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

What is that?

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 internet and mobile phone apps.The kit includes two 720p CCTV cameras with built-in night vision and other cool features like motion detection and night vision.

Box contents

DVRs (SDR-B3300)

Camera x 2 (SDC-8440BC)

Remote control (with batteries)

Mouse

Power cord and adapter (Euro and UK)

BNC cable 60ft x 2

Power splitter (for DVR and cameras)

network cable

HDMI cable

CD (with software)

Quick guide

Features

2 weatherproof 720p high definition cameras

720p HD real-time monitoring and recording

IP66 weatherproof

Built-in 1TB hard drive (SATA)

Night vision up to 82 feet (SDC-8440)

Can search motion detection.

Wide angle cameras

WiFi-enabled DVR, WiFi adapter not included

Install

Setting this up requires a few things. I suggest you do it in the following order:

Find a location for your cameras. You have 60ft (about 18m) so you can use it as far away as that.

Mount your cameras

Find a location for your DVR that allows you either an Ethernet connection or a WiFi connection (you will need to purchase the adapter separately).

The DVR will need to be plugged into an HDMI monitor or TV. Make sure this can be located in the same location as the DVR

Have a convenient surface nearby to use the mouse and remote control.

Plug in all the components, put the batteries in your phone, plug in your mouse. The items are all fairly obvious as to how and where they can be plugged in, although you can consult the quick guide for help if needed.

Once you have done all of the above, you follow these steps:

Turn on the device and watch the HDMI monitor.

Set an administrator password. You'll need an on-screen keyboard for this, although there are USB ports for plugging in a keyboard.

Configure time and date

Configure the 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 the DVR and configure your DDNS configuration so you can actually view the video through the browser or apps

After that, go back to your computer, log in and press View.

On a smartphone, you can download the Samsung iPolis Mobile app to do the same.

My overall impression was that setup was a bit more difficult than normal, although this is my first time installing CCTV. However, the instructions were clear and easy to follow, so as long as you stick to the quick guide, you should be fine. Remember to keep your computer close to your device while setting it up.

remote control and mouse

The device comes with a remote control and a mouse. In fact, I've found that you can do just about anything just from the remote control, but if you're in a rush, a mouse is of course faster.

Playback on device

The playback function on the device is quite simple. You click 'Search' on the remote and a menu shows you the various recordings available including any motion detection etc. based on color codes on a timeline. Click on the channels you want to see and press play.

At one terabyte, there's plenty of room to save long lengths of video.

Online access

Accessing online didn't go so smoothly, probably due to the long and complicated setup. However, once inside, you get viewing capabilities similar to the main screen. The data rates needed are high though, just so you know. You can go through your data package if you watch something on the phone fast enough.

My personal impression was that the device worked better when used on its own rather than online.

More information

You can find more information about the kit on Samsung's 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 for £399.

Verdict

With the advent of newer and better technology and home automation, it's only natural that we're starting to see connected CCTV options. Samsung's offering covers all the bases and does it well.