In the highly competitive DVR market, manufacturers are constantly volleying their new technologies at each other, inching the bar up with each swing. Every so often, a new product comes along that kicks the bar up a few feet in one go. Our new NEO-4000E 4-channel DVR is just such a product. Although the modern features sported by this little unit - such as H.264 compression and SATA support - are not exactly bleeding edge, the manufacturer has deftly crammed them into a compact unit in the sub $400 price bracket.

The DVR records CIF resolution (352x240) at 120IPS (30fps per channel) to a SATA hard disk. This lower resolution coupled with the hardware H.264 compression makes this DVR a strong network unit that can stream a live feed with minimal bandwidth overhead. The included client software is clean and user-friendly, and allows for remote viewing, search, backup/ export as well as configuration. Although there are no front-panel buttons, you easily control the unit locally with the included IR remote or included PS/2 mouse. Recording can be scheduled or triggered by motion detection and/or alarm inputs.

This compact unit supports 4 standard BNC inputs and has both a main monitor output as well as a programmable spot monitor output. The 4 alarm inputs allow the DVR to be triggered by external door/window sensors and there is a relay output for connection to a siren or strobe, allowing the product to integrate with a home or office security system. Using the built- in USB port, you can export data to a flash drive or other USB storage device. There is also a single-channel audio input that can be synced with one of the video channels.

While there are certainly much more expensive 4-channel DVRs on the market that boast more impressive features, the NEO-4000E is a great performer and an absolute steal priced under $400. If you are shopping for a compact 4-channel DVR on a tight budget, you are unlikely to find any DVR that gives you more bang for your buck than this one.

A live demonstration, photos and specs are available by clicking here.