel DVR" actually meant a DVR to record television channels? Really poor product description, Amazon. Edit: Since this is apparently STILL an issue 5 months later, I was referring to the product title AT THE TIME, which was simply "4 Channel DVR." The Gold Box deal for this product was similarly titled, and the image did not feature any cameras. It looked, for all intents and purposes, like a DVR you would find under a television, and not a security system. « Show Less
1547354
READ the description. There is no ambiguity here. It's a security camera system, by it's title and description. Poor description, I think not. Poor reading skills is more like the issue.
1547355
DVR = Digital Video RecorderWhich is exactly what this device does... sounds like you ar emisunderstanding the term.
1272559
not at all... This product is a DVR (as stated on the page). I cant see anywhere where it mentions recording TV programs..?? Even the name of the product "Swann Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone Viewing and PRO-550 Cameras" is rather clear that its not a cable/sat. DVR, unless they are now packaging those with security cameras now days?? I just reread the part under the "Product Description" and I didnt notice anything that would lead anyone to believe it was anything but a security system DVR. Could you point out what Im missing here??
1387284
I am not using the HDD in question, I am using a Seagate SV35 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6-Gb/s NCQ 64MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Bare Drive for Video Surveillance ST1000VX000 in a security camera DVR. This system records 24/7 and I have not had any problems with it. Understand though that I am recording in 700 lines, not high definition. In addition, I am recording 8 cameras at the same time and still no problems. You should test to see if you find out why it is pixilating. Is it the connection to the unit, i.e. is it USB, HDMI etc.? Does it pixilate when recording in standard definition? You will also need to know the specs for a replacement drive from the manufacture as to drive speed, type, and maximum size. DVR are to use 24/7 if they are recording all the time. Also check to see if the system you are trying to connect the expander to will work with that expander. This information you need to get from the manufacture of the DVR. he reason I suggested testing and questioning is because I had a Brand new 55" TV that I was hooking up to a Home entertainment center that I could not get to work properly. I was finally directed by the manufacture to try the highest end HDMI cable. BANG, that was the problem, not the same but it does show that it can be a simple solution to an pain in the neck problem. Hope this helps.
235949
I'm not at my dvr at the moment - but you can record audio on at least channels 1 and 2. I do not believe audio record is available on the other 14 channels. For channels 1 and 2 you can add a microphone to the cameras and connect to the dvr.
1803610
This box doesn't solve your problem. You need a HD-DVR in conjunction with this box to enjoy all the functionality of DirecTV, particularly OnDemand. Sorry...
1076954
It's the same concept as a VCR. You have a Digital Tuner in the DVD recorder, so you can record your TV program, 'Over the Air', and be able to watch another program on your HDTV at same time. OR if you still have analog cable (no cable box) you will still be able to record a program and watch a different channel at the same time. *This has a 'Standard Definition' Digital Tuner in it, not a HD. So the quality may be different than an HDTV.
649056
This didn't answer his question. He asked HOW to setup the system to record to DVR or hard drive. I'm curious also.
