CCTV Video Recorders
The CCTV video recorder is the key piece of any video surveillance installation.
It is in charge of gathering all the information captured by the cameras, transforming it and storing the information of the CCTV circuit. In addition, most of them offer functions such as:
- Sending images in real time via internet, to our tablet or cell phone, to be able to control what happens in situ in the CCTV installation.
- They allow sending event alerts by sms, email, or other notifications.
- They have alarm outputs, which can activate sirens or other deterrent devices.
Choosing a suitable video recorder is the first decision to make in a new installation to facilitate all other camera decisions. The resolution of the recorder should be equal to or higher than that of the cameras. We have IP recorders (NVR) and hybrid recorders (DVR) from top brands such as HikVision. We also have a brief section with CCTV Kits from brands such as Ajax. It is important to take into account the number of cameras we want to install when choosing a recorder with the right number of ports.
The cabled conection can be with coaxial or UTP cable. If we choose UTP, it will be necessary to use baluns to adapt the impedance and the video transmission by network cable works.
The recorders do not include a hard disk. You must select the size of the hard drive you want to install, the larger the capacity the more hours of video storage, and purchase it separately.
NVR Video Recorders IP
IP recorders are designed exclusively for IP cameras, allowing superior image quality with 4K resolutions. Ideal for those who require a high quality, all-IP installation, as these recorders do not accept any other non-IP technology, neither digital nor analog.
NVR recorders require a network infrastructure. That is, both the recorder and the cameras must be connected to the same internet network to communicate with each other. This is generally done through a local area network (LAN) using Ethernet UTP cables with RJ45 connectors, although WIFI recorders and cameras are also available for wireless connections. Video recorders usually have 4, 8, or 16 IP channels.
They can often include advanced features such as video analytics, motion detection and more customizable settings. Their initial cost is somewhat higher, but they compensate with high image quality, flexibility for camera placement, and low maintenance costs.
DVR Hybrid Video Recorders
A versatile and cost-effective solution to manage CCTV camera recordings with different technologies:
- Analogue, Digital and IP : 5 in 1 recorders
- Analogue and Digital : 4 in 1 recorders
5 in 1 Recorders
The 5-in-1 recorders use coaxial cable for their connections, which opens up the possibility of CCTV systems compatible with analogue cameras, digital cameras and IP cameras. In addition to the other ports on the recorder, there are RJ45 sockets for UTP cable connections to IP cameras. The great advantage is that they can support different digital protocols such as HDTVI, HDCVI, AHD and CVBS, making compatibility not a problem. We recommend selecting recorders with extra ports to allow for future expansion without major installation changes. And remember that IP ports are special, so check how many you have!
4 in 1 Recorders
The 4-in-1 recorders are almost the same as the 5-in-1 recorders, except that they do not have RJ45 ports. They support all 4 digital protocols and are compatible with analogue cameras.
The only difference is that they are not capable of integrating IP cameras.