Professional Surveillance Recording
Choosing the Right DVR or NVR Security Camera Recorder
The recorder is one of the most important components of a professional security camera system. It determines how cameras connect, how many cameras the system can support, where surveillance video is stored, how long footage can be retained and how users access live and recorded video.
The two primary types of security camera recorders are network video recorders, or NVRs, and digital video recorders, or DVRs. An NVR is typically paired with IP security cameras, while a DVR is used with compatible HD-over-coax CCTV cameras.
What Is an NVR Security Camera Recorder?
An NVR, or network video recorder, is designed to record video from compatible IP security cameras. Because IP cameras operate as network devices, the NVR can communicate with each camera through an Ethernet network and provide centralized recording, playback and camera management.
Many professional NVR systems use Power over Ethernet. With PoE, a compatible Ethernet cable can carry both network data and electrical power to the camera, helping simplify installation and provide a reliable wired connection between the camera system and recorder.
Shop Network Video Recorders
What Is a DVR Security Camera Recorder?
A DVR, or digital video recorder, is commonly used with HD-over-coax CCTV cameras. Cameras connect to the recorder using coaxial cabling and BNC-style connections, making DVR systems particularly useful for properties with existing CCTV wiring.
Modern HD DVRs provide a practical way to upgrade older analog surveillance installations without necessarily replacing the coaxial cable already installed throughout the property.
Shop Digital Video Recorders
NVR vs. DVR: Which Security Camera Recorder Do You Need?
The most important difference is the type of camera technology being recorded. If you are installing modern IP security cameras, choose a compatible NVR. If your property uses HD-over-coax CCTV cameras, choose a compatible DVR. For a new professional installation, IP and PoE systems are often preferred, while DVR systems remain an excellent solution for existing coax infrastructure.
Choose an NVR When...
You are using IP security cameras, building a PoE camera system, planning a new installation or want an expandable network-based surveillance platform.
Choose a DVR When...
You are using compatible HD-over-coax CCTV cameras, already have coax wiring installed or want to upgrade an existing CCTV system without replacing the cabling.
Local Video Recording and Security Camera Storage
Professional NVR and DVR recorders store surveillance footage locally on installed hard drives. This gives the system owner direct control over recorded video and eliminates the need for a required monthly cloud-storage subscription for normal recording.
Storage requirements depend on several factors, including the number of cameras, camera resolution, frame rate, compression settings, recording schedule and the number of days you want to retain video. A system recording continuously will typically require more storage than a system configured primarily for event-based recording.
24/7, Motion and Event-Based Video Recording
Depending on the recorder and camera combination, a surveillance system can be configured for continuous recording, scheduled recording, motion-triggered recording or supported intelligent event recording. This flexibility makes it possible to balance video retention, hard-drive usage and the needs of each camera location.
Remote Viewing from Phones, Tablets and Computers
Compatible security camera recorders can provide authorized remote access to live cameras and recorded surveillance footage from supported smartphones, tablets and computers. This allows business owners, property managers and homeowners to monitor locations even when they are away from the recorder.
Choosing the Right Number of Recorder Channels
Recorder channel count determines how many compatible cameras the recorder can support. It is usually smart to select a recorder with more channels than the number of cameras being installed today so there is room for future expansion.
4–8 Channels
Smaller offices, homes, shops and compact properties.
16 Channels
Mid-size businesses, restaurants, retail locations and larger homes.
32 Channels
Warehouses, commercial buildings and larger surveillance installations.
64+ Channels
Large facilities and multi-camera commercial or enterprise deployments.
Important Security Camera Recorder Features
✓ Local hard-drive video storage
✓ Continuous or scheduled recording
✓ Motion and supported event recording
✓ Live viewing and video playback
✓ Remote access from compatible devices
✓ Multiple camera channel options
✓ Expandable recording capacity
✓ No required monthly cloud fees
Shop Recorders and Compatible Security Cameras
DVR & NVR Security Camera Recorder FAQs
What is the difference between a DVR and an NVR?
An NVR is generally used with IP security cameras, while a DVR is generally used with compatible HD-over-coax CCTV cameras.
What does an NVR do?
An NVR manages and records compatible network-based IP cameras, stores surveillance footage and provides centralized access to live and recorded video.
Can I use an NVR with PoE security cameras?
Yes, when the cameras and NVR are compatible. PoE NVRs can provide network connectivity and power to compatible IP cameras over Ethernet cabling.
How much storage does a security camera recorder need?
Storage needs depend on camera count, resolution, frame rate, compression, recording schedule and how many days of surveillance footage you want to retain.
Can I watch my cameras remotely through the recorder?
Compatible NVR and DVR systems can provide authorized remote live viewing and playback through supported phones, tablets and computers.
Do NVRs and DVRs require monthly fees?
Local recording to the recorder's installed hard drives does not require a monthly cloud-storage subscription for standard surveillance recording.
Should I buy a recorder with extra camera channels?
It is often useful to leave unused channels available so compatible security cameras can be added later without replacing the recorder.
Need Help Choosing the Right Security Camera Recorder?
Tell us which cameras you have, how many cameras you need to record and how long you want to keep footage. We can help match the right NVR or DVR, channel count and storage capacity to your surveillance system.
Call 888-653-2288
No Monthly Fees • Professional NVR & DVR Recorders • 3-Year Warranty • Lifetime U.S. Support
