Coreys Blog

Swann S243-16U-11111 16-Channel Digital Video Recorder Description:

The Swann DVR-16-Net-PLUS is the next generation of do-it-yourself security and safety monitoring. Featuring sixteen standard composite video inputs and two video outputs. It is the ideal CCTV system for small retail stores, homes, or as a replacement for old-fashioned time-lapse recorders. Integrated motion activated recording also makes it ideal for covert observation systems. Control of the unit is via the front panel controls and on-screen display menu. Video recording is activated manually via alarm inputs or automatically via built in motion detection. Recording speed and quality can also be setup via the on-screen-display. To playback, one needs to simply connect the unit to a monitor or TV, select an event, and press play. Video can be played back at various speeds, in slow motion, or frame-by-frame. Product does not include cameras, computers, monitor, or HDD. In order to provide Web access from anywhere in the world, the Swann DVR16-Net-PLUS requires installation of software (included) on viewing PC and functioning internet connection. Swann recommends direct broadband connections for optimal performance. USB only used for system firmware update and video download to thumb drive.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17558 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Swann
• Model: S243-16U-11111
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 5.00″ h x 18.00″ w x 22.75″ l, 16.00 pounds

Features

• 5W-100W
• Various Recording Modes: Timer, Motion Detection, Alarm & Watermark
• Full Display Mode Menu & Picture-In-Picture
• 120 Images Per Sec
• Usb Connection, 4 Audio Inputs, Video Loop Through, Network Connectivity & Pan/Tilt/Zoom Support

Customer Reviews:

fair product considering relatively low price
I have the DVR8-Net-Plus, which is just 8 channels. The motion sensing is fair at best. Revieiwing the recordings is weak. Often it does not even work when using the time stamp, so I have to settle for the ‘event’ list. You can transfer video via the USB port, but the file is only readable by the client s/w.
The client software (NetViewer 1.5 dated 2005) that you use to connect your computer is TERRIBLE. Its the only means of transfer video to your computer into an AVI format (because the recording on the HD is a proprietary format – I thought the removable HD was actually going to be useful, silly me). Its also used to view live feeds via the network (which often freezes for a few seconds when the unit senses motion and starts recording). You cant just select a time/date to review, you have to open an event list and choose a time stamp. That is not so bad, except this list has always been corrupted for me. I’ve returned the unit, tried a different HD, reformatted – still only a partial usable list. Video quality that you transfer off is horrid! I’ve tried all the AVI codecs they provide – its just plain bad (and I use the highest video settings on the unit). Finally, I would like to mention that the remote becomes none responsive and only unplugging the unit fixes this. No big deal when it used to happen maybe every other month, but lately its happened daily this last week. I’ve owned this unit for about a year.
If they updated the client s/w to make video transfer more easy and better quality and the remote didnt get locked out, I would rate 4 out of 5 since its cheap compared to real surveillance systems.

Excellent product
I bought this system with 4 indoor/outdoor cameras about 2 years ago to protect our expensive toys. In the early morning hours of 1/2/2010, we picked up a prowler trying to beak into our car and our home. Later did we learn that many of our nighbors had their cars broken into with items stolen. Our cameras picked up the prowler and we were able to give a positive ID as well as a copy of recording to the police. Without this system, our entire neighorhood would have had no idea who had done it.
Pros: Easy to set up, do take time to read the manual to understand how to set up recording as well as how to search for an event. Make sure this is hooked up to a recordable device (VCR, DVD-R, ec.)
Cons: You do need a HD added (extra expense), I bought a 500 GB HD, (the highest GB advised) but it will record for two weeks before overwriting itself. We chose to record in real time so more memory is used up faster, but if you choose to record slower, you can record for a longer period of time. Also, records best in bright light, so I would suggest that for night time, have good lighting intalled and on. We use several motion detection lights outside our home. The brighter the lights at night, the better the picture.
I do not have this hooked up to my computer (another great feature) for remote surveillance, but you certainly can do that. It comes with the CD program for your computer.
This system easily paid for itself yesterday. It’s hard to put a price on piece of mind.

Manufacturer Description
The Swann DVR-16-Net-PLUS is the next generation of do-it-yourself security and safety monitoring. Featuring sixteen standard composite video inputs and two video outputs. It is the ideal CCTV system for small retail stores, homes, or as a replacement for old-fashioned time-lapse recorders. Integrated motion activated recording also makes it ideal for covert observation systems. Control of the unit is via the front panel controls and on-screen display menu. Video recording is activated manually via alarm inputs or automatically via built in motion detection. Recording speed and quality can also be setup via the on-screen-display. To playback, one needs to simply connect the unit to a monitor or TV, select an event, and press play. Video can be played back at various speeds, in slow motion, or frame-by-frame.

Product does not include cameras, computers, monitor, or HDD. In order to provide Web access from anywhere in the world, the Swann DVR16-Net-PLUS requires installation of software (included) on viewing PC and functioning internet connection. Swann recommends direct broadband connections for optimal performance. USB only used for system firmware update and video download to thumb drive.

Features include:

• Multi-feature 16-camera remote monitoring and recording
• Record video to a hard drive and download to USB port specifically designed for quality USB thumb drives
• Web ready and connects to your existing WAN, LAN, or network
• Set and forget with programmable motion detection
• Easy installation, use with any TV, monitor and security cameras
• Safeguard your home: monitor your children, baby sitter, parties, and view whilst away on vacation
• Protect your business: oversee customers, staff, store; reduce theft; observe your parking lot and showroom
• Features: remote control, audio monitoring, intelligent searches, and more

What’s in the Box:
DVR16-Net-PLUS, 256MB USB thumb drive, hard drive tray and key, power adapter, power cable, remote viewing software (PC only), 18 BNC-to-RCA adapters, remote control (requires 2 AA batteries, not included), instructional manual. HDD and Memory Stick not included.