Anyone else think that "4-channel DVR" actually meant a DVR to record television channels? Really poor product description, Amazon. Edit: Since this is apparently STILL an issue 5 months later, I was referring to the product title AT THE TIME, which...
1272559
not at all... This product is a DVR (as stated on the page). I cant see anywhere where it mentions recording TV programs..?? Even the name of the product "Swann Digital Video Recorder with Smartphone Viewing and PRO-550 Cameras" is rather clear that its not a cable/sat. DVR, unless they are now packaging those with security cameras now days?? I just reread the part under the "Product Description" and I didnt notice anything that would lead anyone to believe it was anything but a security system DVR. Could you point out what Im missing here??
353043
"Inventing the DVR was just a warmup"- product announcement scheduled for March 2nd. I'd imagine prices will drop on the current models then as well.
1732058
This is an analog camera system with 4 500TVL cameras - no HD. It's not clear in the description either but only two channels record in D1 - the rest are all lower resolution CIF. The "1080p" reference in the title probably refers to the HDMI output to the monitor. I am generally pleased with the video output of the cameras themselves, but the recorder leaves much to be desired since only two channels record in full resolution. I'd definitely skip this one.
1543207
There is an annual fee of $50 for this DVR or you can pay a 1 time fee for $150. The DVR with the subscription would include that fee. I have to say that my Simple.TV was returned to Amazon as it just had too many issues and frankly didn't work very well. I purchased a Channel Master DVR+ from Channel Master and it's AWESOME! I paid $250 for the DVR, $40 for the dongle (for wireless routers) and $13 for shipping= $303. Amazon is now carrying "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle for 313.99 with free shipping. If you don't need everything in the bundle you might want to shop around. This DVR has about 2 hours of recording time so an external hard drive is necessary. There is an annual fee of $50 for this DVR or you can pay a 1 time fee for $150. The DVR with the subscription would include that fee. I have to say that my Simple.TV was returned to Amazon as it just had too many issues and frankly didn't work very well. I purchased a Channel Master DVR+ from Channel Master and it's AWESOME! I paid $250 for the DVR, $40 for the dongle (for wireless routers) and $13 for shipping= $303. Amazon is now carrying "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle for 313.99 with free shipping. If you don't need everything in the bundle you might want to shop around. This DVR has... » Read More There is an annual fee of $50 for this DVR or you can pay a 1 time fee for $150. The DVR with the subscription would include that fee. I have to say that my Simple.TV was returned to Amazon as it just had too many issues and frankly didn't work very well. I purchased a Channel Master DVR+ from Channel Master and it's AWESOME! I paid $250 for the DVR, $40 for the dongle (for wireless routers) and $13 for shipping= $303. Amazon is now carrying "Channel Master DVR+ Bundle for 313.99 with free shipping. If you don't need everything in the bundle you might want to shop around. This DVR has about 2 hours of recording time so an external hard drive is necessary. « Show Less
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Hi Robert! I haven't had any problems recording from my cable box. I've recorded digital stations, premium and even On-Demand with this unit. Yep, recorded 3 shows ON-Demand! The D-r400 is awesome! I'm using composite, because my cable box does not have an S-Video Connection. Picture is great and I wasn't sure it would be, although I'm not using this on an HDTV. I have read that some people have problems, depending on their cable provider. If your provider will not allow recording of these stations due to copyright, then it may not work for you. Most have not had a problem, which is why this unit has become so popular. Just make sure you hook up your unit to the cable box. The D-r400 doesn't have coaxial, so you need to use RCA audio/video cables. Follow the instructions on the manual for cable/satellite installation and you'll be fine.
