19 May Should I buy a DVR or NVR for my video security system?

What is a DVR ?

DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR (Network Video Recorder) are two types of devices used for video surveillance, but they differ in terms of technology and functionality.

DVRs are older technology and have been used for video surveillance for many years. They are typically used for analog cameras and record video onto a hard disk drive. DVRs process and encode the analog video signals into a digital format and then compress and store the video files. DVRs are standalone devices that do not require an internet connection and are typically used for small to medium-sized video surveillance systems.

What cameras do DVR’s use?

Digital video recorders or DVR’s use HD TVI security cameras an older CCTV camera that use RG59 cable like shown above. These cameras work with two connection, Video and power usually 12VDC and BNC coax for the video end. Unfortunately these cameras usually do not support many of the advanced features you can expect from IP cameras. DVR technology is slowly advancing enough to support features like video analytics. If the analytics are a requirement for your project, then it may be worthwhile to go for an NVR that will support more advanced analytics.

What type of cable do I need for a DVR?

Analog and HD over coax cameras use RG59U BNC tipped coaxial cable to send a video signal. It usually comes as a siamese cable, meaning it is paired with a power wire that runs parallel to the video cable. If you are running power through the siamese wire it will terminate into a power box near the DVR, or connect to an individual power adapter.

If you already have RG59 cabling in your facility, then a DVR system is the way to go. For new installations, we recommend using good quality solid copper RG59U coax from a roll. If you know that your cable is already good quality, there’s no sense in replacing it because HD security cameras can use the same cable.

What is an NVR?

NVRs, on the other hand, are newer technology and are designed to work with IP cameras, which are digital cameras that send video data over a network. Unlike DVRs, NVRs do not encode or process the video signal. Instead, they receive and record the video data directly from the IP cameras. NVRs are typically more advanced than DVRs and offer more features such as remote access, advanced analytics, and higher resolution video recording.Overall, the main differences between DVRs and NVRs are the type of cameras they work with, how they process and store video data, and the features they offer. While DVRs are still used in some applications, NVRs have become more popular due to the increased use of IP cameras and their advanced features.

What cameras do NVR’s use ?

IP cameras, also known as network cameras or internet protocol cameras, are advanced surveillance devices that capture and transmit high-quality video footage over computer networks or the internet. Unlike traditional analog cameras, IP cameras utilize digital technology to convert video signals into data packets, allowing for efficient transmission, storage, and management of video streams. These cameras are equipped with built-in processors and network interfaces, enabling them to connect directly to local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs). They can be wired or wireless, providing flexibility in installation and placement. With power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, some IP cameras can even receive power through the same Ethernet cable used for data transfer, simplifying setup and reducing cable clutter.

IP cameras smart features:

IP cameras equipped with smart video analytics utilize advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to extract valuable information from the captured video footage. Here are some common smart video analytics features found in IP cameras:

Motion Detection:

• IP cameras can detect and track motion within their field of view. They can be configured to send alerts or trigger actions when motion is detected, helping to detect potential intruders or suspicious activity.

Intrusion Detection:

• By defining virtual boundaries or zones, IP cameras can identify and alert users when someone crosses a specified boundary. This feature is useful for securing restricted areas or detecting unauthorized access.

Line Crossing Detection:

• IP cameras can recognize when a person or object crosses a defined line, such as a doorway or a fence. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring entrances or exit points, providing an additional layer of security.

Facial Recognition:

• Some IP cameras employ facial recognition technology to identify and match faces against a database of known individuals. This feature can be used for access control, identifying VIPs, or recognizing persons of interest.

Object Detection and Tracking:

• IP cameras can detect and track specific objects within the video feed. This capability is beneficial for tracking suspicious packages, monitoring valuable assets, or following the movement of vehicles.

People Counting:

• IP cameras can accurately count the number of people entering or exiting a specific area. This feature finds applications in retail stores, public spaces, or event venues for crowd management and resource allocation.

License Plate Recognition (LPR):

• Some IP cameras are equipped with LPR capabilities, allowing them to read and capture license plate information from vehicles. This feature is useful for parking management, traffic monitoring, or law enforcement purposes.

Overall, the main differences between DVRs and NVRs are the type of cameras they work with, how they process and store video data, and the features they offer. While DVRs are still used in some applications, NVRs have become more popular due to the increased use of IP cameras and their advanced features.