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DVR vs. NVR - The difference between DVR and NVR is how they process video data. Learn more about What is NVR in CCTV and What does CCTV stands for?

Two types of video recorders are associated with CCTV systems namely, DVR and NVR . They vary in their hardware and operation giving them distinct properties that allow users to make the perfect choice depending on their requirements. DVR is a relatively older technology that is compatible with conventional video surveillance while NVR was developed later to offer advantages that were not available with DVR CCTV systems. An expensive security setup is a considerable investment and you should be aware of the basics of video recorders before going out to make a suitable purchase.

What does DVR stand for?

DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder and it is an essential component of conventional video surveillance kits. A DVR is differentiated from an NVR by an important attribute that has been added to its name for ease. The purpose of a video recorder is to receive video and audio data from the security cameras that it has been connected to and store that data for later viewing or editing. Digital video recorders are connected to analogue security cameras that transmit the video data to them in analogue form. This means that the DVR has to convert the analogue video signal into digital form for storage. Digital video recorders possess a hard disk with a large amount of storage space and external storage may be used along with it. They are ideal for CCTV installation in commercial and public areas. DVR CCTV systems are durable, scalable, and can be readily customized to meet the specific needs of that security arrangement. They are capable of storing security footage that was recorded over several days in high resolution with clear audio. Advanced compression technology enables high-quality DVRs to process and store large amounts of data without taking up excessive space on the hard disk. Digital video recorders are available with various features to offer more than just standard processing and recording abilities.

How does a DVR Recorder work?

Digital video recorders have video processing hardware within their design because it is necessary to convert the analogue signals from the connected security cameras into digital form. There is a small chip added to the design of DVRs that encodes and processes the video and audio data from these security cameras. This is essential for storing the security data, viewing the surveillance footage, replaying it for monitoring purposes, and creating video clips for reference. Digital video recorders included in CCTV kits have software installed that allows you to add every security camera for 24/7 access. Each security camera in your DVR CCTV system is added to your official account that may be accessed through a mobile application. It also lets you adjust the settings of your security camera and set the alarms according to your preferences. The 24/7 live feed from the DVR CCTV system is stored directly on the hard disk of your DVR and may be transferred to permanent storage later.

What does NVR stand for?

NVR stands for Network Video Recorder because you get more options for connection as compared to DVR CCTV systems. When you get down to the basics, an NVR lacks the most significant feature that a DVR possesses: it cannot turn analogue signals into digital form. You may be wondering how storage is possible within an NVR CCTV system. The kind of security camera that is connected to an NVR can process and convert the video and audio data before it is transmitted to the NVR. There is a wide variety of security cameras that are compatible with network video recorders and provide an excellent range of useful features. If you are worried about hackers getting access to your private security data, you will be pleased to learn that NVR CCTV systems offer powerful data encryption. This is important because you may be employing your Wi-Fi connection or broadband internet for data transmission. This is the primary benefit of network video recorders but the drawback of NVR CCTV systems is that signal strength may be compromised by obstacles. There are several security camera models in NVR CCTV systems that have a plug-and-play design. This helps you save money on CCTV installation costs and allows you to take your security kit with you whenever you move.

How does an NVR Recorder work?

If you have explored the various series of security cameras that are compatible with NVR CCTV systems, you have realized that they are responsible for encoding and processing the recorded data. This includes both video and audio data that must be turned into digital format before it can be transmitted through the ethernet cable to the NVR. Since the network video recorder is incapable of encoding and processing this data, the security camera performs this task in addition to recording the security footage. Now, you probably understand why NVRs cannot work with analogue security cameras. Normally, NVR CCTV systems include IP cameras instead of analogue cameras that are found in DVR CCTV systems. This is because analogue cameras cannot encode and process raw data and neither can the network video recorder. However, NVRs can store high-resolution video with clear audio at any time of the day depending on the features of the IP CCTV cameras that are connected to.

DVR vs. NVR - What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference between Digital Video Recorders and Network Video Recorders is their management of raw footage from the CCTV cameras that they have been connected to for video surveillance. While DVR recorders typically receive analogue data, NVR recorders get digital data from the IP cameras. Analogue CCTV systems rely on DVRs to encode and process the video footage. On the other hand, the encoding and processing of video data in other NVR CCTV systems take place at the security IP camera before being transmitted to the NVR for storage and remote viewing. There are generally coaxial cables in analogue CCTV systems that link to the DVRs while NVRs are connected to IP cameras through ethernet cables. There are benefits of both DVR recorders and NVR recorders with the latter having a higher price point but being easier to use for beginners. Network Video Recorders generally provide higher quality results as compared to Digital Video Recorders. Whether you select DVR CCTV or NVR CCTV for video surveillance depends mainly on your personal preferences and security requirements.

