Both NVR and DVR are recording devices used to record videos onto hard drives with the difference that DVRs are compatible with analog or semi-digital cameras while the NVR is primarily used to record video in IP cameras. They appear to be identical but they differ in how they use cabling to connect to cameras.
What is DVR?
DVR stands for A digital video recorder (DVR) is a type of recording device that digitizes video and stores it on hard drives rather than videotapes. It is necessary to digitize and compress video signals in order to store as many days' worth of video feed as possible. DVR-based security systems play an important role in alarm verification and security assessment. The digital video images are stored on hard discs similar to those found in personal computers, with storage capacities measured in gigabytes. It offers a low-cost but effective method of storing compressed video files. They primarily record analog or coax-based cameras.
What is NVR?
NVR stands for a network video recorder, it is an electronic recording device that converts digital or analog cameras to IP cameras via a network server. The digital data is then transmitted to a network in accordance with the TCP/IP transport protocol and recorded by a network video recorder. It is a self-contained system that includes a computer, software, storage, and multipoint power over an ethernet switch. NVR is similar to DVR in that they are a plug-and-play device, but they are used with IP cameras rather than analog cameras.
NVR vs DVR | Difference between NVR and DVR:
- NVR stands for a network video recorder, while DVR stands for a digital video recorder.
- NVR is mainly used for recording data from IP cameras wirelessly over a network, while the DVR is mainly used for recording data form recording data from analog cameras or coaxial-based cameras.
- NVR uses ethernet cables as transmission cables, while the DVR uses coax cables as transmission cables.
- NVR has higher recording quality than a digital video recorder, while the DVR has lower recording quality than a network video recorder.
- NVR system setup is easier as compared to DVR, while the DVR system setup is tougher as compared to NVR.
- NVR is paired with IP cameras with resolutions ranging from 2MP to 12MP or higher, while the DVR is paired with analog coax-based cameras with a resolution of 2MP maximum.
- NVR camera cost is higher, while the DVR camera cost is lower.
- NVR signal stability depends upon the internet working, DVR is signal stability is independent upon the internet working.
- NVR needs higher operating costs than DVR, while DVR needs lower operating costs than NVR.
- In the NVR system, the wireless or single ethernet cable is used for power & data, while in the DVR system both the power cable and audio/video cable are needed.
- NVR can be placed anywhere with network access, while the DVR can not be placed anywhere as it is limited by the coax cable.