What can I do with a network video recorder (NVR) and which one should I choose?

What can I do with a network video recorder (NVR) and which one should I choose?

Network Video Recorder

A Network Video Recorder (NVR) can be used for the management and operation of IP cameras and the safe storage of IP camera video images on an internal hard disk. Images of an IP video intercom doorbell can also be stored if the video doorbell is compatible.
Images of an IP video intercom doorbell can also be recorded on a NVR

IP cameras can be often connected directly to the NVR and, if the NVR has PoE ports, the same network cable can also be used to supply power to the IP camera. The number of IP cameras that can be connected depends on the number of channels of the NVR. IP cameras can also be connected to an NVR via the network. This makes it possible to record images of WiFi IP cameras. If IP cameras are connected via the network to an NVR, the NVR must be connected to the network with a network cable. There are also NVR with built-in WiFi to connect to WiFi IP cameras. A WiFi NVR often has to be connected to the network with a network cable.

An NVR that is connected to the network can be accessed via a PC or Mac via the network. This can be done via a browser or client software on the PC or Mac. Often a mobile app can be used for internet access and operation of the basic functions of an NVR. An NVR can also work as a stand alone system if the IP cameras are connected with a wire to the NVR or wirelessly with a WiFi NVR. The NVR is then operated with a USB mouse (usually included) and a monitor connected to the NVR (not included). An NVR has space for one or sometimes several hard disks of a certain size. A hard disk often needs to be ordered separately. We recommend the use of special surveillance hard disks. The manufacturer usually has a hard drive calculator available for the correct choice of a hard disk. With the calculator the needed size of a hard disk can be calculated for a desired storage period of the images before they are overwritten by the NVR.

Advantages

Some advantages of an NVR compared to a microSD card in the camera is the possibility of a much longer storage period of images, the central management of IP camera images and the possibility of placing an NVR in a safe place and thus have protection against the physical theft of images.

NAS

Some NAS (Network Attached Storage) servers also offer VMS for IP cameras. A well-known brand is Synology with its Surveillance Station platform. Management (configuration) of IP cameras is not possible with a NAS. A NAS can record IP camera images and can add some smart functions. A NAS is often also used for the storage of important documents, photos, videos, movies, email, etc. Most NAS have a standard (PC) hard drive that is not specifically suitable for frequent or even 24/7 recording and overwriting of video images. A standard hard drive has a significantly shorter lifespan when recording and overwriting video images which also leads to a risk of loss of the other important files on the same hard drive in the NAS.

Choosing the right one

One of the important features to look at when choosing an NVR is the maximum supported input and output resolution, incoming and outgoing bandwidth, number of channels, PoE, alarm inputs and outputs, maximum number of hard disks and size per hard disk. To prevent physical theft of an NVR and the stored images we recommend an NVR safe. We are distributor for Arcas Olle: a manufacturer of high quality NVR safes.

We are happy to advise which NVR best suits a certain situation, wishes and budget.

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