1543207
There is an annual fee of $50 for this DVR or you can pay a 1 time fee for $150. The DVR with the subscription would include that fee. I have to say that my Simple.TV was returned to Amazon as it just had too many issues and frankly didn't work very well. I purchased a Channel Master DVR+ from Channel Master and it's AWESOME! I paid $250 for the DVR, $40 for the dongle (for wireless routers) and $13 for shipping= $303. Amazon is now carrying "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle for 313.99 with free shipping. If you don't need everything in the bundle you might want to shop around. This DVR has about 2 hours of recording time so an external hard drive is necessary. There is an annual fee of $50 for this DVR or you can pay a 1 time fee for $150. The DVR with the subscription would include that fee. I have to say that my Simple.TV was returned to Amazon as it just had too many issues and frankly didn't work very well. I purchased a Channel Master DVR+ from Channel Master and it's AWESOME! I paid $250 for the DVR, $40 for the dongle (for wireless routers) and $13 for shipping= $303. Amazon is now carrying "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle for 313.99 with free shipping. If you don't need everything in the bundle you might want to shop around. This DVR has... » Read More There is an annual fee of $50 for this DVR or you can pay a 1 time fee for $150. The DVR with the subscription would include that fee. I have to say that my Simple.TV was returned to Amazon as it just had too many issues and frankly didn't work very well. I purchased a Channel Master DVR+ from Channel Master and it's AWESOME! I paid $250 for the DVR, $40 for the dongle (for wireless routers) and $13 for shipping= $303. Amazon is now carrying "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle for 313.99 with free shipping. If you don't need everything in the bundle you might want to shop around. This DVR has about 2 hours of recording time so an external hard drive is necessary. « Show Less
1670034
8 channels means you can connect 8 cameras to your dvr, record and view 8 different angles at once. I have a 2 story home so I needed to view more angles. Bottom line it all depends on how much you want/ need to view (of course your budget too).
1895962
Thanks. Seems like each of these makes has its quirks. I just gave away on old (4 years) Toshiba DVD recorder that did OK for its time, but the menus were very unintuitive, and the manual was in broken english. I guess I could always pick up a D-R410 at Fry's and if I don't like it, return for the Panny when it's in stock. Fry's also has a Sony RDR-GX360 for the same price as the Panasonic, and it seems to have the same ins/outs and upconversion, but I can only find one user review out there and it was bad. I hear that Sonys are picky about the DVD brand you use, plus they're the "source" for the industry restrictions on recording HD, so I don't want to support them. Thanks. Seems like each of these makes has its quirks. I just gave away on old (4 years) Toshiba DVD recorder that did OK for its time, but the menus were very unintuitive, and the manual was in broken english. I guess I could always pick up a D-R410 at Fry's and if I don't like it, return for the Panny when it's in stock. Fry's also has a Sony RDR-GX360 for the same price as the Panasonic, and it seems to have the same ins/outs and upconversion, but I can only find one user review out there and it was bad. I hear that Sonys are picky about the DVD brand you use, plus they're the... » Read More Thanks. Seems like each of these makes has its quirks. I just gave away on old (4 years) Toshiba DVD recorder that did OK for its time, but the menus were very unintuitive, and the manual was in broken english. I guess I could always pick up a D-R410 at Fry's and if I don't like it, return for the Panny when it's in stock. Fry's also has a Sony RDR-GX360 for the same price as the Panasonic, and it seems to have the same ins/outs and upconversion, but I can only find one user review out there and it was bad. I hear that Sonys are picky about the DVD brand you use, plus they're the "source" for the industry restrictions on recording HD, so I don't want to support them. « Show Less
1973203
From this page: "Product Description The Lorex ECO Blackbox, 4-channel DVR is reliability you can depend on. Use the free downloadable Lorex Apps to connect to your system from anywhere in the world, and get instant multi-camera live-viewing on your tablet, smartphone, PC or MAC. The 4 included 420 line resolution cameras feature Night Vision technology that allows for 40ft in total darkness. Keeping you stay aware to what matters to you most. View your world in confidence; view your world with Lorex." I hope it helps and is not too late for you. Regards, Miguel
1594670
The Channel Master DVR+ is designed for use as an OTA (over the air) antenna based DVR. It is an excellent product, it's only limitation is it receives and records channels that can be received with an antenna. The channels in question are subscription cable channels and as such, are not received by a normal TV antenna set up. You will be amazed at what you can get with a quality antenna. We are well pleased with the over 55 channels we receive, many in HD. No compressed signals or sound, EXCELLENT PICTURE. This DVR records HD and SD TV, and also has the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward TV. I have a 1TB Seagate USB drive plugged into it, which provides over 100 hours of HD recording capability. Now the best part, No monthly rental fees !!!!!!!!!!! Hope this helps.
