ANNKE DR168 16-Channel Security DVR

Huge disappointment. Doesn’t record motion activated video when output is set to 2160p.

I already have Cantek DVR/NVR but it is 1080p only, so I started looking for UHD DVD/NVR.

Because there are affordable 5MP and 8MP cameras on the market, I purchased couple of them; Honic Clear Night Vision 5MP. They are nice looking cameras and offer good night vision.

After couple of months using them I decided to buy 4k DVR/NVR and replace my old one to get advantage of higher resolution cameras. I have chosen Annke D961BB. It is 16 channel 4K Security AI DVR/NVR

Before purchasing it, I downloaded manual to learn as much as possible about this DVR before purchasing it.

Seller answered “Yes, this DVR supports dual output.

It supports HDMI 4k on one monitor and 1080p VGA on another one at the same time.”

so I purchased this DVR/NVR.

The answer is false. I was very disappointed when I found it, but I decided to continue testing.

Another small glitch is loud chassis fan. No problem for me, I can install couple of silent fans and get even better air flow without a noise.

I was testing this DVR for several days without recording and I liked it how easy it found network cameras and combined with analog cameras and App.

Then I installed HDD and setup DVR to record video only when there is motion detected in front of the cameras. (Default is continuous recording!).

I found another glitch. The shortest time after event is 30 second. It makes no sense. Why waste so much time and HDD space? (Picture-1) Five or ten second is enough. BTW manual shows 5 sec.

Because I was testing 5MP analog cameras (set to 2560x1440p to keep aspect ratio 16/9) and 8MP network camera set to 3840x2160p, I switched HDMI output on DVR to 2160p and received message on the screen that this resolution is in conflict with motion detection on analog camera. (Picture-2). I accepted it then I got another message that VGA output can not exceed 1080p. (Picture-3)

There is NO separate output resolution for HDMI and VGA! Seller lied to me.

I accepted it and found immediately that there is no recording from analog cameras (as per warning) however video from network cameras was recorded. Very, very weird. What is a relation between output resolution and motion recording on analog cameras? It doesn’t make sense to me at all.

When I went to recording tab and tried to enable recording from analog camera I received message that I have to disable 2160p output to enable recording from 4Mp camera triggered by motion. (Picture-4).

What is a point to have UHD DVR if I can not see UHD picture from cameras while recording?

In this situation this DVR is useless to me and to anyone who wants to record UHD video (2160p) and the same time watch it on UHD monitor or TV in full resolution (2160p).

This is a deal killer!

Annke manufacturer: Can this defect be solved by firmware or software?

Sorry but you messed up, Annke.

So Far So Good

So far so good. Installing the hard drives went well and the cables and little screws needed to do that were provided. It has the capability for 20 TB which is 2 hard drives with 10 TB each which sounds like a lot but once you add 16 8MP IP cameras that 20 TB starts to dwindle the days of recording fast. I’ll update soon when I start to add the IP cameras as I’m going to need technical support when I hit a bump which I most certainly will. But so far I’m pleased with the technical help I’ve received and the hardware and software Annke has. Four Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!

Multiple purchaser. Overall good company! Attached image does not do it justice (far higher rez)

This is my fourth Annke DVR (three homes) and my eighth product from them. Overall they are solid products. I would suggest buying the higher end (16 channel) DVR the first time if you can afford it. That way you can expand your coverage without having to upgrade. If cost is an issue they offer units (8 and 16 channel) without a hard drive. The technical support is so so. Don't get me wrong, they try. Sometimes it gets frustrating between the time difference and the translation. I have found more answers thru their message board and trial and error. The DVR does a remarkable job sensing what type of cameras you have and their max resolution. In the 14 I have hooked up now there are 6 different types. I have two IP based cameras and the other 12 are coaxial of various types. The only issue I had with the setup of this unit was that it kept beeping. The log showed an input / output error on most all of the cameras. I wrongly assumed that it was because of all the different cameras with different settings and the system didn't know the correct settings. After messing with it for an hour and sendinding a message to technical support, I found the issue myself. It was the output and not the input causing the errors. The system actually had set everything correctly. The output was set to PALS (europe / asia) and not NTSC (north america). Changed the setting and all is well!

P.S. If you also buy one of their high end "zoom" cameras (4 and 8 MP) be sure that you use high def coax cable and THE POWER SOURCE HAS TO BE CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO THE CAMERA AND NOT THRU THE CABLE!!! Otherwise it will not work.

Everything is PERFECT!

I have installed and returned 3 DVRs before this one and NONE of them compare to the high quality and simplicity of this one!Instructions are fabulous! It includes clear pictures that match.

Setup is super easy, even with different brands of cameras.The picture quality is really really great .you have full control of your system yourself without no monthly cost .

I could not rate the tech support because I didn't even need them.

I am so impressed with this dvr recorder that I have already recommended to a neighbor about this company for his new house build.