EmpireTech Smart AI NVR 16 Channel 1U 4K&H.265 None POE Version Pro Network Video Recorder Max 320Mbps Incoming Bandwidth Support SMD+,NVR5216-4KS2

I was attempting to transfer my mix of 14 IP wired 2MP, 5MP and 8MP ONVIF security cameras from three separate 8 ch NVRs to this Empire 16 ch 4K NVR. After a bit of research I chose the Empire NVR because of its more powerful processing and 320 Mbps bandwidth for better video fluency over my 1Gb LAN, 16 channels, ONVIF compatibility, reasonable price and no hassle return if it did not work out. I'm happy I chose one with easy return as I returned it after only 1 day after discovering it had poor ONVIF compatibility and could not install many of my existing cameras and was not a good choice to replace my existing 8 ch NVRs. -- POOR ONVIF COMPATIBILITY: I have 14 cameras, all ONVIF from a variety of brands, all small niche market chinese brands. During the search for the initial install, only 3 were automatically found and enabled by the Empire NVR. Four others were not found but I was able to manually install. The remainder were not found nor could I manually install them. In the setup one could select ONVIF or a number of large manufacture names and I selected ONVIF as I had none of the large names listed. -- NO PTZ CONTROL: Of the ONVIF PTZ cameras that were installed, I could not control pan, tilt or zoom from the NVR. -- GOOD VIDEO: The NVR output video over HDMI my 4K display was good when using the NVRs 4K resolution output. -- EASY NETWORK SETUP: The initial setup was easy although I had to manually adjust the network address to be within my LAN. The NVR did not recognize it was in a 192.168.0.1 LAN and remained at its default of 192.168.1.1. -- NO AMAZON SELLER SUPPORT RESPONSE. Every generic chinese NVR I have had, have a cloud update feature that will always report that you have the current firmware but in fact do not check....you have to ask the seller for the latest firmware. So as as the result of the issues with the Empire NVR, I wanted to make sure I had the current firmware and submitted that question to the seller through Amazon. I got no response.CONCLUSION: The Empire 4K NVR is probably meant to be used for more mainstream camera manufacturers. I was not able install all existing small market ONVIF cameras and for this it was not a viable solution for me. I give it 3 stars and not less because it probably works well with the big camera manufacturers listed in the camera setup menu.

This is a very nice NVR unit and it was easy to set up with Andy's IPC-T5442T-ZE cameras. This NVR is quick, has many features, and once you have it configured to your liking there is no need to touch it. Just let it do it's job. Just make sure you use drives that are made for NVR systems.This unit is the Non-POE version so if you do not have a network switch that provides power to your cameras then this is not the unit you. Andy does sell a NVR with onboard POE that you will need.Just make sure you order the one with the more channels then you need, as once you get this installed you WILL be adding more cameras.

I was blown away at how fast it was, the advanced GUI and feature set that rivals most NVR's that are 3x the cost!

One of the best NVR'S on the market, great seller with great support.. highly recommend !!

Great Dahua NVR. Commercial grade equipment