Security Camera Systems and NVR or DVR Kits

Channels, cameras included and room to grow

A channel is one camera input on the recorder. An 8-channel recorder can run eight cameras, so a kit with four cameras leaves four channels free for later. NVR kits record IP cameras, often powered through built-in PoE ports, while DVR kits use coax cables and BNC connectors. The resolution given for a kit, such as 1080p, 5 MP or 4K, may describe the cameras and the recorder separately, so check that the recorder can handle all the cameras at their full resolution.

Hard drive size and how many days it holds

Storage depends on the bitrate of each camera, the number of cameras and whether recording is continuous or motion-only. A 4 Mbps stream writes roughly 43 GB per day, so four such cameras fill about 173 GB each day, and a 4 TB drive holds about 23 days. Listings say '2 TB HDD' or 'No HDD'; the latter means you must add a drive, ideally a surveillance-rated one. H.265 compression can reduce the space needed, and the recorder's maximum drive size caps capacity.

Questions about Security Camera Systems and NVR or DVR Kits

Should I choose an NVR kit or a DVR kit?

Choose an NVR kit with IP cameras if you can run Ethernet cable and want higher resolutions and PoE power. Choose a DVR kit if you already have coax cabling to reuse. Cameras and recorder must be the same type, unless the recorder is a hybrid model.

Can I add more cameras to a kit later?

Yes, up to the recorder's channel count and bandwidth limit, provided the new camera uses the same system or a supported standard. A full 8-channel kit has no free inputs, so check the spare channels first.

Does the kit come with a hard drive installed?

Some do, with the capacity in the title, while others say 'No HDD' and expect you to fit a drive. Check the recorder's bay count and maximum drive size before choosing a disk.