Need some urgent advice please

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
Hello my friends, I'm new here so please forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong forum. I am looking to buy an NVR system within the next couple days. I have narrowed it down to the two systems below. I'm not sure which one to get. The LeChange system at frys seems to have the all popular IVS features you all talk about but the Lorex from Sams doesn't appear to have it. Also I know that Lorex is now owned by Dahua but the Cameras in the Sams system do not appear to be the typical Dahua cameras that everyone raves about. I'm really confused and would love some input. Basically I will be putting it around my home. Good night clarity is always important. I'm not absolutely dead set on the two systems below so I'm open to suggestions.

Thank you all! I'm eagerly looking forward to your input.

Here they are:
Fry's Electronics |

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/lorex-8x8-4k-2tb-hdd-nvr/prod22304723.ip?xid=hpg_carousel_rich-relevance.rr0_1
 

mat200

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Jan 17, 2017
Messages
13,665
Reaction score
22,769
Hello my friends, I'm new here so please forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong forum. I am looking to buy an NVR system within the next couple days. I have narrowed it down to the two systems below. I'm not sure which one to get. The LeChange system at frys seems to have the all popular IVS features you all talk about but the Lorex from Sams doesn't appear to have it. Also I know that Lorex is now owned by Dahua but the Cameras in the Sams system do not appear to be the typical Dahua cameras that everyone raves about. I'm really confused and would love some input. Basically I will be putting it around my home. Good night clarity is always important. I'm not absolutely dead set on the two systems below so I'm open to suggestions.

Thank you all! I'm eagerly looking forward to your input.

Here they are:
Fry's Electronics |

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/lorex-8x8-4k-2tb-hdd-nvr/prod22304723.ip?xid=hpg_carousel_rich-relevance.rr0_1
Welcome @Wael

The Lorex kit you have listed is not a Dahua OEM kit, so you'll want to search for that kit here and else where and see what folks have to say about it.

The Fry's kit is a Dahua OEM kit - as Dahua owns the LeChange brand, however Fry's has been a real PITA on shipping those kits to people in the past - so a big thumbs down on Fry's in general. Also, the 8 port NVR imho is a limiting factor. Also, LeChange has been a pita to deal with for DOA / returns according to a report from someone who purchased a kit and had an issue with the NVR ( thankfully B&H was very supportive - otherwise he would have gotten a major run around by LeChange who forced him to talk to the vendor ( B&H ) and then B&H put pressure on LeChange ( Dahua ) and finally got some help for him. ( this is documented on another forum btw )

I still think from a hardware point of view that I like the LeChange kit in general, just would want a NVR with more ports so I can augment that kit with Dahua OEM 2MP starlights. ( and get a good mix of 8MP and 2MP low light cameras )

Note, for Dahua OEM kit deals at this time you may want to look at LaView saturn series and Montavue on Newegg Flash ( they should a have a couple deals now, and a couple more coming up )
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
Welcome @Wael

The Lorex kit you have listed is not a Dahua OEM kit, so you'll want to search for that kit here and else where and see what folks have to say about it.

The Fry's kit is a Dahua OEM kit - as Dahua owns the LeChange brand, however Fry's has been a real PITA on shipping those kits to people in the past - so a big thumbs down on Fry's in general. Also, the 8 port NVR imho is a limiting factor. Also, LeChange has been a pita to deal with for DOA / returns according to a report from someone who purchased a kit and had an issue with the NVR ( thankfully B&H was very supportive - otherwise he would have gotten a major run around by LeChange who forced him to talk to the vendor ( B&H ) and then B&H put pressure on LeChange ( Dahua ) and finally got some help for him. ( this is documented on another forum btw )

I still think from a hardware point of view that I like the LeChange kit in general, just would want a NVR with more ports so I can augment that kit with Dahua OEM 2MP starlights. ( and get a good mix of 8MP and 2MP low light cameras )

Note, for Dahua OEM kit deals at this time you may want to look at LaView saturn series and Montavue on Newegg Flash ( they should a have a couple deals now, and a couple more coming up )

Thank you for your input. You bring up many great points. I would certainly like to have more channels than 8. Too bad I missed that frys 16 ch deal several months ago. Wish I could find something like that again. I did check out newegg flash but there was no Laview and the only Montavue were dome cameras. Is there anywhere else I could look or should I just keep my eye out on Newegg?
 

mat200

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Jan 17, 2017
Messages
13,665
Reaction score
22,769
Thank you for your input. You bring up many great points. I would certainly like to have more channels than 8. Too bad I missed that frys 16 ch deal several months ago. Wish I could find something like that again. I did check out newegg flash but there was no Laview and the only Montavue were dome cameras. Is there anywhere else I could look or should I just keep my eye out on Newegg?
Thanks @Wael

I've understand that there maybe a few more Montavue deals coming up at Newegg Flash - so I would watch for those.

