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
2
Good system, but some serious weak links
on November 23, 2017
Posted by: yeeha68
from Georgia, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 month
The core of the system works really well. Easy to install if you dont mind running cables in the attic. My biggest issue is with the app. It is terrible. I would give the base system a 4.5 star but the app is garbage and drops my overall rating.
I cannot keep my settings for motion areas, and this seems to be directly related to the app. It overwrites the system settings and removes the areas I have taken time to exclude in the menu.
That and the fact that get motion alerts every 10 min. all day long on my phone. Even at the lowest sensitivity. It really defeats the purpose of being away from home on a trip and monitoring someone coming to the house. Its the weakest link. As far as I can tell it is also impossible to transfer saved motion screen shots and video to shareable location. This should be a priority.
There seems to be a way to connect remotely to the system to alter settings via IP address, but I have yet to make this work, and apparently, the web access has been discontinued.
With eight cameras we are well covered, but you wont get more then 2 days recorded at full resolution. It will take some time to find the sweet spot of resolution and bitrate to suite your purposes and give you the length of archive that works for you.
I cannot keep my settings for motion areas, and this seems to be directly related to the app. It overwrites the system settings and removes the areas I have taken time to exclude in the menu.
That and the fact that get motion alerts every 10 min. all day long on my phone. Even at the lowest sensitivity. It really defeats the purpose of being away from home on a trip and monitoring someone coming to the house. Its the weakest link. As far as I can tell it is also impossible to transfer saved motion screen shots and video to shareable location. This should be a priority.
There seems to be a way to connect remotely to the system to alter settings via IP address, but I have yet to make this work, and apparently, the web access has been discontinued.
With eight cameras we are well covered, but you wont get more then 2 days recorded at full resolution. It will take some time to find the sweet spot of resolution and bitrate to suite your purposes and give you the length of archive that works for you.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Easy to Install, Reliable Images
on November 23, 2017
Posted by: DROSE
from San Diego, CA, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:3 months
This is plug and play system. Setting up the menu is easy if you follow the manual and once you've done you'll know how to easily alter settings. If you want images sent to your pone, the only tricky thing is to find out your e-mail provider's internet information but the FAQ or on-line support can get you there. I wired mine though the attic and was really pleased with the length of cable provided. This model does not have a wireless DVR so I has to be hard wired to the router. My router wasn't close but I got around it be buying an inexpensive internet over house power lines device. I've had if for almost 3 months with great images - well worth the price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
4
Great Features
on November 23, 2017
Posted by: wnaqvi
from Toronto, ON, Canada
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
Great product for our small home. Disappointing that 1080p is only available with 15fps in live view. Have to drop resolution to 720p for any decent Live view. I am sure something as simple as a firmware upgrade can fix this.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
4
Easy Setup; Picture Quality Fantastic.
on November 24, 2017
Posted by: Blckman70
from Buffalo, NY, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
Purchased to upgrade Camera coverage around perimeter of home. Couldnt be happier with product. Angling of Camera could be easier, but i am pleased.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
4
Easy Setup and Use
on November 24, 2017
Posted by: GSGY
from Lee's Summit, MO, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 month
I bought the product a month ago. Wired to cameras plug it and it went right to work. Easy to setup and use phone app.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Best customer service I have ever seen
on November 25, 2017
Posted by: Bob Brit
from Georgia, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:6 months
I purchased this system 7 months prior to this review and it is my 2nd positive review due to another well handled experience with support. I used the chat customer service and within an hour had determined i had a camera problem and a power supply problem which i believe was caused by the camera going out. After we finished they promptly sent a return authorization for the camera and sent a new power supply. I mailed the camera and received a new replacement and within 11 days i was back and running with all cameras. No long waits on hold and quick responses and outstanding service. I have recommended them to my friends and neighbors. The system works well but best of all if you have any issues with setup or other problems they will get resolved. I have to say they have the BEST customer service i have ever had to deal with.
Bob Britton
Bob Britton
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
on November 26, 2017
Posted by: John Thomas
from Richmond, Virginia
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:3 months
The hard part was installing the wiring in a 100 year old house attic, but that was also easier than a new house. Absolutely works great! Glad we got it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com
Customer Rating
5
Quick setup & everything works great
on November 26, 2017
Posted by: TrentC916
from Sacramento, CA, United States
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 week
Just received the package and immediately set everything up to make sure it works. Setup was quick and straightforward and only took a few minutes to complete. Everything was clear and even watching on my phone was only delayed by a second, very impressive. I haven't run the camera lines yet but I don't anticipate running into any issues.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting defender-usa.com