The system does not record audio. It does however, have audio input and output ports on the DVR, should you wish to connect a microphone to the system.
What can the audio output be used for? Also
What is the largest external hard drive I can connect to the DVR and what specifications would it have to meet?
ryan humphreys, Oldham
Audio Output is for connecting to a stereo or amplifier. This is not required when using the HDMI port.you can connect up to 8TB (2x 4TB) or so on. You need to use a Surveillance grade HDD which can be purchased from Swann Direct.
On the 4 camera system will the DVR record full 1080pHD at 5 megapixel on all 4 cameras at the same time and how many days will the 2 Tb HDD record for at that resolution?
Heath, Kidderminster
Each camera would record at 5 Megapixel resolution 24 hours a day for roughly 6 days before being overwritten. The number of days recording can be significantly increaased when using motion detection recording settings.
I have an existing Swann system that’s past it’s sell by date, my question is - to set up this system could I use the previous power leads to the cameras or would I have to replace them?
Brian, leeds
Providing the cables currently in use are BNC cables, they would be fine to use.
I was looking to upgrade my CCTV system which has failed, it was a Swann DVR8-4150, I was looking at the SWDVK 849804 with 4 cameras, does this system use the same cables so I could change over myself ?
Chris Murdoch, Dumfries
Both of the systems mentioned use BNC cables, So it would be possible to use your existing cables.
I have just installed this system and during setup it said it had detected a 1080p monitor and did I want it to set to this. So I answered yes. I said yes because that is the tv that was connected. Does that mean it is only recording at 1080p quality or does it still record at 5MP quality so if I played it back on a better quality monitor it would be a better picture?.
Derrick Wales, Ipswich
The camera will record in 5mp, but what you view the image through will determine the clarity and quality of the image.
I have the dvr8 4980. I have three 5mp cameras and 2 old 1080 cameras. Will 4k bullet cameras work on this system or do i need 2 more 5mp cameras to replace the 2 old ones ?
Dianne , Leeds
The 4k cameras will not be compatible with a 5mp DVR. Only the 5mp and below would be sufficient.
Christian B
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I have up lights on the wall below the location I am thinking of for the cameras, 50w LED GU10 bulbs, not mega bright more directed onto the wall, will the light affect the image?
John Holden, Liverpool
Providing the light is not directed into the camera it should not effect the image quality. It could improve the clarity of the image if the light is directed towards the same point to which the camera is viewing.
Do the cameras come with an existing short cable connected (to connect to the main BNC cable runs) or do the main runs of BNC video/power cables connect directly to the cameras?
Dave Smith, Bridport
Each camera would have a short cable attached to connect the BNC cables too.
Can the camera be mounted internally in any position ie. inside top of window recess or on a window ledge. Will the software then invert the screen view automatically or by menu selection?
Chris F, Stoke
The system software will not invert the camera image, the camera will need to be positioned and manually adjusted to display the image the correct way.
I have an old system with analogue cameras already in place, I don't want to re-run new cabling but want HD cameras, can I replace by existing system with this model?
Kiran, London
The cameras on this kit are connected by Swann BNC camera cables. Providing your current system uses similar cables, it may be possible to connect the new DVR and cameras to your existing cables.
I would like to install the cameras under the upvc soffits on the house. Are the fixings provided appropriate or would I need to purchase the correct ones?
Simon, Birmingham
The fixings supplied should be suitable for this type of installation.
Regarding high and low resolution, is 1080p suitable with smartphones or would the image be distorted? Should 720p therefore be used with smartphone viewing?
Ken, Chorley
The resolution that can be be viewed will be dependent on the type and size of mobile phone screen you have. Most mobiles will accept HD720p (1,280 x 720 pixels) and some will accept HD1080p (1,920 pixels x 1,080 pixels). It is of course recommended to use the setting that best suits your device.
Can a laptop or iPad be connected to the hard drive as well as being in your phones?
Zabeena, Birmingham
You can connect or remotely access the system via the app on a smartphone or tablet providing the DVR is connected to your internet router. This cannot be connected to a laptop.