Question 1

Does this come with monitor for viewing?

Accepted Answer

No monitors, it has hdmi, vga (or dvi, not sure), and bnc outputs - that you can connect to a tv or monitor bought separately. Dvr has up to 8 camera inputs, but only 4 cameras are included in the package.

Question 2

does the unit work without hdd? is that not the hard drive and operating system?

Accepted Answer

It works without hdd, you can view the live feed just not able to record.  Hdd is cheap and easy to install, and you don't need a large one since these are all SD recordings.

Conclusion: hdd is only needed for recording.

Question 3

Can this be for outdoor use?

Accepted Answer

On the overview page, it shows the following:

"Indoor/Outdoor Camera
The 600TVL cameras provide clear video through high resolution image sensors with night vision up to 30 feet and the ability to operate indoor and outdoor. It’s true IP66 weather proof rating helps protect the cameras from all conditions."

So, I would say yes.

Question 4

Are the video files Windows friendly?

Accepted Answer

They are .dad files. With CoreAVC codecs, they are windows friendly. Please note that the VBR (variable bit rate) files don't really play in real time. They appear to play really fast. CBR (constant bit rate) files play normally. Because of this, I have it set to only record in CBR.

Question 5

I currently have a similar system installed but I am unable to retrieve any data. I believe I need a HD or new DVR. Can I purchase the DVR separate? Are cables for these systems the same?

Accepted Answer

Frank,
You need a Hard drive for recording(I bought my with $60 / 1Tb western digital, the one for DVR).
Regarding the data, you are referring to the streaming over the network? 
1. make sure the network cable is connected(test it before with a PC)
2. get the IP address(from the DVR or from the router)
3. on the router forward the port 80 or set up the DMZ to the corresponding IP
4. if your internet provider is blocking port 80, change it from DVR to 88(I had this issue and 88 worked).
5. I don't think is the DVR, unless something bad happen, at first make sure the one you have is set up correctly, otherwise you will have the same problem with the next one.

Good look !

Question 6

Can I hook this up to my current HDD through it's wifi or do I have to or can I connect it to my current HDD through cables?  Please be specific.  Thanks for any responses in advance.

Accepted Answer

It needs a SATA drive to be install into the unit, via a SATA cable.

Question 7

Is there a comprehesive operator's manual available? It came with a "quick start guide" and the video tutorials are too basic for all the things this can do. LaView customer service is apparently run by either non-English speakers, or reps that are way too busy to compose complete sentences. Thanks for help or links.

Accepted Answer

There is nothing you can get from the manual comes with the package, but at youtube, there are handful videos which answers most of the questions you will have during the installation. Still, you need be pretty tech savvy to totally understand the whole thing.

Question 8

How can you purchase more cameras?  Are they proprietary or can use other manufacturer cameras? How do you extend further than 60 feet?

Accepted Answer

you can use other manufacture cameras, and you can make your own longer cable.

Question 9

does this have an installed harddrive? the product list a 1 x SATA HDD up to 3TB however it also states no HDD I am confused.

Accepted Answer

where do you get the hard drive can you buy it already insatlled?

Question 10

is this sys capable of remote monitoring with PC and Smartphones?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when connected to the internet via a CAT5 or CAT6 cable to your network router you can set up remote viewing via Internet Explorer at LaViewCloud.Com or Laview Live for android or Laview Pro for iOS.

Questions & Answers