Defender SENTINEL3 Web-Ready 16-Channel DVR Security System Digital Video Recorder with Hi-Res Night Vision Surveillance Cameras and 8.5-Inch LCD
- Web ready DVR allows you to access and view footage via the Internet
- View footage on the included 8.5-inch monitor
- Comes with eight high res indoor/outdoor cameras equipped with night vision; One 320 GB Hard Disk Drive DVR
- Easy to set up – begins recording once the DVR is plugged in
- Perfect security solution for large properties and businesses with large storefronts or warehouses
Product Description
Have peace of mind and protect your assets in your home or business with this deluxe 8-camera DVR system. Easily review your recorded video online and record up to 580 days of continuous video. The 8 hi-res cameras along with the 8.5″ LCD monitor included in this system allow you to view and record from multiple locations on your property. The weatherproof cameras are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The SENTINEL3 DVR has a built-in 250GB hard drive that has b… More >>
Sentinel 3 system works very well. Purchased in February 2009 after a December 2008 burglary at my house. Hooked all eight cameras up and tested views/angles first, before finalizing camera/DVR locations. Found out that you don’t want the camera behind glass or facing each other in order to prevent nighttime “bounces” or hot spots.) I have an L-shaped rancher with lots of windows and 3 exterior doors, plus garage door and am trying to cover all the doors and most of the windows. Was fairly easy to install, except worst part was crawling around in my attic pulling wires. A couple of the camera “ball” mounts had to be tightened with pliers. DVR cooling fan runs continuously and makes noise. Recommend getting a UPS and plug strip to power all the cameras and monitor. The 8.5 inch monitor is small when viewing all cameras on split screen. I have added a video splitter so that I can view the display on a regular size screen in another room. Would be nice to have a DVR remote so that you can change viewing/settings from another room. I can view it remotely on my home network, but need to change router settings so that I can view from my office at work all the time. Might add a few more cameras since DVR will handle eight more. Also installed a GE Simon XT in addition to the cameras.
Rating: 4 / 5
This is a great DIY system and well packaged for a system to monitor movement and allow surveillance for a remote location through the DNS server feature. The I/B was a little hard to follow but after I had the cameras installed and on-line, things just fell into place. Some things are harder to describe, yet are simple tasks.
I had one problem with the mounting thumb screws. They are cast alum and the threads are stamped. I had to use a 10/32 tap to chase the threads in the mounting brackets and purchase steel thumbscrews from Home depot to complete the mounting. I also ordered the extension cables and had a problem with one of the connectors. The metal ferrule on the camera connector came loose inside of the power cable and the extension cable would not fit. I contacted customer service and they were able to indentify the problem and correct it. It was a tight fit and I was able to just remove it and re-fit back to the female connector. Customer Service is also sending my some new mounting thumbscrews.
The Spartan 1 cameras are 420 TV lines of resolution and have 12 LEDs. They work really well at night up to 15 feet. The definition is on the low end. I have ordered a higher resolution camera for one location that requires more resolution.
The DVR is set up for 16 channels and comes with 8 Spartan 1 cameras. The system can be expanded however; the DVR will not control a variable focus camera without a separate power supply. The DNS set-up to view the DVR on line is well explained and easy to set up. I am very pleased with the Defender and it was priced very competitive when pricing individual components.
Rating: 4 / 5
I bought this system to replace a newly purchased Swann 4-camera system. The Swann system was just a pain in the neck from the get-go. They’re harder to install, could never get the internet viewing capability up and running and their tech support is in Australia. I waited on hold for an hour and 15 minutes (not an exaggeration) the first time and more than 40 minutes the 2nd. I finally gave up and just lived with it (for awhile.) Then one of the cameras failed within 3 months of buying it and I was just done.
I researched again and found the Defender Sentinel3. I am SO GLAD I found it! It was EASY to set up, the internet viewing thing was a little challenging again and I needed help, so I called tech support and GUESS WHAT?!? They’re in the U.S. and I got to talk to a real person within about 15 minutes and they actually fixed the problem for me over the phone (and they were nice about it!) It’s easy to log into once it’s set up and it’s just cool!
The Sentinel cameras are clearer than the Swann cameras were, too and they’re smaller and black, instead of Swann silver.
The one thing I didn’t care for was the size of the monitor. It’s ridiculously small!!! You can still see one camera at a time easily on it, but multiple camera viewing isn’t it’s forte.
Rating: 5 / 5