Customer reviews from defender-usa.com
Defender - 8-Channel, 8-Camera Wired 1080p 1TB DVR Surveillance System - Black/White
Average customer rating
4.7
(785 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 785 reviews
5 Stars
571
4 Stars
185
3 Stars
14
2 Stars
6
1 Star
9
97%of customers recommend this product.
(
726 out of
747)
Customer Reviews for Defender - 8-Channel, 8-Camera Wired 1080p 1TB DVR Surveillance System - Black/White
Customer Rating
5
Excellent product and outstanding customer service
on January 13, 2017
Posted by: Joe and Teresa
from Winfield, WV, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
We just replaced our older system with the new 1080p HD. The quality is so much better, the cameras was easy to setup and setup of the DVR was so simple and easy. Everything was included for the setup. Candice was a terrific in the Sales Dept and easy to work with. Brian and their technical support team is one of the best when needing help with the Defender Product in our book. Thanks again Candice, Brian and Defender.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
2
Mediocre system HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SVC
on January 14, 2017
Posted by: Jeffduncan
from Keller, TX, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:3 months
I bought this system. Problems with items sent. I had to have my cables altered at an custom cable shop. They wouldn't reimburse my expenses. Dvr continues to have errors. I've owned many systems both personal and business. This is the worst.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Good specs, good quality, right price!
on January 14, 2017
Posted by: surveiltexas
from North Texas
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 month
I bought the Defender HD 1080P 8CH with 4 Bullet Camera to monitor the exterior of my house. I installed the system myself, which was hard except for crawling through the attic. Setup was easy. The wires were plenty long enough. The software is easy to use and has a variety of recording options, including motion sensing. I have had the system for 3 weeks and it working great. I hope that it last many years. I will likely add more cameras over time, which is nice that it is expandable.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Awesome picture quality
on January 15, 2017
Posted by: Exlr8ter
from Ohio, United States
Length of ownership:1 week
I bought this to replace my existing Defender system, I wanted to upgrade to the HD system, no regrets here, video is crystal clear!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Step Up
on January 17, 2017
Posted by: Brt16
from Houston, TX, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:3 months
Upgraded to this model from the 21004 what a different. Clarity, more defining functions. Ptz ability, wife loves it. Neighbors inquiring, they think i had professional install. DIY. Highly recommended buy price was great. You done well Defender.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
4
A good system at an affordable price
on January 17, 2017
Posted by: CarlM
from FL
Length of ownership:1 month
This review is quite wordy, but my intention is to share as much info about this system as I can. I was intimidated when I shopped for a surveillance system, so if my account here alleviates even the slightest angst for someone, then it's all good. After all, my warranty is extended by DEFENDER for an extra year if I submit a 5 word review, or if I submit this gazillion word essay.
My review of the 8 channel 4 dome/4 bullet camera HD system will be written at different junctures, beginning with the more than a few calls and live-chat sessions I had with Defender customer support before I even ordered the system. I won't get into any attic work, like running the wires or drilling beams, because that all depends on your particular attic, and your own ability to work and crawl around in tight spaces.
I telephoned support and initiated live-chats asking questions, and was usually given more information and suggestions than I asked for. I was always treated like a valued customer, even prior to placing my order. I felt confident that customer support knew their products, and would not leave me stranded while I was setting up this system. I was asking about one of their systems (which I didn't know was about to be discontinued), but was directed towards a better and less expensive HD system that was on sale and was offered with a discount and free shipping. The order process was the first in a series of great experiences to come.
The system arrived sooner than expected, and came securely packaged in a box with three separate boxes inside. One box contained the 4 dome cameras, wires, mounting anchors, and power supply. The second box contained the 4 bullet cameras along with the accessories for those cameras. The third box contained the DVR, and its associated accessories: power supply, remote, mouse, HDMI cable, local area network cable, and quick set-up guide. All components were accounted for, and very organized.
I had an issue with the dome camera's mount, but that was quickly remedied. The base of the camera needs to come off the camera in order to mount it onto where the camera will be mounted. I did know that, but it was difficult to remove. I didn't want to force it even though I knew it had to be pried off, so I live-chatted support, and was assured that that is what had to be done, and that it is supposed to be hard to separate. Also, the camera MUST be mounted with correct orientation, because the image cannot get “flipped” or rotated from the DVR system controls. Once the mount was separated from the camera, the mount was used as a template for the three mounting screws. The mount was mounted, the camera was snapped into the mount, and that was that. Once the system is up and running, I will adjust the direction of the cameras to get the best view and coverage. Remember, the cameras must be right side up!
So far so good.
The system is up and running. I have 4 of the 8 cameras mounted and in operation. I needed to purchase an extra length of cable because, well, the supplied cable wasn't long enough for one zone. NOTE* If you find you'll need an extra cable, MAKE SURE YOU GET THE EXTENSION CABLE SUITABLE FOR HD CAMERAS, otherwise you'll have problems. The images are super sharp. I like that you can adjust the resolution to save bandwidth and hard drive consumption. The night vision is unbelievable. I couldn't believe the area being filmed was completely dark. If you can't make out a face, then what's the use. Very satisfied with the quality of these cameras.
I had problems setting up the internet connection, and I had issues with the phone (Android) app. Neither would acknowledge the DVR. Several live-chats later, I was able to get both issues resolved.
