DIY jobs are always exciting when they work out perfectly with little to no trouble.

But there are some nightmares you may face while doing a do it yourself job. For example, we were called in to reinstall a Swann security system for a client who had never installed anything like this before. The home owner did a great job of installing the system and from the looks of things it should have worked perfectly.

Unfortunately this wasn't the case with this system. He perchased the Swann DVR8 Net Plus system from costco and included 8 indoor outdoor colour cameras with night vision.

Now costco advertised this system to be compatible with with any monitor or LCD. This was a problem seeing as how they were refering to TV's and not computer monitors. i don't know of any user that would want to have an 8 camera security system playing 24hours a day on their home TV. And because this system is network compliant (I thought) it would only make sence to include a anolog or digital display plug on the DVR. This was not the case here and the only way you could view this system was either on the TV through a s-video cable or from online. Although the online feature isn't working for some reason and trying to get someone from swann to answer the phone at anytime to lend some technical support is like pulling teeth. I've been on hold for 38 mins so far in a Q that stated I had 1 min of a wait time.

I won't even mention the other 2 times I called today and was on hold for 28 mins and 18 mins and then disconnected.

There is nothing I hate more then a company that misrepresents themselves.  I am only publishing this rant because as a contractor, and a respected one at that I feel it is my JOB to inform the public of nousance manufacturers and customer service. And Swann Communications