Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) record video and store it digitally for later retrieval. DVRs allow live playback of your video and remote playback via the internet. DVRs offer features like motion-triggered recording, calendar searching and backup to USB , CD, DVD etc. Traditional DVRs are available in 4, 8 or 16 channels, meaning they can record 4, 8 or 16 cameras. A 4-channel DVR is the least expensive, but means you are limited to recording 4 cameras. An 8 channel DVR allows you to expand your system to 8 cameras and so on. DVRs are limited to recording only the older style analog cameras.

Network Video Recorders (NVRs) offer all the features of a DVR but support the newer technology IP cameras. Image quality on an IP system using an NVR is vastly superior to an analog camera and a DVR (click here for example screenshots) In addition, many of the limitations of DVRs have been eliminated. For example, you can record any number of cameras from 1 to 50, and you can upgrade the software recording license at any time to accomodate additional cameras. You can also increase your storage capacity at any time by adding additional hard drives.

Although we still sell and support analog cameras and DVRs, we recommend an NVR solution. The Quadrox WebCCTV NVR supports both IP and analog cameras, and the Axis Camera Station Software supports Axis brand IP cameras, and analog cameras (when a converter is used).