Dahua XVR recorders for coax cameras

XVR explained

What is an XVR recorder?

An XVR recorder is a video recorder for camera systems that can process multiple camera signals. In addition to HD-CVI, many Dahua XVR recorders also support TVI, AHD, traditional analogue cameras and a number of IP cameras. This makes an XVR particularly attractive when you want to keep using your existing coax cabling but switch to more modern camera surveillance.

When to choose?

When do you choose an XVR recorder?

An XVR is particularly suitable when you use coax cameras or want to renew an existing analogue camera system.

An XVR recorder is attractive, for example, when you:

• want to keep your existing coax cabling;
• want to replace older analogue cameras with HD-CVI cameras;
• use different camera technologies within one system;
• want to add a few IP cameras later;
• want to record and review camera footage centrally.

This allows you to modernise a camera system step by step without having to replace all the cabling at once.

Dahua

Dahua XVR recorder

Within the Secures range you will find several Dahua XVR recorders. Depending on the model, these so-called penta-brid recorders support multiple video signals, including CVI, TVI, AHD, analogue and IP.

This makes them suitable for both existing camera installations and new systems where flexibility is important. Many models also feature Dahua WizSense technology for smart analysis of camera footage.

Number of cameras

How many channels do you need?

The number of channels determines how many cameras can be connected directly to the XVR. Preferably choose a recorder with sufficient room for any future expansion.

If you currently have six cameras, for example, an 8-channel recorder is usually more sensible than a model with exactly enough connections. This leaves you room to expand the camera system later.

Coax and HD-CVI

XVR for HD-CVI and analogue security cameras

An important advantage of an XVR is its support for different types of coax cameras. Do you still have traditional analogue security cameras? Depending on the model, these can be combined with more modern HD-CVI cameras.

With HD-CVI coax cameras you can use higher resolutions and modern features without completely replacing the existing coax cabling.

This makes an XVR a practical solution for upgrading older camera surveillance systems.

Hybrid camera system

XVR recorder with IP cameras

Many modern XVR recorders also support IP cameras. This allows you to add a number of network cameras to the system in addition to the connected coax cameras.

This is useful when you want to switch gradually from coax to IP camera surveillance. If you ultimately want to work exclusively with network cameras, an NVR recorder is generally the more logical choice.

XVR versus NVR

XVR or NVR: what is the difference?

The main difference lies in the type of camera that is connected.

An XVR recorder is primarily intended for cameras connected via coax and, depending on the model, can also process IP cameras.

An NVR recorder is designed specifically for IP cameras that communicate over the network.

Do you have existing coax cabling? Then an XVR is usually the obvious choice. If you are starting with an entirely new IP installation, an NVR is often more suitable.

Power over Coax

XVR with PoC

Some Dahua XVR recorders support PoC, or Power over Coax. With a suitable camera system, the video signal and power can run over the same coax cable.

This can simplify installation, because a separate power connection is not needed for each camera. Note that both the recorder and the camera used must support PoC. Also check the specifications of the relevant coax camera.

Image quality

Which resolution should an XVR support?

When choosing a recorder, it is important that it supports the resolution of your cameras. Within the range you will find, for example, Dahua XVR models for 1080p, 5MP and 4K.

If you have high-resolution cameras, check that the recorder you choose can actually record and display this resolution.

Therefore always look at the combination of:

• type of camera;
• maximum resolution;
• number of channels;
• recording capacity;
• supported camera signals.

This prevents the recorder from limiting the capabilities of your cameras.

Storage

How much storage do you need?

The XVR stores camera footage on an internal hard drive. Many recorders in the range are supplied without a hard drive, so that you can determine the storage capacity you need yourself.

How much storage you need depends on factors such as:

• the number of connected cameras;
• the resolution;
• the number of frames per second;
• continuous recording or recording on detection only;
• the number of days you want to keep footage.

The more cameras and the higher the resolution, the greater the storage capacity required.

Watching live

Viewing camera footage on a monitor

An XVR recorder can be connected to a suitable display, so that you can view live camera footage and search through recordings.

For a fixed security setup you can use a camera monitor for this. A single screen can show multiple camera channels at the same time.

Depending on the camera system, footage can also be viewed remotely via suitable software or apps.

Buying advice

Buying an XVR recorder

If you want to buy an XVR recorder, first look at the cameras you already have or want to connect. This way you choose a recorder that fits your current system and leaves room for future expansion.

Pay particular attention to:

• the number of channels required;
• CVI, TVI, AHD and analogue support;
• support for IP cameras;
• maximum camera resolution;
• PoC support;
• number of hard drives;
• storage capacity required.

Personal advice

Advice on a Dahua XVR

Not sure which Dahua XVR suits your camera system? Secures will gladly help you combine the right recorder, cameras and storage.

Also view the full range of recorders and surveillance cameras to complete your camera system.

Series and generation

Would you like to know what the Dahua series (Entry, Lite, WizSense, WizMind) mean and how to read a model code? Read the explanation on Dahua series and model codes.