What is an NVR Camera System? An In-Depth Guide
The NVR, or network video recorder, enhances visibility at various locations to improve safety, speed, and security. We are here to provide information about the NVR camera system and how it can assist you with management.
We will discuss the essential features of an NVR camera system, such as high-quality IP cameras, cloud storage, remote footage access, and more – to help you pick the right NVR camera system based on your requirements.
NVR Camera Systems: An Introduction
NVR camera systems function similarly to computer systems that record and store video in cloud storage, a mass storage device, or a hard disk. These systems typically combine with IP or digital Internet Protocol to establish a comprehensive video surveillance system.
The NVR camera system’s configuration depends on the number of cameras it includes. Sometimes, it can be a single camera, or the user can opt for multiple cameras for various locations worldwide. You can position the indoor and outdoor cameras anywhere in and around the buildings and other properties. NVR camera systems typically operate 24/7 and provide customization options. Their customization feature allows you to set up alerts for specific activities at different times of the day.
How Do NVR Camera Systems Function?
NVR (Network Video Recorder) camera systems collect and store video footage from network-connected cameras via an IP network, allowing for remote monitoring and replay. They have three major components – an NVR, a camera, and a network. Here is how they work when integrated:
NVRs
The NVR is vital to the whole NVR camera setup. It’s important to remember, that the NVR is not the camera. NVR devices can have hard drives, but they may also have cloud storage or a system that runs in the cloud.
For the most part, an NVR camera system does the same thing. They are in charge of getting the video recording over a network data link and saving it. Thus, users can watch the footage later. The NVR also has more than one Ethernet port, making it easier to connect more than one camera. An 8-channel NVR, for example, can handle eight cameras.
Camera
There are a variety of security cameras available in the market. This variety includes analog cameras and wireless WiFi cameras. Wi-Fi cameras serve domestic purposes, as opposed to commercial needs, while analog cameras are considered outdated and provide images with lower resolution. However, users commonly combine NVRs with IP cameras. When connected via Ethernet, users commonly refer to IP cameras as PoE or Power over Ethernet cameras. The Ethernet cables offer double assistance to the NVR system by supplying power and supporting the transfer of data. For this reason, the system installation becomes more effective and efficient.
Network
Users can use both wireless and wired connections to connect the NVR and IP security cameras. Typically, in a wired system, the camera establishes a connection to the NVR using an Ethernet cable.
How to View Camera Streams and Recorded Footage?
Once the video from IP cameras reaches the NVR, users can remotely view or store it online or offline. NVR devices frequently come together with software that allows for the configuration of the camera system, starting, and replay viewing. However, NVR software on its own has certain limitations. An advanced video management system is required for more advanced features, including search tools and real-time alerts (VMS).
An advanced VMS, also known as an intelligent VMS (IVMS), can function as a single tool or as the software component of an NVR. With its many features, an advanced video management system (VMS) can help you make the most of your video system.
Benefits of Using Cloud-Based NVR Camera Systems
While cloud-based NVR systems might seem comparable to conventional NVRs and DVRs, they offer a major advantage over them. Cloud-based NVRs offer real-time access from anywhere on all around the day. The cloud offers easy management of video streams, sharing recordings, and reviewing recordings.
Let’s see more about how a Cloud-based NVR camera system is advantageous over conventional DVRs and NVRs:
Benefits of Cloud-based NVR System
The following are some outstanding benefits of a cloud-based NVR system that make it better than basic DVRs and NVRs:
- Cost-effective
Using cloud-based services can significantly reduce the upfront costs and costs for IT maintenance.
- Remote Accessibility
A cloud-based system enables easy access to videos and camera streams from any device, anywhere, and at any time.
- Scalable
It is possible to scale up the cloud storage to additional cameras or more sites in no time.
- Safe and Expandable Storage
The cloud encrypts the data after storage, providing complete safety as it eliminates the risk of damage, theft, or misplacement of your hard drive. Thus, there is complete safety of the data as there is no risk of getting your hard drive damaged, stolen, or misplaced. Moreover, the owner controls who can access the stored data.
Difference Between a DVR Security System and a Cloud-based NVR System
A DVR or Digital Video Recorder is a system that connects with the analog camera with the help of a wire; thus, it is a wired system. People also refer to the DVR system as CCTV or closed circuit television. Using any device, anytime, and from anywhere, users can easily access videos and camera streams with a cloud-based system. Even though DVR security systems tend to be cheaper than the NVR system.
