What Is The Difference Between An Nvr And A Dvr; Which Do I Need For A Poe Security Camera?

Last Updated on iii Feb 2022

When shopping for a security organisation, yous'll need to choose between a DVR or NVR recorder. Whether you're a novice or a DIY security pro, you lot may notice yourself wondering what the differences are betwixt NVR and DVR systems. What are CCTV and POE? About chiefly, what is the correct selection for your specific security needs? Both types of systems perform the same role, but the divergence is in how they do it as well as the type of cameras used.

Understanding the divergence between DVR and NVR is essential when evaluating security systems. In this article, our security experts break down the differences and detail the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision.

NVR vs. DVR – The Basics

DVR-NVR

At the cadre, both NVR and DVRs are responsible for video recording. DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder, whereas NVR stands for Network Video Recorder. The difference between NVR and DVR is how they process video data. DVR systems process the video data at the recorder. Conversely, NVR systems encode and process the video information at the camera, and so stream it to the NVR recorder which is used for storage and remote viewing.

Every bit DVRs and NVRs handle the video data differently, they crave unlike types of cameras. Most NVRs are used with IP, or cyberspace protocol, cameras, while DVRs are used with analog cameras. It'southward important to note that a DVR based system is a wired security system, whereas NVR systems tin be a wired or wireless organisation.

DVR Security System – Pros & Cons

Advances in analog high definition within the last five years have reduced the gap in resolution betwixt the two systems. You'll probably notice that DVR based security systems are priced lower than NVR systems. The lower cost signal is an bonny advantage of DVR systems, but what are the tradeoffs? To answer this, we need to break down each of the components of a DVR organization.

Camera Type – Analog
The cameras used past a DVR system must be analog security cameras, ameliorate known as CCTV cameras. Most of the price savings institute past using a DVR system is due to the camera. While you tin can mix and match cameras in your home security system, in that location is less flexibility in the type of cameras you can use with DVR systems.

In a DVR system, the analog cameras stream an analog signal to the recorder, which then processes the images. The advantage of this organisation is the reduced complexity required of the photographic camera when compared to an NVR system.

Cablevision – Coaxial BNC Cable
The photographic camera connects to the DVR recorder via a coaxial BNC cable. Although the use of coaxial cable may not seem meaning, it does have some limitations:

As the coaxial cable doesn't provide power to the photographic camera, there are actually 2 cables included within one roofing – a power and video cablevision. The cables divide each stop to provide the split up functions. As such, you lot'll need to install your DVR recorder nigh a power outlet.
The size and rigidity of coaxial cables can make installation more challenging. The coaxial cable is wider in diameter than Ethernet cables used with NVR systems which can make it more than difficult to run cables in tight spaces. Coaxial cables too tend to be more rigid, compounding this problem.
However, if your belongings has existing coaxial connections for a previous security system, you can use the aforementioned cable to connect your new system.
Standard coax cables do not support audio. A variant that with an added RCA connectedness is needed but even with these a DVR has a express number of sound input ports so only a small number of cameras can record audio.
The epitome quality on coaxial cable will begin to degrade later on about 300ft/90m, which can limit the ability to which y'all volition extend your security presence outward. Lower quality cable will outcome in a signal loss at shorter distances.

Recorder
DVR recorders rely on a hardware chipset known as an Ad encoder, which is responsible for processing the raw data streaming from the camera into legible video recordings. DVR systems likewise have dissimilar requirements when it comes to the recorder. Specifically, in a DVR system, the user must connect every camera direct to the recorder. In comparing, an NVR system merely requires that each camera connects to the same network. Also, in a DVR system, the recorder doesn't provide power to the cameras. Each camera connection will demand a splitter that supplies power to enable cameras to function.

System Flexibility
DVR security systems are less flexible than their NVR counterparts in terms of camera type and mounting options. Whereas NVR based systems can integrate both wired and wireless security cameras, DVR systems tin only use wired security cameras. DVR systems also have less flexible mounting solutions, because routing coaxial cable can be more hard in tight situations and a power outlet is required for each camera.

