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Home > A guide for those looking for an 8-channel DVR with web server capabilities -- comparing stand-alone versus PC-based DVRs
November 01, 2006
By: Lynn Bryant
Digital video recorders with web server capabilities are
a key component of today's sophisticated video surveillance
systems. Purchasing a DVR with web server functionality will
give you the ability to view captured video from your
surveillance cameras directly over the Internet through a
web browser. If you are in the market for an 8-channel DVR
with web server capabilities, you will need to choose from
the two different types that are available. This article
reviews the two different types that are available on the
market. Educating yourself on the different options will
allow you to determine which style is better suited to your
specific surveillance needs.
More than likely, if you are in the process of
researching DVR options, you are already convinced of the
value this component can add to your overall security plan.
What you may not have realized is that there are two basic
types of DVR's available: a stand alone DVR and a PC-based
DVR. A stand-alone DVR is just that, a single unit that is
designed to function by itself as a digital video recorder.
A PC-based DVR is a DVR that is built around a computer with
the addition of a DVR capture card. Both perform the same
basic functions, but there are some differences worth
noting. We will explore each in a little more depth below.
Stand-alone DVR
A DVR that is built to be a stand-alone model is built on
one complete circuit board. It looks very similar to a VCR
or DVD player, and contains all of the necessary software
and components built right into the system itself.
Stand-alone DVR's are extremely reliable and very easy to
install and use.
PC-based DVR with video capture board
This type model consists of some of the same components
as a personal computer such as motherboard, video card, CPU,
hard drive, CD-writer, etc. In addition, it contains a DVR
capture board, which is what actually receives the video directly
from the security cameras. The DVR software is designed to
work in conjunction with the DVR board to convert the
captured video images into a manageable format as well as
provide camera controls, and record and playback functions.
Stand-alone versus PC-based DVRs
In general, PC-based DVR's have more advanced features
than stand-alone models. They also are better suited for
upgrades and systems expansions. It is for this reason that
most large institutions such as banks, malls, and airports
utilize PC-based models rather than stand-alone DVRs.
The choice of models really depends on your surveillance
needs. If you have a relatively small network of cameras,
and do not require much in the way of sophisticated
controls, a stand-alone model may be all that you need. You
should be able to find a stand-alone 8-channel DVR model for
about $1,400 to $1,800.00. If your needs are a little more
sophisticated, or you are planning to expand your system in
the future, you should probably invest in a PC-based model.
An 8-channel PC-based model is likely to cost you somewhere
around $2,500.
In closing,
SecurityCameraWorld.com is a good website to
consider that provides some more information and
clarification on the
different types of security DVR's as well as
providing choices on some affordable options.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your
definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV
cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.
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