A network video server is a computer that runs special Video Management Software known as VMS and is used to record video from IP cameras. A windows computer is usually the platform for the VMS, and video is recorded onto the computer’s hard drives in a special video format.

Sometimes people are confused by this term because a number of years back a device that attached an analogue camera to the networks was also called a video or camera server. This is now known as a Video Encoder.

A Network Video Recorder, or NVR, is a complete IP camera recording device. It includes a computer and special Video Management Software. VMS is required for recording video, but it also allows multiple viewers to monitor real time and recorded video.

The DVR or Digital Video Recorder is a device that records video from analogue cameras to one or more hard drives. The term DVR is also used by the consumer TV market.

The DVR used in the security market has a fixed number of BNC connections to attach cameras. DVRs are available with 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 channels, or connections. This means that you have a maximum number of cameras that can be supported by one unit. Once you exceed the number of connections available on that particular DVR, you will need to add another DVR to your system.

There are some DVRs that can connect to the network and be viewed using a Windows computer.

There are several differences, some of the major ones being:

The NVR connects to the computer network along with the IP cameras. The main advantage of this is that you can use the existing network infrastructure, meaning you don’t have to run wire from a home base location.
The DVR uses coaxial connections to each of the analogue cameras.
The NVR supports high resolution megapixel cameras
The DVR supports only cameras with VGA resolution

The Video Server and Network Video Recorder are similar in that they both record video. The Network Video Recorder comes with the Video Management Software already installed.

The Video Server does not include VMS. You select the software you like and load it.

The Video Server usually runs on a Windows operating system and it’s more flexible than the NVR because it is easier to expand and add cameras. The NVR, on the other hand usually has a fixed limit as to the number of cameras it can support.

This is where the skill, knowledge and experience of a Doyle Security expert come into play.

There are a number of VMS products out there each with different features and methods of use. The main job of any Video Management Software is to record the video from many IP cameras on the network. It is very important to select software that’s reliable and doesn’t crash; the loss of important images can be more than just embarrassing.

It’s important to use a dedicated computer system to run the software, ideally a ‘server’ which has a higher capacity and faster hard drives, processors, more RAM and better networking capabilities.

The various VMS products available have many additional functions, including motion detection, sending special alerts to tell you if something important has happened, flexible displays of real time and recorded video, easy location and display of multiple recorded video channels. Which features you choose depends on your particular needs and objectives.

You may well have to add a network switch if you don’t have any empty ports on your current switch, or if you don’t have a network switch installed. One port is required for each camera, ideally one that includes PoE on all ports.

The latest IP cameras get power over the network. This is known as Power over Ethernet or PoE. You can also add a PoE midspan, or a power injector between the switch and the camera. Using PoE means you only need to run one network cable to each camera making installation easier and reducing costs.

No, the LAN network switch operates as the switch allowing hundreds of cameras to be viewed on a network.

IP stands for Internet Protocol. An IP camera is a digital video system that can transmit data over a network. These systems work with mobile devices so that you can view your security feed from anywhere with an Internet connection. IP cameras may also be referred to as network cameras or webcams.

In a traditional security system, data is transmitted through a cable to a DVR (digital video recorder). With an IP camera, the Internet is used to transmit digital video. The unit contains everything it needs to do this. It’s connected to your network much like other external IT equipment like a printer. To store video, your IP camera may contain storage in-unit or it may transmit video to a device also connected to the network to be stored, also known as a network video recorder (NVR). Digital cameras and IP cameras capture images the same way, although the transmission method is different. Your quality won’t be compromised with an IP camera—in fact, the resolution is better.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are a traditional analog system of using cameras that use a DVR to record video. They’re reliable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install. However, they don’t offer you the same versatility, high resolution, and higher security that IP cameras do.

Yes. Onsite monitoring of both live and recorded video is possible.

Yes. All of our Security DVR/NVR systems are Internet enabled. That means you can view live and recorded video from anywhere via an Internet connection.

Yes. All of our Security DVR/NVR systems come with this feature. However, an optional audio module is needed to allow you to listen to live and recorded audio from anywhere via the Internet.

This will depend on the size and layout of the area you wish to survey. On average, we recommend one camera per 600 square feet for an Analog System and per 1200 square feet for a Digital System.

 Yes, but you need a special camera called a Pan-Tilt-Zoom or PTZ camera. Browse our selection of PTZ cameras, and find the one that is right for you. Or we can make recommendations based on your specific needs.

Security DVR/NVRs will come back on as soon as power is restored. However, we suggest an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) which provides a short period of backup power and also serves as a surge protection device. This ensures your video surveillance will still be online in the event someone cuts the power to break in unnoticed.

For an IP surveillance system, you’ll need the actual IP cameras, an NVR or other type of storage system, accessories such as a microphones and speakers generally will come built into the cameras so additional parts will not be required. At Surveillance Secure, we can help determine your needs and set you up with the best equipment for your budget.