Review of the Swann DVR4-2500 Security Recorder

If you want your own security system for home and you want to record everything, then you may want to look at the Swann DVR4-2500 security recorder.

A lot of people want a good, but cheap solution to help secure their home or office, and Swann have released the DVR4-2500 to help with that little task.

Here is what Swann say about the DVR4-2500:

• High quality video cameras with state-of-the-art 420 TV line CCD resolution
• State-of-the-art night vision captures high-image clarity up to 50ft (15m) away
• Input all 4 cameras at once for a total comprehensive security solution
• View & record 4 channels simultaneously so you won’t miss any suspicious activity
• VGA connection lets you view on your PC to record or store footage
• Easily connects to any TV for additional viewing capabilities
• Equipped with remote viewing software to stream over the web remotely
• Lets you set & forget by recording continuously from all 4 cameras for over 30 days
• Durable, all-weather aluminium camera housing protects what’s inside
• Cutting-edge H.264 recording technology means less storage needed & higher image quality
• Professional security solution for home or business at a fraction of the price

SPECIFICATIONS:

Video Format : NTSC or PAL

Video Inputs : 4 Composite BNC Inputs

Video Outputs : 2 Composite BNC Outputs, VGA Out

Display Resolution :

NTSC: 704 x 480
PAL: 704 x 576

Display Frame Rate :

NTSC: 120fps
PAL: 100fps

Audio Input : 4 RCA Inputs

Audio Output : 2 RCA Outputs

Compression Format : H.264

Recording Resolution :

NTSC: D1 (704 x 480), HD1 (704 x 240) CIF (352 x 240)
PAL: D1 (704 x 576), HD1, (352 x 288), CIF (352 x 288)

Global Recording Frame Rate :

NTSC: 30 fps D1, 60 fps HD1, 120 fps CIF
PAL: 25 fps D1,50 fps HD1, 100 fps CIF

Recording Modes : Manual / Motion / Schedule / Sensor

Multiplex Operation : Triplex

HDD Interface / Memory Type : SATA

Hard Drive Support : Up to 1TB

LAN Connection : Yes

Network Interface : RJ45

Network Protocol : TCP/IP, DDNS

Remote Operation : Yes

Operating Power : DC 12V

Dimensions :

12.4″ x 8.9″ x 2.4″
315mm x 225mm x 60mm

Weight : 4.4lbs / 2 kg

Backup Method : USB to Flash Drive

Mouse Support : Yes

Remote Control : Yes

Remote Control Battery Type : 2 x AAA

WHATS IN THE BOX?

So what is the box:

– DVR4-2500
– BNC Cable 50ft (15m) x 4
– BNC to RCA Cable 3ft (1m)
– Remote Control
– Software CD
– Mouse
– Power Adapter

– Operating Instructions

It appears that the US one has a hard drive preinstalled and also 4 security cameras!

ADDING A HARD DRIVE TO THE DVR

Even though this is a security recorder, it doesn’t come with a hard drive already installed (although this may be a UK only issue). But installation one (and according to the documentation, a SATA II Hard Drive up to 1TB can be used) was simply a case of unscrewing the lid of the DVR, slide it off, and then just connecting up and mounting the drive.