How to choose a video recorder for your camera system

Types of recorders

  • XVR - hybrid recorder suitable for both technologies, which can be switched for AHD or IP, or AHD and IP cameras.
  • NVR - recorders for IP cameras. Some models equipped with PoE outputs for easy connection, including power to IP cameras.

Number of video inputs - cameras that can be connected

Each recorder is limited by the number of inputs, i.e. the number of cameras you can connect to it. If you are starting to design a video surveillance system, always make sure that when choosing a recorder, you take into account possible expansion with additional security cameras. In practice, it is usually the case that up to 60% of CCTV systems are expanded with additional cameras within a year of installation.

Recording resolution and frame rate

Each recorder is specific in what camera resolution it supports. You can find recorders that support 2 megapixel cameras, but also recorders to which you can connect up to several cameras with higher resolution. So, when choosing a recorder, be sure to carefully study what recorder you are choosing to match the resolution of the cameras you plan to purchase.

An important consideration is also how many frames per second (FPS) it will store. Most can record 25 frames per second, which is a smooth image. A device that can record full resolution at 25 frames per channel is called "Real-Time". These recorders require more powerful processors and are therefore usually more expensive. That is why all others have a feature that allows free capacity allocation. For example, we will set channels 1 and 3 to 25 frames per second because there is a requirement for continuous recording, and channels 2 and 4 will go to 7 frames per second.

The ability to monitor and control the recorder via the Internet

Practically all camera systems are now connected to the internet for remote monitoring at the time of installation. All PATRONUM recorders have this feature. It is therefore entirely up to you whether you connect the camera system to the Internet now or later. Thanks to the P2P function, they do not need a public IP address for remote monitoring, and configuration for remote monitoring is easily done in a few minutes without the need to configure additional network elements and port routing. The devices allow online monitoring of not only live traffic, but also recording and configuration of all functions. All this can be told via smart mobile phones as well. They support Apple, Android and Windows and MAC computer operating systems. When you purchase a recorder or camera system, you get a free app package containing all the necessary software for remote monitoring and configuration.

Recording lengths

Recording length is not directly dependent on the type of device, but on the capacity of the storage media. For recording devices, 3.5" hard drives with SATA interface are used. The size of the selected disk directly determines the number of days that can be stored. All recorders are nowadays already equipped with the "overwrite" function. This function is revolutionary in that if the disk becomes full, the system automatically evaluates this fact and starts overwriting the oldest records with the newest ones. This feature is revolutionary in that the device becomes completely maintenance-free and does not require regular intervention to perform its function. The number of days that corresponds to the current record setting is always recorded on the disk.