DVR Meaning

Jon Jones ● Oct 15 ● 11 min read

DVR Meaning: What is the DVR Meaning?

What is the DVR meaning? A DVR system uses a digital video recorder to record footage. DVR cameras can be used to monitor activity inside and outside of a building, and can be set up to record continuously or only when motion is detected.

There are many different types of DVR camera systems available on the market today. Some of the most popular types include: 

• Analog DVR cameras: These cameras use an analog signal to record video footage onto a DVR. Analog signals are the most common type of signal used in CCTV systems. 
• HDCVI DVR cameras: HDCVI stands for High Definition Composite Video Interface. These cameras use a digital signal to record video onto a DVR.

DVR Meaning: A DVR System Overview 

To understand the full DVR meaning, we turn to its main components. A DVR system has seven main components: analog cameras, a central processing unit (CPU), coaxial cables, analog-to-digital (AD) encoders, a hard drive, input/output ports, and software. Analog cameras transmit signals to the recorders that process the video data. The CPU is responsible for handling all of the recording and playback functions. It also manages data storage on the hard drive. AD encoders convert raw video data to a viewable format. 

The hard drive is where all of the video footage is stored. It is important to have a large hard drive in order to store hours of footage. The input/output ports allow you to connect other devices to the DVR, such as a mouse, keyboard, or monitor. Finally, the software enables you to control all of the features of the DVR system. 

It is important to note that the DVR system is often considered outdated for a number of reasons that will be discussed at a later point. 

The Analog Cameras

Analog security cameras, or CCTV cameras, are typically used in DVR systems. These cameras are not connected to the internet. Hence, because of the camera’s limited capabilities, DVR security systems are typically less expensive than NVR systems. Analog cameras send analog signals to recorders, which process the video data.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A DVR system has a CPU that functions as the “brain” of the recorder. It is responsible for processing all the information that comes in and out of the device (e.g., recording and playback functions). The CPU is typically a single chip that contains all the circuitry needed to perform its tasks.

DVR Meaning Use of Coaxial Cables

Through a coaxial cable that can travel up to 500 meters, the analog camera is linked to the DVR. Coaxial cables have several limitations. First, in contrast to PoE cables, coaxial cables do not supply power to the camera. As a result, there are two different types of cables required for each camera: one for power and one for video transmission. Second, installation of coaxial cables can be difficult because they are wider and stiffer than Ethernet cables. Third, standard coaxial cables cannot support audio transmission. 

The AD Encoders

AD encoders are necessary for DVR recorders because they transform the raw video data from the camera into a usable and viewable format. As such, each camera in a DVR system must be linked to the recorder and to a different power source.

The Hard Drive

A DVR system has a hard drive that stores video footage. The footage is stored in a digital format and can be accessed by the DVR system’s user. 

DVR Meaning Clunky Input/Output Ports

A DVR system has many input and output ports that are used to connect the DVR to other devices. The most common input and output ports are the HDMI, component, and composite ports. The HDMI port is used to connect the DVR to a HDTV. The component port is used to connect the DVR to a standard definition TV. The composite port is used to connect the DVR to a VCR or DVD player.

Comparing DVR and NVR Systems: Cameras

In comparison to analog cameras, IP cameras are able to capture video at a higher frame rate and produce higher-quality images. Additionally, the cameras allow for an unlimited number of NVRs. Moreover, users can access and view the footage remotely. Lastly, these cameras are cloud comptabilite which is a major advantage as you can view your footage anywhere, at any time. 

DVR Meaning Outdated: Turning to Advanced Solutions 

DVR and NVR surveillance are both considered “traditional” systems since more advanced technology is now available. A lot of businesses now need more storage capacity, scalability, data security, usability, video analytics, and trustworthy remote access. Cloud and hybrid cloud solutions are a contemporary replacement for the conventional systems. Learn more in the section below.

Why are DVR Systems Outdated?

