Over the course of several days our camera system was installed.
The first problem was connecting the DVR to a monitor or the newly purchased TV(which is what I tried to do but failed at miserably). At first, we tried connecting it to our new TV. It didn't work! Our installer guy scratches his head in frustration. Next we tried using a spare monitor we had lying around. That also didn't work, so our installer gets all exasperated and calls tech support and discovers we need a "special" monitor; a 1280x1024 monitor. Of course, there is no mention of the need for a special monitor in the set up guide. That would be too easy! They don't carry that monitor at the target down the street, but fortunately they did have one (literally one) at Best Buy. So we spend $199.99 bucks and have to schedule yet another visit with the installation guy. More phone tag and scheduling hassle ensues.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Installation from Hell part 2
When we were finally able to get the second installer to come in (after him cancelling several times, playing phone tag and figuring out when I am able to be at home for him to do his thing) he had to do his own site visit to figure out where to put the damn camera. He explained he had experience installing these cameras in new houses but was flummoxed at the idea of installing one in an older home.
He finally came up with something that would work, which was no small feat, because not only do you need to have wires running from the camera to the dvr, but you also need the dvr to connect to the internet. Ideally, you'd have the dvr connected to the monitor on your computer that is next to your internet connection, but you have to have a separate monitor just for the DVR (pauses for breath)
He informs us that we can install the DVR to a flat screen tv. So we spend over a grand and buy a nice flat screen tv, a bit disgruntled but figuring that the tv needed to be upgraded eventually, and wait anxiously for him to come back to install our camera system. Little did we know what the future held: wires all over the place, holes in the walls, and the crazy making is just getting started.
He finally came up with something that would work, which was no small feat, because not only do you need to have wires running from the camera to the dvr, but you also need the dvr to connect to the internet. Ideally, you'd have the dvr connected to the monitor on your computer that is next to your internet connection, but you have to have a separate monitor just for the DVR (pauses for breath)
He informs us that we can install the DVR to a flat screen tv. So we spend over a grand and buy a nice flat screen tv, a bit disgruntled but figuring that the tv needed to be upgraded eventually, and wait anxiously for him to come back to install our camera system. Little did we know what the future held: wires all over the place, holes in the walls, and the crazy making is just getting started.
Installation from Hell
We were referred to someone from a subsidiary of Lorex called US Install (although if you call their number now you'll find out they are called Lorex Install). An installer came to the house to do a site visit. We had to pay for this.
The guy couldn't figure out how to install this camera system. He spent over 45 minutes going through our house, scratching his head, say "hrrrm, I wonder how we can do this?" I talked him throught it, gave him some ideas and we decided on a rough sketch of how this would be installed.
We purchased a system that comes with wires, which would require drilling holes through the wall. I asked about the wireless systems and was told the picture quality sucked basically.
Anyway, a few days later we are told another inspector is coming out because the other guy was fired! So now we're worried that the other guy is going to break into our house because he was in our house and basically knows how to get in.
Fortunately, that didn't happen but we did have to deal with scheduling the next guy to come in. This next guy turned out to be a real peach (SARCASM).
The guy couldn't figure out how to install this camera system. He spent over 45 minutes going through our house, scratching his head, say "hrrrm, I wonder how we can do this?" I talked him throught it, gave him some ideas and we decided on a rough sketch of how this would be installed.
We purchased a system that comes with wires, which would require drilling holes through the wall. I asked about the wireless systems and was told the picture quality sucked basically.
Anyway, a few days later we are told another inspector is coming out because the other guy was fired! So now we're worried that the other guy is going to break into our house because he was in our house and basically knows how to get in.
Fortunately, that didn't happen but we did have to deal with scheduling the next guy to come in. This next guy turned out to be a real peach (SARCASM).
How it started
We purchased a Lorex Security system Fall of 2009. The front door of the house had been kicked in and we wanted to protect our home and wanted the assurance of a video system that we could check on online. We thought we'd be able to figure out how to install it because it does say "easy installation" on the damn box. Being the more technically savvy of the two, I decided to give it a go. I couldn't figure it out. Their website has very little practical advice - lots of videos about how great their security system is, but nothing that tells you step by step what you are supposed to do.
It turns out we needed a separate computer monitor - we can't use the one for the computer we are currently using. We also needed a special sized computer monitor. I can't remember the specs but we ended up buying one for $199.99 at Best Buy. Of course, you can buy these monitors from Lorex. Anyway, NONE of this was made clear in any of the directions. (and we didn't find this out until much later)
So we decide to pay someone to come out and install it because we can't figure out how to do it ourselves. We are told the installation cost is $799. The installation nightmare comes next....
It turns out we needed a separate computer monitor - we can't use the one for the computer we are currently using. We also needed a special sized computer monitor. I can't remember the specs but we ended up buying one for $199.99 at Best Buy. Of course, you can buy these monitors from Lorex. Anyway, NONE of this was made clear in any of the directions. (and we didn't find this out until much later)
So we decide to pay someone to come out and install it because we can't figure out how to do it ourselves. We are told the installation cost is $799. The installation nightmare comes next....
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