Video Surveillance System Essentials – How Different Types of DVR Systems Work | With various features and styles, security cameras are now popular across the globe. Security is required in almost all industries apart from its wider use in home security. Other than cameras, which are the most visible part of any video surveillance system, there are other components involved in a typical CCTV monitoring system. Let’s have a quick overview of the mechanism first and then discuss in detail the DVR system, which is considered to be the heart of any security surveillance system.
Video surveillance components
Video cameras
There are different types of cameras available in the market now. Choosing one will largely depend upon your need and budget. Some of the best options available are:
- Wired – The hardwired surveillance cameras are the cheapest and conventional models.
- Wireless – new wireless cameras are a bit expensive but offer more flexibility regarding placement and readjusting.
- Indoor & outdoor – There are special types of cameras available for indoor and outdoor purposes. Outdoor cameras are usually sturdier and also can ensure better view in different weather conditions.
- Day and night vision – Some cameras have infrared night vision, which can ensure better quality images without additional lighting. However, basic cameras need adequate lighting to capture clear images.
- Hidden cameras – Whether to hide cameras or not will depend on your purpose. If you want to make them readily detectable, hidden cameras are ideal. However, visible cameras are ideal if you want to deter crime or other offenses.
Video monitors
For basic single-camera systems, it is enough to fix your regular television to view images. However, if you have a more complex system with the need for better quality video footages, then there are specific monitors for his. You can try buying Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displays of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) monitors. LED is a better choice regarding clarity and resolution.
Recording devices
Along with the other parts, you need a good storage device to save your video footages for further viewing. There are two types of video recorders available now – Digital Video Recorders (DVR) to be used with analog cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVR) in combination with IP cameras.
DVR is the most popular and largely used systems in home CCTV systems. While scouring the market for home video surveillance systems, one may come across several types of DVRs with different features and capacities. There is no need to worry, further in this post; we will discuss various DVRs to make it an easy choice.
What is DVR?
As we have seen above, DVR is a short form of Digital Video Recorder. These systems are meant to record video footages digitally and store it. Unlike the NVR, DVRs don’t connect to the internet directly. They function as a vital part of the closed-circuit system and connect locally.
How DVR works
DVR is primarily a computer which stores security videos on the hard drive. Majority of the cameras nowadays capture analog images. A good DVR converts analog signals to digital and then stores it on a hard drive. DVRs can be used to take signals from different types of cameras. With a standard DVR, there is no need for any additional switches or quads for Surveillance System Philadelphia to function.
Different types of DVRs
DVRs are available in various sizes. You can find these as small as pocket-sized and also larger ones like a standard PC based DVR. There are some DVRs which can be connected to the external network to view the footage through the internet on your cell phone. Three major categories of DVRs are:
- Embedded DVR
Embedded DVR is a stand-alone unit which receives the analog inputs from CCTV cameras and stores it in an HDD. The operating system and software are embedded on a chip, which comes with a built-in HDD storage.
Embedded DVRs run on embedded programs, which is restricted to local networks. These types of stand-alone DVRs are less vulnerable to virus attacks or intrusions by hackers. These are considered to be highly secure too.
- Hybrid DVR
This is an alternate DVR CCTV system which can accept inputs from both CCTV analog cameras as well as IP cameras. You can consider these for a better transition of the analog systems to IP-based video surveillance system. You can install both CCTV and IT cameras for surveillance. The ideal combination may be to install CCTV cameras at less vulnerable areas and HD IP cameras at high-risk spots.
- PC-based DVR systems
As you can infer from the name, PC-based DVR systems are integrated with your personal computer. This is small hardware which consists of a network card, motherboard, video board, capture card, and memory drive. The advantage of these types of DVR is that you can upgrade it at any time by expanding the memory and add more hard disks to it based on future requirements.
Finally, on understanding the various types and features of DVR systems, you need to choose the right DVR for your camera surveillance. There is no questioning about the efficiency of DVR systems. Based on your unique security requirements, finding the right option is the crucial consideration to make.
If you are new to this, it is ideal to talk to a professional video surveillance security consultant. He or she can understand your needs and do an on-site assessment to suggest the types of cameras and DVR systems. There are various sellers, and service providers in this sector and most of them will be willing to run a free assessment and give you a personalized quote for CCTV installation at your home.
While thinking of approaching a professional service, always explore multiple options. Next, compare the features and pricing to identify the best possible one for you based on your needs and budget. Some cameras and DVRs come with free installation facility or at a minimum cost. Also, remember to check for warranty terms and aftercare service before purchasing cameras or DVR systems.
