The main difference between DVR vs NVR is that a digital network recorder (DVR) converts analog video into a digital format. However, the NVR generally works with digital video. These are both devices that receive surveillance feeds. DVR receives raw video data from analog security cameras. Moreover, NVR receives IP camera streams through a local network. As simple, both systems perform well with the same function, but the difference is how they do it and which type of camera they use.
After comparing the NVR & DVR security system, I would suggest you go out to shop for a security system. First, of course, you should take the NVR system because NVR uses a more advanced technology system – a wireless system. Other than that, it’s your choice what you take for yourself. In this article, we break down the difference, which one camera is right for you and the pros & cons of each to make your suitable decision.
What is DVR & NVR
As I know, you will know about DVR vs NVR, but we are going to describe more than that. So, DVR is a video recorder system because it has a TV set of top boxes from popular coaxial cable companies. However, the DVR security system of the camera is complicated to understand because it works on analog cameras. The working process of DVR is to record an uncompressed video with cables & compress the video to a digital signal before sending them out.
NVR is similar to the DVR, but it directly records the video from the Cat5 or Cat6 ethernet cable network with RJ45 plugs. Technically, Video signals are encoded and stored by a DVR, while an NVR stores videos captured by a camera.
The NVR has two types of network video recorders. A PoE NVR generally has Ethernet ports for connecting to PoE cameras, whereas a wifi NVR does not have any camera ports since it connects to wifi cameras wirelessly.
What Is The Difference Between NVR vs DVR
- DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder
- NVR stands for Network Video Recorder
NVR & DVR are both responsible for video recording, and the main difference between NVR & DVR is how they process video data. The DVR processes the video data at the recorder system. However, NVR systems encode and process the video at the camera and then stream it to the NVR recorder to be stored and viewed remotely.
The video handling through DVR & NVR is different because they require other cameras. NVR is typically used with internet protocol cameras, whereas DVR generally is used with analog cameras. It is worth noting that a DVR-based camera security system is a wired system, whereas an NVR system is wired or wireless.
Pros & Cons of NVR
Here are the following pros and cons of a network video recorder system. After reading this section of the article, you can make your own choice — which one you should buy in between NVR vs DVR.
Pros of NVR
- Video Quality – IP cameras typically offer higher-quality video at 30 frames per second (real-time video), with resolutions ranging from 2MP (1080p) to 12MP (4K). It is better than the DVR system.
- Wiring Installation – A single ethernet cable for each camera makes installation much easier than the coaxial cables required by DVR systems.
- Camera Placement flexibility –. The option to use a wireless camera or POE extenders makes camera replacement easier. In addition, if you want to place a camera outside of your house, you can place it.
- Streaming Audio Included – Ethernet includes the audio streaming system, which means a camera can deliver an audio stream to the NVR system.
- Network Connected – You can access your security footage because the NVR system is connected to the network.
Cons of NVR
- Low-Security Risk – Security risks are associated with NVR systems, however. It’s possible to hack into a system that has low network security.
- Camera Compatibility – Multiple IP cameras cannot be compatible with the same NVR system unless the same company manufactures them.
- More significant Upfront Cost – These advantages come with the drawback that NVR systems are often more expensive overall.
- Low Life Cycle – Components such as hard drives generally last only 3-8 years — less if they are NVR components.
Pros & Cons of DVR
Here are the following pros and cons of a digital video recorder camera system. After reading this section of the article, you can make your own choice — which one you should buy in between NVR vs DVR.
Pros of DVR
- Lower Upfront Cost – The majority of analog CCTV cameras are less expensive than IP cameras. Therefore, DVR setup has much lower upfront costs unless they are high-resolution analog cameras.
- Camera Interoperability – The main difference between NVR systems and DVR systems is that: NVR systems often require you to use the same brand of analog security cameras. In contrast, DVR systems allow you to use different types of cameras. Which may save you money if you need to replace one.
Cons of DVR
- Running Cables – It is more challenging to run the coaxial and power cables with a DVR system than with an NVR system because a Siamese cable is thicker and more rigid than a cat-5 cable.
