How to choose right IP NVRs?

IP-based video surveillance system is becoming the dominate way for high quality video images. Users can choose to use IP cameras with either VMS (video management software) or dedicated NVR to setup a complete new system. For professional or commercial surveillance applications, a IP based network video recorder can provide dedicated uninterrupted video recording and video footage management to your IP based video surveillance system. The NVR integrates front end management, video recording and network transmission, even management into a single system.

Similar to DVRs, standalone NVRs can be categorized by the number of channels they support. 4, 9, 16, 24, 32, 64 channels are widely used in nowadays's video surveillance system. Some top-notch NVRs even can support maximum 128 or 256 channels video recording and management. Since the thriving of IP surveillance, the demands for NVRs are steadily increasing. Today, users have much selection for NVR, herein we should some information on how to select right NVRs.

Recording resolution and channels

1080P is full high definition resolution, if you decide to setup full HD surveillance system, 1080P recording NVR is your best choice. Typically, when you select the NVRs, you need to consider how many IP cameras will be connected to it, also the possibility of future expansion. For example, currently you are planning to install 4 IP cameras for your current surveillance system, but lately may expand it to cover monitoring blind spots, therefore it's better to choose the 8/9 channels NVRs.

Interoperability

Regardless of application, user should use the NVRs with good interoperability. Currently, there are two industry standard: Onvif and PSIA. Onvif initialized by Sony, BOSCH, Axis, It out-passed PSIA to become primary standard among IP surveillance devices. With industrial standards, installer and end-users can benefit from its expanding flexibility to avoid compatibility headaches between different manufacturers.

Appropriate HDD storage interface

Different from conventional CCTV DVR system, IP based video surveillance system requires mega video storage space which is used to record high definition (megapixel) resolution video footage. For achieving the desired recording days, you need to estimate how much video storage space will be used. You can use this online tool to calculate how much storage size will be requirement for desired days. The quantity of SATA interface determines how many HDDs can be connected to NVR for video storage. Choosing the NVRs with as many SATA interfaces as possible, which means you can connect many HDDs for video storage. If users have limited selection for this, don't be frustrated, you can easily to extend the video storage through its e-SATA interface. The e-SATA can allow NVR extend to unlimited video storage space.

Advanced NVR for integration solutions

Besides the primary recording and playback function, the NVRs should have several alarm I/O and audio I/O interface, or even RS485 interface which can be used for integration solution. With these digital I/O, the NVRs can be work with other security devices such as intrusion detection sensors and access control, burglar alarm system. Through the Audio I/O interface, end-users can perform two way audio broadcasting.

NVR software/firmware stability

There are two main types of NVRs: Embedded/standalone and PC-based. Embedded NVR is the easiest NVR solution, Embedded NVRs contain an operating system like Linux, which can offer high reliability and stability, the number of supported channels is limited by physical connections and processing power. PC-based NVRs are built on windows operation system installed PC hardware. Typically PC-based NVRs have more processing power and can be easier to expand the system, supports a greater number of video channels. Embedded NVRs are suitable for small and middle scale size surveillance projects, which need fewer channels, and PC-based NVRs can meet the needs for a large number of channels surveillance projects.

Besides above two video recording dedicated NVRs, users also can use the traditional computer with NVR software installed to setup cheapest video surveillance solution.