While DVR systems were certainly popular at one point in time, they are now considered outdated. They’re big, bulky, and require a lot of upkeep. Moreover, they’re often costly due to the complicated installation and maintenance processes. But most importantly, they’re not secure. DVR systems are susceptible to hacking, so footage can be deleted or even manipulated. Thus, DVR systems are not as reliable as they once were.

A New Security Standard: Cloud Cameras

Having identified the drawbacks of DVR systems, we now turn to the advantages of cameras that do not rely on DVR, NVR, or servers but are instead cloud-based. There are many reasons to choose cloud cameras over traditional NVR and DVR cameras. Here are just a few: 

1. Cloud cameras are much easier to install and set up. All you need is a power outlet and an Internet connection. Thus, cloud cameras like those of Verkada are typically ready to use within minutes. Traditional NVR and DVR cameras require more complicated installation and time, often involving IT assistance.

2. Cloud cameras are much more scalable than traditional NVR and DVR cameras. If you need to add more cameras to your system, it’s as easy as buying another camera and plugging it in. With traditional NVR and DVR systems, adding more cameras can be a very complicated and expensive proposition. 

3. Cloud camera systems offer much better flexibility when it comes to storage options. Cloud cameras can be set up to save recordings to local storage, with virtually unlimited capacity. They can also save files to the cloud, where they are available 24/4. 

4. Cloud camera systems are much more flexible in terms of support for multiple users and multiple locations. Since footage is readily accessible at any point in time, multiple users can view the video data. 

As camera technology continues to advance, many businesses are turning to cloud cameras.

Verkada’s Cameras 

Nowadays, businesses need more storage, scalability, security, and video analytics than NVR or DVR systems can offer. Verkada’s cloud-based cameras stand out from the rest because they provide an advanced, AI-driven security environment. Consider the following features that make the cloud-based security cameras of Verkada unique:

Benefits for All Verkada Security Devices

• Solid-state Storage (SSD): No NVR, DVR, or server is required. This means you pay for what you use – and that’s all. Moreover, this reduces any extra overhead operations and the expenses they come with.
• Regular, Automatic Software Updates: No need to worry about if your devices are working properly or are up-to-date with our Verkada devices.
• Simple Plug-and-Play Install: Just a standard Ethernet cable is required for the cameras to be brought online and fully operational within minutes.
• Unlimited Storage on Camera and Cloud: Reduce your business’ liability risk with unlimited cloud archiving offered by Verkada cameras.
• Unlimited Users Allowed: You can easily authorize admins access to an unlimited number of users. So, if you want someone else in charge of security because you’re too busy running the organization, they can easily access everything you do – at the same time!
• Accessible Anywhere, Anytime: Access archived or live feed videos on any device or browser.
• Live Alerts: Receive instant alerts in any meaningful event.
• Infinitely Scalable: No matter how large your business is, we can help you keep everyone on the same page.
• 10-Year Warranty: Rest assured that your money is well protected!

Benefits of Verkada Cameras 

• Live access feeds: One can easily monitor moniot activity.
• Floor plans: Quickly respond to incidents with real-time motion plotting. With floor plans, you could also click into any device in order to view the footage of that specific device.
• People and Vehicle Analytics: Verkada offers advanced search filters. You could search for individuals by clothing color or search for vehicles by color, make, or even license plates.
• Time lapse: Watch a day of footage in under 30 seconds with timelapses.
• Live links: You can share secure access to footage or camera feeds with authorized users via SMS or link. You could also limit the duration of time that viewers can access the footage. Of course, you can also easily add, edit, or even revoke user access.

Verkada Camera Options

Furthermore, Verkada offers security cameras that are thoughtfully designed. The cameras have a durable design, firmware signing, and can detect tampering. We offer a variety of options to meet your security needs including: the Verkada Indoor Dome Series, the Verkada Outdoor Dome Series, the Verkada Bullet Series, the Verkada Mini Series, and Verkada Fisheye Series.

The Verkada Indoor Dome Series

The Verkada Indoor Dome Camera is designed for indoor, high-traffic areas. It is the perfect general-purpose security camera. There are three versions of this camera: CD42, CD52, and C62.

