Frequently Asked Question

DVR vs NVR
Last Updated 6 years ago

NVR and DVR are based on different infrastructure.

NVR connects to IP Cameras.
DVR connects to Analogue/Analogue HD Cameras.

Some DVR also support IP cameras as well, e.g. the one we quoting you supports up to an additional 4 IP Cameras, it's a hybrid system.

NVR is more flexible if you have large scale deployment and an infrastructure already setup to handle CCTV Network as the cameras and equipment can share the same infrastructure. i.e. You have a Network dedicated to CCTV already setup for the whole building. Adding Cameras is just connecting the cameras to the nearest network point.

DVR methods would involve the new cameras being cable back to the DVR physically.

Currently, the DVR Analogue HD infrastructure can support up to 4K transmission (slightly less than 9 Megapixel) whereas the NVR can go up much higher.
However, higher resolution means higher storage required.
4K Recording requires 182GB per day per camera. 16 Cameras would required ard 88TB of harddisk storage space for 1 month recording. To support much higher resolution equipment, you'll need to invest in a lot more
Resolution is not an issues in your case as you are not installing up to the max of the resolution of either system.

Maintenance and Setup of NVR system is a lot more complicated than DVR.
e.g.
- Each Camera required individual setup of IP, Password, etc.
- When there's video loss, there's a lot more possible reason than just power, connection and equipment fault issues. Could be settings issues, etc.
- It's not as easy as plug and play like DVR.
- NVR and IP Cameras best to be from same brand and series due to compatibility issues. There are open standard such as ONVIF, but they only support the very basic video streaming function to allow for recording. Other features might not be available if using different brands of equipment, e.g. Auto Detect and Setup, Motion Detection settings, etc.

Unless there's compiling reason to do so using NVR, we'll normally recommend DVR for most installation.
Some reasons why we'll recommend NVR over DVR
- Large installation area where network infrastructure is already in place. e.g. Buildings where every location there's already network points preinstalled.
- Long Distance wireless Transmission required. IP Network Long distance transmission equipment are more widely available and secure.
- Distributed CCTV, low number widespread installation of CCTV System. e.g. each site/store have 1 Camera, and all stream back to HQ for recording.
- Edge Video Analytics need to be performs on the cameras. e.g. people counting, license plate recognition, etc.

Here's more articles on the differences. You can read up on them.
https://securitycamcenter.com/nvr-vs-dvr/
https://www.swann.com/blog/dvr-vs-nvr-whats-the-difference/
https://www.megapixall.com/purchase-surveillance-dvr-nvr

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