NVR Vs. DVR – What`s The Difference?

When shopping for a security system, you`ll need to choose between a DVR or NVR recorder. Whether you`re a novice or a DIY security pro, you may find yourself wondering what the differences are between NVR and DVR systems. What are CCTV and POE? Most importantly, what is the right choice for your specific security needs? Both types of systems perform the same function, but the difference is in how they do it as well as the type of cameras used.

Understanding the difference between DVR and NVR is essential when evaluating security systems. In this article, our security experts break down the differences and detail the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision

DVR

DVR NVR

At the core, both NVR and DVRs are responsible for video recording. DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder, whereas NVR stands for Network Video Recorder. The difference between NVR and DVR is how they process video data. DVR systems process the video data at the recorder. Conversely, NVR systems encode and process the video data at the camera, then stream it to the NVR Recorder which is used for storage and remote viewing.

As DVRs and NVRs handle the video data differently, they require different types of cameras. Most NVRs are used with IP, or internet protocol, cameras, while DVRs are used with analog cameras. It`s important to note that a DVR based system is a wired security system, whereas NVR systems can be a wired or wireless system.

DVR Security System – Pros & Cons
Advances in analog high definition within the last five years have reduced the gap in resolution between the two systems. You`ll probably notice that DVR based security systems are priced lower than NVR systems. The lower price point is an attractive advantage of DVR systems, but what are the tradeoffs? To answer this, we need to break down each of the components of a DVR system.

Camera Type – Analog
The cameras used by a DVR system must be analog security cameras, better known as CCTV cameras. Most of the cost savings found by using a DVR system is due to the camera. While you can mix and match cameras in your home security system, there is less flexibility in the type of cameras you can use with DVR systems.

In a DVR system, the analog cameras stream an analog signal to the recorder, which then processes the images. The advantage of this system is the reduced complexity required of the camera when compared to an NVR System.

Cable – Coaxial BNC Cable
The camera connects to the DVR recorder via a coaxial BNC cable. Although the use of coaxial cable may not seem significant, it does have some limitations:

As the coaxial cable doesn`t provide power to the camera, there are actually two cables included within one covering – a power and video cable. The cables separate each end to provide the separate functions. As such, you`ll need to install your DVR recorder near a power outlet.
The size and rigidity of coaxial cables can make installation more challenging. The coaxial cable is wider in diameter than Ethernet cables used with NVR systems which can make it more difficult to run cables in tight spaces. Coaxial cables also tend to be more rigid, compounding this problem.
However, if your property has existing coaxial connections for a previous security system, you can use the same cable to connect your new system.
Standard coax cables do not support audio. A variant that with an added RCA connection is needed but even with these a DVR has a limited number of audio input ports so only a small number of cameras can record audio.
The image quality on coaxial cable will begin to degrade after about 300ft/90m, which can limit the ability to which you will extend your security presence outward. Lower quality cable will result in a signal loss at shorter distances.