There are many factors fueling the migration from DVR to NVR, for example, demands for HD, the maturation of IP-based solutions, cheaper and larger HDD storage, and remote surveillance. The main drivers, however, are lowered price and technology standardization.
Affordable IP products from major manufacturers have helped to accelerate the migration from DVR to NVR, as it quickly becomes a lower cost option to install network cameras where a network infrastructure is already in place. The main driver behind the migration from DVR to NVR is standardization.
NVRs are starting to be used in more scenarios, especially with the launch of 4 and 16 channel units that look and feel much like analog DVRs. With a monitor output and a DVD writer, standalone NVRs make IP solutions easier for smaller installers and operators. It is now not uncommon to see 4 channel HD solutions in small high value retail installations.
Another factor is PoE enabled NVRs that allow for plug-and-play. The plug-and-play function makes everything much easier, which proved to be very popular in the SMB and DIY market.
IP-friendly infrastructure
Although many developing countries in APAC are still using analog solutions, new projects are gradually moving to IP. Why? The vast majority of new buildings utilize a structured cabling system designed to support all subsystems within, from telephones to building management. It is only logical that security systems also use the same infrastructure. In this case, the TCP/IP Networking Protocol along with IP-friendly building makes wiring, integrating, and managing much easier than old buildings cabling.
According to Sony Electronics APAC, worldwide NVR sales will certainly expand. Amongst all the regions, Asia's migration to IP systems is remarkable, and such a trend will reinforce the growing number of NVR sales. In addition, a recent take up of NVRs in SMB, as well as in home security verticals, has been observed. The key drivers are low prices and easy installation and operation.
Still using DVRs? Think again
Here are some of the main reasons why many adopt NVRs over DVRs:
* Higher resolution for each channel
* Storage capacity; NVR storage capacity is larger than any DVR
* Ease of management, NVRs can be easily managed via software
* High scalability; a single NVR can handle more cameras
* Cost effective:
- analog compatibilities
- lower cabling installation cost
* Future-proof: NVRs can be quickly repaired and replaced, and easily upgraded compared to DVRs
* PoE and wireless compatibilities enable installation in hard-to-wire environments
Many of the standalone NVRs have functions that bear resemblance to their DVR predecessors. In addition, many NVRs' GUIs are exactly the same as DVRs, so switching from DVRs to NVRs does not put any unnecessary burden on users as they do not need to change their usual routine — no additional training is required. For smaller installations, 16 channels and under, only basic or non-IT knowledge is required.
Standalone & PC-based NVRs
While both PC-based and standalone NVRs record and store video, manage cameras, enable viewing of recorded contents, and archive histories, the differences between the two lie in how they operate, and the features they provide.
Standalone NVRs are smaller and more compact in size compared to PC-based NVRs. In terms of performance, standalone NVRs operate on SoC, and usually have one or more DSPs for video compression and decompression, and a CPU for other functions. On the other hand, PC-based NVRs utilize the CPU for video compression/ decompression, viewing and recording content, and managing cameras.
Standalone NVRs are better suited for systems where the number of cameras is within the limits of an NVR's capacity. PC-based NVRs are decidedly more powerful in processing data, and offer much more flexibility in storage scalability, compared to standalone NVRs. PC-based systems also offer more camera scalability, whereas standalone NVRs tend to have an upper limit of camera capacity.
Standalone NVRs triumph over PC-based NVRs in the following areas: price, reliability, and stability. With fewer components and packaged in a compact case, they are appealing in price and more reliable in performance. They are also more stable, secure, and less prone to viruses and hacks, as they run on Linux, as opposed to a Windowsbased system. Finally, as they run on a standalone operating system, they have a shorter boot time, compared to the longer loading time required by PC-based NVRs.
With their many benefits, standalone NVRs are gaining traction in the market. In response, several manufacturers are hearing this call and offering attractive standalone NVRs. Smaller projects benefit most from the features and capabilities of standalone NVRs and SMB enterprises are able to save substantially on costs.
More importantly, standalone NVRs are not only powerful, but also boast ease-of-use features, such as auto search and built-in network power to remove the need of a PoE switch. The perk of this function is that it further reduces costs for customers as they do not have to purchase PoE switches, which could be costly.
Lowest price may come at a cost that is too high
The rising popularity of standalone NVRs has resulted in numerous manufacturers sprouting up in Shenzhen, China. Although standalone NVRs from these manufacturers come with an extremely lower price tag, their reliability may remain questionable.
Education remains key to the widespread adoption of standalone NVRs in Asia. Standalone NVR providers should work hard to show end users and installers the benefits of standalone NVRs. At the same time, the first users to adopt standalone NVRs would most likely to be SMBs as they stand to benefit most from low-cost systems.