Security Camera Recorders for IP, PoE and CCTV Systems
Shop professional NVR and DVR security camera recorders with private hard-drive storage, continuous or motion recording, playback, remote viewing and no required monthly fees. Choose a SureVision NVR for IP and PoE cameras or an HD CCTV DVR when using compatible coaxial camera wiring.
24/7 RecordingContinuous or motion-based storage
Private Local StorageYour surveillance footage stays local
Free Remote ViewingPhone, tablet and computer access
No Monthly FeesNo required cloud subscription
Recommended for Most New Installations
SureVision NVR Recorders
Choose an NVR when using IP or PoE security cameras. NVRs are the preferred platform for most modern wired systems, supporting high-resolution video, advanced camera features and easier long-term expansion.
Choose a DVR for HD-over-coax and compatible CCTV cameras. DVRs are often the most practical upgrade when a property already has coaxial camera wiring installed and you want to improve video quality without replacing the cable infrastructure.
Not sure whether you need an NVR or DVR? Ethernet / PoE cameras generally use an NVR. BNC / coax cameras generally use a DVR. Call 888-653-2288
Choose a Recorder by Channel Capacity
Recorder channels determine how many cameras the recorder can support. Choose enough capacity for your current system while leaving room for future expansion.
4
4-Channel
Compact systems with up to four cameras.
8
8-Channel
Popular for homes and smaller properties.
16
16-Channel
Flexible capacity for growing systems.
32
32-Channel
Designed for larger business surveillance.
64
64-Channel
Enterprise-scale IP camera management.
Professional Recording Without Subscription Fees
Manage live video, recorded footage and remote access from one recorder while maintaining local ownership of your surveillance video.
Record
24/7 Local Storage
Record continuously or by motion to an installed surveillance hard drive.
View
Free Remote Access
View live cameras and recorded video from compatible phones and computers.
Review
Playback & Export
Search events, review recorded footage and export important video clips.
Expand
Flexible Storage
Select storage capacity based on camera count and desired recording retention.
Complete Your Recorder-Based Security Camera System
A security camera recorder is the central part of a professionally wired surveillance system. It receives video from connected cameras, stores recorded footage on an internal hard drive and provides access to live and recorded video from a monitor, smartphone, tablet or computer.
CCTV Security Pros offers both NVR recorders for IP and PoE security cameras and DVR recorders for HD-over-coax and compatible CCTV cameras. Both technologies provide local video storage, remote viewing and professional recording without a required cloud subscription.
Security Camera Recorder Buying Guide
Need Help Choosing the Best NVR or DVR?
Your recorder is the heart of your surveillance system. Learn how to choose the right security camera recorder, compare NVR and DVR options, and understand which recorder works best for IP cameras, PoE cameras, CCTV cameras, NVR camera systems and DVR camera systems.
This guide covers recorder channels, local hard-drive storage, remote viewing, camera compatibility, NVR systems, DVR systems and how to avoid buying the wrong recorder for your cameras.
The correct recorder depends primarily on the type of security cameras and cabling used throughout the property.
Comparison
NVR Recorder
DVR Recorder
Camera technology
IP and PoE security cameras
HD-over-coax and compatible analog CCTV cameras
Common cable
Ethernet network cable
Coaxial cable with BNC connectors
Best application
Most new professional installations
Existing properties with reusable coax wiring
Camera connection
Cameras connect through a network or built-in PoE ports
Cameras connect directly through BNC video inputs
Video resolution
Supports HD, 4K and higher-resolution IP cameras
Supports compatible HD and 4K coax cameras
Monthly fees
No required monthly recording fee
No required monthly recording fee
How to Select a Security Camera Recorder
Consider camera technology, channel capacity, hard-drive storage and remote viewing requirements before selecting a recorder.
1
Match the Camera Technology
Use an NVR for IP or PoE cameras. Use a DVR for compatible HD-over-coax cameras connected with BNC cabling.
2
Choose Enough Channels
Recorder capacity determines the maximum number of cameras supported. Leave extra channels available for future expansion.
3
Plan Hard-Drive Storage
Storage needs depend on camera count, resolution, frame rate, recording schedule and the number of days footage must be retained.
4
Confirm Compatibility
Confirm supported resolution, camera protocol, channel type and recorder capacity before adding a recorder to an existing system.
Keep Your Video Locally
Security Camera Recorder Hard-Drive Storage
NVR and DVR recorders store surveillance footage on internal hard drives instead of requiring ongoing cloud storage payments. Larger drives provide longer recording retention, while motion-based recording can reduce storage consumption compared with continuous recording.
Security Camera Recorder Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about NVRs, DVRs, recording capacity and surveillance video storage.
What does a security camera recorder do?
A security camera recorder receives video from connected cameras, saves the footage to an internal hard drive and provides tools for live viewing, playback, searching and exporting recorded video.
Do I need an NVR or a DVR?
You generally need an NVR for IP or PoE cameras using Ethernet cable. You generally need a DVR for HD-over-coax or analog CCTV cameras using coaxial cable and BNC connectors.
How many channels should my recorder have?
Select a recorder with at least one channel for every camera. Choosing additional channels allows cameras to be added later without replacing the recorder.
Do security camera recorders require monthly fees?
Our professional NVR and DVR systems store video locally and do not require a monthly recording subscription. Internet service may still be needed for remote viewing outside the property.
How long will a recorder store security camera footage?
Retention time varies based on hard-drive size, camera count, video resolution, frame rate and whether the system records continuously or only when motion is detected.
Can I view my recorder remotely?
Compatible recorders support remote viewing from smartphones, tablets and computers when the recorder is connected to an internet-enabled network and properly configured.
Can I use a new recorder with my existing cameras?
Possibly, but compatibility depends on the camera technology, resolution, wiring, video format and recorder specifications. Contact CCTV Security Pros before purchasing a replacement recorder for an existing system.
Need Help Choosing?
Get the Right Recorder for Your Cameras and Property
Our USA-based team can help identify the correct NVR or DVR, channel capacity and storage configuration for a new or existing surveillance system.