101AV 8CH Security System Hybrid HD H.265/H.264 5in1 DVR/NVR, HD-TVI/CVI/AHD/IP, 2TB HDD, 1080P HDMI/VGA Video Out, Phone APPs for Home & Office, Work w/ 5MP Lite Analog & 4MP IP Camera (no PoE)

In February of 2018 I purchased a complete "Loocam" DVR/8 camera outfit. While the hardware was good quality, the software just didn't cut it as far as viewing from my LAN or remotely. In October of 2018, after months of living with this and waiting for promised software upgrades, I came upon this DVR. While kind of resenting having to purchase another DVR to get my system to work properly, I decided it would be worth the price if this purchase ended the frustration. Best $230 I ever spent.This DVR immediately recognized my analog cameras. and brought them up on the monitor. Relatively easy to configure camera names and positioning on the main screen.The Windows software installed easily on my Windows 10 64 bit computer in another room of my home. This software loads (and closes) a little sluggishly. It has capabilities well beyond handling one DVR, so there is a learning curve. But well worth the time spent, which yields consistent performance.The software for my android phone also performs equally well. Comes up every time as long as the phone has a good connection to my cell provider or a wireless connection.Finally, I just purchased a IP camera with PTZ feature, which I have tied into my LAN. Note this system allows for eight analog cameras and an additional two IP cameras. The DVR immediately spotted the camera and put it on the screen. Took a little education to get it on my Windows computer, but that was my ignorance, not the software's. The PTZ and focus features work flawlessly from the monitor, LAN and android phone. Thrilled at this. That's why I decided to sit down and write the review after several months.Customer service: I had one issue early on (can't even recall the issue) but my telephone call was handed off to one of their technicians and within two minutes I had my answer.So if you have a Loocam or other outfit and, like me, liked the hardware but hated the software--or if you are building a security system from scratch--I highly recommend this DVR. Very flexible in it's ability to tie into multiple camera types and the software just plain works.

Always answers the phone prompt.Tech support is always there and very knowledgeableThis is the only company I will ever buy a dvr from1st dvr I bought 2 years ago for my businessJust bought 2nd one for my homeGreat software works all the time very easy to check my business and my home

Easy to be installed with my old Swanview cameras and set up is easy too. When I need to playback, there is only one speed, it could be a lot better if there are 4x, 8x, 16x etc. faster speed.

The DVR works for my old cameras with BNC connectors (circa 2004). It makes noise, but much less noise than another security DVR that I have. Here are some problems:1. For viewing on my phone, the DVR came with instructions for two smartphone apps "Guarding Vision" and "iVMS-4500". I'm not sure which one I'm supposed to install, but they both require me to grant them so many permissions that there's no way I'll install either. (Permissions: Device & app history, Identity, Location, Photos/Media/Files, Camera, Microphone, Wi-Fi Connection information, Device ID & call information)2. The only browser that I can use to view the cameras is Internet Explorer. Not Edge, not Chrome, not Firefox.Here's my workaround for viewing remotely:a) Have a local computer (always on) that can access the DVR using Internet Explorer.b) Enable Chrome Remote Desktop on that computer, and use Chrome Remote Desktop when I want to connect from remote locations.

DVR is DVR is a DVR but the difference is the customer support. I am fairly adept at software and hardware but their customer support saves me hours of "learning time" performing setups that I am unfamiliar with. A previous reviewer noted the apps require too many permissions. My experience is that any remote viewing app for mobile devices that I have found is a big data collector. Additionally setting up email notifications creates another security risk. Price you pay for the benefit.

Cheap

I've had several DVR's during the the last 12-15 years. I've just come to expect that they will only last 2 or 3 years. Not sure how long this one will last but if I have to replace in a few years I plan to buy this same one.My favorite thing about this DVR is their phone app, Guarding Vision. It's the first app I've had that is easy to use and actually works!!!!!

Hard to set up remote feature