NVR, DVR and storage that never miss a frame
The brain of your CCTV system: reliable recorders and surveillance-grade hard drives, sized for the number of cameras and days of footage you need.
What is the difference between an NVR and a DVR?
An NVR (Network Video Recorder) records digital streams from IP cameras over a network cable and supports higher resolutions and AI features. A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) records analogue/HD-over-coax cameras and suits upgrades of existing coax cabling. New installations are usually best served by an NVR with PoE cameras.
Pick the right recorder
| Feature | NVR (IP system) | DVR (HD analogue) |
|---|---|---|
| Camera connection | Network cable (Cat6), PoE power and data in one | Coaxial cable plus separate power |
| Maximum resolution | Up to 4K and beyond | Typically up to 5MP / 4K on newer models |
| AI analytics | Wide support (human, vehicle, face, ANPR) | Limited, model dependent |
| Best for | New installs, large sites, future upgrades | Upgrading existing coax cabling cheaply |
| Scalability | Add cameras anywhere on the network | Limited by cable runs back to the recorder |
Recorder features that matter
4 to 64+ channels
From a 4-camera home to multi-building sites, with room for expansion.
Built-in PoE ports
One cable per camera for power and data, with fewer boxes and cleaner installs.
AI processing
AI-capable recorders add human and vehicle detection to compatible cameras.
Multiple hard drive bays
Expandable storage with RAID options on selected models.
Smart playback & search
Jump to events by person, vehicle or time, and export clips in seconds.
Remote access
Secure live view and playback through the mobile app and desktop client.
How much storage do you really need?
Storage depends on the number of cameras, resolution, compression (H.265+ saves roughly half versus H.264), recording mode and how many days you must keep. We calculate it for you and always use surveillance-rated drives built for 24/7 writing.
- Continuous or motion / AI event recording
- Retention targets from 7 to 90+ days
- Surveillance-grade drives, not desktop drives
- Optional cloud or off-site backup
Storage factors
Recorder series we install
| Series | Channels | PoE ports | HDD bays | AI support | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 | 1 | Human & vehicle | Homes, small shops |
| Mid range | 16 / 32 | 16 | 2 – 4 | Human, vehicle, face | Offices, retail, schools |
| Advanced | 32 / 64+ | — | 4 – 8 + RAID | Advanced, ANPR | Factories, multi-site |
NVR / DVR & Storage
Recorders & storage brochure
Series comparison, storage sizing guide and sample configurations.
- NVR vs DVR decision guide
- Storage and retention calculator table
- PoE and channel capacity matrix
Benefits of NVR / DVR & Storage
Reliable 24/7 recording
Purpose-built recorders and surveillance drives are designed for continuous writing.
Longer retention
Choose storage for 14, 30 or 90 days with the right number and size of drives.
Remote access
View and play back from the Hikvision app with secure, encrypted streaming.
Smart search
AI-capable recorders let you search by person or vehicle.
Built-in PoE
Many NVRs power cameras directly, reducing switches and cabling.
Data protection
RAID and spare bays protect footage from a single drive failure on larger systems.
NVR vs DVR vs hybrid recorder
| Recorder | Works with | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| NVR (network video recorder) | IP cameras over a network, often with PoE ports | New installations, AI features, higher resolution |
| DVR (digital video recorder) | Analogue and TVI cameras over coaxial cable | Upgrading an existing coaxial system |
| Hybrid recorder | Both analogue/TVI and IP cameras | Migrating step by step |
| Single drive | Lowest cost, one point of failure | Homes and small shops |
| Multiple drives / RAID | Higher capacity and redundancy | Factories, retail chains and long retention |
Use the storage guide below to calculate how many days of footage your drives will hold.
Explore products and guides
Recorder and storage questions
It depends on camera count, resolution, compression and drive size. We design storage to meet your target retention, such as 14 or 30 days, and show the calculation.
Many hybrid recorders accept both. Otherwise we recommend moving to an NVR so future cameras and AI features are supported.
Recorders alert you to drive faults. Multi-bay models can use RAID so recording continues while a drive is replaced.
Yes. Selected recorders and cameras support cloud or NAS backup of events and clips.
We use unique strong passwords, disable default ports where possible and keep firmware updated as part of our set-up.