IP VIDEO RECORDERS
ADVANTAGES
TYPES
CAPABILITIES
Every IP video surveillance system is composed of three main subsystems, each serving a distinct purpose:
- Video Signal Acquisition: Cameras (digital or analog).
- Network Integration: Devices such as hubs, switches, and other network components.
- Recording, Storage, and Processing: NVRs (Network Video Recorders) or servers.
This article focuses on the third component: network video recorders (NVRs).
IP Video Recorders for Surveillance Systems
The key difference between an NVR and a video server (or PC) used in an IP system lies in their functionality.
- NVRs are standalone devices designed specifically for video recording tasks.
- Video servers or PCs require additional software configuration for operation.
Being a fully integrated device, an NVR has specific features that make it a practical solution for many applications. During the planning phase, users can define the following:
- The number of cameras the NVR needs to support.
- The primary tasks the NVR should perform.
- The type of signal and network used (analog or digital).
- Other specifications to narrow down the selection within a certain price range.
Digital and Hybrid NVRs
Digital NVRs process signals from analog cameras by converting video data into specific formats. Meanwhile, IP cameras compress signals into widely used formats before transmitting them over a local network or the internet to the recording device.
Popular compression formats include:
- MJPEG
- H.264
- MPEG-4
Practical experience shows that H.264 is roughly twice as efficient as MPEG-4, reducing network load and speeding up data transmission.
Hybrid NVRs, which support both analog and IP cameras, are ideal for upgrading older analog systems with modern IP capabilities.
BENEFITS OF NETWORK VIDEO RECORDERS
Compared to analog systems, IP video recorders offer the following advantages:
- Superior Image Quality: IP cameras deliver higher resolution and clarity.
- Simplified Installation: Audio and video signals travel through a single cable, minimizing the need for extra materials.
- Compact Size: Modern NVRs are small enough to mount on the back of a monitor.
- Real-Time Analytics: Advanced models come with built-in software for tasks like facial recognition, visitor tracking, or license plate identification.
Despite the increased network load, the advantages of IP video recorders outweigh this minor drawback.
TYPES OF IP VIDEO RECORDERS
IP NVRs can be classified based on two main criteria:
- Camera Capacity: Typically ranging from 4 to 400 connected devices.
- Monitor Connections: Some models support up to 4 monitors simultaneously.
When designing a system, consider:
- The resolution of the connected cameras. Higher-resolution cameras (e.g., 3 MP vs. 2 MP) require more processing power.
- Whether multi-monitor setups are needed for live monitoring.
FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES OF IP NVRs
- Analog Camera Compatibility: Connect analog cameras to an IP system using an encoder to convert the analog signal into digital.
- Hybrid Support: Some NVRs natively support analog or AHD cameras.
- Seamless Network Integration: Connect to the NVR locally or remotely for settings and updates, reducing setup complexity.
- Two-Way Audio: Enables operators to send and receive audio signals for communication or announcements.
- Alert Notifications: NVRs can notify operators of unusual activity via email or FTP.
- Motion Detection and Search: Modern NVRs can detect motion and allow users to search recordings by specific triggers, such as sensor activation or a detected event.
- Advanced Analytics: Some NVRs support facial recognition, license plate detection, or object tracking.
- Indexed Database: Search for records based on parameters like cash register transactions or sensor triggers.
BRANDS IN THE MARKET
Professional organizations prioritize reliable brands and proven suppliers. Some of the most trusted brands in the market include:
- Hikvision
- Dahua
- Axis
- Lorex
- Swann