Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

“The best DVR security camera solutions offer additional features, such as

apps that you can download to monitor camera footage in real-time from any location, and support cloud storage.”

DVRs generally offer what is known as “D1” resolution. This is the traditional video quality used in closed-circuit television systems. D1 equates to a resolution of 720×480 pixels, which is considered a “standard resolution” that can be recorded and displayed on a playback monitor.

DVR encodes the video signal at the DVR, not at the camera, and is limited by the number of cameras and distance between cameras and the DVR.

DVRs must be hardwired directly to a limited number of cameras. Connecting analog cameras with a DVR system is done by directly plugging a BNC coaxial cable from the DVR into the camera. To connect more cameras to the DVR system, you need additional coaxial cables. Such systems are difficult to expand because once every BNC connection on the DVR unit is occupied by a camera, you will need to purchase an entirely new DVR before adding another camera to the system. (DVRs are typically sold with four, eight or 16-camera input capabilities.) DVRs also require that the connected cameras be installed within approximately 500 feet of the DVR, otherwise the video quality begins to degrade and may require a video signal amplifier.

Finally, DVRs may not provide power through the cable connections to the attached cameras, thereby requiring you to install additional equipment for supplying power to your cameras.

The best DVR security camera solutions will offer additional features, such as apps that you can download to monitor camera footage in real-time from any location (remove viewing), and support cloud storage. Other features include appearance search support, cloud-based storage, 4k ultra-high-resolution support, etc.

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