DVR (Digital Video Recorder) systems are traditional camera surveillance systems using analog cameras, coaxial cables, and a DVR recorder. The analog cameras connect to the recorder through the coaxial cables, transmitting unprocessed video signals. Once the signals reach the recorder, they can be processed and made available for digital viewing.

DVR and NVR surveillance systems use different types of cameras, shaping how each system operates. DVR systems use analog cameras that connect to a DVR using coaxial cable. The video signals from the cameras are converted from analog to digital by the recorder.

NVR systems, on the other hand, use advanced IP, or internet protocol, cameras. These cameras can process video data themselves, instead of relying on the recorder to convert footage, allowing for wireless transmission.

This gives NVR systems greater flexibility, as they can operate either wirelessly or with Ethernet cables. DVR surveillance systems are strictly wired – there are no wireless DVR security systems.

The main benefit of a DVR camera system is the cost. DVR systems are significantly more affordable than NVR systems, mainly due to the lower cost of analog cameras. This savings is especially appealing if you’re unsure about incorporating Wi-Fi into your security network.

If you have spotty internet, no internet, or Wi-Fi security concerns, a DVR system may be a better choice for you than a wired NVR system. DVR systems are dependable, affordable, and relatively straightforward. And, with recent advancements in analog high definition, the gap in quality between NVR and DVR systems has significantly lessened.

However, if you’re still looking for something more advanced or with greater flexibility, DVR surveillance systems may not be for you. DVR systems tend to have lesser flexibility, picture quality, ease of installation, and audio capabilities than their NVR counterparts.

The number of cameras, or channels, that a recorder can support depends on the specific model. Swann DVR recorders can support anywhere from 4 to 16 channels.

The Swann Security app for iOS or Android allows you to access live or playback video wherever you are. NVR systems come with a hard drive to locally store (usually up to 2TB of) data. There is also the option to back up some of the camera footage on the cloud.

Swann DVR recorders have massive 1-2TB hard drives, allowing for footage to be stored for up to one year at no additional cost to you.

You can permanently save images and video in your personal Dropbox account in the cloud, or transfer footage to a USB memory stick or hard drive for safekeeping.

No. There are no ongoing fees to install and operate your system and there is ample free local storage included with every Swann DVR.

Multi-stream wired surveillance systems typically require broadband internet connection at the premises where the cameras are located with upload bandwith of 2Mbps or greater.