IFSECInsider-Logo-Square-23

Author Bio ▼

IFSEC Insider, formerly IFSEC Global, is the leading online community and news platform for security and fire safety professionals.
December 7, 2009

Download

Whitepaper: Enhancing security, resilience and efficiency across a range of industries

The CCTV Doctor: Make way for HVR

Q: What is an HVR, and how is it different from a DVR and an NVR?

A: A DVR (digital video recorder) records images from analogue cameras, while an NVR (network video recorder) records images from IP cameras. An HVR (hybrid video recorder) can record images from both analogue and IP cameras. All record on to hard disks.

There is no such thing as a hybrid DVR. When people say that, what they really mean is an HVR.

Q: When should HVRs be used?

A: The usual application is upgrading existing systems that use analogue cameras. Using an HVR means that money can be saved by retaining existing cameras but, as extra cameras are needed or the old ones need replacing, IP cameras can be fitted. This means that the user ends up with a full IP system, but spreads the cost of conversion.

Q: Is there anything to watch out for when choosing an HVR for a client that eventually wants to convert to a full IP system?

A: Yes! Some low-cost HVRs are really DVRs with facilities added for handling a small fixed number of IP cameras. These are fine if a few IP cameras are being used to expand an existing system and no more IP cameras will ever be added.

If, however, the plan is to replace analogue cameras as they wear out by IP cameras, a hybrid video recorder of this type is not suitable. Instead, choose a more versatile model where reducing the number of analogue inputs means that more IP cameras can be handled.

Also, be sure to choose an HVR with multi-protocol support, so that you’ll have the widest choice of compatible IP cameras when you come to buy them.

Q: Is it really worth buying any sort of digital recorder? I’ve read that ordinary PC hardware with CCTV software is a better solution.

A: That depends on what’s meant by better! In practice, good quality PC hardware to form the basis of a reliable CCTV installation will cost at least as much as a digital recorder and, with the recorder, you can be confident that the hardware is robust, dependable, and properly specified for the job it’s doing.

Related Topics

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
solomon
solomon
March 23, 2017 1:26 pm

Is HVR different from AHD video recorder and if so, what the difference and how can it be identified?
Which is better?

Mangesh Dhulap
Mangesh Dhulap
October 13, 2018 4:16 pm

What Is The Difference Between DVR vs NVR vs HVR?
NVR vs DVR, What’s the Difference. NVR vs DVR sum-up: The biggest difference between NVR and DVR is the cameras and cabling they use. A network video recorder (NVR) records IP cameras wirelessly (WiFi NVR) or via Ethernet cables (PoE NVR), while a digital video recorder (DVR) records analog cameras via coaxial cables.
Read More. .. https://www.itsmarttricks.com/what-is-the-difference-between-dvr-vs-nvr-vs-hvr/

Joe Amara
Joe Amara
June 2, 2021 5:59 pm

I have a password problem I want to reset my HVR 5in 1 4ch can somebody please help me

Garth Yeazel
Garth Yeazel
November 9, 2021 10:18 pm
Reply to  solomon

DVR/HVR/NVR is the type of video recorder to connect cameras. AHD/CVI/TVI/etc. are video formats that recorders can accept, and that is the output from each camera. Analog, AHD, CVI and TVI are all analog video formats with analog being the original low resolution format, and the other three being analog high-definition formats. All analog formats are for cameras connected with coax cable. Most new analog cameras will be 4-in-1 with a switch to select which output format is being sent – only one format at a time. The DVR/HVR should automatically determine which video format the camera is sending when… Read more »