What is NVR in CCTV

Installing a CCTV system at your homes and offices is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It safeguards your properties against theft and shields them from a variety of possible threats and intrusions.

However, for choosing the right CCTV solution, you first need to determine which type of recorder you need, which makes you wonder what NVR is.

In this article, we'll cover all you need to know about what an NVR is in CCTV, how CCTV works, how NVRs differ from DVRs, and how to pick the best NVR camera system.

Part 1: What is an NVR?

When purchasing a CCTV system, the type of recorder you select determines the other components you'll need, such as the types of cameras and whether or not an internet connection is necessary.

A network video recorder (NVR) is a specialised device that stores digital security video surveillance footage on a hard drive or in the cloud. NVRs don’t need to process and encode the video footage; the wireless IP camera will handle it instead and send it to the NVR via an Ethernet cable or WiFi network. So, you do not need to worry about the video degradation issue.

Part 2: How Does an NVR CCTV System Work?

After understanding the meaning of NVR. Here’s how an NVR camera system works:

1. Capture Footage

High-quality video footage is first captured by IP (Internet Protocol) cameras. Most of these cameras have intelligent features like motion detection and audio recording.

2. Transmit Footage

After that, Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables transmit the video over a network. Most systems use PoE as it lets one cable carry both power and data. The video is already encoded by the camera before it is sent to the NVR.

3. Store Footage

Depending on your system configuration and storage preferences, the NVR stores the video either locally on a connected or built-in hard drive or remotely using a cloud storage solution.

4. Access Footage

Now that the videos are securely stored, you can use different methods to access the footage:

• Direct Access: Connect the NVR to a TV or monitor via HDMI/VGA.
• Remote Access: Use the NVR brand’s mobile app or web browser after enabling remote access.
• Software Access: Some require installingdedicated software on a computer to view live or recorded footage.

Part 3: NVR vs DVR: What’s the Difference?

Not all CCTV systems come with NVR; some use DVR instead. You don’t want to install the wrong camera system for your property. The table below summarizes the main differences between Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and Digital Video Recorders (DVRs).

Which One Is a Better Option?

An NVR system is a good option if you want modern features and higher-quality images. It is also simple to set up with Ethernet or WiFi.

However, a DVR system might be a better option if you want something less expensive and don't require internet to have the CCTV function.

Part 4: Benefits of Using an NVR CCTV System

Some of the benefits of an NVR include:

PoE-Simplified Installation: Many NVRs support PoE, which means a single cable can manage both data and power for every camera. This clears up clutter and makes it easier to scale the system.

Scalability and Flexibility: NVR systems can be easily expanded as you can add more cameras, which doesn't usually require any rewiring or hardware changes.

AI Features: NVR security systems come with advanced features like motion detection and facial recognition, which can identify faces and detect movement. This can help improve security and reduce false alerts.

High-Quality Video: The quality of video recorded by an NVR camera system is clearer than that of analogue systems. The videos are typically recorded at high resolutions of up to 4K.

Centralized Management: You can view live feeds and recorded video from anywhere, anytime, with a desktop interface or a mobile app.

Part 5: How to Choose the Right NVR System

Here's a short guide to help you pick the right NVR system:

Number of Channels Supported: Each channel on an NVR connects to a single camera. For example, an 8-channel system supports 8 cameras. If you plan to expand coverage later on, choose a recorder with more channels

Video Quality: Look for an NVR system that provides clear and crisp video so you can identify details in case an accident occurs. Try to choose cameras that have at least 1080p HD along with night vision. For the best video results, 4K resolution is the ideal option.

Storage Capacity: Each NVR system comes with its own storage capacity. Consider how much you'll need based on the number of cameras installed and how long you want to keep the videos for. Some NVRs even let you increase the storage capacity later on.

Here’s a rough guide to help you estimate:

• Small system (2–4 cameras): 1–2 TB
• Medium system (5–8 cameras): 2–4 TB
• Large system (9–16 cameras or 4K recording): 4–8+ TB

Local vs Cloud Storage

You have more control and privacy over the videos when you use local storage because they are saved to an on-site hard drive. It's a better option if you’re concerned about data security and want to avoid monthly fees.

However, since cloud storage stores videos online, it's a better choice if you want automatic backups for added security against theft or damage.

For added flexibility, some systems allow you to use both.

Bonus: eufy S4 Max - Smarter Home Security for UK

Designed to provide UK homes with increased security and less hassle, the eufy’s upcoming S4 Max NVR Security System is the ideal solution for advanced surveillance. This CCTV system has all the features you'd need for your peace of mind:

• 360° AI-Powered Coverage: Unique triple-lens design combines wide-area monitoring with precise subject tracking.
• Seamless Cross-Camera Tracking: AI ensures no blind spots as subjects move between cameras.
• Proactive Threat Detection: Reacts in real-time with alerts, sirens, and intelligent threat analysis.
• Color Night Vision: Clear, full-color 4K footage even in complete darkness.
• Smart Video Search: Instantly find events with AI-powered search tools.

FAQs

Can I use an NVR system without internet?

Yes, you can record and store video locally without an internet connection using the majority of NVR systems.

How much NVR storage do I need for 24/7 footage?

For 24/7 footage, multiply your number of cameras by about 10 GB per day per camera, and then by the number of days you want to keep the recordings.

What happens if there’s a power outage—will my NVR still record?

No, unless connected to a backup power supply (UPS), the NVR will stop recording during a power outage.

Conclusion

An NVR records and stores video from security cameras and is more advanced than traditional DVRs. NVR CCTV systems offer better video quality, easier installation, and more flexibility. Plus, these work great for both homes and offices using IP cameras. When it comes to world-class security, the eufy S4 Max is a top pick, offering 4K video, hassle-free one-cable installation, and a local AI agent.

Related Blogs

Check out more articles about POE NVR CCTV system:

• CCTV Rules and Regulations in the UK
• What is POE Camera
• How to Connect Wireless Camera to NVR
• How to Set Up an NVR and IP Camera System
• How to Reset NVR and DVR without Password