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RBMODS REVIEWS |
Date 2007-10-11
Provider: Geeks
Author: Michael Chiu
Editor: Amber Lupala
Geeks 4-Channel Standalone DVR Review
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Taking a closer look at the DVR itself, we find a sleek black unit that has a fairly small footprint, about the length/width of a piece of paper and a couple of inches tall. The front of the unit has all of the buttons needed to operate the DVR, including channel select, menu, and playback buttons.
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The rear of the unit is filled with the various connectors and ports for sensors and cameras. These connectors might not look too familiar; these are BNC connectors, which are standard for security cameras but not necessarily for regular cameras. On the output side, the DVR has BNC and S-video outputs as well. Also, the DVR has the capability to have sensors (for example a motion sensor) trigger recording and notifications on the screen. There are other non-used ports in the back such as a VGA and audio input/output; these features are available in a higher-end model. There is also a USB flash drive backup capability.
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Accessing the inside of the DVR is a simple process involving the removal of three screws. Inside, there is a circuit board and a mounting bracket for the IDE hard drive that is needed to operate the DVR. Installing a hard drive is also very straightforward, similar to installing a drive into a computer. Once the drive is installed, the DVR’s firmware automatically detects the hard drive, which can be reformatted if desired.
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Once the DVR is turned on, the unit begins outputting video from up to 4 cameras as advertised. The cameras can be displayed one at a time or all four at the same time in a quad-screen pattern. Similarly, the recordings can be made on one, two, three, or four cameras. Video output is crisp and steady, both in real-time and in playback modes. The DVR can be set to record at various frame rates and also at different times. From a functionality perspective, the unit does deliver as advertised, with good video output quality and configurable recording and playback. The DVR also comes with software that allows you to transfer files off the hard drive or USB backup drive onto your computer, which is handy for archival purposes.
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Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Operating the DVR is intuitive and straightforward, although the lack of a remote does tend to make things a little difficult. Pressing the menu button provides access to a variety of options including the camera selection, recording framerate, and hard drive setup. Some of the features are buried in the submenu, but overall the features are easy to navigate. The DVR also has enhanced security features including a password protection and audible alarm sounds in the event of video loss.
Conclusion:
Overall, the 4-channel standalone DVR from Geeks.com does perform as advertised, offering a user-friendly DVR capability that is well-suited for home security applications. The video playback is crisp, and the ability to display up to 4 cameras on a single screen is great for monitoring your home or office. While you’ll have to add hardware such as cables, cameras, and a hard drive, this allows you to customize your setup to suit your needs. Despite a couple of minor nits, this unit, at ~$149, is an affordable product that expands the possibility of home security into your home.
Pros:
+ Simple and affordable recording capability for up to 4 channels
+ Small footprint
+ Solid video quality
+ Can transfer files to PC
+ Easy to operate with simple menus and multiple front-panel buttons
Cons:
- No remote control capability
- Do have to add additional hardware
Thanks to Geeks.com for providing the products for review.
Current Real Time Pricing
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