Best Deals Right Now

TOWODE 4-Channel CCTV DVR Review: Reliable local recording and smart alerts

4 Channel CCTV Surveillance DVR with 500G HDD, 4 Ch 5MP H.265+ DVR Video Recorder for Analog/XVI/CVBS/AHD/TVI/IP Cameras, DVR for Security Camera Home Surveillance System, Mobile APP & PC Remote
4.7
[6-in-1 Hybrid Compatibility]  Supports up to 4 5MP TVI/AHD/CVBS/XVI/CVI and IPC cameras for flexible multi-brand setups.
[Works Without Internet]  Continues local recording with inserted HDD; no Wi‑Fi dependency for enhanced privacy.
[Included 500GB HDD]  Preinstalled security-grade 500GB drive saves cost and ensures immediate recording.
[H.265+ Efficient Encoding]  H.265+ coding reduces storage up to 50% while maintaining smooth, low-latency streaming.
[Smart Alerts & Remote Viewing]  Motion, face and human detection push app/email alerts; remote view and playback via iCSee.
Show More

CCTV recorder built for dependable local recording and remote monitoring, TOWODE 4-Channel CCTV DVR. Clear footage and instant notifications help homeowners and small businesses feel in control of security. Does the combination of hybrid camera compatibility and a preinstalled HDD suit your surveillance needs?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Image Quality: Supports up to 5MP analogue and IP cameras, users report crisp, clear playback for everyday monitoring
  • Best for: Homeowners and small businesses wanting reliable local recording with occasional remote monitoring
  • Not ideal for: Large multi-site installations that require many channels or enterprise-grade central management

Hybrid 4-channel design with preinstalled 500G security HDD and H.265+ compression. Compatible with multiple analogue standards and IP cameras, plus mobile and PC remote viewing.


Continuous local recording - with a preinstalled 500G security HDD

A security-grade 500G hard drive is preinstalled and H.265+ compression uses adaptive bitrate control to reduce storage needs versus H.264. The recorder writes footage directly to the internal drive regardless of network status.

Local recording continues even without internet access, so captured footage stays on site for later playback. That reduces reliance on cloud services and simplifies basic setups.

Flexible camera compatibility - with 6-in-1 hybrid 5MP input support

The hybrid 5MP system accepts TVI, AHD, CVBS, XVI, CVI and IPC camera types, supporting up to 5MP resolution and offering framed-rate limits (4x 5MP@20fps, 4x 4MP@15fps, 4x 1080P@18fps).

Mix analogue and IP cameras from different brands without complex converters, which makes upgrading or expanding a system straightforward. A single recorder handles multiple camera types for most small-site needs.

Smart detection and instant alerts - with face and human-shape algorithms

Advanced motion algorithms enable face recognition and human-shape detection, and software can push notifications and snapshot emails when events occur. Remote access is provided through the 'icsee' mobile or PC app.

Receive immediate app notifications with evidence snapshots and review motion-triggered clips quickly on a phone or computer. That speeds up verification and response to suspicious activity.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for TOWODE 4-Channel CCTV DVR
  1. Preinstalled 500G HDD - Local storage removes constant network dependency and keeps footage onsite
  2. H.265+ compression - Saves substantial storage space for longer recording periods
  3. 6-in-1 hybrid inputs - Combine analogue and IP cameras for flexible system expansion
  4. Smart motion and face detection - Instant alerts with snapshots speed up incident checks
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: CCTV/DVR Recorder
  • Channels: 4-channel input
  • Camera Support: TVI, AHD, CVBS, XVI, CVI and IPC
  • Max Resolution: Up to 5MP
  • Recording Frame Rates: 4×5MP @20fps; 4×4MP @15fps; 4×1080P @18fps (frame rate limits apply)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the recorder keep recording if the internet goes down?

A: Yes, recording continues to the preinstalled 500G HDD without internet, since the unit writes footage locally; internet is required only for remote access or playback.

Q: Which camera types and resolutions are supported?

A: The unit accepts TVI, AHD, CVBS, XVI, CVI and IPC cameras, supporting up to 5MP resolution and specific frame-rate limits such as 4×5MP@20fps, 4×4MP@15fps and 4×1080P@18fps.

Q: How do I view footage remotely on a phone or PC?

A: Download the free 'icsee' app via the QR-code or app store, then connect for live view and playback from a smartphone, tablet or PC.

🏆 Our Verdict

Suitable for homeowners and small businesses that need straightforward, reliable local recording with the option of remote viewing. The combination of a preinstalled 500G security HDD, H.265+ compression and hybrid camera support keeps setup simple and storage efficient. While costs vary, long-term value comes from reduced network reliance and extended recording capacity.