Home » Review: Samsung HD Video Security System (4 Channel DVR – 2 Camera Kit) – SDH-B3020

Review: Samsung HD Video Security System (4 Channel DVR – 2 Camera Kit) – SDH-B3020

SDR-C5300_FS1

What is it?

The SDH-B3020 is a DVR CCTV Camera kit that brings together the function of a good old fashioned CCTV setup mixed with the power of the internet and mobile phone apps. The kit includes two 720p CCTV Cameras that come with built in night vision, and other cool features such as motion detection and night vision.

Box Contents

SDC-8440BC_FS1

  • DVR (SDR-B3300)
  • Camera x 2 (SDC-8440BC)
  • Remote Control (with batteries)
  • Mouse
  • Power Cord and Adaptor (Euro and UK)
  • 60 ft BNC Cable x 2
  • Power Splitter (for DVR and cameras)
  • Network Cable
  • HDMI Cable
  • CD (with software)
  • Quick Guide

Features

Screen-Shot-2015-06-03-at-12.26.49

  • 2 x 720p high definition weatherproof cameras
  • 720p HD real-time monitoring & recording
  • IP66 weather resistant
  • Built-in 1TB Hard Disk Drive (SATA)
  • Night vision up to 82ft (SDC-8440)
  • Can look out for motion detection.
  • Wide angle cameras
  • WiFi Compatible DVR, Wifi Adaptor not included

Setup

Screen-Shot-2015-06-03-at-12.26.58

The setup of this requires a few things. I suggest you follow it in the following order:

  • Find a location for your cameras. You have 60 feet ( around 18m) leads, so you can use it as far as that.
  • Mount your cameras
  • Find a location for your DVR that allows you either an Ethernet connection, or a WiFi one (you will have to purchase the adaptor separately).
  • The DVR will need to be plugged into an HDMI monitor or television. Make sure this can be located in the same place as the DVR
  • Have a handy surface nearby to use the mouse, and the remote.
  • Plug all the components in, put batteries in your phone, plug your mouse in. The items are all fairly obvious as to how and where they can be plugged in, though you can look at the quick guide for help if needed.

Once you have done all the above, you follow the following steps:

  • Power up the device, and look at the HDMI monitor.
  • Set an admin password. You will need an onscreen keyboard for this, though there are USB ports to plug in a keyboard.
  • Set up time and date
  • Set up network, follow the quick guide here.
  • Set up your account and password on a computer, through a browser.
  • Register your product
  • Now go back to DVR and set up your DDNS setup so you can actually view the video through the browser or apps
  • After that, return to your computer, login, and hit View.
  • On a smartphone, you can download the Samsung iPolis Mobile app to do the same.

My overall impression was that the setup was a bit more difficult than normal, though it is the first time I have setup a CCTV. However, the instructions were clear and easy to follow, so as long as you stick to the quick guide, it should be okay. Just remember to keep your computer near your device at setup.

Remote and Mouse

The device comes with a remote and a mouse. I actually found that you can pretty much do everything just from the remote too, though if you are in a rush, a mouse is of course quicker.

Playback on device

The PlayBack feature on the device is fairly straight forward. You click ‘Search’ on remote and a menu shows you the various recordings available, including any motion detection etc based on colour codes over a time line. Click on channels you want to see, and hit play. Once it is playing, you can configure speeds, go back and forth, etc.

At a Terabyte, there is plenty of room to record long lengths of videos.

Online access

The online access didn’t go as smoothly, probably because of the long and complicated setup. However, once in, you get similar kind of viewing abilities as the main screen. The data rates needed are high though, just so you know. You could go through your data package if you are looking at something over a phone fairly quickly.

My personal impression was that the device worked best when used itself rather than online.

More information

More information on the kit can be found on the Samsung website:

http://www.samsungsecurehome.eu/en/Products/All%20in%20one%20CCTV%20kit.aspx

It is available from various online retailers, like Amazon, for around £349, while the four camera kit retails at £399.

Verdict

With the advent of newer and better technologies and home automation coming into play, it is only natural that we are starting to see connected CCTV options. The offering from Samsung covers all the basics, and does it well.

 

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