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A DIY security kit that works?

One of the constant gripes about surveillance video is how difficult it is to install a system and get it working correctly. Those looking for smaller installations, say up to eight cameras, are in luck as TVR is supplying the KGuard range of easy-to-install cameras in a combination pack that includes cameras, network video recorder (NVR), cables and software.

Hi-Tech Security Solutions was able to test the 'KGuard DIY Security Kit', a box with eight cameras, an 8-channel NVR, cabling and the software to view and manage your video easily. With only eight cameras, the kit is obviously aimed at home users or small businesses and, contrary to expectations, it is easy to set up and get running.

Sadly, it does not quite qualify for the 'plug-and-play' descriptor, although anyone with basic IT knowledge should get it working in no time. You simply install the cameras where you want them (the kit includes a few nuts and bolts to help you get it done), run the cable to the NVR and that is about it.

A nice bonus is that KGuard allows you to combine the power and network cables so there is only one cable to run to the camera. This makes it far more convenient than hassling to get power to your cameras. Of course, this only works if you use the cabling provided, and while there is a lengthy cable for each camera (which proved enough for our test), you cannot really cover a large house or work area. Anyone planning on installing KGuard would do well to do a few measurements first (or opt for a wireless camera version when available). You will also want to do some planning about what you want to record and for how long to ensure you get a hard drive with enough space, that is the only thing missing from the kit.

The management software installs easily and users can control cameras from the application or from the NVR itself, although this tends to be onerous. A nice touch is a remote control for the NVR that makes things simpler when displaying your surveillance videos on a monitor. The only hassle we encountered in getting our first camera up and running was with assigning an IP address, but KGuard has a useful YouTube video that explains it in easy steps. Once we got that out the way, we could install cameras as required.

It is also easy to view your cameras from a Web browser if you do not want to use the provided software and a monitor, sadly, it seems only Internet Explorer is supported – as seems to be the annoying norm in the surveillance industry. The management software (KView) provides the basic functionality one would expect from a relatively inexpensive kit. Do not expect the latest in video analytics but it is pretty useful. You can download viewing software for your mobile phone however, if you would like to keep an eye on the kids while you are at work.

The performance and quality of the cameras is actually better than one expects from low-cost packages and it should deliver a good service to users. Do not expect high-resolution images or crystal clear night views, you are not paying for that. You are paying for a starter surveillance kit that has everything but the hard drive in the box and is pretty easy to get up and running. It will deliver decent images that should meet the needs of the budget conscious. In fact, it is a great way to start your foray into the world of video surveillance as it offers a simple learning curve without breaking the budget.

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