Moreover, there are a few drawbacks of the DVR system as well. For instance, there is no flexibility in operations with DVR as there is a requirement for the outlet for CCTV cameras to be plugged in. Thus, there are restrictions on the positioning of the DVRs. The other major limitation of the DVR system is the availability of less space for storage. The owner faces restrictions to use the particular space and hardware they chose as there is no option for expansion in the storage limit.
Which One is Better, Cloud NVR or On-premise NVR?
Every NVR is not similar to or the same as the Cloud-based NVR. Cloud-based NVR camera systems offer the major benefit of offloading upkeep from IT to the cloud. The supplier handles all firmware updates, patches, and repairs. PoE NVRs on-premise still constitute hardware devices that need to have their hardware and software maintained. Additionally, even though you might be able to view footage from a distance, you’ll probably need to use a VPN to gain access to your local network. A conventional NVR connects to all cameras as well. In the event of an issue, it becomes a single point of failure. The cloud, on the other hand, provides several access points.
Features to Consider Before Choosing an NVR Camera System
Currently, the market has a variety of NVR Camera System providers. However, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered before deciding on the NVR Camera System that you are going to use in your vehicle. The following are the features that one should look for in NVR Camera Systems to make the right choice:
Cloud-Based
A cloud-based NVR is preferable to an on-premise NVR if you want the convenience of watching the footage. Managers can get access to all cameras and footage from any location, and any time, with the help of cloud-based videos. Also, a cloud-based NVR offers all the standard cloud advantages, such as managed infrastructure, flexibility through application customization, and automatic firmware and software updates that keep users up to date with the latest changes in the technology.
Easy Transfer of Footage
You can keep an eye on the safety and security of your workplace with the help of surveillance camera systems. However, before making the decision, make sure that you can export and share clips of recorded video to the appropriate parties or outside authorities in case something goes wrong without any difficulties. Choose a system where the process of sharing clips is simple and takes less time.
For example, you can export the video and alert your security team if you see someone not permitted on your property immediately if the system has a simplified process of sharing videos.
An Extensive Cloud Library to Save Recorded Videos
Security cameras generate a lot of data because they record everyday movements. The NVR security system may remove older videos to make space for new videos. Check whether the service provider can provide access to a cloud library where you can store videos or clips permanently to prevent having your footage destroyed or not. Storing recorded videos in a cloud library can help you retrieve them whenever required without keeping them in the storage of your devices.
Quality of Camera
To record crisp high-definition or HD video, you should look for a service provider who can supply PoE/IP cameras with top-notch features. Look for cameras with features like
- The camera should be able to record videos in high-definition video quality with a sharp resolution.
- It should be efficient enough to maximize video quality in highly contrasted lighting settings and use a wide dynamic range (WDR).
- A night vision feature is a must to make sure that the camera is recording videos even when there is little light on the job site to ensure utmost safety and security.
- Consider durability when selecting cameras, ensuring they possess an IP67 waterproof rating and an IK10 vandal-resistant rating.
- Advanced VMS Features
Make sure the service provider of your NVR camera system provides an advanced or intelligent video management system (IVMS) before making your decision. Advanced IVMS’s features can help you get the most out of your investment in a VMS camera system. Certain features are not available on every NVR camera system. Make sure to check out the following features in an Advanced VMS camera system:
Customized real-time alerts
You can identify and address safety, security, and IT issues more quickly, even from a distance, and you can set up real-time alerts depending on device connectivity, motion, persons, or inactivity.
Artificial intelligence (AI) search tools
Using motion detection, person detection, clothing detection, and other techniques, AI enables the automatic identification of appropriate actions in videos. With the option to search through footage by features like date, time, and motion detection, you can stop sorting through recorded videos and locate what you’re searching for more quickly.
Remote access
You can watch videos and look into problems without being physically present. View live streams of cameras at home, on the road, or in a distant location.
Mobile apps
View camera streams remotely and stay connected with the help of mobile apps. Check out from suppliers whether they offer apps for iOS and Android smartphones.
Final Thoughts
As we have already discussed, in terms of dependability and adaptability, the NVR security camera system is much better when compared to the conventional DVR counterparts. It is essential to update the capabilities of your camera system to prevent violations and safeguard your business property. The NVR IP security camera systems provide the best return on investment, regardless of whether you need an easy-to-install surveillance system that will last into the future or want to upgrade your current CCTV analog security system.
Installing an NVR camera system can help your business grow as well. However, setting up a security camera system is not an easy task. Selecting an NVR camera system made to work with external cameras is crucial for this reason. Yet, if you choose to install an NVR camera system, you can do so without replacing the current infrastructure. Instead, you can use the AI features of the NVR camera system with your current cameras without needing a significant new investment.