Miscellaneous, Security Camera

NVR vs DVR: The Difference between Security Camera Recorders

nvr installation

Video surveillance systems are getting more popular day by day. The owners of residential and commercial properties know the importance of video surveillance systems; therefore, they prefer to install them in and around their premises.

Before buying the best security camera for your property in Los Angeles, you must know the type of recorder system that suits you most. DVR and NVR recorders have excellent utilities; however, it is vital to know them in detail. In this blog post, we’ll learn about DVR and NVR systems, their key features, pros and cons, and the difference between recorders.

There are two types of security camera recorders i.e.

  1. DVR
  2. NVR

Both two recorders handle video data differently. Different security cameras are required for these recorders. Let’s learn about DVR and NVR in detail.

DVR:

DVR systems record videos in digital format. That’s why known as a digital video recorders. These systems are suitable for small or domestic usage. DVR systems use analog and HD-over-coax security cameras. Thousands of users in Los Angeles prefer installing DVR systems to protect their premises. DVR systems encode and store video signals from the cameras and support cameras with a resolution of 1080p. An analog camera, coaxial cables, and an AD recorder require for the perfect setup of a DVR system.

DVR system with Analog Cameras:

DVR systems use analog cameras, and DVR cameras are not so costly. The analog camera transmits analog signals to the recorder and then processes the video data.

Coaxial Cables:

The coaxial cables play a vital role in connecting the analog camera to the DVR system. The role of coaxial cable is limited, but the data is transferred over this cable type. Here are a few limitations of coaxial cables:

  • Coaxial cables are stiffer and wider than ethernet cables; therefore, installation is complex.
  • Coaxial cables do not supply power to the camera. So there are two types of cables to get the desired results—i.e. one cable for power supply and another for video transmission.
  • Coaxial cables do not support audio transmission.

AD Encoder:

DVR recorder relies on AD encoders to perform efficiently. AD encoders process the raw data streaming from the camera into viewable footage. It is the reason that every security camera needs to connect to the recorder and a power source to get desired results.

Key Features of DVR:

  • DVR recorders offer a reliable surveillance.
  • These recorders allow remote viewing via different means, i.e., smartphone, tablet, or PC.
  • DVR recorders, if used with HD security cameras, can deliver high-quality video recordings.
  • DVR recorders allow users to do multiplex surveillance with live footage. viewing, video footage playback, 24/7 recording, and storage of recordings.
  • These recorder systems have user-friendly monitoring interfaces.

Pros:

  • DVRs are cheap to install as compared to NVR recorders
  • DVRs have less complex setup and troubleshooting
  • DVRs demand less maintenance
  • DVRs are compatible with analog and HD-over-coax cameras

Cons:

  • DVR offers lower-quality images
  • DVR maintenance cost is higher than NVR
  • DVR transmits video signals via coaxial cables, which have more chances of vulnerability

NVR:

NVR stands for Network Video Recorders. NVR system catalogs and store video data that IP security cameras stream to the NVR. The components required for setting up an NVR system are:

IP Cameras:

NVR systems use an IP camera to capture videos. These systems rely on Power-over-Ethernet technology to encode and process video data in IP cameras. The PoE technology allows users to worry about the power source. Because of the robust performance of IP cameras, you can get higher quality video analytics, i.e., license plate and facial recognition. 

Ethernet Cables:

A user needs standard Ethernet cables, i.e., Cat5e and Cat6, to connect the camera to the NVR system. Ethernet cables are easy to set up because of their thinner shape.  

Recorder:

The only purpose of using NVR recorders is to store and view the footage. It does not process video data.

Good Storage Capacity:

NVR systems allow users to upload footage to cloud-based servers. These systems can support a higher capacity as compared to DVR systems.

Key Features of NVR:

  • NVR systems offer clear video quality up to 4K ultra HD.
  • NVR systems allow users to view live or recorded footage remotely while using their smart gadgets.
  • NVR systems are easy to use and have 200 Mbps incoming bandwidth.
  • These systems provide various options for recording video footage i,e, 24/7 recording footage, scheduled footage recording, or on motion detection.
  • NVR recorders are compatible with various types of security cameras.
  • NVR systems offer various options, i.e., recording, playback, retrieve time, handy view, data-stamped video footage, etc.
  • These recorders have an external POE switch to support multiple cameras.

Pros:

  • NVR supports higher video quality, i.e., HD, 2K, or even 4K Ultra HD
  • NVRs are easy to install
  • NVRs can be placed virtually anywhere with network availability
  • NVRs allow cameras from an accessible IP address to be recorded
  • It supports two-way talk cameras
  • NVRs have a more flexible system

Cons:

  • NVRs are more complex to troubleshoot
  • NVRs are more expensive to install than DVRs if there require new installations or upgrades from analog systems.
  • All IP security cameras are compatible with the NVR.
  • If you don’t want to face compatibility issues, buy your security camera and video recorder from the same brand.

Which Is Better, DVR or NVR?

It is crucial to have information about the right security camera system and related equipment. DVR and NVR systems have beneficial features that make it possible to enhance the security level. If you want higher resolution, NVR is a better option, but if you have a low budget, go for DVR.

For good-quality cables, consider a DVR recorder to keep the existing cameras working. However, if you can afford to replace the cables, think about the NVR recorder.

Last Words:

DVR and NVR are good options to make your property monitoring secure in Los Angeles. However, there is a difference in setting up these systems, designing, implementing, and data processing. Before choosing any of the systems, it is essential to gather the right information. You can take suggestions from technical experts of First Digital Surveillance. Get in touch with us to get quality security devices and their installation services.