NVR vs DVR

When selecting a Amcrest security system you will inevitably encounter two acronyms: NVR and DVR. While both record video footage, and act as centralized interfaces for viewing live feeds and managing recordings, they function on fundamentally different technologies both leading to distinct advantages as well as disadvantages. However, understanding these differences is crucial when choosing the right Amcrest system to fit your needs. 

Network Video Recorders (NVRs)

A network video recorder, or NVR, uses IP (Internet Protocol) cameras. These IP cameras capture video digitally and encode it before transmitting it over your network to the NVR. The NVR then stores the digital video stream to a local hard drive. Amcrest provides a variety of NVR solutions including PoE, which have built-in PoE ports and provide direct data and power to a PoE camera, or non-PoE NVRs which require cameras to have their own power source, usually from a PoE switch, to connect to the cameras over the network to the NVR. 

Some pros about NVRs, IP cameras usually offer significantly higher resolutions for typically more sharper and detailed image quality than a DVR. Having a PoE solution also simplifies installation and ease of use as it only requires one Ethernet cable to provide both power and data to a PoE camera. This also provides greater flexibility as IP cameras can be placed in more areas across your network and at greater distances than a traditional analog camera system. Some NVRs, depending on the model, will typically provide more advanced features as well such as facial recognition, smart motion detection, or other high end advanced AI features as well as remote viewing capabilities. 

Some drawbacks for NVRs are that they usually are higher cost systems when compared to DVRs, IP cameras as well tend to be more expensive than traditional analog cameras. Also, NVRs are heavily network dependent and must rely on a stable network connection to function. Without a stable connection, the NVR's IP address can not be obtained and will be become inaccessible if connected to other platforms such as the Amcrest View Pro 2 app or other Amcrest software.

Digital Video Recorders (DVR)

A digital video recorder, or DVR, works with traditional analog cameras. Analog cameras typically use a single coaxial, BNC connection, to transmit analog video and audio to the DVR. The DVR then converts the analog signals into digital format and stores the footage on a local hard drive. The cameras will require their own power source as well as direct BNC connection to the DVR. 

Some pros about DVRs, they are typically more cost effective systems, especially if using a existing coaxial infrastructure, and tend to be more budget friendly. They are also more simple to use and provide a more straightforward, reliable, set up. DVRs also have the ability to function off your network which allows you to view your cameras and footage locally without the need for a network connection. 

Some drawbacks for DVRs are that analog cameras usually deliver more lower resolution when compared to IP cameras. While technologies like HD-CVI, HD-TVI, and AHD have improved this, the overall quality still generally lags behind NVR systems. Also, running coaxial cables and power adapters for each device may be more of a hassle than Ethernet cables, especially for longer distances, scalability is also limited with DVR systems as it can be more challenging to expand the system due to cabling limitations.