Introduction to NVR vs DVR

When the time comes to install a security camera solution, some choices need to be made. Irrespective of choice, all the available systems have the same function (for the most part to provide added security by use of video), but they differ markedly in how they work. It's thus vital to understand the differences between them to make an informed decision.

On the one hand, there are NVR systems that are completely digital and on the other, there are DVR systems that use analog signals in recording and storing video.

The problem is that there's so much information out there that it may be difficult to filter the good from the bad. Luckily, this post will deal with these systems in more detail and give some advice on which is best for a particular purpose.

NVR Overview

The first contender is the NVR, or the new kid on the block that relies on newer technology that offers several benefits over DVR cameras.

What Is a NVR?

An NVR or Network Video Recorder records video directly from the network using either Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cables. IP cameras encode video and send the data through these cables to NVR for storage.

An important distinction with the NVR is that it doesn't process video. The cameras do all the processing, and only the data is sent to the NVR where it can be stored and viewed.

How Cameras Connect to an NVR?

Well, here the NVR has two options. The most common option is for IP Cameras to connect to the NVR with the mentioned Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors. Here, NVRs offer an added benefit in that it supports POE or Power over Ethernet that allows the use of the system with fewer cables if the camera supports it.

One drawback with Ethernet cabling, though, is that they can only run up to about 300 feet before any further components are necessary to preserve the data.

Another way option for connection can be to utilize Wi-Fi cameras wirelessly. This obviously has some benefits when it comes to installation, but there may be concerns with stability as Wi-Fi signals are not always 100% reliable.

Intro to POE

POE offers the ability to only use one cable for power, video, and audio. This means it's not necessary for power outlets for each camera and eliminates the need for splitters like with DVR systems.

DVR Overview

The Digital Video Recorder or DVR is the older of the two types of recording devices and relies on older analog technology.

What Is a DVR?

The DVR receives an analog input from the security cameras and converts it into digital format. Because the DVR does all the processing and the cameras don't, DVR cameras are often far cheaper than their NVR counterparts.

How the Cameras Connect

With a DVR system, the cameras connect to the DVR with coaxial cables. Unlike Ethernet, these cables can run up to 1500 feet, but they have certain limitations.

For example, coaxial cables do not provide power to the camera, so power must be provided for every camera installed in the system. Likewise, they also don't support audio transmission. Also, by design, coaxial cables aren't as flexible as Ethernet, which makes installation more challenging.

How Do the NVR/DVR Work

At their core, both systems have the same function as they are both used for video recording. How they process the video data is, however, substantially different.

Each camera on a DVR system is connected to it by a coaxial cable with a BNC connector. Also, every camera needs a power source by using a splitter. The analog cameras then record video and send the video to the DVR where the AD encoder processes the raw data stream and converts it into viewable video recordings that are stored on the machine. These recordings can then be viewed on site.

With the NVR, every camera is connected to it by an Ethernet or POE cable, or wirelessly if that capability is available. Here, the cameras don't need to be directly connected to the NVR and should only be on the same network. The video captured by the IP cameras is processed by the IP cameras themselves, and they then send the processed data to the NVR where it is stored and viewable. Unlike DVR systems, recordings on an NVR system can basically be viewed from anywhere because remote access to a network is possible.

NVR vs DVR, Which Should You Choose?

So, now the question is, which is best? Well, it depends. The first thing to consider is what hardware is currently installed. If analog cameras are already installed, it may make sense to go with the DVR. Likewise, if it's a new system, or there are IP cameras already available, the NVR may be best.

Keep in mind, though, that it's possible to install a hybrid system where IP cameras and DVR cameras are used at different locations. This can be, for example, where an analog-to-IP converter is used to connect analog cameras to an NVR.

Some of the other differences between the two are:

Installation. An NVR system is generally easier to install because it uses Ethernet or POE cable and can function partially wireless. Also, as stated, these cameras just have to be on the same network and don't have to be connected directly to the NVR, making placement at various locations easy. In contrast, coaxial cables used in DVR installations are more difficult to work with and have to be connected to each camera, thereby limiting placement.

Power. A DVR system requires that each camera is powered separately, so a splitter or a separate power source is needed. By using POE, IP cameras in an NVR installation don't need separate power sources. This drastically cuts the amount of cabling needed for the installation.

Quality of Video and Audio. Digital IP cameras record video at a higher quality than analog cameras, so this is something to consider if video quality is important for the application. Also, because standard coaxial cables don't carry audio signals, digital may be the best option in situations where audio is required.

Features. When it comes to features, NVR is the best option because it supports features like facial recognition and analytics, something DVRs are simply not capable of.

Costs. NVRs, being a relatively new technology is still expensive to install. DVR systems, particularly analog cameras, are often cheaper but can end up being more expensive depending on the installation and requirements. Also, keep in mind, that updating NVRs can become costly over time.

Conclusion

There it is, a gentle introduction into these two security camera systems. So, which is best? Well, from the above it's clear that it ultimately depends on what the installation's requirements are, the budget, and the available equipment.

Hopefully, this introduction solved some of the confusion when it comes to choosing between NVRs and DVRs