Comparison Dahua DH-XVR4108C vs Dahua DH-HCVR4108C-S3

The number of cameras supported by the recorder when operating in hybrid mode — that is, when using traditional (AHD) and network IP cameras at the same time. For details about hybrid recorders, see "Type". And in this paragraph, the first number indicates the number of conventional cameras, the second — IP devices: for example, the entry "4 + 2" indicates that this model can simultaneously receive a signal from 4 conventional and 2 IP cameras.

Also note that some hybrid recorders allow different ratios between the number of cameras of different types (with the same total number of cameras). For example, a 12-channel model may have 6+6, 8+4, and 10+2 hybrid modes. In such cases, this paragraph takes into account the mode with the largest number of AHD cameras; for the model described in our example, “10+2” will be written in this paragraph.

It is also worth mentioning that when working only with IP cameras, the hybrid recorder can support a greater number of video channels than in hybrid mode — for example, in the “2 + 8” format model, the number of supported only network cameras can reach 16. This information is specified in "IP Only".

The number of cameras (video channels) supported by the hybrid recorder (see "Type") when working with IP cameras only.

Most often, this number corresponds to the total number of channels available in hybrid mode (when IP cameras are combined with traditional, so-called AHD cameras). For example, for a DVR with 8+2 hybrid mode (10 in total), the number of cameras in IP only mode is also usually 10. However, there are exceptions: some models in pure network mode are able to work with more cameras than in hybrid. For example, the same hybrid format "8 + 2" can be combined with support for 16 or even 24 network cameras at the same time.

— PTZ support. Compatibility of the recorder with cameras that have the PTZ function — “pan, tilt, zoom”, that is, the ability to rotate and tilt the lens, as well as zoom in / out. PTZ support allows you to control these functions through the DVR. In analogue cameras, the RS-485 port is used for its operation (see "Additional connectors").

— Responding to movement. A function that allows the DVR to recognize movement in the frame. Specific ways of using this function can be different: automatic start of recording, setting a timestamp (if the video is being recorded continuously), signaling an alarm output, notifying the operator, etc. Note that motion sensors can also be installed in the surveillance cameras themselves; however, the presence of this function in the recorder eliminates the need to specifically look for such cameras (which usually cost a lot).

— Face recognition. This term refers to the extended possibilities for working with the faces of people caught in the frame. Recorders with this function, usually, are able not only to determine the presence of a face in the frame, but to recognize its characteristic features, save the resulting “portraits” and compare them with the database stored in memory. The latter, in turn, allows you to identify people and opens up a number of additional features. A specific set of such features should b...e specified separately, here we will give a few examples. So, in many models, the face recognition system allows you to quickly search for a person in the video archive, eliminating the need for the user to personally view large volumes of video materials. Using such a system, you can record the time of arrival and departure of employees to work, as well as automatically save information about the visits of third-party visitors. Facial recognition can be added to the lock on key cards — and an attacker will not be able to open such a lock, even if he takes possession of the card. There are also more complex and advanced features — for example, the creation of groups of employees with different access rights, with access restriction and/or an alarm when an outsider appears in a prohibited area for him.

— PoC power. An analogue of the PoE technology described above, used in traditional surveillance cameras (so-called AHD). Allows you to supply power to such a camera from the registrar through the same coaxial cable that is used to transmit the video signal; this greatly simplifies the connection and increases the reliability and security of the entire system. So, when installing the camera, it is enough to lay only one wire, while its operation does not require accumulators / batteries, which can sit down at the most inopportune moment.

— Wi-Fi. In registrars, the built-in Wi-Fi module is most often used for two tasks: to work with IP cameras that support such communication, and to connect the registrar itself to a local network (or even the Internet) via a wireless router / access point. And in models with a mobile application (see below), Wi-Fi can also be used for direct communication with the control gadget. Anyway, such a connection allows you to do without fuss with wires and connectors. The disadvantages of this feature include perhaps a slight increase in price compared to analogues without Wi-Fi, but this moment often turns out to be almost invisible against the background of the total cost of the registrars themselves.
Also, the specific supported communication standard can be specified in the characteristics — usually Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) or Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). In this case, the differences between them are most often not fundamental: modern Wi-Fi modules, usually, support several standards at once, so there are no problems with compatibility, and the connection speed is usually more than sufficient to work as intended.

