I purchased this DVR at Frys Electronic in August 2005. It worked just a little over a year, then just died.
The PC application design is not user friendly. The user manual is poorly written. For some reason it is not possible to go to a specific date and time to review a recording... the feature while present in the software, didn't work. This defeats the purpose of 24x7 recording of motion triggered events.
Overall the DVR 4-Net seemed to be an un-finished product, Swann needs to work out the kinks.
Also I wished the product allowed the user to upgrade it's software. You are basically stuck with the software that was flashed during manufacture (not an issue if it worked properly).
For Network & Web Monitoring Swann DVR4-NET Digital Video Recorder The Swann DVR-4-Net is the next generation of do-it-yourself security and safety monitoring. Featuring four standard composite video inputs and 2 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 & 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.
Features:
Global web access - you see what your cameras see.
Monitor up to 4 cameras simutaneously.
Motion detection with instant email notification - sends you a picture of the movement seen by each camera.
Access your PC at work, home or on vacation, to monitor your office, warehouse, house, car park & more.
Plug & play software with easy to follow user manual.