Remember to see the cliff notes as well as the various threads on using the test rig to pick good placement locations for your cameras - the cabling runs and placement of the cameras will be the most important aspect of this setup imho.
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
Thanks @Wael

I've understand that there maybe a few more Montavue deals coming up at Newegg Flash - so I would watch for those.

Remember to see the cliff notes as well as the various threads on using the test rig to pick good placement locations for your cameras - the cabling runs and placement of the cameras will be the most important aspect of this setup imho.
Thank you Mat! I will take your advice and wait. The Sams deal is going to be $799 this Saturday but I'm going to go ahead and pass on that. I will keep watching for Newegg Flash. When something comes up I will be sure to come back here and check with you before pulling the trigger if you don't mind? Or if you happen to spot something and it wouldn't be too much trouble for you, you can shoot me a private message or something?

Thank you again for your expertise. You probably saved me from making a bad decision.
 

mat200

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Jan 17, 2017
Messages
13,665
Reaction score
22,769
Thank you Mat! I will take your advice and wait. The Sams deal is going to be $799 this Saturday but I'm going to go ahead and pass on that. I will keep watching for Newegg Flash. When something comes up I will be sure to come back here and check with you before pulling the trigger if you don't mind? Or if you happen to spot something and it wouldn't be too much trouble for you, you can shoot me a private message or something?

Thank you again for your expertise. You probably saved me from making a bad decision.
Hi @Wael

Happy to help. Note - please do not rely on me being available to assist. Sometimes I have no extra time.

Do take your time if you are not under an immediate threat issue.

It does take some time to really determine what your needs are, and all the kits I have seen are short in one way or the other.

If you can afford it - I would pick up a Dahua OEM 2MP varifocal starlight ( IPC_HDW2231xx ) and a PoE power source and start testing possible locations.

This will help you better understand what you want to get.
 

SouthernYankee

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Feb 15, 2018
Messages
5,170
Reaction score
5,320
Location
Houston Tx
:welcome:

If you rush to buy a system you will end up wasting your money. Study and learn first.
What problem are you trying to solve ?

Most package system will NOT have good night time clarity.
------------------------------------------------------------------

My standard welcome to the forum message.

Please read the cliff notes and other items in the wiki. The wiki is in the blue bar at the top of the page.

Read How to Secure Your Network (Don't Get Hacked!) in the wiki also.

Quick start
1) Use Dahua starlight cameras or Hikvision darkfighter cameras or ICPT Night eye cameras (https://store.ipcamtalk.com/) if you need good low light cameras.
2) use a VPN to access home network (openVPN)
3) Do not use wifi cameras.
4) Do not use cloud storage
5) Do Not use uPNP, P2P, QR, do not open ports,
6) More megapixel is not necessarily better.
7) Avoid chinese hacked cameras (most ebay, amazon, aliexpress cameras(not all, but most))
8) Do not use reolink, ring, nest cameras (they are junk)
9) If possible use a turret camera , bullet collect spiders, dome collect dirt and reflect light (IR)
10) Use only solid copper, AWG 23 or 24 ethernet wire. , no CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum)

Read,study,plan before spending money ..... plan plan plan
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
Hi @Wael

Happy to help. Note - please do not rely on me being available to assist. Sometimes I have no extra time.

Do take your time if you are not under an immediate threat issue.

It does take some time to really determine what your needs are, and all the kits I have seen are short in one way or the other.

If you can afford it - I would pick up a Dahua OEM 2MP varifocal starlight ( IPC_HDW2231xx ) and a PoE power source and start testing possible locations.

This will help you better understand what you want to get.
lol, no I won't hold you to anything. I am truly grateful for your help! Thank you so much!! I am not under immediate threat so I will take my time. I was just thinking of purchasing that Sams system when it went on sale Saturday and didn't want to pass it up as I have been waiting on that for a while. But as it appears, that may not be my best buying choice.
 

catcamstar

Known around here
Joined
Jan 28, 2018
Messages
1,659
Reaction score
1,193
Hi @Wael

If you can afford it - I would pick up a Dahua OEM 2MP varifocal starlight ( IPC_HDW2231xx ) and a PoE power source and start testing possible locations.

This will help you better understand what you want to get.
I fully agree with @mat200 here: fill a bucket with sand/bricks, and use it as "foundation" to position your testcam in different positions. Especially with the varifocal cams, you can "finetune" the camera to make it work in multiple environments - many kits are filled with "fixed lens" systems, which limit your installation environments. There are tools to "help" you guestimate which lens is required (eg IPVM Camera Calculator V3) but testing in real life can be an eyeopener.

As @SouthernYankee wrote: read the Cliff Notes and wiki.

Oh, and check out with @EMPIRETECANDY - he might be able to offer you a price-you-can't-refuse.

Good luck!
CC
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
:welcome:

If you rush to buy a system you will end up wasting your money. Study and learn first.
What problem are you trying to solve ?

Most package system will NOT have good night time clarity.
------------------------------------------------------------------

My standard welcome to the forum message.

