The CCTV Blog

I get calls on a daily basis asking which I prefer, PC based or Standalone DVRs. In most cases I would have to say PC based systems. Don’t get me wrong, the standalone units are great for small budgets, but when you need to retrieve the data from one or expand your system…

Standalone DVR Overview

Several people want to use the smaller, less expensive DVR… and for good reasons. One would be cost; they range in price from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars. Also, they have all the operating system software written directly into the motherboard, making them more secure from outside threats. Some have a fairly simple menu and even use a remote control or mouse for on-screen navigation, too.

Overall, though, these smaller, less expensive units all have a few failing points. Since the standalone DVRs typically use a Linux based operating system, they are often difficult to link to a PC for backups, etc. Several have built in CD/DVD burners that allow you to backup your security camera footage directly, but you still need a PC to play the files. This is where the fun begins; you will likely need special software or video codecs to view the file on your PC! Sometimes the DVR will come with the needed software, but if you are reading this post because yours did not, I would suggest downloading the “K-Lite Codec Pack – FULL.” Once installed, that should allow you to play almost any video you will ever come across. If that does not work, I would say contact the manufacturer or check out their website to see if they can offer any insight.

The final “con” associated with Standalone DVRs is that they are basically trash if the unit ever stops working. Most of the time you get your money’s worth, though.

PC-Based DVR Overview

I would much rather look to the long term of the device I purchase. With a PC-based DVR, you have a lot more versatility and power, but also a larger price tag. You have all of the options that Windows gives you, and unfortunately the drawbacks too. One major “pro” is that you have the ability to upgrade the DVR to a more powerful system and add additional CCTV cameras later, if wanted. The added ability to choose a surveillance company’s DVR card and the options that they provide increases the desirability, in my opinion.

These systems allow for more reliable control over your security system and the ability to extract the DVR data, when needed, is easier. Larger companies, such as banks, schools and casinos, rely on the options given by these extremely customizable PC-based DVRs. Being Windows systems, the CD/DVDs that you backup to can be played on any similar windows system (may still require codec updates).

In summary, PC-Based DVRs can make surveillance at home, business or school easier to deal with, but they still have a few drawbacks, such as power cost, size and having to use Windows Vista in most cases. Overall, I prefer my video surveillance be done with a PC.

Questions or Comments? Don’t be afraid to comment on the blog or contact us directly. We’d be happy to assist you in making the right decision for your application!