DVR Security System Review

This is the Swann DVR16-8500AI and it is a 16 channel security DVR and surveillance cameras are attached to it through its BNC sockets. As standard the security recorder is packaged with 4 BNC to RCA adapters in case you have cameras with differing connectors. The DVR is compatible with both PAL and NTSC video signals, when recording in NTSC it can record at 120 frames per second, PAL offers a slightly lower frame rate that being 100 FPS.

The system uses H.264 video compression and for storing video it has a 250 GB internal Seagate hard drive. Three internal hard drive bays give you a few options when it comes to expanding on its video storage capacity, if needed you can install up to three 500 GB hard drives. The system uses an in house graphical user interface as opposed to a Linux or RTOS operating system but its functions are adequate. You can record video footage 24 hours a day if need be or you can devise a schedule that determines when the DVR will start and stop recording.

Using the motion sensor capabilities of the DVR is a good method of ensuring the video footage you record contains activity. You can set different levels of motion sensitivity and program the system to ignore specific activities. If you were looking to connect the DVR to an external alarm system your out of luck as the system does not have alarm inputs.

You can use the DVR to set up two way audio with your surveillance cameras, the system has two audio inputs and one audio output. The DVR also compresses audio to keep hard drive space usage to a minimum, the system uses G.726 audio compression. For monitoring the cameras attached to the DVR it can be connected to a TV or monitor, you can actually connect the DVR to both a TV and Monitor and view the output simultaneously. For connecting the DVR to a TV it has two BNC outputs and 1 VGA output for connecting it to a monitor.

Images from the DVR can be displayed at a maximum resolution of 1024*768 you can select specific events to view specific footage quickly. The DVR does not include a remote control but you can attach an external mouse to it via its USB port. The DVR can also be connected to the Internet or a LAN for the purpose of monitoring and controlling it remotely.

Check the latest price on the Swann DVR SW243-XG6 16 Channel Security System