ANNKE 4 Channel HD 1080P SPOE Security Camera System - 1TB Hard Drive, 4x 960P Bullet Camera, IP67 Weatherproof , Power over Ethernet, Easy Remote Access

**** UPDATE August 2016 *** The main NVR unit has died, 5 months after installation. Without the NVR, the cameras are useless as they don't conform to the PoE spec and hence can't be powered or connected to a network. Have emailed the seller, let's see what they say.
****

NOTE - the reviews here may not be for this exact product. I bought this a few months ago on a lightning deal, but at that time it was listed as an "ANNKE® 4CH 720P HD PoE NVR Security Systems QR Code Scan Easy Setup 4 Indoor/Outdoor PoE Weatherproof 720P HD IP Security Camera Quick Remote Access". It appears that the seller has changed the item details since then with a slightly different alternative.

However, I think that SANNCE and ANNKE are the same company (the ANNKE website even sells this SANNCE NVR), and both seem to be rebadged OEM products, so this is probably still relevant.

Overall, this is a decent enough system. I'm giving it four stars, partly because it's very good value (especially on a lightning deal). I'll start with the negatives:

Bad points
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- Very slim instructions, badly translated from Chinese and not bearing that much relation to the actual product. This means that you'll have to spend quite some time playing around with the interface in order to work out what everything does.
- The remote access software (CMS) only works on Windows, there's nothing for OS X.
- There is a web-based interface (for the main unit, but also for each camera), but it requires ActiveX and therefore only works in Internet Explorer under Windows. Again, if you use a Mac you're out of luck - at least you can use the main unit with the supplied mouse or remote control.
- Motion-detect recording works, but the recording is delayed until *after* the motion event is detected (ie there is no pre-record). This means you miss the event itself, so I recommend continuous recording at all times.
- Switching from day to night (infra-red) mode triggers motion detection alarms
- Image quality at night could be better, but it's usable. Daylight images are pretty decent.
- The lens isn't particularly wide-angle, so coverage is a little limited. Not a massive problem if you can position them conveniently.
- The cables are pretty cheap and kink very easily, so be careful.
- Remote playback via the Android app (XMEye) is a bit flaky - but live view is good.
- Things like email alerts are a bit useless, you just get a message saying "motion detected".
- I'm a bit suspicious of the earthing on the cameras - up a ladder and touching the casing, it... tingles.

Good points
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- The cameras seem well-built and are heavier and more solid than I expected. They've been outside for a few months now and still happily recording.
- I ran one camera with a third-party 100m outdoor ethernet cable, and it works just fine (the supplied ones aren't quite that long, and of much lower quality)
- Once you have the interface figured out, it's easy enough to use. I have the main unit hidden away and only access it remotely, which works OK if you just use Windows. Think twice if you're a Mac user.
- Remote access is easy to set up if you're happy with creating an account with an unknown provider in China, alternatively you can access it directly via IP address or domain name if you know how to configure your router etc.
- The unit seems reliable enough. I have it set to automatically reboot once a week anyway.
- The IP cameras DO support streaming via RTSP, but compatibility isn't great. I did manage to get them working with ZoneMinder, but it's not easy. (FWIW, the RTSP source is rtsp://<camera_ip_addr>:554/user=admin_password=tlJwpbo6_channel=1_stream=0.sdp). Note that the cameras DO appear on your home network and are simply routed through the main unit. I've not tried it, but I assume you could use them independently if you have a PoE switch.
- The wife likes it.
- The cameras are actually quite subtle - they don't stick out too much mounted on the side of the house. I think that's a good thing, you might prefer them to be more of a deterrent.
- Image quality is very good for the price.

I'll update this review with more details as and when I think of them - feel free to ask questions!

Overall, this is a decent bit of kit for the price and gives you peace of mind when you're away from home, if you can spend time getting to understand it.

Great cctv system. Basically plug in and play. I had a friend put the cameras up for me as I am disabled. I got this system so I would be able to see who is at my front door while I'm in bed. It does everything I wanted and more. These cameras have a wide span and pick up every detail. I did find it hard to get the app working on my phone tho. This is the only reason I have taken a star off. I would recommend this system though. Well worth the money

Very good piece of kit. Menu system and underlying OS is a bit clunky and as there is no really concise English instruction manual, set up and use can be a bit daunting for the non-expert user. However, support from the manufacturer is second to none. Highly recommended as a home or small office security setup.

Fitted 3 of these systems, really Easy to use and great quality pictures.

Noticed on the third system cameras wasn't as well made as the last system. Too much plastic!!

More details on the system also needs to be provided by the manufacturer to help with all the different settings.

Great quality for the price. I had an issue with one of the cameras not switching to night mode and thought I may have problems getting it sorted.
But they were great, answered all my emails, sent a replacement camera. Everything is working as advertised. Lots of people who have seen it are amazed at the quality for the price. Would recommend +++

Very good. A couple of features a bit odd to use, but for the price you cant beat it.

The mobile app that they tell you to use (XMEye) is terrible though. Look through the app/play store and find another. I ended up with VMEye as its a lot better and more reliable

Decent cameras. Not sure I would be able to read car registration plates from the road, but bought for garden coverage, which it does the job.
Obviously needs to be fitted, which may mean drilling/filling holes & cabling through loft spaces, but worth it if you don't want to spend a fortune on CCTV.

I do not write product review , but this is a extremely good product. I had worries before the purchase but it worked as it should. Very good video quality and I can view what happened in my house using iPhone and computer remotely.
The software could be better , but for this price, you could not really complain !