When you think of a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), the first thing that comes to mind is more than likely the TiVo sitting on a shelf near your TV. However, a DVR doesn’t just record television shows. Specific types of CCTV DVRs can be used to record the video (and audio) that your surveillance cameras capture. Of course you have to own a DVR that is specifically made for this purpose.
The types of DVRs used for security are the PC-based and standalone DVR. It is a good idea to be familiar with the basics behind these when choosing a security DVR for your home or business.
Let’s take a look at both.
PC-based
The PC-based DVR can come in either a tower (normal PC) or a rack mount form. It includes all of the same components as your household or work computer, as well as a video capture card, or cards, which is the device that captures the video and audio from your cameras. The PC typically runs on a Windows operating system. This type is easier to upgrade and modify in the future. It also offers better video recording quality, more advanced features and can easily be integrated with your alarm or POS system. A PC-based DVR is good if you plan on setting up a surveillance system for large projects, such as casinos, banks and airports.
Standalone
A standalone DVR looks like and is about the same size as a standard DVD or VCR player. All of the software and components are built-in, and the DVR runs on either a Linux-based or proprietary-based operating system. Because a standalone only runs one application, it is less likely to experience software failure. These systems are easy to install and use, offer a variety of functions and are less expensive than PC-based DVRs. If you are installing a security camera system in your home or small office, a standalone DVR is the way to go.
As you continue to build your home or business surveillance system, it is important to compare between the two types and decide which will be best suited for your operation. After you have, come back and share your hints and tips about purchasing a security DVR by leaving a comment. Thanks for reading!
#1 by Sammy on September 10, 2009 - 7:10 pm
haha – it’s always funny when I get the “wait… DVR? I’ve already got one of those!” Explaining security to the grandma wanting to “monitor them dam kids” is always a blast.
#2 by CMB on September 16, 2009 - 12:46 pm
What is a proprietary-based operating system?
#3 by eburcham on September 16, 2009 - 5:11 pm
Proprietary means non-standard. Basically anything not running Windows or a Flavor of Linux.
OK, TECHNICALLY prioprietary means that the DVR manufacturer wrote the OS, and by inference means that it likely will not use common standards and play nice with other people’s gear.
#4 by Alexander on September 17, 2009 - 11:19 am
[quote]Because a standalone only runs one application, it is less likely to experience software failure.[/quote]
As a corollary to this, it is worth mentioning that, as a best practice, PC-Based DVRs should run ONLY software necessary for it to act as a security DVR… Otherwise you’ll bog down your system with unnecessary processes, and open yourself up to the same viruses/malware/etc that plague non-DVR PCs
#5 by treeDragon on September 21, 2009 - 5:02 pm
the technology is similar though right? with the right adapters and such, couldn’t you record a tv signal onto a cctv dvr, or a security camera onto a TiVo? (not that it would be a good idea, but just to prove the concept…)
#6 by Jeff on September 30, 2009 - 8:49 am
I personally like the GeoVision PC-Based DVRs. I have never had a problem with them and the amount of features offered is unbelievable. To top it off, GeoVision has a 3 year warranty on their DVR card!
If you are comparing Standalone DVRs with PC-Based DVRs, I would recommend looking at the GeoVision PC-Based DVR before any decision is made!
#7 by Craig on October 7, 2009 - 3:08 pm
true, GeoVision’s capture cards and software are top-notch. Be sure you buy a genuine card though, there are some shady dealers out there that sell fake/knock-off cards…
#8 by sreiland on October 9, 2009 - 12:39 pm
You could record a tv signal to a CCTV DVR or TiVo DVR… Just to prove the idea is feasible. Of course DVR’s specifically designed for the purpose are far more suitable and include many more features.
#9 by Keith on October 14, 2009 - 12:45 am
Can you exxplain why you can review recorded data at a higher FPS than what it was actually recoreded. And if you can review data at real time no matter what speed it was recorded, why pay more for a higher FPS recording speed.
#10 by Rena on December 14, 2009 - 11:30 am
That would be an interesting experiment for sure.