What is DVR and NVR in CCTV?
Digital video recorders (DVR) and network video recorders (NVR) are types of video recording systems used for security cameras. On the surface, both systems serve the same purpose: they capture video footage transmitted from the cameras and store that stream so you can play it back later.
VRs and DVRs are critical components of any surveillance system as they are the devices that record the footage captured by one or several security cameras. Though they serve the same function, NVRs and DVRs are very different in nature, and which you choose to utilize will make a difference in your installation costs, installation time and even the quality of video you could expect. Whether you are in the process of building a new security system or want to update an existing one, it is important to understand the key differences between the two types of recording devices so that you can choose the one that best satisfies your security needs. This post will outline the differences between the two devices, the features of each and the advantages and disadvantages of both.
A DVR System
A DVR—or digital video recorder—works with both digital and analog cameras and is connected via a wire from camera to recorder. Because the device is wired, it doesn’t require internet to work, which is why it is great for dated analog systems. On a DVR system, the camera doesn’t do any of the work—the DVR does. It converts footage transmitted by the camera into a compressed, digital format and stores it on an external hard drive such as a memory stick or computer. Because analog systems already have coaxial cable in place, updating an older system with a DVR is relatively simple, as all you have to do is connect the cable to the recording device. Some systems utilize both DVRs and newer network cameras; these systems are referred to as “hybrid systems.”
An NVR System
A network video recorder (NVR) is one that doesn’t require any wiring (though it can use wiring if necessary). The IP (internet protocol) cameras are connected to a router, and it is through that wireless router that the cameras communicate with the NVR. IP cameras work like much of today’s technology does. For instance, you can send photos from phone to phone, videos from computer to computer and a host of other types of media from one device to another so long as you have an internet connection. That is what an IP system does. In a network system, the IP camera does most of the work, including compressing footage into a digital format and sending it straight to a computer or other external storage device. This is a much more efficient and cost-effective system than a DVR system, as it requires less wires and allows you to place your cameras in locations that would otherwise have been hard to reach.
