The recorder is the brain of the system. Cameras only capture; what stores, sorts and lets you search is the NVR. If you have more than one camera, this is the piece that makes the difference between having video and having a mess.
What is an NVR and why do you need it?
NVR stands for Network Video Recorder: a recorder that receives the image from all your IP cameras by WiFi or cable, stores it on a hard drive and lets you watch it live or go back to any moment.
Without a recorder, each camera stores its own footage on its card. With two cameras it's still manageable; with four or eight, searching for something means going camera by camera from your phone. With an NVR you go in at a specific time and see all the cameras at once, synced.
With a screen or without
Traditional recorders are a box you have to connect to a monitor or a TV. Ours have a built-in 10" touchscreen, so you don't need a separate monitor or somewhere to put two devices: you place it in the back room or the office and it just works.
It's an all-in-one: recorder, drive and screen in a single unit.
How many cameras does it take?
Up to 10 IP cameras of 5MP. That gives plenty of headroom: you can start with two and add the stockroom, the terrace or the suppliers' door later without changing the recorder or touching what's already running.
That's the advantage of an expandable system over buying cameras one by one: you grow when you need to, not when it's time to replace everything.
The hard drive and how much it stores
The recorder comes with a hard drive included and records continuously, 24 hours a day. That's what you want in a business: when money is missing from the till you don't know what time it was, and you need to be able to go back to any moment, not just the times a detection went off.
When it fills up, it overwrites the oldest. Remember the law requires you not to keep footage more than a month, unless it serves to prove an offence.
Recorder or card?
- A single camera — a high-endurance microSD card will do.
- Two or more cameras — a recorder. It centralises, records continuously and saves you time the day you need to search for something in a hurry.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate monitor?
No. Our recorders have a built-in 10" touchscreen.
Does it keep recording if the internet goes down?
Yes. The recorder stores locally, so it keeps working even if the line drops. What you lose meanwhile is remote access from your phone.
Can I view it from my phone when I'm out?
Yes, with the free app, live and the earlier recordings. And you can give access to more people, such as your manager.
Is it compatible with my current cameras?
With all of ours, yes. If you have cameras from another brand, tell us the model and we'll confirm before you buy anything.
Is there a monthly fee?
No. You pay for the kit once. The recordings are yours and on your drive, not on anyone's server.
Do 10 cameras at once work well over WiFi?
With decent coverage, yes. If your premises are large or the WiFi is tight, tell us what it's like and we'll assess whether cable in some stretch suits you.
Shall we help you set it up?
Tell us how many cameras you're going to put up and where, and we'll tell you which recorder fits you. Message us on WhatsApp or call 622 872 311.
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