Amcrest 4K UltraHD 16 Channel DVR Security Camera System Recorder, 8MP Security DVR for Analog Security Cameras & IP Cameras, Remote Smartphone Access, Hard Drive & Cameras NOT Included (AMDV8M16-H5)

The unit is identical to my old LorexTechnology at half the price. If you need a replacement Lorex unit use any CVI or a universal video DVR like this one. The DVR interface is much better than Lorex and it is way better to use. I like the fact that I can use any type of video camera from AHD,CVI,TVI or any that the unit supports without being limited to one type of camera. The system is quiet and the easy to use app is no different. This review is not a comparison to Lorex but a heads up of how you can save your money with this unit that performs just like a more expensive one. The quality of the video is no different because all I replaced was a dead DVR. The app is user friendly and no different than any DVR app. Notifications work and the best part is you can control ptz and have audio video on the single coax cable. That my friends is the way to go.Almost forgot, get informed about the technology and what it offers. This DVR is H265 codec and it performs faster than my old H264. It compresses more and it allows more data to fit in a same size drive. The H265 performs well because it transmits faster over the internet allowing my app to not lag or to allow me to play videos faster without taking time loading the image. This DVR is designed for 4K but using it for my 1080P almost doubles the performance on response and helps with the quick load. The DVR recommend using a 7200RPM but im running my 5200RPM and its flawless for my 1080P cameras. I suppose the 7200RPM would be something to consider if you go all 4K cameras. Overall this DVR does well with my drive and my 1080p camera set.

This is a great DVR. After it boots up the first time, it will take you through a few steps to set it up, which is good. When that is complete everything is great. This was a replacement to an older DVR I had so I kept my same cameras. This DVR made my cameras sharper as it automatically adjust to the high definition of the cameras. The mobile app was very easy to setup and the app is easy to use. Great product. I didn't need tech support so I can't rate that.

I purchased this to replace a Defender 16 camera system, thinking I could just move the old cameras to the new DVR as well as my existing Hikvision 5 mp knock-off that was purchased a few years ago. Well, wasn't able to get the Defender cameras working, but did get the 5 mp camera working as well as 2 bnc 4K Hikvision cameras (running over CAT 6 w/ converters) and 3 new Amcrest IP cameras (POE). Still have to install the Amcrest doorbell cam w/ 2 way audio, but so far, so good (8 months.) Setting up the IP cameras was easy. BNC cameras even easier. Setting up on phone was simple (just scan the QR code, same as cameras.) Still learning how to configure cameras that aren't hooked up to not record, but not in a rush as everything is working (recorded to a 4 tb WD purple). Using Amcrest software on PCs to view and export recordings. Update 9/27/23. 4 years on and still adding more cameras (I'm up to 11, 3 of which are I.P.) I purchased some in line noise filters to clamp around the camera power supply lines (before the split to the 4 or 8 leads). Lines are gone. Still waiting for the more expensive multi plug noise filter (almost $40), but very happy with the $10 multi-pack of clamps so far. No more lines on screen.

I purchased this DVR to replace an older Amcrest DVR so I could upgrade to the 4K cameras at 2 of the camera locations and to add a camera that was just over 1000' from the DVR (specs claim the 4K cameras can be used up to 2000+ feet away). I replaced the 720p cameras and found they had severe horizontal lines. After about 4 calls to tech support, I was told I needed a "special" cable to run the 4K cameras, even at short distances. I then purchased 4 - 100' 4K cables and replaced one of my existing HD cables. Much to my surprise, nothing changed . After a lot of investigation I was able to isolate the issue was with the camera video getting coupled into the power pair in my cable. Further investigation revealed I had been shipped the wrong cables! I bought 4K cables but was shipped HD cables- they look the same but are "different" per the tech support person. Shame on me for not noticing the difference in the part number. I returned the cables for credit. When I noticed the 4K cables were only listed in 100' lengths, I called tech support again to find out what cable to order for longer runs, since the cameras were highly advertised for use with long runs. Much to my surprise they did not have anything longer than 100' available, and I could not buy the "4K" cable in bulk and terminate myself. They recommended I buy 10 - 100' lengths and splice them together... Really??? Just what I want, run a 1000 foot cable and have 9 splices to worry about... Again I spoke to tech support to see if they would provide me the specs on the cable so I could buy it elsewhere, and they said they would have to have engineering get back to me. Well, 4 weeks and a few more calls and I still don't have any information. Since I have been installing cameras for about 20 years (mostly Amcrest in the last 5 years) , I had some rolls of bulk cable around so I started experimenting. Unfortunately I could not get the 4K cameras to work beyond about 800 feet with the cables I had. So, I had to scrap going to 4K for this application... My customer thinks I am an idiot, but I can deal with that. If you are using this system for lower resolution cameras, it seems to work fine, but if you plan to use 4K cameras beyond 100', good luck...Buyer beware...

Obviously the box was opened, but product was pristine. Had the latest firmware, I've experience with other Amcrest DVR/NVR and some of the earlier firmware were horrible, could very well have been returned if shipped with the old firmware and updated before being repackaged. Working perfectly so far with a couple of 4K cameras.