- Lower-Quality Video – The quality of analog cameras and coax cables is constantly improving. However, DVR systems do not offer the same video quality or frame rate as NVR systems. Because a coax cable’s limited bandwidth generally allows most systems to provide 4CIF (704*480) at a frame rate of 7 to 15 fps.
- Limited Audio Capabilities – You can only capture audio from a limited number of cameras with a DVR box because audio transmission requires an RCA connection. DVR boxes also have limited audio inputs.
- Lower Coverage Area – You are limited in the coverage area of a single system because the cameras must be placed within 300 feet of the DVR box.
- No Network Connectivity – DVR systems do not have a network connection, making it impossible to access or manage your security footage remotely.
- Limited Supply – It is mainly outdated technology with a limited supply as several vendors no longer produce it. Consequently, you have to pay high maintenance costs.
How Does DVR vs NVR System Work?
Digital video recorder (DVR) system comes with coaxial cable hardwire with HD or analog CCTV cameras. Each camera is connected with the central recorder in the system through coaxial cables. In case the coaxial cable does not power supply throughout the connection. Then, a Siamese cable or nearby power outlet must also be used to power each camera. This is another common issue with analog cameras. The chip in the recorder encodes and processes the video. Once it is passed through the digital video recorder, it is more affordable according to the price.
The Components of the DVR System
The digital video recorder system is made from the following components.
- Analog Cameras – this system uses the analog camera, also known as CCTV cameras. They pass a raw video signal via recorder, but it has some restrictions on mixing analog with different brands.
- Coaxial BNC Cables – A analog camera is connected with a coaxial cable because they provide power. But it is known as a Siamese cable after connecting with another cable.
- DVR Recorder with AD Encoder – Analog to the digital encoder is used to convert the analog video signal into a digital signal. This encoding process allows you to view or store the video.
The network video recorder is a security camera system that has a modified technology system. Because NVR provides wired and wireless system technology. However, the power over Ethernet (POE) cable connects directly to the recorder that transmits video and power supply to the camera in a wired system.
The Components of the NVR System
The network video recorder system is made from the following components. That will describe which component of NVR vs DVR is good for choice.
- IP Camera – NVR systems use IP cameras that encode and process video data before sending it to the recorder. IP camera is supported local recording on a microSD card.
Now, there are two types of IP cameras:
- Power Over Ethernet Camera – It is a wired and ethernet networking cable. These cameras provide conveniences to eliminate the need for external power sources.
- Wireless IP Camera – These cameras connect through the power source and transmit video via a Wifi network. They have the capability that can connect NVR through a wireless router or network.
- Ethernet Cables – These cables are used for wiring a POE camera to the back of a network video recording. It provides video, audio, and power via a unit cable.
- NVR Recorder – The NVR recorder is only used to store and view footage, as video is encoded before it reaches the recorder.
Which Camera Is the Right One for You? – NVR vs DVR
You can choose your device according to your need because it depends on the camera you need. According to our research, the NVR & IP system is the most advanced future technology route system if you want to buy a completely new setup. This system belongs to the latest technology and generally provides more advanced features. Because of this, it is typically going to cost more than a DVR. IP cameras that connect to NVRs tend to cost a bit more. Whereas analog cameras for DVRs are usually less expensive for comparable systems.
The image quality disparity between analog and NVR systems used to be more significant but has since decreased. With an analog setup, your image resolution may be slightly lower. But depending on your needs, the lower price of analog cameras and DVR systems might be perfect for you.
The DVR system has more options for connection. So it is more likely to be compatible with the equipment you already have. It is also important to think about the setup and wires. The DVR system will always use coaxial cable. In contrast, an NVR system could use a cable like Cat5e or Cat6a or wireless using Wifi. A DVR is another great choice for an existing system if you already have a coaxial cable running throughout your property.
If you are putting together a new security system from scratch, an NVR setup is going to be what you want.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NVR vs DVR camera device receives surveillance feeds. DVR receives raw video data from analog security cameras. Moreover, NVR receives IP camera streams through a local network. According to our research, the NVR & IP system is the most advanced future technology route system if you want to buy a completely new setup. This system belongs to the latest technology and generally provides more advanced features. This article describes the pros and cons of the DVR & NVR system, so you make your own choice for shopping for a security system.
