Defender PhoenixM2 Wireless Security System with 7`Monitor and Night Vision Camera

While looking for a wireless intercom for my front door, I ran across this self contained, wireless, integrated audio/video system with motion detection and DVR. It seemed too good to be true for the price but I had to try it out. It is truly a plug in and play. With out any wi-fi or computer connections or set up (which many of the intercom systems require) installation takes minutes not hours. Running the low voltage power to the camera might be a bit problematic but I just drilled through the wall, much like cable installers do. I've been using it for a month now and I am very impressed with the wireless picture quality and the operation of all of the functions. The auto iris in the camera can easily deal with situations having both bright and dark portions of the same picture. The detection area is larger then the picture frame so movement is detected even before the mover is in the shot. You will have to go to the Defender web site to down load the owner's manuel which is a good idea. The system will accommodate 4 cameras, and I am so happy with the way it works, I plan to add cameras to cover the rear of my property.

UPDATE 10/30: I've improved my rating from 2 to 5 stars. I contacted Defender's support chat and was given a link to a firmware download with a detailed list of easy instructions. Customer service was excellent. The monitor is working fine now, no more "out of range" messages or problems with the color resolution. The rep indicated that a firmware update may be required about once a year.ORIGINAL REVIEW: I was initially impressed with this little unit but it's already having problems. The positives..... 1) The monitor received a steady signal and installation was easy. 2) The lens covers a wide area, about 100 feet. 3) Recording and playback were simple. 4) The camera is small and hides well under the eave. 5) Night vision is very good. Negatives: 1) The color resolution suddenly went haywire with no greens, only a washed-out pink, which makes it hard to see detail. 2) The microphone pickup has a loud static which has worsened with time. 3) The round toggle button on the monitor is too small, too sensitive, and tends to misfire. 4) There was no hard copy manual which is a pain.

Installed and working in under 30 minutes; but I had access to electrical outlets on both ends. Plugged both units in and they paired without any further input on my part. Using this as a driveway monitor and it does exactly what it is supposed to do. The motion sensor picks up both vehicles and people. Solid reception and five wireless indicator bars between two exterior home walls. Very clear picture. Gives resident peace of mind on who is coming onto property. Also good night vision in gray shades. We are not using the sound monitoring part of it but it worked fine. It picks up the road traffic and wind which is always present, and then transmits that into the house. So, you can turn the volume down to 0 and still hear the alert tones at a different volume. Well designed on this aspect.

It is easy to setup and generally arrives already paired. You have to go online to get the manual, but it is readily available and comprehensive. Haven't yet tried to place the two units further apart than 40' so not sure about the range. The videos are clear and can be played back on the monitor, or remove the micro disc and use an adapter, not included, to review them on your PC or on your smart TV. Have mine set to record only on motion, so while it monitors full time, it only records when there is enough motion, saving tons of disc space. The joystick button is a bit flimsy but works fine as you learn to finesse it.

THESE ARE THE BEST EASY SET UP JUST PLUG PLAY ! I GOT 4 FOR MY PLACE REALLY GREAT VIDEOS AND NIGHT TIME TO. WELL WORTH THE MONEY NO INTERNET NEEDED TO, AND ONE THING I LIKE ABOUT IT 24 / 7 IT CAN RECORD ONE SD CARD YOU JUST HAVE TO CHANGE SETTING TO OVER WRITE IT THEN WILL RECORD 24 HRS. IF DON'T WANT THAT JUST LEAVE IT WHEN THE SD CARD IS FULL WILL STOP RECORDING SO YOU CAN SEE WHATS YOU JUST RECORDED TO ! SO FAR ONLY HAD THEM A FEW WEEKS BUT WORKS GREAT ! MY FIRST POST HERE!

We tried some of the internet based systems, and didn't like them. They were unusable in our particular situation.This system was extremely easy to set up and works without internet.This won't work if you need alerts to a phone or something, but it is wonderful if you want alerts to a monitor and storage of events in a local system.The picture quality is better than the other systems that I've tried. Unfortunately, security cameras just don't have a great image most of the time. You have to fiddle with things a bit to get the best results possible.This system is great for hearing audio from outside.It has limits, so it works for situations in which you need four cameras or less.I would definitely recommend, and will update if my experience of this system changes.

Quick delivery, perfect seller. I purchased this to go with my other defender security cameras. They do not work together even though they are the same exact camera. After speaking with the manufacturer, its clear this is done on purpose to get you to spend more money. Major buyers remorse! Not sellers fault. If you buy this product, purchase all the cameras you need at the same time, there is no adding on.