Video camera surveillance systems have come a long way in the last twenty years. They used to just show grainy black and white images that had to be painstakingly saved to a VHS or other video tape that was either stored or recorded over.

Today’s video surveillance systems have not only come down in price, but images are now high-definition, in color, and have all types of low-light adjustments to ensure a clear image no matter what the time of day or night.

Business owners also now have the option of having the entire system be cloud-based, which allows them to access footage from anywhere.

But to choose the right system for your company, it’s important to know the difference between DVR and NVR security camera systems.

DVR Video Security System

The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is a hardwired system, an evolved version of the surveillance systems of old. All recordings stay onsite, and cameras are directly attached to the recorder via cables.

DVR uses analog cameras (not web-based/IP). While quality has increased dramatically over the years, this is still seen as the “old” method of video surveillance.

NVR Video Security System

The Network Video Recorder (NVR), also known as an IP system, uses the cloud to transmit footage from wireless cameras to a cloud storage system. Footage can also be transmitted wirelessly to onsite storage.

NVR uses IP cameras that are web connected and can have two-way communications with web and mobile apps, offering a building access control system without being physically onsite.

Between 2018 and 2023, the video surveillance market is expected to grow at a CACR of 16.14%, to reach $77.21 billion.

Pros & Cons of DVR vs NVR Security Cameras

While using the more modern video camera system may seem like an obvious choice, there may be some situations where companies choose to use DVR over NVR or a hybrid solution of the two.

It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each type of system so you can make an informed decision.

We’ll go through a variety of elements below and discuss how each type of security system stacks up.

Availability to Access System

When it comes to the ability to access your system from anywhere to view footage or adjust settings or camera angles, NVR is the clear winner.

• NVR: Because the system is web-based, you can access any of your cameras from either a web browser or through a mobile app. This makes it easy to check things like motion alerts instantly, no matter where you may be.
• DVR: A DVR system is self-contained and not internet connecting. This severely limits your ability to access the system or be aware of motion or other alerts during off hours and weekends.

Security of Data

One of the reasons that companies choose an analog DVR video system over a web-based system is because of the dangers with IoT devices being hacked. In this case, a DVR system does have certain advantages.

• NVR: Any type of web-based system is going to need protections put into place to prevent hackers from compromising it. IoT security is still lacking in some companies because they aren’t fully aware of the dangers.
• DVR: Data transmitted by the DVR system is contained completely onsite. This eliminates the issue with hackers compromising a video camera. However, if the storage system where camera footage is stored is an internet connected device, then that could leave a vulnerability.

Video Quality

Being able to see faces and potentially car license plates even at night is important, thus video quality in all types of light is a critical feature. In this element both systems are evenly matched.

• NVR/DVR: While DVR may have had quality issues in the past, technology has increased the video quality of both NVR and DVR surveillance systems. Users often get an option of camera resolution and high-definition (with higher resolution systems costing more).

Data Loss

Theft isn’t always discovered right away. Sometimes it can be a week before missing items or a broken lock are noticed, in which case, having stored video footage is vital to identifying what happened.

• NVR: Because your data is stored in the cloud, you don’t risk losing it if there’s a fire, flood or other natural disaster at your physical office. Cloud storage providers often use redundant systems to protect against data loss.
• DVR: If you’re keeping all your video footage in an onsite system, then you could lose all your recordings to damage or a hard drive crash. In the event of something like arson, you may actually lose the very footage that could’ve helped you identify the culprit.

Get Help with a Surveillance System That Keeps You Protected

You don’t have to give up any security with a cloud-based NVR system if you have help from Neuron Computers. We’ll ensure you have the safeguards in place to protect IP cameras from being breached.

Contact us today to review your video camera system options. Call 1-833-4-NEURON or reach us online.