Rosewill RSVA-12001 8 channel + 4 x 1/4" CMOS, 21 IR LED, IR Cut filter Bullet Cameras, H.264 High performance DVR, Remote Monitoring/Real time record DVR Kit (HD Sold Separately)

Pros: This system is very effective, provided you have the patience to set it up. You can use it remotely to view the cameras from a PC or your smartphone through an app called "Castillo Player" (I don't know if this is available on Iphone. Don't own one.)

I have the motion sensing set up to send emails to a dedicated account that informs me when someone comes to the door. My cell phone is set up to receive the emails on the account and vibrates. I can just pull out my phone to see who it is immediately. Didn't expect to be able to do that.

Cameras have decent resolution. 720x480. How much you can actually see varies, but it's good video quality in the day time.

Connection to network was a breeze when it worked. Setting up Castillo player was a breeze too. Just make sure you have screen rotate on, otherwise you'll end up like half the people on the comments for the app complaining only one camera works. Has to be vertical to display the UI.

The mounting hardware was plastic, but very sturdy and simple to adjust.

All the hardware worked out of the box (Accessories. See below.)

The power supplies are boldly labeled so you wont confuse them like I almost did.



If you really want a treat just check out the manual online. Tons of features, and it's a breeze to set up. Provided none of the things below happen to you. I highly recommend this DVR, and below are the frustrations I encountered. No eggs were deducted, as the hardware has functioned beyond my expectations.

Cons: These are problems you may encounter:

Comes with 4 cameras. The software on it automatically sets all the framerates to 7 on 8 channels. You'll have to change this to 15 on the first 4 if you don't want this... I wasn't surprised it didn't automatically detect there were only 4 cameras installed but it's worth noting.

The disc it came with was damaged and unreadable. The top layer in which the aluminum was applied to the plastic disc had lifted off cleanly. The disc read on the top, "Application software" and "User Manual". I contacted Rosewill customer support and told them their website didn't have the "application software" that was included on the disc. It only had a .fhf file which was not explained the purpose of. They told me to change the extension from .fhf to .exe. I tried several different formats. After an hour or so, I used hex editor to realize it was a non-windows based program. I found out eventually rosewill unit itself it was a firmware update. Still no word on the "Application Software", whatever that may be. I think it was something just scribbled on there. I've been able to perform all my desired operations with just the help of the manual alone.

It included an RJ-45 cable. Wonderful. Plugged into the DVR and the router flawlessly. I spent about 45 minutes bashing my face into the keyboard trying to figure out why I couldn't ping it after I set all the network parameters correctly. Then I ripped it out and inspected it. It only had 2 pins used. I had to use another RJ-45 cable. I thought it was an RJ-11 cable after inspecting it, but it really had RJ-45 connectors on it. After researching it, I have no idea what it was intended for. This isn't even displayed in the packing contents so I have no idea how it got there. It did come from the box, in the back by the power cables, and it was wrapped in plastic wrap.

The mouse for the DVR is less responsive at higher display resolutions. It's also less responsive if you plug the mouse in the front USB port.

The DVR would sometimes freeze when performing operations through the UI. Haven't had this issue on the new firmware. Also, prior to update of firmware, using UI would randomly change some settings.

The remote connection through browser requires ActiveX controllers. So. Internet Explorer only for now.

I can't figure out the remote control. Mouse control works fine for now I suppose.

Other Thoughts: Statistically speaking, camera systems reduce the likelihood of a theft by about 50% just having them visible. Understandable that it's not a fix all solution, but better than nothing.

Put in a 1 terabyte hard drive, 391 hours of recording time at 480p@15hz. More than I'll need for when I go on vacation coming up soon. Nice to have some piece of mind. And the ability to check it every 2 seconds? Oh yeah.

I highly recommend you update your firmware first thing, based off of my experience. If you don't then when you do it later your settings will all be reset.

Pros: Has a lot of capabilities, directions are terrible and the remote access is very difficult to set-up however; it is a great start system and lots a features. Contact you internet provider first for remote set-up...that will save yo a ton of hair pullage.

Cons: quirky, be prepared to spend some time on this setup, if your not tech savy...may the good lord be with you.

Pros: Good color on the cams for the price range. Good night vision. Overall very good for the price range.

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: One cam stopped working after one week. Tech support said I would have to uninstall the whole system and send it back. This wasn't a option for the lady I installed it for. So if you have installed this because you needed it right now and have a problem, be prepared to either uninstall it or live with a defect.

Pros: This unit ship with everything that is needed to setup a nice DVR installation. It work very well, and this is surprisingly cheap. I even reported a bug in the firmware, which was not affecting alot of users but still, hey, they fixed it pretty promptly, and now it work perfectly. Not alot of company would actually remake or update a firmware for a bug that affect just few users, they, Rosewill, did.

Cons: The USB support sometime is so so, as it is suggested that you only use 1 USB port at the time, but you need to use 2 to update the firmware (1 for mouse, 1 for the usb key), however, if it doesnt work first time, just reboot the unit, eventually, after one or two tries, it work as a charm and the unit does update properly.

Other Thoughts: Overall, this is from far, the best DVR for the price / quality / support that you can get on the internet, seriously, I work in the telecom sector, and this is something to have.

Thank again Rosewill, will recommend and buy again from you.

Pros: Great unit, has everything you need for home security.

Cons: Setup/operation instructions are poor at best, I found it hard to set record function and i just about sent it back because of that so it looses one egg.

Pros: ...

Cons: ...

Other Thoughts: This id not the best of the best, but for this price you can't ask for more!
High resolution, easy to install, and (kind of) easy setting.
DO NOT FORGET: To change the adapter DVR/Camera, to a normal Power Supply, because it's not coming with a good (LowVoltage) adpter.

Pros: Easy setup. Lots of features. Cables reached all intended landings. Good night vision.

Cons: Not really a con, but when I turned on passwords I got locked out of the system. I was able to get back in using the defaults, but I noticed that there was no way to do a "factory reset". Also, didn't find any instructions for installing the HHD (not that 99% of Newegg users wouldn't know to just open the unit and just plug in the HHD). Camera mounting screws were pretty cheap (stripped the heads on 3 of 12).

Other Thoughts: Very happy with the system. Ordered four additional cameras already.

Pros: Great DVR, cables are plenty long to get everywhere. Cameras have good resolution, day/night. Would recommend for an economic system.

Cons: Already had 1 camera die and have only had system a few months. Camera was just dead, no signal, replaced with a spare. Going to call tech support and hope I can send back for a replacement.

Other Thoughts: I am hoping that I dont have to send the whole thing back. I have all 4 installed and cables run.

Pros: Worked right out of the box. Setup was easy and quick. Used 1TB WD sata drive turned it on and it formatted.
Using the 4 supplied cameras with highest video settings I get about 500 hours of record time. Only takes snapshots when motion sensor is tripped and sends me the pic in an email.

Cons: If you really aren't very tech savy you probably will have issues setting this up. The directions that come with it are very limited just like all directions that come with Chinese manufactured goods"they always seem to lose alot in thier translations". As far as the browser issue I saw in one post I had the same issue until I installed the pluggin that is on the disc that came with the kit. As I said little or no real directions.

Other Thoughts: If you are looking for a solid mid priced setup and you can catch it on sale here I would recommend it. Works perfectly for what I wanted and the video capture is good enough for me. If you are looking for mug shot quality pics you might want to spend quite a bit more money.

Pros: Good night vision.

Cons: none