Difference Between A DVR And A Network Storage

[ptsmith 0]

Hi,

 

I know very little about the workings of a network and I'm having trouble understanding a few things. I have a few questions:

 

Network NVRs seem to be considerably more expensive than Network Storage units. They seem to be similar devices but there must be a reason for the price difference. What am I missing?

 

Also, why do network NVRs have a specific channel number? It seems like you should be able to have as many cameras as the bandwidth permits.

 

Thanks

[Soundy 1]

Hi,

 

I know very little about the workings of a network and I'm having trouble understanding a few things. I have a few questions:

 

Network NVRs seem to be considerably more expensive than Network Storage units. They seem to be similar devices but there must be a reason for the price difference. What am I missing?

Software licensing. Most NVRs - whether PC-based, standalone, or NAS-based - charge license fees for the actual software, usually on a per-camera basis, or sometimes on a "block" basis (in 1, 2, 4, 8, 16-camera blocks, etc.).

 

Also, why do network NVRs have a specific channel number? It seems like you should be able to have as many cameras as the bandwidth permits.

 

Legacy considerations, mainly, I would think. A number of systems maintain roots in analog DVR designs... Vigil is one PC-based example that uses the same server software whether you're running an all-analog DVR, an analog/IP hybrid, or a pure NVR, so maintaining a "channel number" layout keeps things consistent. I believe GeoVision uses a similar model.

[ptsmith 0]

Thanks for the info Matt.

 

This Qnap network storage unit has over 100mbps bandwidth, yet the data sheet specs it for only 2 IP cameras:

 

http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=162

 

I don't get it.

[Soundy 1]

That page says, "You can connect to maximum 4 IP cameras via Turbo NAS and set up a video surveillance system with comprehensive monitoring, recording, and playback features."

 

Again, probably just licensing considerations... especially as QNAP does have other systems designed specifically for NVR use, rather than all-around network storage...

 

But that would really be a question better directed at QNAP.

[ptsmith 0]

Oops! Wrong one. This has the same bandwidth, but is rated for only 2 cameras:

 

http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=161

 

That's a good suggestion Matt. I'll call Qnap on Monday.

[Soundy 1]

Yeah, I'd suspect the only real difference is licensing. Again, remember that this unit is designed to be an all-around NAS and do a lot of different things, so IP cameras aren't its primary function. This unit appears to be very similar (looks identical on the front panel, in fact) but supports recording up to 12 cameras: http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_software.asp?p_id=123

 

Note that it has a LOT more surveillance-related functionality, including support for many, many more cameras, and very little related to home/media/web/etc. server functions - similar products, two different markets. No idea how the prices compare; I would suspect that the VS units do have some sort of per-camera licensing.

[thewireguys 3]

QNAP does not do licensing like VMS software does. You buy Qnap devices just like you do DVRs 2,4,8,12,16, channels and when you have to add more (say you have the 4 channel unit and you want to add a 5th camera you would need to add a second unit or upgrade to a bigger unit). I see this has a huge disadvantage with QNAP compared to VMS based systems.

 

NAS VS NVR

 

NAS= Network attached storage. You can use these as storage for NVRs or any computer for that matter. Some companys like QNAP add special features that allow basic NVR functions

 

NVR = Network video recorder. Is used with VMS software to record IP camera and analog encoders. Some VMS can use NAS as a storage target.