Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Updated a second time. The FunLux system died after just 4 months. I was finally able to request an RMA via zmodo.com/rma I did receive a replacement DVR after returning the defective unit and it is working (fingers crossed). The support at zmodo.com seems be going downhill however. While I was able to submit an RMA request, the web page to check on an RMA request has been broken for weeks. I did use the Live Chat feature at least one time, but that feature is now broken (error 404). I tried calling their US toll free number by a recorded message stated that "Zmodo support has moved" and to "go to zmodo.com" So, the net is - my DVR broke after four weeks. I was able to successfully have it replaced via zmodo.com, but based on the current inability to contact support, I would not purchase another Funlux or zmodo unit. One of the big problems trying to decide on an inexpensive camera system is trying to decipher the differences between the various systems available. Documentation is weak or non-existent and the manufacturer's web sites are confusing or apply to systems other than the one you bought. I just found documentation here [...] This Funlux system is no different. When you open the box there is only a sheet of paper that directs you to zmodo.com for instructions. One of the big problems with zmodo.com is that the site does not refer to specific systems like the Funlux, but instead has generic instructions for systems that are apparently sold under multiple brands. I "think" my unit is similar to a ZMD-DD-SBN8 (but does not have the external controls). You can wander around there and pick up bits and pieces of information and if you are diligent, you can get it up and running, as I did. Just do not expect a very polished experience. Now on to the unit itself. I received four cameras and the DVR unit with all power supplies, cables, etc. included. So no issues there. I first set up the unit with the cameras on a bench to make sure it all worked before I started dragging cables through the attic. I plugged in the power supplies for the DVR and the cameras, connected the DVR to my home network via an Ethernet cable (no wifi support on this unit), connected the DVR to a VGA monitor and powered it up. The unit itself has no real controls on it - there are connections for the camera and a USB mouse port but no other controls on the front of the unit (unlike some of the other Zmodo systems that have a remote control and front panel controls. The monitor attached to the DVR only seems to display the cameras views. After I got it all set up I found that there are administrative controls on the screen. You have to double click the mouse to bring up the menu. Since this unit did not include a hard drive, I installed a 2TB hard drive into it. This was the only function that I used the mouse for - to confirm formatting the hard drive. After the hard drive was formatted. I buttoned up the case with the included screws and rebooted the DVR. My home network assigned a TCP/IP address to the DVR when it came online. I used the administrative controls on my router to identify the IP address that was assigned to the router. I don't know how you would do this without looking at the router, but maybe there is a screen I missed on the VGA monitor. I then pointed Internet Explorer at the TCP/IP address of the DVR and logged it with the default user and password (admin/111111). You must use Internet Explorer to access the DVR. Chrome, FireFox, or Safari do not work. You also have to install some browser code (there is a button labeled "OCX Download" on the DVR login prompt) If you try to use another type browser or you do not have the OCX code installed, your browser will only display a blank blue screen. Once I was logged in as admin, my first task was to change the default password. There are tens of thousands of camera systems that anybody can view because nobody changed the passwords of their systems. Do not be one of these people. Once the DVR and cameras were verified as working, I installed the cameras and DVR in their permanent location. I mounted the DVR in a closet without a display because I intend to use the web browser or iPhone app to access. The picture quality from the cameras is acceptable. The cameras make an audible "click" when switching from color to night vision modes. Speaking of the app, I installed the zsight app from the app store and was able to connect to the DVR on my local network by specifying the TCP/IP address. Once I set up a user and password on the app to log in, I was able to view the cameras remotely. I did not have to make any changes to my router permissions. The IPhone app is a little flakey - it occasionally has a "Low memory" error and sometimes says "Internet connection speed too slow". Restarting the app usually address the problem. By the way - I tried installing zsight on my Android tablet, but it got a message that it wasn't compatible with my tablet (no other info). I tried the zviewer app from the Google Play store but I cannot get it to work. Update - I was able to view the cameras remotely on my desktop with Internet Explorer by forwarding TCP/IP Ports 8000 and 80 - reference this guide (which doesn't provide ports for the Funlux) [...] Summary - Inexpensive unit with very little documentation - The DVR has no real controls other than power switch but does have administrative interface - Internet Explorer must be used to manage the DVR and view the cameras - sorry Mac users - Camera and DVR performing adequately - Successfully installed IPhone app and can view camera remotely - Iphone app (zsight) is adequate, though flawed Overall I am happy with the system at this price point.