Network Video Recorder Digital Video Recorder
Type of cameras IP cameras Analog or coax based cameras
Quality Higher High
Setup Easy Tough
Cost High Low
   

Where to buy DVR or NVR?

Always purchase CCTV kits from authorized distributors to avoid getting scammed by fake sellers who are just looking to make a quick buck. They may sell you damaged goods and refuse to take any responsibility. That is why you need to check the refund and exchange policy of the CCTV sellers you have shortlisted before making an expensive purchase. Another great tip to ask for the manufacturer’s warranty that is provided with original products that make up the CCTV system. All DVR recorders and NVR recorders don’t provide the same quality or features. It is necessary to search the specifications of the DVR recorder NVR recorder that you have found to fit your requirements. Compare the prices of the NVR models or DVR models that you like best as quoted by different sellers. Remember to factor in the shipping costs that can make a big difference in the overall price of the DVR or NVR. Another thing to keep in mind is that CCTV installation is not cheap, which means that the price of your CCTV kit will increase if you plan to hire CCTV installers. If you are looking for the best CCTV systems in the UK, we are authorized distributors of Hikvision and provide top-notch CCTV installation services as well.

Which DVR is Best for CCTV?

Internationally recognized as a leader in video surveillance technology, Hikvision has revolutionized DVR recorders through its Turbo HD CCTV range. Thanks to their H.265+ video compression technology, Hikvision DVR help reduce the bandwidth and storage needs of HD video footage in DVR CCTV systems. Moreover, their AcuSense technology employs deep learning algorithms to classify and extract important information from video footage. For instance, the Hikvision AcuSense series DVRs help identify human and vehicle targets from video streams and extract them for further processing. Besides providing video compression features, the Hikvision Pro series DVRs support 4k resolution output. Not only do the Hikvision Ultra series DVRs offer 32 channels, but they also possess string hybrid capability too. The Hikvision Value series DVRs offer durability and high quality within an affordable price range. There are amazing features to enjoy in the analogue security cameras available from Hikvision and they are compatible with DVR recorders. Buying a complete Hikvision CCTV kit will help avoid compatibility issues. Whether you wish to buy the latest DVR CCTV system or upgrade the conventional analogue system you already have, Hikvision DVRs are an excellent choice.

Which NVR is Best for CCTV?

People who are interested in investing in high-resolution CCTV kits should consider adding Hikvision NVR to their list. High-resolution output support is important in NVR recorders that provide a higher resolution video feed than that offered by DVR CCTV systems. Hikvision NVR recorders support 4k resolution through various models and they pair perfectly with their 4k CCTV cameras that are compatible with NVRs. Their H.265+ compression technology saves bandwidth and reduces the amount of storage space required. This means that you can save more video footage with Hikvision NVRs as compared to NVR models that don’t have this feature. Moreover, Hikvision NVR recorders offer RAID, N+1 hot spare, and ANR functions allowing greater stability and reliability. The Hikvision AcuSense series NVRs let you search targets within the video stream, particularly humans and vehicles. Meanwhile, you can upgrade and expand your security setup with the Hikvision Ultra series NVRs. The Hikvision DeepinMind series NVRs have higher accuracy for false alarm reduction (90%) and smart facial recognition. If storage and bandwidth are your main concerns, try the Hikvision Pro series NVRs that have H.265+ and H.264+ compression technology. For those on a tight budget, the Hikvision Value series NVRs offer an impressive combination of features.

Is DVR Better than NVR?

There is no clear cut answer to this question because every user has different preferences and requirements. DVR recorder and NVR recorders vary in their hardware, camera compatibility, CCTV installation, maintenance, video resolution, audio features, and of course, data processing capabilities. If you are wondering which of the two categories would suit your needs best, ask yourself some basic questions. First of all, you must consider your current setup and decide whether you wish to replace it completely. Remember that DVR CCTV systems are readily installed by upgrading a conventional security setup. In contrast, you will need to replace the whole wiring of your video surveillance if you opt for an NVR CCTV system. Network devices, such as those required within an NVR CCTV system, demand programming, and beginners might find that difficult. It would be wise to hire professional CCTV installers if you plan to choose an NVR CCTV system. However, plug-and-play models are fairly simple to install and require less wiring than DVR CCTV systems. Maintenance is a factor many people forget about and this includes both hardware and software maintenance. Lastly, think about your budget including shipping, CCTV installation, and maintenance costs. Whether you choose an NVR recorder or a DVR recorder, remember to buy it from an authorized distributor. Besides selling high-quality Hikvision CCTV kits at the best prices in the UK, we are also available for CCTV consultation and CCTV installation services. Get a quote today!