Speco Technologies 16-Channel 4MP HD-TVI DVR with 2TB HDD

We had a really old Speco 8-channel DVR with 8 analog cameras. After a couple of security incidents, we thought it was past time to upgrade. It looked simple enough, so we didn't read the manual too thoroughly. In fact, we had the new model working with all 8 cameras in a few minutes. We left the old DVR powered on just in case we had to revert. Our newest analog camera produced s much clearer image than on the old DVR. Our building's super was impressed as was I. Next, we practiced how to search. It was different but pretty easy to figure out. The only downside of swapping out the old for the new unit was shutting off the old unit. When I went to the OSD, only 3 options were active, and none of them were shutdown. Warning: Bite the bullet and shut down the old unit before swapping the cameras. I would have given 5 stars but I'm looking at the reviews of accessing the cameras using smart portable devices, IOS or Android. Doesn't bode well but I haven't tried yet.

I was looking for a US company with US support which narrowed me down to 2 companies (including other reasons). From past experience I wanted the cameras and DVR from the same company to eliminate incompatibilities between the cameras and the DVR when it comes to UTC OSD. Most of this centers around the DVR (D4VX which is replaced by a newer version) The price was very attractive especially with the 2TB HDD. I was initially impressed with the documentation and initial telephone support, but since receiving the equipment I found errors in the printed material and issues with the operation od the DVR when it comes to saving captures and screen shots. The include (now outdated) PC software was replaced by a more current version which I wasn't aware of since no notice was placed in the box (as it should of been) or clearly mentioned on their website. One of my biggest grips are the very poor choice to save screen still in the grossly outdated (from the '90's) 480 line bitmap format making them worthless. Lucky they can be saved as a .jpg in full resolution thru the newer software. But, any saved files automatically get saved buried FIVE levels deep under that annoying 'User' folder in Windows, then under 'My Documents', NOT 'My Videos' making matters worse. The recordings are another grossly outdated .avi format (which are huge due to no compression) from the '90's instead of being .mp4 in today's world. The above may or may not be issues with you, but they are with me. Thou I still stand by my comments about their support and documentation (for the most part).

This Speco DVR is a relic from the past. It requires the uses of the Internet Explorer web browser with ActiveX enabled in order to manage it from the web interface. This is the year 2022, and Internet Explorer was relegated to the dust bin years ago. Microsoft themselves no longer support it, and they warn against anybody still using it. The DVR will not work with any other web browser. I would not trust their mobile apps given their poor security controls. Speco doesn't provide end-user support. They refer inquiries to the retailer, who is in this case. So if you need tech support, you can't get help from the manufacturer! Imagine a security-related product that requires you to use the most insecure means to access it. That is the Speco D8VX DVR. How embarassing for Speco, who markets themselves as a security company.