Please read the cliff notes and other items in the wiki. The wiki is in the blue bar at the top of the page.

Read How to Secure Your Network (Don't Get Hacked!) in the wiki also.

Quick start
1) Use Dahua starlight cameras or Hikvision darkfighter cameras or ICPT Night eye cameras (https://store.ipcamtalk.com/) if you need good low light cameras.
2) use a VPN to access home network (openVPN)
3) Do not use wifi cameras.
4) Do not use cloud storage
5) Do Not use uPNP, P2P, QR, do not open ports,
6) More megapixel is not necessarily better.
7) Avoid chinese hacked cameras (most ebay, amazon, aliexpress cameras(not all, but most))
8) Do not use reolink, ring, nest cameras (they are junk)
9) If possible use a turret camera , bullet collect spiders, dome collect dirt and reflect light (IR)
10) Use only solid copper, AWG 23 or 24 ethernet wire. , no CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum)

Read,study,plan before spending money ..... plan plan plan

Thank you SouthernYankee! You guys are awesome!
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
I fully agree with @mat200 here: fill a bucket with sand/bricks, and use it as "foundation" to position your testcam in different positions. Especially with the varifocal cams, you can "finetune" the camera to make it work in multiple environments - many kits are filled with "fixed lens" systems, which limit your installation environments. There are tools to "help" you guestimate which lens is required (eg IPVM Camera Calculator V3) but testing in real life can be an eyeopener.

As @SouthernYankee wrote: read the Cliff Notes and wiki.

Oh, and check out with @EMPIRETECANDY - he might be able to offer you a price-you-can't-refuse.

Good luck!
CC

Thank you CC! I like the bucket/sand idea. I assume there is a pole in the mix as well?
 

mat200

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Jan 17, 2017
Messages
13,665
Reaction score
22,769
Thank you CC! I like the bucket/sand idea. I assume there is a pole in the mix as well?
Hi @Wael

Search here on ipct for "test rig" - a few members have shared their setups.
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
Waei,

Welcome to the forum!
There's a wealth of info here in past post. Just search.
Test rig:
Use this to determine your views. IPVM Camera Calculator V3

8ft 2x4, 5gal bucket, and rocks or sand make a nice movable test rig.

My test rig: rev.2
Camera mounting position advice

I 2nd the advice given to you so far. Esp read the cliff notes.

Again, welcome.
Fastb
That is super cool. I especially like the hinged portion. not only does it give you extended heights but helps to stow away too. good work!!
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
Hey I just want to say thank you to all of you fine folks. I'm sure all my questions have been asked and answered before on this site and I appreciate you guys being so helpful and not ripping me a new bunghole for my ignorance. I'm learning and with great teachers like yourselves, I'm sure I will make good decisions and be happy with them.
 

mat200

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Jan 17, 2017
Messages
13,665
Reaction score
22,769
Hey I just want to say thank you to all of you fine folks. I'm sure all my questions have been asked and answered before on this site and I appreciate you guys being so helpful and not ripping me a new bunghole for my ignorance. I'm learning and with great teachers like yourselves, I'm sure I will make good decisions and be happy with them.
Thanks @Wael

Please remember to share your experiences so that others can learn from you, could be as simple as something we overlooked on setups, image captures, different test rig, router configurations, etc..
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
Thanks @Wael

Please remember to share your experiences so that others can learn from you, could be as simple as something we overlooked on setups, image captures, different test rig, router configurations, etc..
You bet I will Mat! Thank you so much!
 

Wael

Getting the hang of it
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
125
Reaction score
33
Location
California
Thanks @Wael

I've understand that there maybe a few more Montavue deals coming up at Newegg Flash - so I would watch for those.

Remember to see the cliff notes as well as the various threads on using the test rig to pick good placement locations for your cameras - the cabling runs and placement of the cameras will be the most important aspect of this setup imho.
Mat, looks like Newegg will have a sale on what looks to be the same or similar system listed below (Cameras look different though). What do you think of this and would this be compatible with the Dahua 2mp Starlights?
Montavue 16 Channel 4K Vandal-Proof Security System w/ 12 4MP IP Vandal Dome Cameras, 3TB HDD 130ft Color Night Optics and IR Night Vision – MTIP1216312DW | Montavue
 

mat200

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Jan 17, 2017
Messages
13,665
Reaction score
22,769
Mat, looks like Newegg will have a sale on what looks to be the same or similar system listed below (Cameras look different though). What do you think of this and would this be compatible with the Dahua 2mp Starlights?
Montavue 16 Channel 4K Vandal-Proof Security System w/ 12 4MP IP Vandal Dome Cameras, 3TB HDD 130ft Color Night Optics and IR Night Vision – MTIP1216312DW | Montavue
Hi @Wael

I have not seen news that there are any 4MP Dahua OEM cameras currently out in the US market that match the low light ability of the 2MP Dahua OEM starlight models.

If you're looking for outdoor cameras, look for a non-dome kit.
 
Top