1022211
I have used it to monitor my front yard but nothing much more than that. It only had one camera on the system so I didn't have to switch between channels. This is pretty much for a dedicated camera.You could technically use this with any camera system provided that the system is able to mate with RCA jacks that are part of the screen. There are three female jacks: 1 Video(yellow); 2 Audio (Red and White). If you have the ability to connect to this type of hookup either directly or through adapters then it will probably work for you application.As for DVR I don't have any reccomendations as I don't record the video. I have used it to monitor my front yard but nothing much more than that. It only had one camera on the system so I didn't have to switch between channels. This is pretty much for a dedicated camera.You could technically use this with any camera system provided that the system is able to mate with RCA jacks that are part of the screen. There are three female jacks: 1 Video(yellow); 2 Audio (Red and White). If you have the ability to connect to this type of hookup either directly or through adapters then it will probably work for you application.As for DVR I don't have any... » Read More I have used it to monitor my front yard but nothing much more than that. It only had one camera on the system so I didn't have to switch between channels. This is pretty much for a dedicated camera.You could technically use this with any camera system provided that the system is able to mate with RCA jacks that are part of the screen. There are three female jacks: 1 Video(yellow); 2 Audio (Red and White). If you have the ability to connect to this type of hookup either directly or through adapters then it will probably work for you application.As for DVR I don't have any reccomendations as I don't record the video. « Show Less
1873200
I'm a little confused. My model has a hdmi port on the back of the dvr and I can connect it with a standard hdmi cable. All I need to do is connect the hdmi cable then set the tv to the hdmi port I connected it to. Perhaps you can give more details. Also explain the need for a vga to hdmi converter. Does your dvr not have the hdmi port.
2164473
thank you for your inquiry. This camera bundle kit doesn't come with DVR; please visit our 4 channel DVR at: http://www.amazon.com/GW-Security-Professional-Channel-Realtime/dp/B00DJF77FY/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1382852674&sr=8-7&keywords=9704h Please note that the DVR doesn't come with a hard drive; you may add a hard drive for the following prices: -500G (2 weeks recording) $99 -1000G (4 weeks recording) $139 -2000G (8 weeks recording) $199
421021
You could have just bought a hard disk and installed it in the DVR (it's easy). I got a 500GB hard drive on eBay for $45, and a 4 camera system for $130 so I paid $175 all together.
1192551
If you're receiving digital signals through your antenna, there is a limited TV guide for each station. Unfortunately it is not as good as the guide that shows up with a cable company's DVR. Some stations only list programs up to a few hours beyond the time you access the guide while other stations guides go for up to 48 hours beyond the current time. Kind of frustrating for shows you want to record that are a few days or more out from your current time. You could access tvguide.com from your computer and write down the dates/times of those shows and manually program recording times for them on the DVR. If you're receiving digital signals through your antenna, there is a limited TV guide for each station. Unfortunately it is not as good as the guide that shows up with a cable company's DVR. Some stations only list programs up to a few hours beyond the time you access the guide while other stations guides go for up to 48 hours beyond the current time. Kind of frustrating for shows you want to record that are a few days or more out from your current time. You could access tvguide.com from your computer and write down the dates/times of those shows and manually program recording times for... » Read More If you're receiving digital signals through your antenna, there is a limited TV guide for each station. Unfortunately it is not as good as the guide that shows up with a cable company's DVR. Some stations only list programs up to a few hours beyond the time you access the guide while other stations guides go for up to 48 hours beyond the current time. Kind of frustrating for shows you want to record that are a few days or more out from your current time. You could access tvguide.com from your computer and write down the dates/times of those shows and manually program recording times for them on the DVR. « Show Less
970464
I was wondering if this model has a copyright protect chip, or have folks been successful in recording from Cable Company DVRs? Last night, on my recently-purchased LG model DVD Recorder, I tried to record on DVD-R an episode of The Closer, and got an error "copyright protected -- cannot record" message. I would purchase this Toshiba if I knew it won't have that chip that makes it an expensive doorstop. Thanks.