Whenever you are looking for the best security camera, there arises a DVR vs NVR debate. Now, what is the difference between the two? and which one should you choose? Here we’ll solve this problem for you.
What’s DVR?
DVR, or digital video recorder, is a type of security system that processes analog footage and converts it into a digital format. This type of security system typically only works with analog cameras (CCTV). DVR systems receive analog data from the CCTV camera and process it at the recorder before storing it on local storage devices, most commonly a hard drive.
What’s NVR?
NVR, or network video recorder, is also called a PoE security camera system. It is a type of security system that typically only works with digital footage. This type of system encodes and processes data at the camera before transmitting it to the recorder for storage and remote viewing. NVR systems receive processed data from the IP camera via ethernet cables or WiFi. It then records it to the local network storage (Traditional NVR) or the cloud storage (Cloud-NVR).
DVR vs NVR System: What Is The Difference?
There are a few key differences between DVR and NVR systems that are important to keep in mind when choosing a security system.
DVR Systems
- Process video data at the recorder
- Work with analog cameras
- Are a wired security system
- Stores video footage locally
- Footage can be accessed only locally
NVR Systems
- Encode and process data at the camera
- Work with digital IP cameras
- Can be a wired or wireless system
- Can store footage locally or in a remote location over the internet
- Can be accessed remotely over the internet
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of DVR vs NVR and the main difference between the two security systems, let’s take a closer look at the components of both the recording system and their advantages and disadvantages.
DVR security system – Components And Their Advantages And Disadvantages
Analog Cameras
DVR security systems typically use analog security cameras, better known as CCTV cameras. These cameras transmit an analog signal to the recorder, which then decodes and processes the video data.
The advantage of using analog cameras is that these cameras are less complex and less expensive than IP cameras. That is why in general, DVR systems are priced lower than NVR systems.
The disadvantage of using analog cameras is that the quality of the footage is not as good as digital cameras. You can mix and match different analog camera models on your DVR security system but there is less freedom of using other types of security cameras on it since it allows only wired security cameras. In addition, you are limited to the number of cameras you can use with a DVR system.
Coaxial Cable
Most of the time, coaxial cables are used to connect CCTV cameras to the DVR system. The coaxial cable is a type of copper cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating layer and shielded by an outer conductor. The most common type of coaxial cable is RG-59. BNC connectors (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) are used to connect CCTV cameras to the DVR system.
The advantage of using a coaxial cable is that it can transmit data over long distances up to 500 meters. Which makes them ideal for bigger multi-floor security camera networks.
The disadvantage of using a coaxial cable is that it is thick and rigid which makes it difficult to install and run through tight spaces. Moreover, standard coax does not support audio transmission. A variant with RCA may solve the problem but that again comes with the drawback of limiting the number of cameras you can connect since DVR systems come with limited audio input ports. Similarly, coaxial cables also are unable to power the DVR recorder. So, it needs another power source resulting in more cabling. Other than that coaxial cables have lower speed potential than ethernet cables and the video quality tends to degrade after 90 meters.
DVR Recorder
The DVR recorder is the brains of your security system. A DVR uses an embedded processor called an AD encoder (Analog to the digital encoder) to process the raw video data before storing it on a local storage device such as a hard drive.
The advantage of using a DVR is that it can be used with an existing coaxial cable network which makes installation fairly easy and inexpensive. Moreover, DVR recorders come with some enhanced functionalities such as the ability to search recordings for events, sort recordings by time and date, and loop recordings. In addition, DVRs are less vulnerable to hacking since the data is processed and stored locally.
The disadvantage of using a DVR is that it can only be used with analog cameras. This means if you want to upgrade your security system to use IP cameras, you will have to replace the entire system. Also, in the DVR system, the recorder doesn’t power the cameras. Each camera connection requires a splitter to supply power to the cameras to function.
NVR security system – Components And Their Advantages And Disadvantages
Digital IP Cameras
NVR security systems typically use digital security cameras, better known as IP (Internet protocol) cameras. IP cameras come with an internal chipset that processes the footage in the camera itself before sending it to the NVR. In contrast to analog CCTV cameras, digital IP cameras send digital data including video and audio signals over the network to an NVR.
The advantage of using digital IP cameras is that the image quality is much better than analog. In addition, you have more flexibility in the number and type of cameras you can use with an NVR system.
The disadvantage of using digital IP cameras are typically more complex than analog CCTV cameras and can be more expensive. As a result, the NVR system is more complex than a DVR system, which can make it more difficult to set up and use.
