What's the Difference Between an NVR and a DVR? Let's Pick Your Next Video Surveillance Recorder!

An NVR vs. a DVR. What's the difference and which one should you choose? Well, you've clicked on the right video.

When you're shopping for a video surveillance system, it can be confusing to know exactly which products to get. This is especially true when it comes to picking out your video surveillance recorder. In this video, we walk you through the main differences between a Network Video Recorder (NVR) and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

As a general rule, DVRs are used with analog video surveillance systems, whereas NVRs are used with IP security systems. But the full answer really isn't that simple. There are quite a few differences between these two surveillance devices, but it really all comes down to this question: how does each recorder receive the surveillance feeds?

The biggest difference between NVRs and DVRs have to do with the video inputs. DVRs have video input ports, which are typically BNC connections. These video ports hook up to an analog security camera to receive the raw video footage from the cameras. It then does all the video encoding, processing, and analysis right there in the recorder.

NVRs, on the other hand, do not have any physical video inputs. Instead of raw video through a cable, NVRs take all of its footage from the network. IP cameras, unlike analog cameras, do all the encoding and video processing within the camera. It then streams its video feeds to the network, where an NVR can pick up the streams.

I hope this video helped you learn something about security cameras! If it did, be sure to give this video a like. Let us know in the comments if you have any additional questions!

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📋 Video Outline

00:00 - Introduction
01:34 - What is a DVR?
04:07 - What is an NVR?
06:20 - Which Recorder Should You Choose?
09:49 - Conclusion

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🔗 Product Links

🌐 IP Systems

🔌 Analog Systems

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[promacpic]

I just installed a Lorex Fusion NVR system with 4 x 4K bullet cameras, that I bought on sale at Costco, then added another 4 x open box 4K WIFI cameras that I bought on sale from Lorex. If you’re just looking for a simple system, the 4K WIFI cameras might be the way to go as you don’t need the NVR, just the app on your smart phone or tablet, but if someone steals your camera, you lose that & the video on the memory card too. That’s why I have all mine connected to the NVR. The wired cameras use CAT 5e cable, so I was able to snip the NVR end connector off the cable, drill a small 1/4” hole through my wall, feed it through, run it to the NVR, then cut to length & crimp a new connector on & test. I control everything through my iPhone app.

[JohnathanBach]

These are some of the best tutorials I've seen on any subject. Excellent work!

[PristineHealthServicesLScott]

Excellent presentation with all necessary details that a novice needs to know. With this knowledge I'm very confident I can buy, install, and configure a DVR camera system. Thank you!

[utterlyexiged]

IP is certainly not without it's quirks. In multiscreen live view via a local monitor (usually above quad screen) most will only display sub stream, whereas a DVR will display in main stream in multiscreen in 4/8/16/32/64 way. Also as you mentioned, accessing the IP cameras web front end remotely can be tricky when they are powered from the NVR's POE ports. however, most manufacturers have ports that can be opened in the router to allow the internal porting from LAN side to the relevant POE port, it can be buggy but it can save a site visit.

[ebstluv]

Thank you, for making everything so clear. Set it up, with no trouble. 👍

[Just_An_Idea_For_Consideration]

I am interested in knowing the processor type and processor speed on all NVRs and how much memory the NVR has, so I can compare processing and memory capabilities of NVRs when deciding which to purchase.

I would also like to know the user interface software on various NVRs so I can compare capabilities of the software.

If you could make videos or give a link to this type of info that would be great.

[stevehildre]

Excellent video and explanations. Keep these videos coming!

[deadpixel]

Thank you for explaining the difference...very helpful.

[HWrenMaintenanceServicesLTD]

Nice bit of info! We have a new install to do at a Surgery, we've always in the past installed DVRs but after watching this, we will definitely be installing an NVR system.

[neverendingseventeen]

Hi you for educating me, really appreciate it, now I know the difference, and it helps me to make the right choice between the

[TanBengQiao]

Just exactly the video i need to decide which system to get! Thanks bro!

[mandefrogebrehana]

Thanks for your teaching. From Ethiopia.

[gfkpdnd]

Braaaah. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to produce this awesome video

[Vodafonev]

Was hoping to hear more about the PRIVACY aspects of both systems. Since we are here for SECURITY, all I care about is how PRIVATE my system is and how my recordings are protected from being accessed by "third parties" (data collection companies, hackers, cyber punks, security surveillance companies/employees, etc.). In terms of data breach, there is an inherent risk in running network-based systems rather than analog (closed circuit) systems, correct? Probably the biggest "pro" of the DVR system is that it is CLOSED loop. Great info on this video! Keep it up!

[shojus]

IP cams are DEFINITELY the way to go! I highly recommend POE cams which makes it SO much easier to install and route the wiring. Thanks 4 the video!

[ndangwehenry]

Great teaching we use both depending what we see on the customers table all is well come

[nolanelie]

Very informative indeed. I want to know could i use a DVR setup for a church setup to feed into OBS ? ALTERNATIVELY did you do a video sendind a multicam Dvr feed into OBS?

[kaopanha]

Thanks you so much, you give me the best what's I looking for!!

[alex-sd]

I have an older Zmodo NVR system and I'm able to view each camera through the Zmodo app on my smartphone.

[kcav]

Very cool watching this video, thanks for the info!