When you purchase a video surveillance system that is meant for recording footage, you will have two choices. They are digital video recorder(DVR) and network video recorder(NVR). Both of them have distinct benefits, pros, and cons.
Therefore, it becomes necessary for a buyer to understand the difference between DVR and NVR so that he can purchase the perfect video surveillance system for serving his purpose. We will have a detailed look at NVR and DVR and compare them for easy understanding.
What Is NVR System?
The network video recorder(NVR) is the latest security camera system with advanced technology and better convenience. In this system, the camera captures and encodes the video footage and sends it to the recorder. The encoded video footage can be sent to the recorder in wired as well as wireless connection.
In the wireless connection, video is transferred via Wi-Fi, and there is a separate power source. In the wired connection, only one power over ethernet cable from the recorder is used to transfer video as well as power the camera. NVR system is more flexible for uses but more complex from technical perspective.
System Components
Here are the components you need to set up NVR system perfectly.
1. IP Cameras
NVR system uses IP cameras to record video. IP cameras can process video data before sending it to the recorder. IP cameras are responsible for transmission and recording of audio along with video. There are certain IP cameras that have local storage through microSD card.
There are advanced IP cameras available that can use artificial intelligence to recognize objects such as human faces, pets, and likewise. Besides, you can find advanced features such as noise reduction, motion activation, and analytics in certain IP cameras. However, not all IP cameras are compatible with NVR system.
2. Cables
Ethernet cables are used to connect the cameras to the recorder. These cables are responsible for the transmission of video and audio data as well as powering the cameras. In general, CAT5e and CAT6 ethernet cables are used in NVR system. These cables are good for 100 meters, and you may need to use an extender or switch to cover a greater distance.
3. Recorder
The recorder is where the video footages are stored. You can view the footages via a monitor that you can connect to the recorder. But the recorder is not responsible for processing the data.
Pros:
- High video quality starting from full HD to 4K resolution.
- High frame rate at 30FPS for real-time video viewing.
- Less wiring as only ethernet cable is used for installation.
- Easier to place wireless cameras for more flexible options.
- High audio quality thanks to ethernet cable transmission.
- Access video footage remotely in real-time easily.
Cons:
- Less secure as there are chances of getting hacked.
- Not all cameras are compatible with NVR system.
- Costs more than DVR system as an overall system.
- Certain parts have low life cycle compared to DVR system.
What Is DVR System?
The digital video recorder(DVR) is the traditional security system that is priced lower than the NVR system. DVR system is preferred for domestic applications, and the system is hardwired with the regular analog camera. Every camera is connected to the recorder, and coaxial cables are used for connection. You need to power the cameras separately through external power outlets.
System Components
Here are the components you need to set up DVR system perfectly.
1. Analog Cameras
Analog cameras are used in the DVR system that streams the analog video signal to the recorder. The recorder processes the data and stores in the storage device. Analog cameras are less expensive than IP cameras. Analog cameras are also called CCTV cameras.
2. Coaxial Cables
The analog cameras are connected to the DVR system via coaxial cables. However, coaxial cables cannot supply power to the camera. Therefore, there is a need for a separate power cable to power the cameras. These cables are responsible for the transmission of the analog signal from the camera to the recorder.
In comparison to ethernet cables, coaxial cables are thicker and stiffer. However, the coaxial cables are not suitable for audio transmission. This calls for an additional RCA connection. Most DVR systems come with input ports for audio transmission.
3. AD Encoder
The recorder has analog to digital(AD) encoder to convert the analog video signal to digital signal. That is how the raw video footage data are converted into viewable digital footage. AD encoder happens to be the most important component of the recorder in the DVR system.
Pros:
- Less expensive and highly affordable due to CCTV cameras.
- High camera compatibility of different brands and easy replacement.
- Signal stability is high due to wired transmission.
Cons:
- More wiring due to separate coaxial cables and power cables.
- Installation with rigid cables is slightly difficult at times.
- Video and audio quality is not as great as NVR system.
- You cannot remotely access the footage in real-time.
Comparison Table – DVR vs NVR
| Parameters | DVR(Digital Video Recorder) | NVR(Network Video Recorder) |
| Camera Type | Analog/CCTV cameras | IP cameras |
| Cables | Coaxial cable | Ethernet cable |
| Processing Device | Recorder | IP cameras |
| Video and Audio Quality | Moderate | High-quality |
| Remote Access | Not Possible | Easily Possible |
| Application | Domestic | Commercial |
| Security Attack | Not Possible | Possible |
| Price | Affordable | Expensive |
Conclusion – Which System To Buy?
If you are installing a security system for your home, DVR system is a better choice. This is because it is affordable and serves your purpose. However, if you are installing a security system for commercial space, NVR system is a better choice. This is because NVR system can be monitor remotely, and there is no coverage area restriction. Besides, the video and audio quality will be top-notch even during real-time viewing.
