Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am an electrician that often installs security systems and recently found this brand, so I put a 1080p system to the test on my latest installation. Most of my customers prefer to have a closed circuit system with no internet communications enabled, so I will have a somewhat different perspective than most other reviewers. PROS: 1) The picture quality for the 1080p system is phenomenal. I try to talk most people into getting the best picture quality for the money. I have found that most users who opt for the inexpensive units are generally unhappy with the picture quality once they go through the time & effort. Both my recent customer and myself were very impressed with Amcrest, and ite quality for the money since most if not all of the cheaper systems are inadequate, and in my experience most customers are not very happy was a bit of a shock seeing the night vision quality practically look like it was daytime at midnight (given enough ambient light, otherwise it is black&white in full infrared mode). 2) Installation is basically all about strategic camera placement & adjustments and running cables, but it is basically all plug and play after that. I would highly recommend using the quick start guide as well as enabling the navigation bar, then it's pretty easy to get things going from there. 3) Packaging is well done and there is little doubt the items would get to you in good working condition barring any packaging damage along the way. Everything looks and feels like it is solidly built with some heft to it. 4) No wi-fi functions to bother with. Yes, this is a pro because wi-fi generally has poor picture quality and has to be one of the most insecure communications technologies available, but you can always look for a different system with wireless if you want someone to hack your system and see what you see. You also run this risk by enabling internet communications, but not as much as with wi-fi. CONS: 1) The Manual is a poorly written Chinese translation into English and very choppy with little coherence. If you are a programmer it might be OK, but setting advanced parameters will likely prove frustrating and time consuming to most. If you use the quick start guide more and rely on calling customer service to walk you through any issues, the manual issue can largely be negated. 2) There are some bugs and glitches in the software when using advanced functions such as motion detection and alarms. I tend to use these functions little if at all, and I usually keep it closed circuit by not connecting anything to the internet, but again this issue can largely be negated by contacting customer service, and keeping it simple. Overall I'm very impressed with this system for the money and will continue recommending it until something better comes along. Most of the consumer oriented or DIY style kits like this still have issues, especially with the software, and there will be some major advancements in this style of technology over the next year or two that will hopefully work out most of the bugs, but without resorting to spending thousands on a professional system, I think it's a great value that will continue to impress. Update: For those who find the ventilation fan operation to be too loud, it can easily be upgraded with one of these... http://www.amazon.com/noctua-NF-A4X10-FLX-5V-Noctua-Fan/dp/B00NEMGCIA?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00 There is also a CPU fan, but the ventilation fan replacement usually handles most of the noise complaints and takes about 15-20 minutes if you are a handy type. Update 3/18: There have indeed been some major improvements in the last few years. During my latest installation a few months ago I noticed that the ventilation fan operating voltage had changed to 12VDC instead of the former 5VDC and now runs much quieter out of the box, so I no longer have to default to changing it. Amcrest has also upgraded their manuals and other documentation, and there are plenty of good tutorial videos as well as an expanded product line, even though I still usually don't bother with motion detection & alarms and the 1080p system remains an overall favorite.. All in all, it seems the folks at Amcrest are still at the top of their game as of this writing.