More reading and more learning.
It seems the one of the best surveillance DVR makers is
Dahua Security. I guess they have a deal where they sell them to US makers but they must be re-branded.
One of the companies that does that is
Security Camera King.
They have a very big selection of DVRs, cameras, wiring, and just about anything else.
They also have a build your own system deal.
http://www.securitycameraking.com/cu...9033-prd1.html