Question 1

Can I connect to this through an ipad?  Can I connect my home internet and not use the 3G Mobile Access?

Accepted Answer

I'm not 100% sure if it can connect via Ipad because I'm Anti-Apple I do know that Zmodo does have an mobile device app and as to connecting to a home network, yes you indeed can I did how ever have to buy IOGEAR Universal Wi-Fi N Adapter because the setup location i could not run a hardwire to the unit and instead had to go wireless after all was said and done I can watch via the internet (Internet Explorer only) on both my computers or from a computer outside my network (If your not experienced setting up networks then it's going to get frustrating, just an Fyi)

Question 2

Does this take audio recording?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this unit has 4 mono audio input labeled AIN1,2,3,4. There's a single audio output. The audio IN/OUT are red RCA jacks similar to that of old VCR (non-stereo) days.
My unit crap out after 4 months. I bought a replacement 16-camera unit and re-use the cameras.

Question 3

is audio or no?

Accepted Answer

so it does have the inputs i just need to buy the mics

Question 4

is it possible to connect to the box remotely over my network?

Accepted Answer

Yes.   Just make sure all your network settings are correct. It's been a long time since I've done it but it's worked ever since and wasn't that hard. To remotely connect use dyndns account and use iseeder or aplayer apps on your phone.

Question 5

Is this analog or digital cameras?

Accepted Answer

Analog.  Analog surveillance video resolution is measured in terms of broadcast TV lines as viewed on a monitor screen. Video quality is charted with converging lines of higher and higher density. The TVL resolution number is the line density where the camera is no longer able to reproduce individual lines. The higher this number is, the better the picture.

480tvl = 510 x 492

600 TVL768 x 494

650 TVL811 x 508

700 TVL976 x 582

Question 6

is this wireless and complete or do I need to purchase an installation kit?

Accepted Answer

This is not wireless, you must run bnc cable (which powers each camera). Comes with four bnc cables of considerable length (60ft each I think), but you can do your own cabling if you needed to go further. Do note that because they give you finished cables, you must drill larger holes, as the tiny cable has a huge connector head.. I believe I used a longer half inch spade bit to run mine. Otherwise yes it comes with enough supplies up connect and run all four cameras.

Question 7

I'm looking to get this for a small work area to supervise employees, do I need to install a monitor? or can I just take the unit home every couple of weeks to download the video on to my computer?
Also, can employees tamper with the unit to stop recording?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can operate without a monitor, however, you need a monitor for the initial setup. Yes did does have a password protection that prevents someone from tampering with it, but they have the availability to shut it off or unplug it.

Question 8

does it have audio inputs ?

Accepted Answer

no it does not
i bought it and no its not as described at all no audio no bnc video out

Question 9

How much time will the Zmodo with 500GB record? how much time, hours, days? And if the 500GB is full, and I'm travelling, it will reset it self or it will stop recording ?

Accepted Answer

It has the option to overwrite when it's full. There are several settings that will affect the amount of time you can record for a given size hard drive as you can set the resolution per camera and the frame rate. Out of the box it is set to record at CIF resolution for all cameras. With 8 cameras at CIF and a 500gb hard drive as an educated guess I would be comfortable saying two weeks recording time.

Question 10

Is it easy to replace with larger hard drive?  Can you plug an external hard drive to extend record time?

Accepted Answer

Michael, I am embarrassed to say that I haven't hooked the system up yet. I have the cameras installed outside, but have not finished the installation. best of luck

Questions & Answers