Night Owl 8 Channel Wired Security NVR with 2TB Hard Drive and 8 2K (4MP) Wired IP Cameras

I purchased this system because of the 8 cameras and 8 channels, but I chose wired (ethernet) over wireless because of the camera resolution capability and network security of hard-wired cameras. WiFi cameras are an easier hack than hard wired, it should be more difficult to log into your home WiFi (unless your password is guest or 1234) than pick up the signal from the camera. Wireless cameras still need power, so you're either stuck with battery powered or installing power to an outlet for each camera. I chose to run CAT6 cable to my POE cameras. My neighbor also has this brand, just an older model.I have been using this system for about three months now. I've had some issues but have been able to work through everything. These aren't for the weak of heart to install, having to run cable throughout your house, without damaging anything and hiding the cable as much as possible. I made the brilliant decision of waiting to finish the work until the summer, when it was hot and humid in my attic. Not fun. I did not use the supplied CAT5 cable, I ran CAT6 throughout instead. The data transfer rate is higher and truly is needed for 2K resolution. The supplied cable would still work, but I took the advice of a friend of mine who designs commercial and industrial systems for a living and used CAT6 cable.Once your cameras and cabling are all complete, technical setup is pretty simple at first. When you first turn on the NVR, it will take you through a basic setup with auto configuration. Be sure to pick up a cheap bluetooth mouse so you don't have to use the supplied USB mouse. Unfortunately, the NVR does not recognize a bluetooth keyboard, which is disappointing.At this point, the technical aspect becomes more difficult to maneuver. Without a keyboard, you have to click the on-screen keyboard to enter your username, password, and to name your cameras. Not real difficult, mostly annoying. Most of what I did was moving through the various screens and options to see what everything did and changing what I understood. What I have found in the instructions hasn't been the most informative.The program for your PC works fine, it isn't the easiest thing to get the cameras up and running. It is not as simple as just logging in to your NVR. You have to add your system as a group, then import all the cameras, then open all the cameras to start live view. Just more steps than expected and really needed. I assume I will eventually be well versed in operating the system on PC and locally, it will just take some time. In my opinion, it is not very user friendly, especially to the non-tech savvy.The mobile app is only really useful for live view. Capture may work fine, but viewing past recordings is not easy. It is very slow and is hard to navigate from one recording to the next. Just does not work well, hopefully an upgrade is in the works for the app. It is pretty slow when you are not on the same network as the NVR also, most of the time you will be away from home when you want to view the live feed on the app.I have reached out to Night Owl on a few occasions for technical support and have been very satisfied with the results. I have also had two separate issues with the equipment. Not all the mounting hardware was included in the original order and one camera failed about a week ago. Night Owl sent the missing hardware to me (no charge) and replaced the camera (also no charge) after I described the issue. The warranty is good for a year, after that you're on your own. I purchased the extended warranty from Amazon, hopefully I don't have to use it. WARRANTY UPDATE: It only covers the NRV, not the cameras. Waste of money on that part although I did get a full refund when I found out.I am still glad I purchased the system and am happy with the quality, I just wish the PC and mobile apps were better.UPDATE: I have had three cameras fail. Two were replaced under warranty, with the third I have to go through Amazon. I am not impressed with the quality of the cameras or system at this point, I will go to a different system at some point.2ND UPDATE: I'm pretty fed up with the system at this point. Remote access is slow and can be unreliable. Night vision is awful as can be seen in the screenshot. I've been looking at replacing the cameras and going to a POE switch instead of an NVR.FINAL STRAW: The app doesn't even work any more. Time for a new system, different manufacturer.

no power cord (three prong item) it was missing! I had to unplug my desktop monitor to plug it in..easy setup and I was on my way. btw the item was not handed to a person we just saw it sitting next to the front door.

Great product, works great for office environment. Very good quality, great night vision.