I need to specifically acknowledge one support rep in particular. Daniela. On more than one occasion, she spent a lot of time helping me with both basic AND advanced set-up problems. During one live-chat, she took the time to work patiently and diligently way above and beyond, so much so, where she was still helping me after her normal working hours. THAT is customer service. Daniela, if you are reading this, I appreciate all you did, and thank you.
In my opinion, the documentation is lacking, and the phone app needs work, but with the support DEFENDER offers, I know I am in good hands when it comes to getting product support and assistance. I like the system and consider the price to be a real deal.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
4
Defender HD
on January 17, 2017
Posted by: hd1080
from Red Deer, AB, Canada
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
installed this HD system, wish the cables were longer and menu a bit intuitive, otherwise great system
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
So Happy with this system!! Meets all our needs
on January 18, 2017
Posted by: Steveo
from Oklahoma, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 month
I set up system this system on 12/21/16.
Before my purchase I shopped around and read many reviews on quite a number of different brand surveillance systems. I soon discovered that most of the complaints on many of the surveillance systems had to do with poor customer service response and long wait times. Before purchasing a Defender product I read the reviews and they were pretty favorable. I decided that I would go even a step further and place a call to customer service just to see how they handled customer complaints or calls. After a brief hold, I was connected to “Candice” a very professional and courteous person who answered all my questions about their product. My experience with this call sold me on this company. I purchased this system in late November and set it up on December 21st 2016. Shortly after ordering the system Defender sent me a follow up email which had links for me to review including YouTube links that had some great videos which were very helpful. I tested it out before installation by setting it up with all the cameras and the connections in my living room. This helped me prepare for the installation of the system and assured me that all the components were working. It also gave me a chance to become familiar with the system. I highly recommend reviewing the set-up and installation instructions both written and the video links on their site. Before installation of the cables I highly recommend that you draw a layout of your home, or the building you want to install the system on. Consider where you will mount your cameras well ahead of running any cables and where you place your DVR and monitor. One review recommended that you study and follow the instructions. That is excellent advice. I took that advice to heart and for me the result was, no set up problems, or operating issues, including the phone viewing app, or computer viewing link. The first time I had a good chance to view the system fully installed and set up on my 27” HD monitor with a HDMI connection I was amazed! Very clear video. I was also very pleased with the night vision. I chose the higher quality output video settings on the DVR during the final setup. Currently I am running just 4 cameras, but intend on expanding the cameras in the future. I am very glad that I got the 8 Channel and 8 camera system, because it expands my options for my home, parking, and shop. I can without hesitation recommend this system. My experience has been very favorable with the company and the products performance has exceeded my expectations. I am happily giving this review and would give the very same high recommendation even if I wasn’t offered another year of warranty if I wrote a review on their product. But, I am pleased that I can give a good review regardless of the added bonus incentive of being offered. I gave it only 4 stars for ease of installation which may not be entirely fair as it would have been just as challenging with any cabled system. Considering that, it probably deserves 5 stars in that department as well. Just keep in mind I am a detail guy and like to do it right. So I took care and extra time in the installation process.
I hope this is helpful and your experience is as positive as mine has been. By the way, my wife loves the new system!
Before my purchase I shopped around and read many reviews on quite a number of different brand surveillance systems. I soon discovered that most of the complaints on many of the surveillance systems had to do with poor customer service response and long wait times. Before purchasing a Defender product I read the reviews and they were pretty favorable. I decided that I would go even a step further and place a call to customer service just to see how they handled customer complaints or calls. After a brief hold, I was connected to “Candice” a very professional and courteous person who answered all my questions about their product. My experience with this call sold me on this company. I purchased this system in late November and set it up on December 21st 2016. Shortly after ordering the system Defender sent me a follow up email which had links for me to review including YouTube links that had some great videos which were very helpful. I tested it out before installation by setting it up with all the cameras and the connections in my living room. This helped me prepare for the installation of the system and assured me that all the components were working. It also gave me a chance to become familiar with the system. I highly recommend reviewing the set-up and installation instructions both written and the video links on their site. Before installation of the cables I highly recommend that you draw a layout of your home, or the building you want to install the system on. Consider where you will mount your cameras well ahead of running any cables and where you place your DVR and monitor. One review recommended that you study and follow the instructions. That is excellent advice. I took that advice to heart and for me the result was, no set up problems, or operating issues, including the phone viewing app, or computer viewing link. The first time I had a good chance to view the system fully installed and set up on my 27” HD monitor with a HDMI connection I was amazed! Very clear video. I was also very pleased with the night vision. I chose the higher quality output video settings on the DVR during the final setup. Currently I am running just 4 cameras, but intend on expanding the cameras in the future. I am very glad that I got the 8 Channel and 8 camera system, because it expands my options for my home, parking, and shop. I can without hesitation recommend this system. My experience has been very favorable with the company and the products performance has exceeded my expectations. I am happily giving this review and would give the very same high recommendation even if I wasn’t offered another year of warranty if I wrote a review on their product. But, I am pleased that I can give a good review regardless of the added bonus incentive of being offered. I gave it only 4 stars for ease of installation which may not be entirely fair as it would have been just as challenging with any cabled system. Considering that, it probably deserves 5 stars in that department as well. Just keep in mind I am a detail guy and like to do it right. So I took care and extra time in the installation process.
I hope this is helpful and your experience is as positive as mine has been. By the way, my wife loves the new system!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com