How to Choose the Right Security DVR

March 15th, 2024

Since the development of technology, DVRs have been widely used in CCTV systems in Charleston, SC. There are many brands of DVRs with high end unit or low quality unit in the security market in Charleston, SC. The initial decision to make is what amount of money you are willing to spend and whether you need a high end unit or entry level unit to achieve your goals. Here are some of the key factors to keep into account.

Number of Channels

DVR provide input for 16, 8 and 4 cameras. With a basic 4 channel setup, you can cover a large area by selecting a wider angled camera. However, you should not limit yourself to only installing four cameras. By going for an 8-channel DVR, you provide yourself with a room for future expansion. This can be quite beneficial especially if you find you have many black spots in your 4-camera setup. Having more channels available can be advantageous, but also keep in mind that have too many channels can also be a problem. If you are setting a security system in a small office, you may not require even a four camera DVR, and thus getting a 16 or 8 channel DVR can be a waste of money.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the size of the image being displayed or recorded. The most common resolution in the security cameras industry is CIF (360 x 240). Currently, the highest standalone resolution for a security is D1 (720 x 480). There are numerous resolutions in between. Resolution is essential since the higher the resolution, the clearer the image being recorded. A 4CIF image is four times clearer than a CIF image. Most of the lower end DVRS record a CIF resolution while high end DVRs record 4CIF and D1 resolutions.

Video Output

Higher end units come with a VGA output as well as a BNC output. Some highest end units also come with a HDMI output. Lower end units usually provide video output that requires the use f a BNC to VGA converter to view the DVR on a standard VGA monitor.

Audio Recording

Some security DVRs can accommodate synced-audio recording. Higher end units usually allow up to 16 channels of synced audio recording, while the lower end units only record one to four channels of audio.

Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of a DVR is an important factor to take into account. Lower end DVRs usually allow for one to two hard drives. Highest end unit provide a storage capacity of up to six or eight internal hard drives. The most advanced DVRs provide for redundant storage (RAID) configuration and FTP uploads. FTP uploads are quite essential for enabling the DVR to back up video to an off premises FTP server when an issue occurs. This might allow the business owner to retrieve video of an intruder who even stole the DVR during theft.

Frame Rate

Frame rate refers to the number of frames a DVR can record at given resolution each second. Real time is usually 30 frames per second. Therefore, to record real time video on 16 channels, you need a unit that records up to 480 frames per second (FPS).

These are just some of the key factors to take into account when choosing a security DVR. With a good understanding of these factors, you will certainly find the right security DVR for your needs.