DVR / NVR Servers
Our available inventory selections range from legacy Analog DVRs to Fully Digital NVRs and Hybrid TVI-DVRs.
Key Differences:
NVRs and DVRs serve the same purpose, recording and saving video surveillance footage. However, the design of each has specific capabilities to work with different camera types. Both NVR and DVR servers come in many form factors. Modern NVR Servers are built with a variety of design types. Choice of a Stand-Alone Console, a Tower Server, or a Rack-mount Server are available from many manufacturers.
DVRs are used with CCTV systems, commonly referred to as “analog” surveillance systems. Many legacy systems recorded video directly to VHS tapes using a VCR. Years later, (circa 2004) the more modern systems, called DVRs converted the video signal into a digital format, allowing it to be stored more effectively on a computer hard drive. With the introduction of DVRs. users were offered the convenience of remote access. This is now the standard with newer IP cameras and NVRs.
The Analog DVR –
Traditional analog DVR systems capture an analog video signal from each camera and transfer the signal over RG59 coax cable to the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). Each camera must be powered by a regulated power supply using RG59 Siamese cable which bundles the video and the power cables together. The DVR converts the analog signal to digital, compresses it, and then stores it on a hard drive for later retrieval. Legacy DVR units have lower shared “maximum” recording frame rates, which under regular recording conditions are shared across all cameras. (This may result in choppy video due to less frames per second being recorded.)
Many older DVRs are able to control recording schedules, motion detection, and digital zoom. Monitors for real-time viewing and play-back are connected directly to the DVR. Many can be set up for remote viewing on your internal computer network from a PC. Some DVRs have capability to connect to the Internet (with some firewall configuration necessary).
Seattle Video Security provides limited support for our legacy DVRs still in operation at our client’s facilities. We no longer sell these systems as they are outdated and can be replaced with the Hybrid DVR Server, which will accommodate older analog cameras.
The Digital NVR –
Network Video Recorder (NVR) units come in a variety of styles with a variety of features. They operate like a PC, using Internet Protocol, on the local network to send and receive data. NVR Servers are ideal if remote monitoring of your surveillance system from your computer, smartphone, or tablet is necessary. IP cameras are the cutting edge of surveillance technology. Installing an NVR Server as your cornerstone allows the option to integrate HD quality IP cameras, providing the highest quality video and many more advanced features. Most IP cameras will work with most NVRs. However, you should always check the manufacturer’s compatibility specifications or inquire with your system integrator BEFORE making a purchase to ensure all your products will work together properly.
The Hybrid (Tri-brid) DVR –
Hybrid DVR Servers are growing in popularity because of their versatility. Though, these Hybrid video recorders are being called by several different names as all the manufacturers compete to win market share. Confusing? Yes!
These innovative devices are compatible with both standard analog cameras and IP/network cameras. Seattle Video Security has partnered with LTS, (a HikVision reseller/master agent) to offer our customers the Tribrid DVR. This unique appliance integrates HD-TVI and IP cameras with legacy support for Analog cameras.
Buyer Beware! Hybrid DVRs can be misleading: The 4, 8, & 16-channel Hybrids are NOT really 4, 8 or 16-channel recorders. Get clarification before you purchase, as many vendors advertise them the same way. Check the channel quantity. It should list the channel quantity for each type of camera the DVR supports. Example: An 8 channel Hybrid NVR supports up to 16 cameras, (8 analog and 8 IP). Seattle Video Security will never leave you guessing! We will provide you will all the details well in advance of your purchase.
In most cases we will recommend you purchase your DVR/NVR Server based on future needs. Years down the road it will only be a matter of adding or replacing cameras instead of buying a new NVR and installing all new cabling. Depending on the size of your system, we’ll help you save hundreds, possibly thousands on the upgrade.