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Some years ago, we experienced the advent of IP cameras and NVRs (Network Video Recorder) to which they were recorded on. Seemingly a good idea at the time, they were soon found to be highly impractical for most all video surveillance applications. Why? Although the cameras were physically easy to install, a highly skilled technician was typically required to configure the multitude of camera IP addresses and video streaming ports on the cameras and network firewall. Worse yet is the realization that recording to an NVR is completely at the mercy of network congestion, packet loss, and outages.
Understandably, for most business owners and operators, being able to remotely view both live and recorded video is of paramount concern. Thankfully, this may easily be accommodated by selecting a pro-grade DVR that features Remote Video Monitoring (RVM) of both live and recorded video. In addition, DVRs offer a higher usable recording resolution, a much easier set-up, and vastly superior reliability when compared to standard IP camera/ NVR solution. Why? CCTV cameras attach to the rear of a DVR, and not via a network as in the case of a NVR. As such, the recorded video may be of a greatly higher quality since it is not first being optimized for network streaming.
When dealing with remote camera sites, we greatly recommend the use of an advanced NVR / DVR hybrid such as the PC-Witness Pro , which allows for analog, standard IP, and even newer mega-pixel IP CCTV cameras to be recorded on a single server. Representing the absolute latest in digital video surveillance technology, only Hybrids allow for remote IP cameras and multi-camera video streamers to converge with analog CCTV cameras into a single, highly meshed environment.
How can a NVR / DVR hybrid help me? Let's say you have three separate business locations you wish to monitor. Imagine that building #1 is your main HQ, and home of a PC-Witness Pro series Hybrid. Building #2 is a warehouse where you have 4 CCTV cameras connected to a stand-alone DVR with Internet capabilities. Building #3 is actually your vacation home where you have a couple of IP cameras pointing at the lake. Being an advanced Hybrid, the PC-Witness Pro will allow you to record, view, record and set up advanced motion detection rules and automated alerts on all cameras, at all locations, on a single appliance. You will then also be able to view all cameras simultaneously from an off-site location via the Internet.
My suggestion – for small, single location businesses, be sure to choose a DVR that offers remote video monitoring of both live and recorded video. Whenever multiple business locations are at hand, be sure to select a DVR that includes advanced management software that allows you to view (and perhaps record) all DVRs locations on a remote PC. For the ultimate in advanced flexibility and scalability, go with a NVR/ DVR Hybrid that allows you to use a combination of analog and IP technologies.
