12 products
Channels
Picture quality
A network video recorder (NVR) stores and manages footage from IP cameras over a network. This range covers 12 recorders from HiLook, Hikvision, Longse, Prolux and Tiandy, with channel counts running up to 32.
How to choose
- Channels. A channel is one camera input. Count today's cameras, then allow spare channels for later additions. Names in this range show 4, 8, 9, 16 and 32 channels.
- PoE ports. PoE (Power over Ethernet) carries power and data on a single network cable, so each camera needs only one run. Where a model names its PoE ports, the counts are 8, 16 or 24. Cameras beyond that number need power another way.
- Resolution. Several names mention 4K or 8K. Higher-resolution cameras produce larger files, so plan the hard drive size around them. The Longse 9CH model is listed as taking up to 8TB.
- Case size. Many recorders are 1U, and the 32-channel Hikvision model is 1.5U. Check the space on your shelf or rack before ordering.
Compression is worth a glance too. H.265 appears on several names and generally stores the same footage in less space than older formats.
NVR — frequently asked questions
What does 1U mean on a recorder?
U is a rack unit, a standard height of 44.45 mm. A 1U recorder fits a single slot in a rack, while 1.5U is slightly taller.
Do I need a separate PoE switch?
Only if your cameras outnumber the recorder's PoE ports, or the recorder has none. The Hikvision 16-ch 1U 16 PoE model, for example, gives one PoE port per channel.
Is a hard drive included?
Check each product page for drive details. Storage needs depend on camera count, resolution and how many days of footage you want to keep.
Which recorder suits a small home system?
A 4-channel or 8-channel model with matching PoE ports usually covers a house. Choose the channel count by the cameras you plan to add.
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