PATRONUM
Výběr kamerového systému

How to choose a video recorder for your camera system

XVR, NVR or HVR? Comparison of PATRONUM recorder types, channel counts, PoE support and AI features. The guide will help you pick the recorder that fits your camera count and technology.

Recorder types

  • XVR — hybrid recorder suitable for both technologies, switchable between AHD or IP, or AHD and IP cameras.
  • NVR — recorders for IP cameras. Some models include PoE outputs for easy IP-camera connection with power.

Number of video inputs — cameras you can connect

Each recorder is limited by the number of inputs — the number of cameras you can connect. When designing a camera system, always plan for future expansion. In practice up to 60% of camera systems get expanded with more cameras within a year of installation.

Recording resolution and frame rate

Each recorder is specific in which camera resolutions it supports. Our offer includes recorders that support 2 MP cameras, but also recorders to which you can connect several higher-resolution cameras. When choosing, study carefully which recorder you're picking so it matches the resolution of the cameras you plan to buy.

Another important aspect is how many frames per second (FPS) it stores. Most can record 25 FPS, which is a smooth image. Recorders that can record full resolution at 25 FPS per channel are called "Real-Time". These recorders need more powerful processors and so are usually more expensive. All other models therefore have a feature for free allocation of capacity. For example you can set channels 1 and 3 to 25 FPS for smooth recording, and channels 2 and 4 to 7 FPS.

Internet viewing and remote control

Practically all camera systems are connected to the internet for remote monitoring at install time. All PATRONUM recorders have this feature. It's therefore up to you whether to connect the system to the internet right away or later. Thanks to P2P, no public IP is needed and remote-monitoring configuration takes only a few minutes without setting up other network elements or port forwarding. The devices allow online live viewing, recording playback and configuration of all features. All this is possible from smartphones too. They support iOS, Android and PCs Windows and macOS. With every recorder or camera-system purchase you get a free bundle of apps containing all software needed for remote monitoring and configuration.

Recording duration

Recording duration does not depend directly on the device type but on the storage capacity. Recorders use 3.5″ hard drives with SATA interface. The chosen disk size directly determines how many days you can keep. All recorders today have an "overwrite" function. This is groundbreaking — when the disk fills up the system automatically starts overwriting the oldest recordings with the newest. The device thus becomes completely maintenance-free and requires no regular intervention to keep performing. The disk always holds the number of days corresponding to the current recording configuration.

Need detailed help?

This article is part of our Czech support center. For full assistance with PATRONUM camera systems, installation in Czech Republic / Slovakia, or technical questions, contact us directly.

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