NVR system vs DVR system, which one do I purchase?

When considering the video surveillance system. There are two kinds of security system are available in the market; DVR security system and NVR security system. As we know, digital video recorder (DVR) and network video recorder (NVR) come in diverse different features, models and types. Understanding the function of them and difference between them is very important when you want to choose one system to meet your needs.

Digital video recorder (DVR) vs Network video recorder (NVR)

Undoubtedly, we are entering into digital era. Even the digital video recorders have very powerful network function, hence the difference between DVR and NVR can be confusing to many.

DVR system vs NVR system

A digital video recorder performs like an video en-codec, which only works with analog surveillance camera. It receives analog video signal, then compress with H.264 standard and record into hard disc drive (HDD). Connection between DVR and analog camera is using the coaxial cable (RG59&RG6). Since the rapid development in analog technology, there are many other HD analog technologies are emerging into market. New HD-SDI and HD-CVI recorders, HD-SDI and HD-CVI DVRs can record the analog video in HD resolution including 720P and 1080P format.

A network video recorder records video streaming that are transmitted via a network cable. The IP cameras connect to an NVR either via LAN network or Internet. Sometimes, without using the NVR, end-users can use the IP cameras and installed video management software (VMS) to setup an IP surveillance system.

Choose between DVR system and NVR system

What should I choose between an DVR or NVR system? When considering a recorder, generally you not only need to consider the cost of equipment, but also the wiring. Wiring is one key factor or difference between these two system. If you have existing analog surveillance system installed, you can choose to upgrade the system with HD analog camera (highest resolution is 700 TVL so far) and incorporating of 960H/WD1 DVR. Using the existing coaxial cables to install new analog surveillance system can cut costs down and eliminate the need for running new wiring. New analog HD surveillance technologies like HD-SDI, HD-CVI also transmit HD video over coaxial cable, hence you can replace the old equipment to upgrade your traditional system to HD surveillance system.

Apparently, if consider the image quality, both analog HD surveillance technologies and IP technology can support HD video surveillance. But IP technology can provide much higher resolution including 3 megapixel and even 5 megapixel resolution, but also it comes with powerful network function, can provide you great flexibility for integration solution. Utilizing the PoE (Power over Ethernet), WiFi can simplify the entire installation process of the IP surveillance system.

Comparison between 960H, IP, HD-SDI, HD-CVI

Understanding the channels of video recorders

Channels is the most important specification for both DVR and NVR. Typically we can find 4 channel, 8 channel, 16/24/32 channel video recorders. A set of 4 channel DVR/NVR can allow you to have 4 individual security cameras connected to the system. This means you can record maximum 4 cameras. We recommend user to buy the video recorders with more channels, which means can allow user to expand the system in the future. For example, even you if you only need 6 cameras to start, you may consider the 16 channels NVR/DVR for future usage.

IP camera vs HD-CVI vs HD-SDI

Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are standalone image capturing devices, which with own Linux OS to capture, compress and transfer the video footage. Different from traditional cctv camera, IP cameras can output digital signal (compressed video & audio signal) through Ethernet network. IP camera operates independently, with built-in CPU and web-based solutions, it can provide high resolution (from 1.3M - 5MP) video streaming and supporting advanced functions including motion detection, FTP, RSTP, e-mail client, alarm management, and can be managed remotely, accessed and controlled from any computers or smartphones (iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows Phone).

Why should I choose IP camera?

  • Unlimited high definition (HD) monitoring
  • Easily send video or image anywhere with an Internet connection
  • Adjustable frame rates and resolution to meet specific needs
  • Advanced ftp alerts, PoE, two-way audio, WiFi
  • TCP/IP, multiply network protocols, wide range of smartphone apps
Cloud IP Camera

HD-CVI (High Definition Composite Video Interface) -- the latest technological breakthrough in long-distance HD-over-coax technology. HD-CVI (High Definition Composite Video Interface) is an over-coaxial-cable analog HD video transmission standard which developed in-house of Dahua. The technology renders two HD video formats—1920H (1920×1080) & 1280H (1280×720) by progressive scanning.

HD-SDI stands for High Definition Serial Digital Interface – a family of standardized, broadcast quality digital interfaces using BNC connectors. The standard was adopted by the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers). Because of its origins in broadcast, the definition and picture quality of HD-SDI footage is noticeably higher than a standard analogue signal. The technology has now been adopted by the CCTV sector. Because it has been designed with the sole purpose of providing Megapixel, High Definition footage over standard co-ax cable, it is perfectly suited to CCTV, where the majority of existing systems use co-ax. HD-SDI is significantly easier for experienced CCTV installers to get to grips with and can easily be used in tandem with existing analogue cameras. Compared with IP, installers can install HD-SDI straight away with next to no training. There is also very little risk of getting in to complications when installing it, as long as they are experienced in installing analogue CCTV.

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Tags: NVR system, DVR System