NVR/DVR.

Overview.

NVR/DVR systems are ideal for managing multiple cameras from one centralized location. They can store vast amounts of video data, allowing you to keep recordings for longer periods of time or record in larger, more high-definition (HD) formats. You can review and analyze all your surveillance footage from anywhere via smartphone, tablet, PC, Mac, and even your Apple TV. Your system can also be customized to send you email, text, or push notifications to keep you up-to-date of events around your property such as motion alerts and system/camera status events. Our HD network/CCTV security systems are available in 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 channel configurations.

Additionally, all of our video solutions offer Central Management Software (CMS) to provision, deploy, and manage multi-unit installations from anywhere. The CMS allows us to connect multiple units to operate as one and view all cameras on a single screen. Finally, the CMS can monitor the health of multiple units and notify both the customer and support in the event an issue should occur.

NVR Or DVR?

You may be wondering about the difference between a DVR (digital video recorder) and an NVR (network video recorder). At a very basic level, they differ in how data is processed and how the cameras interface (connect) with the recorder. With a DVR, the cameras are connected to the recorder via a coaxial cable and the data is processed at the recorder itself, therefore relying solely on the DVR’s processing power. With an NVR, the cameras are connected to the recorder by ethernet (network) cables. In an NVR, the data is processed by the camera itself and then streamed to the NVR for storage, viewing, and additional processing, if applicable. Now that you understand the differences between the device types, let’s discuss features:

Picture Quality.

Due to the cameras being connected by coaxial cable, the analog signaling method will result in a lower quality image on a DVR. The analog signal has to travel all the way to the DVR before it can be processed. On the other hand, an NVR receives a pure digital signal that is processed at the cameras and transmitted to the NVR. This results in better image quality at the same resolution. Even though both systems offer 4K cameras, the DVR is a bit behind the NVR in this department. An example of this is the fact that 4K DVR systems typically have a frame rate of 7-10FPS (frames per second) while 4K NVR systems offer 30FPS at the same 8-megapixel resolution. The higher the frame rate, the better motion events will appear when viewing. Typical DVR systems on the market are going to be 1080P or 2K, while NVR systems are trending towards 4K and higher resolutions. Images with a higher resolution will appear more crisp and clear, simply cleaner. Although both systems work well, NVR systems are becoming more cutting edge and technology (market) is headed in their direction.

Installation.

NVRs have proven easier to install than DVR systems. This is due to several factors, the cable typically being the determining factor. An analog camera for a DVR unit requires the coax cable to the DVR, as well as a separate power-line cable to power the camera itself. The cameras for an NVR are all PoE (Power over Ethernet). This means that only a single ethernet cord is required to power the camera and transmit data. In addition, an ethernet cable is smaller in diameter and more flexible than its coax counterpart. This makes wire-runs easier and you don’t have to drill as large of holes. Another benefit is that analog cameras need to be plugged directly into the back of the DVR appliance. The IP cameras on the NVR just need to be on the same network as the NVR itself (via a PoE switch). This gives the added flexibility in where one can locate the cameras in relation to the NVR. Furthermore, many new commercial properties being built are pre-wired with ethernet cabling. This will make installation of an IP surveillance system easier, as much of the needed cables have already been run.

DVRs however, may be the best solution for pre-cabled installations. The existing coax cabling system can be leveraged and only the DVR appliances and/or cameras need to be upgraded. For many SMBs, this results in a recurring ROI (Return on Investment) and is a great way to utilize your existing infrastructure to reduce overall costs yet in turn increase the system resolution and capabilities.

Processing Power.

Another major benefit of choosing an NVR system over a DVR system is that the IP cameras are, due to their onboard processing power, loaded with helpful surveillance capabilities that analog cameras will never see implemented. Both systems are able to perform motion detection, but NVRs take it a step up with IVS (Intelligent Video Surveillance) features. This results due to the IP cameras essentially being small computers in themselves, whereas all the processing in an analog system is done at the DVR appliance end. This gives an NVR system additional processing power over a DVR, due to the cameras themselves off-loading a portion of the processing from the NVR, leaving it with additional resources as opposed to a DVR for additional features and capabilities.

Features.

A Final Word.

As technology advances NVR systems will continue to increase in performance and additional features will be introduced. Meanwhile, the technology for DVR system is not expected to grow much more from its current levels due to its legacy nature..

Camera system support:

For service/support for our NVR/DVR systems as well as for those with existing camera systems (including legacy) we offer per incident NVR/DVR services billed hourly starting at: $129.95.