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CCTV DVRs - Features

CCTV cameras (unless IP network cameras) output a signal via a traditional analogue connection, which can be plugged directly in to your TV without any further special equipment. However should you wish view more than one camera or record footage then you’ll be requiring a DVR (digital video recorder).
Until a few years ago viewing and recording multiple cameras required a switcher (to switch between channels), a splitter (to view all channels on the same screen) or a multiplexer (to record all channels). Now though a DVR combines all of these features into one affordable package with added capabilities including:

• Large capacity hard drives for many hours of recording
• Easy playback
• Remote viewing
• Motion detection to record only when there is movement
• Scheduled recording
• USB Connection and/or DVD recorder to extract footage

As well as the varying features available, be sure to determine the amount of camera inputs you require and allow for expansion. DVRs also differ in the way they record and let you view the camera footage. 

Recording compression

Until recently the two most common compression types have been M-JPEG (High quality and larger file size) and M-PEG4 (Lower quality and smaller file size). Luckily now we have H.264 video compression, offering high image quality, while maintaining lower file sizes. This is the recommended compression type as it offers the perfect performance balance.

Recording resolution and frame rate

The other important factors to consider that will affect the quality of the recordings are the recording resolution and frame rate per camera. The recording resolution is the size of the image that will be replayed back to you (measured in pixels), so the higher resolution will always contain more detail.
The frame rate is measured in frames per second (FPS), which determines how smooth flowing the recordings are.  It is often a trade off when setting the resolution, as a higher resolution usually means a decreased frame rate.

Ideally a CCTV DVR should be able to record up to about 704 x 576 pixels per camera (D1 resolution) at 6 frames per second. Higher priced models can retain a frame rate of 25fps at D1 resolution.

Our DIY CCTV System Kits contain cameras and a DVR based around the most common requirements for a range of budgets.
If you have any questions please contact us for a speedy email response!