	CD42	CD52	CD62
Image Resolution	5MP	5MP	4K
Type of Lens	Fixed, with 3x Zoom Digitally	Zoom, with 3x Optical and Digital Zoom	Zoom, with 3x Optical and Digital Zoom
Standard Retention	Up to 365 Days	Up to 365 Days	Up to 90 Days
Standard Storage	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
Audio	Yes	Yes	Yes
IR Range	15m	30m	30m

The Verkada Outdoor Dome Series

The Verkada Outdoor Dome Series is both weather- and tamper-resistant. Its capabilities function well even in areas with limited bandwidth and connectivity. This is perfect if you want to monitor the parking lot of your organization and if you want to capture key license plates. There are three versions of this camera: CD42-E, CD52-E, and C62-E.

	CD42-E	CD52-E	CD62-E
Type	Outdoors	Outdoors	Outdoors
Image Resolution	5MP	5MP	4K
Type of Lens	Fixed, with 3x Zoom Digitally	Zoom, with 3x Optical and Digital Zoom	Zoom, with 3x Optical and Digital Zoom
Standard Retention	Up to 365 Days	Up to 365 Days	Up to 90 Days
Standard Storage	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
Audio	Yes	Yes	Yes
IR Range	15m	30m	30m

The Verkada Bullet Series

The Verkada Bullet Series is ideal for long range, outdoor surveillance. It is built to withstand harsh environments. The Verkada Bullet camera is available in two lens types: wide angle and telephoto. There are four versions of this camera: CB51-E, CB61-E, CB51-TE, CB61-TE

	CB51-E	CB51-TE	CB61-E	CB61-TE
Type	Indoor and/or Outdoor	Indoor and/or Outdoor	Indoor and/or Outdoor	Indoor and/or Outdoor
Image Resolution	5MP	5MP	4K	4K
Type of Lens	Zoom, with up to 3x Optical and Digital zoom	Telephoto Zoom, with 8-20mm focal length	Zoom, with up to 3x Optical and Digital zoom	Telephoto Zoom, with 8-20mm focal length
Standard Retention	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
Standard Storage	Up to 365 Days	Up to 365 Days	Up to 90 Days	Up to 90 Days
IR Range	30m	50m	30m	50m
Audio	–	–	–

The Verkada Mini Series

The Verkada Mini Series offers both flexibility and enhanced resolution. The Mini Camera is a compact size that can fit any space, anywhere indoors! There are three versions of this camera: CM41-S, CM41, and CM41-E.

	CM41-S	CM41	CM41-E
Type	Indoor	Indoor	Outdoor
Image Resolution	5MP	5MP	5MP
Type of Lens	Fixed, with up to 3x Digital Zoom	Fixed, with up to 3x Digital Zoom	Fixed, with up to 3x Digital Zoom
Standard Retention	Up to 90 days	Up to 365 Days	Up to 365 Days
Standard Storage	Up to 385GB	Up to 2TB	Up to 2TB
IR Range	N/A	15m	15m
Audio	–	Yes	–

The Verkada Fisheye Camera

The Verkada Fisheye Camera provides a panoramic view of the entire property – both indoor and outdoor. This camera allows for total surveillance coverage – which is critical to protect your organization. The Fisheye Camera comes in one version: CF81-E. It is both an indoor and outdoor camera with an image resolution of 12MP. It has a fixed type of lens that has the ability to digitally zoom up to 3x. The maximum storage capacity available is 2TB. It can store up to 90 days of footage. It has audio. Lastly, it has an IR range of 20m.

Explore All Options

DVR Meaning Outdated: Security with Verkada 

 It is well-established that DVR systems are not as reliable as they once were. Thus, while it may feel daunting to replace outdated DVR systems, it is important to ensure ultimate safety for one’s organization. Furthermore, all security systems would benefit from cloud-based cameras like those of Verkada due to their reliability and accessibility. Monarch is here to help throughout the entire process of establishing a new, AI-driven security system.

Updated: Oct 19