Difference Between NVR And DVR Security Systems

The primary difference between these two recorders is how they handle data.

While a DVR system processes all of the data at the recorder, an NVR system is capable of processing and encoding the data before streaming it to multiple devices, including the recorder and remote viewing devices like smartphones.

The primary difference between these two recorders is how they handle data.

Advantages & Disadvantages of DVR CCTV Systems

Pros	Cons
• Easy operation • User-friendly software • Cheaper than NVR	• Lower image quality • Requires multiple cables • Installation is trickier • Less coverage • Doesn’t record audio • Distance is limited

DVR Cameras: Analogue Cameras

These are traditional CCTV cameras that are generally more cost-effective solutions that lack the flexibility and functionality of modern digital IP cameras.

They are simple to install and send a direct analogue signal to the recorder for processing. The advantages of these systems are ease of installation and lower overheads.

Coaxial Cables

As previously mentioned, DVR systems cannot be wireless. The cameras need to be connected to the recorder using a coaxial Bayonet Neill–Concelman (BNC) cable.

This leads to some key limitations including:

• The BNC cable does not provide power, so you will need multiple cables for each camera and weather protection for them.

• The cables are larger and harder to install in tight spaces.

• Standard coaxial cables do not support audio. You can get options with RCA support (another cable) but these audio options are limited.

• The image quality will degrade the longer the cords are, making this option unsuitable for large houses or commercial/industrial buildings.

Analog-To-Digital (AD) Encoders

All of the information being sent to the DVR system needs to be encoded before it can be made visible.

The AD encoder does this job, but this means that cameras need to have a wireless connection to the DVR system on top of an independent power source.

Advantages & Disadvantages of NVR CCTV systems

Pros	Cons
• Works wirelessly, or with a single cable • 4k or 5MP image quality • Supports cloud storage • Placement can be flexible • Advanced features, such as motion detection & auto-tracking • Records video with audio • Covers long distance • Few cameras needed for full coverage	• Lower image quality • Requires multiple cables • Installation is trickier • Less coverage • Doesn’t record audio • Distance is limited

NVR Cameras: IP Cameras

Wireless IP cameras are capable of sending data through Wi-Fi, which means fewer challenges in the installation process. The downside is that reliable Wi-Fi is required.

PoE Cameras

PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras only require a single cord as the power and signal are both transferred through an ethernet cable. They can only be used with NVR systems and eliminate the requirement for two cables.

Ethernet Cables

Using ethernet to connect your cameras offers a range of benefits over HD over coax solutions including:

• Higher resolution and zoom capabilities.

• You can replace multiple low-resolution cameras with a single high-definition solution.

• Power can be supplied through the internet, reducing the need for power cable installations.

NVR Recorders

The significant benefits come with the NVR recorders themselves. They offer solutions like uploading and storing footage in the cloud and streaming real-time HD footage to multiple remote devices.

They can connect to cameras wirelessly, are simple to install, and have become highly cost-effective in the modern age.

Should I buy a NVR or DVR CCTV system?

Advantages of NVR Systems

Higher recording quality

NVR systems utilise IP cameras, which are able to record both image and audio. They are also able to offer high video quality, typically between 2MP and 12MP with a real-time frame rate of 30fps.

As a result, NVR systems can better capture any intruders on your property, providing a clearer image that can be used to identify the culprit. Compared to DVR systems, the image quality of NVR CCTV is significantly higher and worth the increase in price.

Cloud storage

NVR CCTV systems are enabled for cloud storage, meaning that you can access the data recorded by the system remotely. The system can either be connected to the network wirelessly through WiFi or connected through a single ethernet cable for PoE (Power over Ethernet).

This allows for easier access to camera footage for increased peace of mind when you are away from your home or business, and is a valuable development from older DVR models.

Flexible installation

The use of IP connections and few cables means that NVR CCTV systems are easier to place and far more flexible. Whereas DVR systems are limited in their positioning by the length of coax cables, NVR can be placed anywhere provided there is a network connection.

This makes NVR systems the better option if you wish for full coverage of your property, as they can be installed in harder to reach areas such as your roof, garage, shed or attic.

Easier installation

Whilst DVR system set-up can be a bit of a headache for the inexperienced, NVR CCTV is far simpler to install and get up and running. Each camera requires only a single ethernet cable for power as the camera and recorder are integrated, as opposed to the multiple systems used by DVR. The ease of installation has made NVR the increasingly popular option amongst those wishing to install a security system onto the property.

Pacific Telephone and Data offers a full range of the latest NVR recorders and digital cameras from leading brands like Hikvision.

Call (02) 4922 7888 or contact our knowledgeable team, we are ready to help you.