Network video recorder

Simple NVR-based camera system

A network video recorder (NVR) is a specialized computer system that records video[1] to a disk drive, USB flash drive, memory card, or other mass storage device. An NVR itself contains no cameras, but connects to them through a network, typically as part of an IP video surveillance system. NVRs typically have embedded operating systems.

As a more flexible and serviceable alternative to NVRs, ordinary computers may be equipped with video management software (VMS).

NVRs differ from digital video recorders (DVRs), as an NVR's input is from a network rather than a direct connection to a video capture card or tuner. Video on a DVR is encoded and processed at the DVR, while video on an NVR is encoded and processed at the camera, then streamed to the NVR for storage or remote viewing.[2] Additional processing may be done at the NVR, such as further compression or tagging with metadata.

Hybrid NVR/DVR surveillance systems exist which incorporate functions of both NVR and DVR.

  1. ^ "Network Video Recorder | NVR and Video Management Systems for IP Cameras". Kintronics. Retrieved 2018-10-23.
  2. ^ "Determining the Right Storage Option for Video". www.securitymagazine.com. Retrieved 2020-08-19.