Ethernet Cables
An Ethernet cable is used to connect the IP camera to the recorder. Ethernet cable uses thinner, shielded twisted-pair (STP) copper wiring and RJ45 plugs. Ethernet cables are able to transmit data over 100 meters of distance, which is shorter than coaxial cables. However, they are easily extendable over longer distances through switches without impacting the footage quality. The most common type of Ethernet cable is CAT5e and CAT6.
The advantage of using ethernet cable is that it can transmit data at much higher speeds than coaxial cable which makes them ideal for transmitting HD video. Moreover, they are less susceptible to interference from electromagnetic sources such as power lines and electrical equipment.
Another advantage is that it uses power over ethernet (PoE) which means there is no need for separate power cables, eliminating the need for messy splitters like in DVR systems. In addition, ethernet cables can transmit audio signals natively, which allows the NVR system to allow two-way audio features on the cameras with microphones and speakers.
Finally, since ethernet cables are thinner with smaller connectors, they eliminate the need for complex cable fitting and drilling through walls. Finally, not every camera doesn’t need to be connected physically to the NVR through an ethernet cable, they only need to be on the same WiFi network.
The disadvantage of using ethernet cables is that they are more expensive than coaxial cables. In addition, they require more network infrastructure such as switches and routers to connect multiple cameras and devices.
NVR Recorder
NVR recorders usually come with a pre-installed hard drive that records the footage from all cameras. The footage is stored in a video format that can be played back on a smartphone, computer, or TV. The NVR then stores that footage on the hard drive at a local network, usually an SD card. Also remember, an NVR without a hard drive won’t record the footage but will allow you to decode it and view it on TV and mobile screens. Moreover, the more powerful and advanced hardware on cloud-based NVR offers advanced video analytics and AI-enabled features, such as facial recognition in home security cameras and in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS) such as license plate recognition in dash cams.
The advantage of using an NVR is that it provides centralized storage for all your footage. This makes it easy to find and playback footage from any camera at any time. In addition, NVRs come with their own web interface that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Another advantage is that NVR systems are cloud-compatible which means the NVR storage is easily scalable by adding different servers. This means it meets the storage needs of a 24/7 video surveillance system with a large number of cameras.
The disadvantage of using an NVR is that it can be more expensive than a DVR system. In addition, NVRs are more complex to set up and use. And finally, they are more susceptible to hackers and privacy leakage.
NVR vs DVR: Which Is Better?
Now that you know everything about DVR and NVR systems, let us highlight the pros and cons of both systems for you so that you can decide which one is more suitable for your security needs.
DVR vs NVR – Pros And Cons
Both DVR and NVR come with some pros and cons that are important to know about.
DVR Pros:
- DVR systems are typically less expensive than NVR systems
- DVRs are easier to set up and configure than NVRs
- DVR systems have a longer lifespan than NVRs
- DVR systems are less susceptible to hackers and privacy invasion
- DVR systems are more reliable for 24/7 surveillance since they are wired
DVR Cons:
- The DVR footage is of a lower quality than the NVR footage
- DVR systems require complex installation with multiple cameras
- DVR systems require difficult local wiring and drilling
- DVR systems require more maintenance than NVR systems
- DVR systems are not as scalable as NVR systems
- DVR systems require a separate power supply
- DVR systems can not record audio
- DVRs are limited to wired cameras and can not use other types of cameras
- DVR systems usually have limited local storage
NVR Pros:
- NVR footage is of a higher quality than DVR footage
- NVR systems are easier to set up than DVR systems
- NVR systems are more scalable than DVR systems
- NVR systems can use both wired and wireless cameras
- NVR systems use a single cable for power, internet, audio, and video signals.
- NVR systems can record audio along with video recording
- NVR systems come with their own web interface
- Cloud-enabled NVR system allows more storage than a DVR system
NVR Cons:
- NVR systems can be more expensive than DVR systems
- NVR systems require more maintenance than DVR systems
- NVR systems are more susceptible to hackers and privacy invasion
- NVR systems have a shorter lifespan than DVR systems
- NVR systems are not as reliable for 24/7 surveillance since there’s signal loss and interference
Final Verdict: DVR vs NVR: Which One Should You Choose?
It really depends on your needs. If you need a simple, low-cost surveillance system, then a DVR system might be the better choice. If you need a more complex system that is easier to use and offers more advanced features, then an NVR system might be the better choice.
Similarly, if you have a smaller home or business with a limited number of cameras, a DVR system may be the best choice. However, if you have a larger home or business or you want the flexibility to add more cameras in the future, an NVR system may be a better option.
