DVR vs NVR: Difference and Comparison

DVRs and NVRs can both record video in the home. DVRs and NVRs in the home recording system are exceptionally difficult to distinguish.

However, the differences between DVR and NVR come down to how they are handled, the storage, the playback of the video, and which type of hard drive they use.

Key Takeaways

1. DVRs work with analog cameras, while NVRs are compatible with digital IP cameras.
2. NVR systems offer higher resolution, resulting in better video quality.
3. DVRs require separate camera power sources, whereas NVRs use Power over Ethernet (PoE).

DVR vs NVR

The difference between DVR and NVR is that DVR is a device that captures video in high definition so that people can watch and enjoy it later, whereas NVR can refer to a software application that functions as a central server and records live video feeds from numerous sources.

The DVR device can be added to an existing home security system by adding an access panel at the front door.

Moreover, it connects to the home network that can be accessed by any device on the network. It is also a type of networked DVR that can record and playback video from multiple sources.

NVR works with motion detection. You can set up an NVR system to capture video when it detects someone walking in and out of the room.

This is particularly useful for large buildings and spaces such as casinos and shopping malls. Moreover, It can also refer to a software application that functions as a central server, and records live video feeds from numerous sources.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	DVR	NVR
Definition	A DVR, or digital video recorder, is a device that captures video in high definition so that people can watch and enjoy it later.	NVR can also refer to a software application that functions as a central server, and records live video feeds from numerous sources
Acronym	Digital Video Recorder	Net Operating Revenues
Storage	Hard-disk	Cloud
Types	Two main types of DVRs are hard-drive DVRs and flash-memory DVRs.	No types.
Implementation	DVRs are implemented to allow people to record TV shows and movies.	NVR is implemented in various medical settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, and large building spaces such as casinos and shopping malls.
Cost	It is low-priced.	It is high-priced.

What is DVR?

A DVR, or digital video recorder, is a device that captures video in high definition so you can watch it later. Two main types of DVRs are hard-drive DVRs and flash-memory DVRs.

Hard-drive DVRs can store up to about 30 hours of programming at once. The quality of the video that digital TV broadcasts produce means that hard-drive DVRs can be pretty fast, not to mention expensive.

Flash-memory DVRs can store far more than 30 hours of programming at once, but the quality tends to be rather lower. Most DVRs use both hard drive and flash memory storage.

However, it connects to the home network that can be accessed by any device on the network.

The recordings made with an over-the-air antenna are only as good as the signal that gets to the TV. However, It is also a type of networked DVR that can record and playback video from multiple sources.

A person can’t use a DVR to record something that is going to be broadcast by a broadcaster or not owned by your cable or satellite company.

Even if it provides the option to choose from recordings from different local broadcasters, the choice is limited by what those broadcasters allow their customers to record.

However, a person can also record and store programs from other pay-TV services, but not all of them allow it.

What is NVR?

NVR is an acronym for Net Operating Revenues, which is the total income of a business before taxes and interest.

It can also refer to a software application that functions as a central server, and records live video feeds from numerous sources, such as surveillance cameras.

One key benefit of NVR is that it can be used to create a ‘real-time’ log to view the progression of a disease or condition.

For example, a person can set up an NVR system in the home and view the activity in the medicine cabinet to help prevent children from possibly overdosing on drugs or alcohol.

NVR keeps track of all hospital equipment and secures areas that require monitoring, such as newly installed MRI machines.

Moreover, some so many patients suffer from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which results in peripheral vision impairment, the doctor will be able to view eye scans through an NVR system.

Main Differences Between DVR and NVR

1. A DVR, or digital video recorder, is a device that captures video in high definition so that people can watch and enjoy it later, whereas NVR can also refer to a software application that functions as a central server and records live video feeds from numerous sources.
2. The most well-known acronym for DVR is Digital Video Recorder, whereas NVR is a well-known acronym for Net Operating Revenues.
3. There are two main types of DVRs that are hard-drive DVRs and flash-memory DVRs, whereas NVR doesn’t have a different type.
4. DVRs can store more than 30 hours of programming on a hard disk, whereas NVRs can store more than 30 hours of programming in the cloud.
5. DVRs are implemented to allow people to record TV shows and movies, whereas NVRs are implemented in various medical settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, and large building spaces such as casinos and shopping malls.
6. DVR is low-priced, whereas NVR is high-priced.

References

1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1046880/
2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/964609/
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016508517362765

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023