Image & Audio Quality
As nosotros've discussed, in DVR systems the cameras transmit analog video via the coax cable straight to the recorder and images are processed at the recorder level. The analog betoken results in a lower quality image compared to NVR systems. Coaxial cables also don't natively transmit an audio point, and DVR recorders ordinarily have a limited number of audio input ports.

NVR Security System – Pros & Cons

NVR security camera systems comprise the newest technology to provide an enhanced, feature-rich security system. Likewise known as POE security camera systems, NVR based systems are more than flexible and complex than DVR systems.

Camera Type – IP Camera
Every bit NVR systems process the video data at the camera rather than on the recorder, the cameras in NVR systems are much more robust than their DVR counterparts. NVR systems use IP cameras which are standalone paradigm capturing devices. IP cameras each have a chipset which is capable of processing the video data which is then transmitted to a recorder. Unlike analog cameras, IP cameras are typically all capable of recording and sending audio also as video. The more than powerful hardware on IP cameras also enables improved smart functionality and video analytics, such equally facial recognition.

Cablevision – Ethernet
Like DVR systems, NVR systems connect the camera to the recorder. However, how they connect the camera to the recorder is entirely unlike. NVR systems use standard Ethernet cables, such as cat5e and cat6, to transmit data. Professional installers prefer ethernet cables due to the number of advantages compared to coaxial cables:

Ethernet cable powers the camera using Ability over Ethernet (PoE), which means your camera needs one cable running to capture video, sound, and power the camera, thus eliminating the need for messy splitters like a DVR system.
Ethernet cable tends to be easier to route and cease because it is thinner and has a smaller connector allowing for less drilling.
Ethernet is cheaper than coaxial cablevision and much more readily available, making cable replacement or organization expansion more accessible and affordable. Many modern homes and businesses are being built wired for Ethernet, making installation even easier.
An added advantage of Ethernet cable is that every camera on the organisation tin can transmit audio since Ethernet tin send sound data natively.
Cables practice non demand to run between every camera and the recorder. They need to be on the same wireless network. Installation is more than straightforward and cleaner as multiple cables aren't required.
Despite a shorter max Ethernet cable length, 328ft or 100m, network switches tin can exist used to extend total altitude without impacting image quality.

Recorder
Unlike a DVR system, the recorder in an NVR system doesn't process video data. That step is completed at the camera before it is transmitted. NVR recorders are only used for storing and viewing the footage.

System Flexibility
NVR systems are inherently more flexible considering security cameras don't necessarily take to be physically connected straight to the recorder. Instead, IP cameras only take to be on the same network. Every bit such, you could feasibly have cameras all over the world on the aforementioned network that connect to your NVR can then be viewed as a comprehensive system.

Image & Audio Quality
Every bit NVR recorders receive a pure digital signal from the cameras, video quality is amend than compared to a DVR at the aforementioned resolution. In addition, as Ethernet cables carry sound, all cameras with microphones could record audio to the NVR.

In Summary – DVR vs. NVR System

Both NVR and DVR systems record video data and are reliable. Although in the past the video quality of DVR systems lagged behind comparable NVR systems, today this gap is significantly lessened. The departure betwixt DVR and NVR security systems come down to the cost, how the data is transmitted, and type of cameras involved. NVR systems tend to take meliorate motion picture quality, every bit well every bit easier installation, increased flexibility, and native support for audio on every camera that has a microphone. However, NVR systems besides tend to be quite a bit more than expensive than comparable DVR systems, which is an important consideration for the budget witting consumer.

For people looking for a relatively straightforward security system, a DVR system will most probable exist sufficient, especially if your property is already wired for a coaxial cablevision from an existing security system. If yous need a top of the line, very flexible solution, an NVR based system may exist the best option. At the end of the twenty-four hour period, the deciding factor will exist based on the specific security needs of your property.