Review on Swann 8 Ch 4 Cam Security Sys, Wired Surveillance 1080p HD DVR 1TB HDD, Audio Capture, Weatherproof, Color Night Vision, Heat & Motion Sensing Warning Light, Alexa + Google, SWDVK-845804WL by Jeremy Lawrence

This is an amazing DVR with lots of settings (too many). This blows the Night Owl UI (which is limited in settings) out of the water in my honest opinion. For example, with this dashcam you can go into the settings of each camera and adjust almost all image settings, while with the Night Owl you have to buy their upgraded system to access these general settings. The dash cam is sized to match most dash cams and requires you to set it up with the internet during initial setup. Once configured, you can remove it from the internet and use it without it. (I haven't seen skipping internet settings anyway, although it might be possible.) The dashcam has 2 front USB ports, 1 rear USB port, 8 BNC, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 power, and a port for the PTZ - Connection - cameras. The cameras that come with this dash cam are PIR with deterrent (spotlight). These cameras, when configured correctly, prevent most false alarms. The jaw bodies are made of plastic and can be mounted in the end elements outdoors. I had mine set up in Florida in direct sunlight with absolutely zero problems. INSTALLATION TIPS 1) Have a drill and long drill handy 2) Have window putty handy 3) Draw your house on paper and position the cams with a pencil before installing. Be sure to add where the DVR is located and where the cables enter the house. 4) Check cameras and cables before installation. 5) Do not place the cameras where there are many narrow walls or other objects that obstruct the camera's view, because it will affect the view at night, the view will not display properly, and this is the main reason why the people say they are cameras do not work well at night. 6) Read ALL documentation. If you are unsure, you can hire a professional to install it. ClarityExcellent controlCan be viewed remotely via Android app (not tested for iOS)Can be used with Echo Show by setting the Swann skillWorks with Fire Cube TV log first )24/7 support provides documentation for a professional , certified installer available for an additional fee. Cons only require internet when (perhaps) first setting up. Homeview desktop software for Windows is very buggy and doesn't work most of the time. NON-Swann cameras will work as long as the protocol is supported, but their capabilities are limited. In my opinion this dash cam deserves a 4* rating but if issues are resolved with the Homeview software for Windows then it is definitely a device worthy of 5*.