1919900
Thanks so much for the response! My husband suspected as much. The DirectV tech is coming back Sun. 1/1 to install the HD DVR receiver for the sum of $129 which includes running another cable (for $50). We question this extra cable thing and wonder if it will be necessary. I'll report the results. If the problem is not fixed, we will return the set as I refuse to watch a 'stretched out' picture!BTW, our 32' Sumsung (also new) in another room, already on the satellite DVR, does have that setting to enlarge and the picture is fine. HOWEVER, the blacks are too black (dark objects seem to run in together) even though I've tried all the adjustments. Any suggestions?Thanks again. Thanks so much for the response! My husband suspected as much. The DirectV tech is coming back Sun. 1/1 to install the HD DVR receiver for the sum of $129 which includes running another cable (for $50). We question this extra cable thing and wonder if it will be necessary. I'll report the results. If the problem is not fixed, we will return the set as I refuse to watch a 'stretched out' picture!BTW, our 32' Sumsung (also new) in another room, already on the satellite DVR, does have that setting to enlarge and the picture is fine. HOWEVER, the blacks are too black (dark objects... » Read More Thanks so much for the response! My husband suspected as much. The DirectV tech is coming back Sun. 1/1 to install the HD DVR receiver for the sum of $129 which includes running another cable (for $50). We question this extra cable thing and wonder if it will be necessary. I'll report the results. If the problem is not fixed, we will return the set as I refuse to watch a 'stretched out' picture!BTW, our 32' Sumsung (also new) in another room, already on the satellite DVR, does have that setting to enlarge and the picture is fine. HOWEVER, the blacks are too black (dark objects seem to run in together) even though I've tried all the adjustments. Any suggestions?Thanks again. « Show Less
1299213
Reel2, it looks like you have got this satellite dvdr thing down pat. My problem with using Dish TV Guide for recording purposes it that I get a screen asking for a 3 digit code for the dvr. The screen says this number is in the users manual but I can't find it. Any ideas where I might find this number or get around this screen? I also cannot pause live tv - is this a function that is lost with satellite?
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I had the same issues. And as soon as the warranty went out the DVR went out as well!! I had noted all of this on my review!!
599472
Unfortunately, my understanding is that the USB port is only for firmware updates or for inputting content from a USB stick. It cannot be used for outboard memory, nor to export content to a computer. If only it did... This thing is truly a one-dimensional device. I, too, have a DVD recorder with a tuner with which I can record off-air programming directly to DVD, but that proved to be an enormous pain when trying to capture all the episodes of even only two series. At least with the DVR I don't have piles of disks lying around. Sorry to be the bearer of less-than-desirable tidings.
1972709
I was JUST reading through some of the reviews and one of the folks seemed to list this exact problem - though they were using a Tivo. It seems too similar an issue to be an anomaly: sadly the reviewer determined that after unplugging the drive and starting his DVR back up again, all of the problems vanished, leading him to the conclusion that it was the drive and NOT the DVR. Your best bet is to do the same - remove the drive and see if the DVR functions normally. If so, then you know the drive is faulty. Good luck!
1787241
That's interesting. I wonder why it's called a DVR. I actually had the same question as Dennis, thanks for your reply.OK. I just got off the phone with tech at Archos and both the home and travel DVR do record from TV, VCR and DVD player. The main difference is the Home DVR dock is not travel friendly because of size/weight and there is no "s" plug on the travel dock.
1288169
That is essentially the point of a cable like this. But DVRs, unlike most computers, sometimes have funky compatibility issues with some types of storage expansion. So your mileage may vary.
705753
I have been using it for a Direct TV DVR! It has worked fine until it reached just over 1TB of recording at the remote TV location. This location apparently can not support much beyond this point. It shows the latest recordings & older ones, but not the entire recordings. At the main TV location, the receiver/DVR does seem to support additional content, but everything is slower. ie: switching between channels & programming. The current DVR is 1TB, so that may explain the problem. If the Zmodo recording ability is less than 3 TB there may be a problem of support for additional storage.
1787237
tHE TRAVEL DOCk Doesnt have the DVR Capability. . . It cant record off your TV OR Cable Box. . . Im guessing thats why Its half the price. . . for the people who dont care about that feature. . .
47351
no idea, you can record all the channels but you will not be able to look at each one in full screen on a DVR. The unit record up to 30 days so no need to record on another DVR ?
2183536
This product came to me as the DVR only, no cameras. It was as I anticipated, as I was just purchasing a replacement DVR and using my existing cameras.
1285075
I'm not sure how that works to be honest. I do know that you need to buy a tuner to record shows from your tv. I'd assume you need the same thing to record from your DVR.