Video recorders take the feed from surveillance cameras, save it to a hard drive and let you review footage on site or remotely. They suit homes, shops, offices and warehouses. Our range includes over 25 models, among them recorders from Hikvision, AXIS, Reolink and Sygonix.
A new IP camera system usually needs a network video recorder (NVR), while older analogue cameras need a digital video recorder (DVR).
How to choose a video recorder
Recorder type. An NVR works with IP cameras over a network cable, whereas a DVR works with analogue cameras over coaxial cable. For a new installation an NVR is the usual choice, and a DVR only makes sense when analogue camera cabling is already in the walls.
Number of channels. One channel serves one camera, so pick a recorder with 4, 8 or 16 channels according to your camera count, leaving some spare. If you plan three cameras today, a four-channel model lets you add another later without replacing the recorder.
PoE ports. Many NVRs have built-in PoE ports that deliver both power and data to a camera over a single network cable. That saves separate power adapters or a PoE switch, but check that the number of PoE ports matches the number of cameras.
Storage and recording time. How long footage is kept depends on the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate and compression (H.265 takes up less space than H.264). Several 4 MP cameras recording continuously will fill a drive much faster than two 2 MP cameras recording only on motion. Check how many hard drive bays the recorder has and whether a drive is included.
Compatibility and remote access. A recorder works most smoothly with cameras from the same manufacturer, and if you mix brands, look for ONVIF support. For viewing on your phone, check that the manufacturer offers an app and that its features suit you.
Brands we carry
- Hikvision: one of the largest video surveillance manufacturers in the world, known for NVR and DVR lines for sites of many sizes; it has the most recorders in our range.
- AXIS: a Swedish company that introduced the first network camera in 1996, and its solutions are common in professional surveillance systems.
- Reolink: known for PoE cameras and recorders aimed at homes and small businesses, which are easy to set up through an app.
- Dahua: a major Chinese surveillance manufacturer, ranked alongside Hikvision among the biggest players in this market.
Also in our range: Sygonix, Foscam and Technaxx.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an NVR and a DVR?
An NVR is made for IP cameras, which compress the picture and send it over the network, while a DVR is made for analogue cameras whose signal the recorder itself processes. An NVR allows higher resolution and can power cameras through PoE. A DVR is usually chosen only to keep existing analogue cabling.
How many channels should a recorder have?
A recorder needs at least as many channels as the cameras you will connect, and it is wiser to leave some spare. Models with 4, 8 and 16 channels are the most common. A home or small shop often manages with 4 or 8 channels, while larger sites are better served by 16 or more.
What size of hard drive do I need?
There is no single answer, because capacity depends on the number of cameras, resolution and recording mode. Continuous recording from several cameras typically needs a few terabytes, while motion-triggered recording uses less space. Before buying, use the manufacturer's storage calculator and choose a recorder with a free drive bay for expansion.
Can I watch recordings on my phone?
Yes, most modern recorders let you view live video and recordings through the manufacturer's app, provided the recorder is connected to the internet. To keep the system secure, change the factory password and update the firmware regularly.
