The main difference between NVR and DVR is how they process video data.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of how NVR and DVR systems work differently, we have listed the differences between them in the chart below.
Differences Between DVR and NVR:
The primary difference between NVR and DVR is that DVR systems process the video data at the recorder, whereas NVR systems encode and process the video data at the camera.
| NVR | DVR |
|---|---|
| Process the video data at the camera | Process the video data at the recorder |
| IP camera | Analog camera |
| Ethernet cables or wireless | Coaxial cables |
| High FPS and high resolution like 5MP or 4K | Low FPS and low resolution |
| Newer & more advanced technology | Traditional CCTV systems |
| RJ45 ports for IP cameras | Coaxial ports for analog cameras |
| Video footage with audio natively | Mostly work without audio (RCA connection is required) |
| Cloud-based servers supported | Local hard disk storage only |
| More expensive (but affordable) | Cheaper |
Working with Camera:
NVR can work with IP cameras, including PoE and WiFi cameras, which convert raw video data format to digital signals and transmit it to the NVR for storage. DVRs can only work with analog cameras, which generate raw analog format signals.
Recorder:
NVR accepts data as a digital signal that has already been processed in IP cameras and does not require additional encoding. DVRs accept analog signals from cameras and transcode the original analog signal into a digital signal for storage.
Port and Cable:
NVRs usually connect to IP cameras via RJ45 ports provided Ethernet cables or in a wireless way, while DVRs typically have coaxial ports for analog cameras, which transmit analog signals via coaxial cables.
Image Quality:
NVRs are paired up with IP cameras with resolutions starting from 2MP to 12MP (or higher), which is not achievable with analog cameras in a DVR security system. Some security brands have produced 4K DVR security camera systems, but with improved clarity, the DVR system loses its price edge.
Audio:
NVRs are integrated with IP cameras with natively recorded video footage, including audio. DVRs require additional installation of an audio RCA connector to record sound.
Distance:
NVRs place no limits on the system location, but DVRs are limited by the transmission distance of the coax cables, which is around 300ft.
Cloud-Based Server:
Most NVRs can use cloud storage for surveillance video information storage, which is not available for DVRs.
User Experience:
NVR security cameras offer a simple setup process with the P2P function, which allows automatic camera detection in the LAN network device list and provides easy installation. DVRs require time to familiarize users with the system interface and offer basic and simple features.