A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) usually crosses my mind when people are searching for a versatile surveillance device for commercial areas like office spaces or public areas like retail outlets. Simply put, DVR is a computer with hard drives, equipped with a video encoder with coaxial ports for analog cameras. A DVR can either be a PC-based DVR or a standalone DVR. When it comes to a PC-based DVR, it displays real-time videos from any camera and usually an overlay hardware is adopted to deliver in real time amazing image quality as well as different monitoring modes. Regarding a standalone DVR, it allows users to select in-built or external backup sources and it is usually equipped with functions like ‘playback’, ‘live picture’, and ‘sequence spot’. It is worth mentioning that the feature of simultaneous remote monitoring is available for both of them.
What makes a good DVR then? Firstly, a good DVR needs to be able to connect analog and IP cameras at the same time. Secondly, it has to allow a high-profile compression format so that videos are recorded with high quality at a much lower bit rate. Thirdly, the dual stream technology is desirable for remote network transmission and local storage with high definition. Last but not least, an intuitive and user-friendly Graphics User Interface (GUI) is crucial to generate added convenience.
Network cameras that feature smart body temperature detection are more desired than ever in times of pandemic. When it comes to offering body temperature detection, an ideal DVR usually has thermal technology and a fixed dual vision camera to cater for long distance video surveillance outdoor. It is best if the DVR has a quick response time and can conduct body temperature detection for many targets per second.