DVR vs. NVR CCTV Cameras | Working, Features and Usability

What do you think is the hardest decision to make while choosing a CCTV camera?

Whether I should use the wireless or wired camera?

 This is probably the question that comes to your mind while buying a security camera.

There are two major components of CCTV cameras, one is DVR (digital video recorder) and other is NVR (Network video recorder). While purchasing your CCTV cameras, you have to carefully decide whether you want a camera with NVR or DVR system. Although both IP and analog systems are used for security purposes, they have different features and functionalities. From installation to usability both cameras have very diversified. In this article, I would discuss the main features of DVR and NVR, why they are different and what are the major pros and cons of using these security cameras.

The information provided in this article would help you to buy the right CCTV cameras depending on different security components. The CCTV cost for home in Lahore for both DVR and NVR are different, typically, DVR cameras are a little bit expensive because they are hardwired and you need for cables and extra equipment to mount them. You may not need professional help to buy CCTV cameras because this guide would help you to make the right decision about buying perfect CCTV cameras.

About DVR

Digital video recorders use with analog systems but they have many advanced functionalities than the traditional analog security systems. Unlike traditional analog system, it makes video recording using the hard disk. This system has the ability to store and process images, and you can also perform other functions such as controlling images, remote monitoring and recording. There are many added features in the DVR that are not available in typical analog systems that make them a better option for maintaining security.

About NVR

IP CCTV systems use NVR technology to record video footage. For storing, recording or forwarding the video footages, NVR uses video encoders. The smart features of NVR security systems fulfil the needs of advanced CCTV cameras in Lahore. One of the best things about NVR security systems is that they are easy to use, cost-effective and flexible. These are high-resolution security systems that can allow 720P video access. These cameras come with a lot of conveniences, for example, you can control, manage and view the video of these cameras remotely and most these cameras also provide a two-way audio recording. The DVR systems are highly flexible and easy to control, you also don’t need to have professional skills to install these cameras. You can use these CCTV cameras at home, offices and other commercial places.

DVR System’s Working, Features and Usability

They are Analog

The DVR systems work with analog cameras, most of the DVR cameras are hardwired that makes them less flexible to install and move. The DVR cameras used analog signals for the recording of CCTV footage. The one benefit of using DVR cameras is that they are less complex compared with NVR security systems. You can get assistance from online companies offering cheap CCTV camera installation in Lahore.

Video Footage Recorder

DVR uses the AD encoder to process the video data and create a video recording that you can watch on your monitor. In the DVR systems, all cameras are connected wit the recorder, no matter what are the security requirements. The recorder is not responsible for fulfils the power needs of cameras, in the DVR systems. To function properly, splitter is connected to all cameras to fulfils the power needs.

Cables and Wires

Here comes the most frustrating part of CCTV installations. I am pretty sure that no one wants to bother about wires.

Not very surprising, as it is mentioned above that DVR systems are usually hardwired and they coaxial wires for installing their cameras. The video signals in these cameras are sent through coaxial wires, below are some explanations of how coaxial wires work.

1.      In your DVR system, two wires are used, one for video signals transmission and others to get power. Because your DVR systems are depending on the cables, so you have to install it close to your main power socket.

2.      You can upgrade your security system using the same coaxial cables that you have utilized previously.

3.      Undoubtedly, the installation of DVR cameras is more difficult compared with the NVR cameras because you have to arrange all the cables and wires during installations. You can also get expert help to properly install your camera systems. If any of the cables wrongly installed, it can cause your system to have operational issues.

4.      Although you can get good video recording by using coaxial cables, you may not allow recording audios, for audios you will require an RCA connection.

5.      The quality of images with coaxial cable is good enough to improve your overall security. In case of DVR, try to use good quality cables to avoid any signal loss.

Video Footage Quality

One thing you must know before purchasing the DVR cameras is that they use analog signal through coaxial wires and the processing of images are done while recording. It is obvious that the image quality of DVR analog signals is not as good as the NVR Wi-Fi signals. Not just that, with DVR cameras you cannot record the audios along with your video footage.

Flexibility of System

When it comes to flexibility, DVR cameras have some limitations. DVR systems are hard-wired and you can not simply replace or move them. As compared with the NVR cameras (which can be wireless or hardwired), DVR must need wires to operate.  DVR systems are also hard to mount because a lot of time and efforts are required to mount them correctly. The CCTV installation price in Lahore is higher than the NVR systems.

NVR System’s Working, Features and Usability

Type of Camera

IP cameras use NVR systems to process the video data transmit over Wi-fi network instead of the recorder, the design of these cameras is minimalistic that make them less visible. The best thing about NVR cameras is that you can watch the video recording through your mobile at remote locations. In the case of IP cameras, the video data is first processed and then transmit it to the recorder.

You can ensure more security with NVR cameras because they not just record videos but you can also get the audios. Do you know what’s the best part is? You will get good quality images then DVR and it is very important to gather solid evidence against any misconduct. Because NVR uses advanced technology that makes them more powerful and effective to maintain technology.

Recorder

The rule of the NVR system recorders is very different from DVR systems. The main difference is that the recorders of NVR systems are not responsible for video signal processing. The cameras itself do the video data processing and you can store and views data through recorders.

Cabling

Say bye-bye to drilling holes on wall for the arrangement of wires. Luckily, the NVR systems are known for their no wire needs. it is true because most NVR systems are wire-free and some may use wire just to plug into a power socket. Although both NVR and DVR systems have to attach with the record, how they do it is completely different. Yes, there is no need for excessive cabling but you may need one or two cables. The expert technicians suggest using ethernet cables because they are more beneficial than coaxial wires. In DVR systems, you have to contact any CCTV camera cheap installation service providers to place cameras for you.

Following are some of the major advantages of ethernet cables.

1.      No need for splitters, just use one Ethernet cable that is enough to transmit video, audio data. Ethernet cable cables are hassle-free as compared with the coaxial cables.

2.      Allows better video data remission without losing the quality of the image.

3.      No one wants to create a mess in their homes, Ethernet cables are preferred because of their minimalistic design and small connectors.

4.      Ethernet cable is not just more powerful and easy to manage but you can also get it at fewer prices than coaxial cables. For home and small businesses security, you can go for Ethernet.

5.      The best part is, you can do it yourself, means no need for professional installations.

6.      Only one Ethernet cable would be enough for all cameras, no need to attach a cable with every camera separately.

Image /Audio Quality

Image quality matters, especially if you want to gather evidence against offenders if any illegal activity happened. NVR wins the game when it comes to image quality because in Wi-Fi transmission don’t lose any signals. NVR systems use Ethernet cables that are a plus for IP CCTV cameras. 

More Flexibility

People ask me, why I choose NVR IP cameras? My answer is: They are more flexible.

Flexibility can be a good reason to buy a camera. NVR IP cameras are way too flexible than the DVR cameras because you can easily move or upgrade them. Most of the NVR systems don’t even need to be attached with the recorder. No matter where are your security cameras are placed, even if they are at remote locations, they should be connected to the same network.