Customer reviews from defender-usa.com
Defender - Sentinel Pro 8-Channel, 4-Camera Indoor/Outdoor DVR Surveillance System - Black
Average customer rating
4.7
(462 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 462 reviews
5 Stars
340
4 Stars
102
3 Stars
12
2 Stars
4
1 Star
4
98%of customers recommend this product.
(
436 out of
447)
Customer Reviews for Defender - Sentinel Pro 8-Channel, 4-Camera Indoor/Outdoor DVR Surveillance System - Black
Customer Rating
5
Great System
on April 17, 2015
Posted by: DELTx
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 month
I was in urgent need of a surveillance system with at least 6 cameras, good DVR storage, and good night vision at over 100 feet. Defender brand has a good consumer rating, so after looking at all the systems available out there, I found the Defender Sentinel Pro Wide Screen 8 Channel - 2 TB with 8 Cameras for an excellent price, so I took a chance.
When the system arrived, I took the time to read all the instructions, checking through all the parts to make sure nothing was missing and familiarizing myself with each component. I had already chosen the places to mount the cameras and where I was going to route the wiring, so once I began installation, the project moved relatively quick. I set up the DVR and monitor (you must buy a monitor for this system unless you want to hook up to your smart TV and switch to the security view when interested in viewing the camera(s) observation - also best to buy a 6 position surge protector power strip with power pins that allow the power transformers to mount 90 degrees to the power strip so all three transformers can be plugged in and monitor can plug in as well -- 8 position might be better). I checked every camera for functionality with a uniquely assigned cable to make sure everything was working correctly before beginning camera mounting. Also, you sit down with each camera and tighten the three (3) locking allen head screws that fix the camera from rotating in a circular motion. Those screws come loose from the factory so don't forget this because you will not be able to tighten them once cameras have been mounted.
The cameras are not easy to mount. You must loosen the tightening screw on the rotating collar so you can get the screwdriver positioned to tighten the 4 screws through the base while way up on the ladder and reaching overhead. You must then be able to find the tightening screw (which you most likely will not be able to visually see) and insert the allen wrench and tighten the rotating collar at exactly the correct angle to get the coverage you want. Install all cameras first, then route the wires to the DVR location. Hook up every camera to the DVR and the power connections. With each camera functioning, you can determine what view you want and write down the adjustments for each one. Then go back outside and climb back up and adjust the camera, one at a time. Go back inside and check, then back outside to adjust until the camera position is where you want it. Then go to the next camera and repeat the routine.
The side to side adjustment is very simple and easy. Loosen the ring and position the camera,under-shoot the position of the camera and hand tighten the ring, then rotate the camera which will tighten the assembly. Turn camera until positioned correctly. The up and down positioning is the most difficult. If you can visually see the tighten screw on the rotating collar, you will be able to tighten relatively easy. If you cannot see the screw, you will have to feel the allen wrench into the screw, hold it into place, position the camera to the desired location with the free hand, then carefully tighten the allen head screw. You may have to do this multiple times until you get the exact angle you desire. One bad thing about the hardware is that the allen screw head easily strips out. Once stripped out, you will have to tighten with pliers which is even more difficult. Once the cameras have been adjusted to their desired positioning, you can now go back inside and sit with the monitor and DVR following the manual to setup. It is straight forward and the manual is well written for this. Network section is a bit tricky and setup of communication with your cell phone will require a lot of patience. Read the information on the WEB site and it will save you re-do time (WEB site suggests a different Phone App which works much better).
At night, you will have to sit down at the Monitor & DVR and adjust the brightness and contrast to give you the cleanest picture. Close proximity of other cameras can add UV light that floods the camera(s) which might require repositioning of the cameras to get cleaner picture (software adjustment works reasonable well in most cases).
The system is actually far more accurate than I ever expected, and the distance views are incredible, even at night with no light. 150 feet view is accurate for sure. The software is very good and easy to use. Search is simple and the zoom works super well. I believe this is the best system for the money by far. It has features that equal the super expensive industrial complex systems, and in some ways work even easier.
Once I had everything in, adjusted, and running, it has remained excellent. I am now buying another system for other family members homes.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic Customer Service
on April 17, 2015
Posted by: Misty
from Saskatchewan, Canada
Gender:Female
Length of ownership:1 week
I had to watch a lot of YouTube videos to figure out how to set this up. The setup was easy for live viewing but the remote viewing drove me crazy. The first problem I encountered was that the manual goes directly to defender-usa website and the website wasn't available each time I tried. Once I got the manual, I went step by step and it said to scan the QR code on your smartphone for remote viewing. There was no QR code, so then everything had to be set up manually. I had to learn about port forwarding on the router and install 1step viewing on my computer but still couldn't get anything to work. I chatted with customer service and they gave me a few other ideas to try. The next day, Michel from customer service phoned and stayed on the phone with me to walk me through each step. I couldn't believe how quickly he got me up and running. I appreciate such wonderful customer service.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
easy to set up and a great crisp picture
on April 29, 2015
Posted by: maximus16
from San Antonio, TX, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
Just installed last week and i cant get over how good the picture looks. The night vision is beyond what i expected. Installation was very easy but does take some time. 65ft of cable was enough to reach all corners of my house. I'm very pleased with this purchase!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Defender Pro .. GOOD .. CLEAR .. VIDEO
on May 1, 2015
Posted by: Defender Pro from now on
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
Bought this to add more security to our property with an existing "other brand". The Defender Pro video is so much better than "other brand". Night vision is very good. I had a little problem setting up the remote view, but finally realized I had left off the port number. Added that to the address and it worked beautifully. Smart phone setup was super easy.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
4
Great product - remote viewing not so user friendl
on May 4, 2015
Posted by: teapot26
from New York, United States
Gender:Female
Length of ownership:1 week
Cameras work great and picture is amazing. However setting up the remote viewing is not easy at all. There is no instructions in the box on how to do this. You have to call tech support. Even with tech supports help it is very entailed. However their tech support team is the best and was able to help me successfully view my cameras remotely.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Great System !
on May 6, 2015
Posted by: NowIseeYou
from Charlotte, NC, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:6 months
I first bought the system with 4 cameras. The system was so easy to install I decided to purchase two more cameras and eventually ended up with eight. I now live with the security of a surveillance system and simply cannot do without. I installed four cameras outdoor under the eaves of the property to view day and night activity. Four cameras installed in the interior to monitor doorways, child bedroom and other entry points. Cant say enough about the support from CWD/Defender. I called customer service with a few questions and actually talked to a real person, they were very fast to answer and the processes they have in place for customer service is second to none - not to mention the follow-up. The DVR is real easy to operate and manipulate camera footage. You can save footage to a memory stick and download to a computer. The software works without a hitch. For installation I ran all the cables in the attic, used a wire snake to get the cables to the eaves of the property and mounted the cameras without issue. (suggestion - apply a light film of lubrication to the threaded collar that screws onto the mounting bracket - I found this to be very helpful during assembly of the camera). At night I can monitor outdoor activities with ease and during the day can see who and what is going on around my property. Have already caught neighbors not picking up behind their dogs (in my yard) and other disturbing activities.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Great System
on May 11, 2015
Posted by: Thibodaux Tony
from Thibodaux, LA, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
Just Bought it and I am glad I did. Easy to set up! I did it without the help of my son!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Awesome!!!
on May 14, 2015
Posted by: Exlr8ter
from Girard, OH, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
Easy to install, awesome night vision, just a great system all around. Wish i ordered it sooner!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com