ANNKE 8CH 3K Lite H.265+ AI DVR Security System with 1TB HDD & 8 Weatherproof 1080P IP67 Cameras - Human/Vehicle Detection, Color Night Vision, Two-Way Audio for Home & Business Surveillance (Indoor/Outdoor Use)

I've owned two other camera systems before this one. My first was a Swann setup I bought in 2010, and it was very good, unfortunately, it went with the house when I sold it. A couple years ago, I bought a nightmare disguised as a camera system. I don't want to mention it by name, but it rhymes with Zosi. This system by ANNKE was priced so I couldn't pass it by, and it took the sting out of replacing an essentially new system by Zosi (ok, I'll mention the name).Like every other surveillance camera systems I've seen, this set-up has everything neatly packaged; camera, power/video cord, sticker for mounting the cameras, and the other splitters & DVR. The first thing I noticed was that the cameras are plastic, and that's a big plus for cameras that spend their lives outdoors. Very similar adjustments for the cameras, the nut for rotating the camera, and that little screw on the elbow for adjusting side-to-side and up & down. Where these plastic cameras knock it out of the park, is adjusting that elbow. Unlike other cameras, if that tiny screw in the elbow comes out, it actually goes right back in, easy-peasy. Since running the cables & mounting cameras are fairly standard, I will say, pull the wires gently. If the wires get caught, don't pull harder, find the link and fix it. These cables are quite thin, and it doesn't take much to ruin them. That being said, these cables are nicely contained in one thin sheath, instead of what you'd find on a lamp cord. They're Very easy to run and especially, staple. I strongly suggest that you get a Bostitch brand 'Cable Tacker', it has a small saddle in front, that keeps the staples from piercing the cord. They're so easy to use, that even if you can't see the position of the stapler, you can feel when the cable is centered (maybe practice a couple of times with a short piece of wire that's not connected to anything).This is the best part… I couldn't believe how easy this step is, especially since I could never get my Zosi system online, or stay online, because the hard drive would re-boot itself whenever it felt like it. When the DVR re-booted itself, it lost everything that was recorded, and prevented it from recording anything, until I manually searched for each camera. The process to start this fantastic system goes like this: You can download the app to your phone or tablet now, so it will be available when you've plugged everything in.Connect LAN on the back of the DVR to your router, with the cable that's included !Connect the video cables from the cameras to the male video plugs on the back of the DVR, and connect the power wires from the cameras to the 4-way power cords that plug into the wall adapter. Power everything up.Now, scan the QR code that's displayed on your TV or monitor.As you plug in your cameras, you should see them fill in the boxes that make up the grid on your screen. As you continue to add cameras, the DVR will automatically update the grid.Not only does this system make high quality videos, day & night, but it's super reliable, and the app is amazing. If you're looking for your first video surveillance system, this is the one you want. If you're wanting to replace a system that's already in place, this is the one that you want. If you're sick & tired of your current system because it's trash, ANNKE is the answer !