— Wi-Fi ready. This marking means that the recorder does not have a built-in Wi-Fi module (see above), but can use such a connection when an external adapter is connected (usually not included in the standard package). Theoretically, this configuration should provide additional convenience: the user can choose whether he needs Wi-Fi functionality in this particular registrar, and if in doubt, you can purchase the device itself without overpaying for wireless capabilities, and buy the adapter later if necessary . However, in fact, Wi-Fi ready models are extremely rare these days: most buyers decide whether they need wireless when planning their surveillance system, and built-in Wi-Fi modules are not that expensive, especially compared to the total cost of recorders.

— Mobile app. The ability to work with the registrar through a mobile application installed on a smartphone, tablet or other similar gadget. In this case, specific formats for connecting to a controlling gadget can be different: direct connection via Wi-Fi, work via a local network, or even remote access via the Internet from anywhere in the world; Often multiple options are supported. All these details should be specified separately, as well as the specific functionality of the mobile application. However, usually, this functionality is quite extensive, it provides access, if not to all, then at least to the most important functions of the registrar. So, from a smartphone / tablet, you can view footage and live broadcasts from cameras, copy (and sometimes delete) recordings, change many settings, etc. Control applications are usually released for both iOS and Android, so they can be install on almost any modern consumer-grade mobile gadget.

— Support for USB modems. The ability to use an external modem connected via USB to transfer data using the 3G or 4G mobile standard. This gives independence from wires and allows the registrar to be used even where there are no wired computer networks — of course, if there is coverage. Models with this feature usually have wired interfaces, and support for a 3G / 4G modem plays the role of a failover — a backup option in case of problems with the main connection. Note that the specific type of supported mobile network depends mainly on the modem used (the compatibility of the recorder with different models will not hurt to clarify separately, but most often this is not a problem).

— Remote control. The presence of a remote control in the delivery set of the registrar. It is often more convenient to control the device from the remote control than from a computer over the network or from your own control panel.

A physical interface for managing and monitoring various aspects of a video surveillance system. As a rule, the RS-485 connector is used in recorders to control PTZ cameras, connect keyboards, matrix switchers and other similar equipment.

The highest frame rate in the recorded video that the recorder can support when recording from all available channels simultaneously. If not all channels are occupied by cameras, this figure may be higher.

The minimum required for comfortable viewing is 24 fps. And in the most modern video standards, the frame rate can be much higher — 50 – 60 fps. Higher values result in better quality and smoother video that allows you to clearly see fast movement; however, such video takes up more space and requires powerful hardware, which affects the price of recorders.

The highest resolution in which the recorder can record video with a frame rate of at least 25/30 fps when a signal is received from all channels simultaneously. The parameter is specified for models that have high resolution shooting with a low frame rate (for example, 4K at 15 fps). It gives an understanding of the specific resolution at which video recording with a frame rate of 25/30 fps is achieved, at which the picture is perceived more smoothly and details in dynamic scenes are better visible (if there are moving objects in the frame).

The maximum supported resolution of IP cameras with which the NVR is technically capable of working (primarily recording). With rare exceptions, devices record in maximum resolution from all connected IP cameras. However, the limiting factor here is bandwidth (see the relevant paragraph) – depending on the shooting conditions, it may not be enough.

High resolution allows you to get a more detailed image in which fine details are better visible. On the other hand, such videos take up large amounts of disk space, and their support significantly affects the cost of the device.

The maximum supported recording resolution in analogue mode by the recorder. If this value is higher than the resolution when recording from all channels simultaneously (as mentioned above), it means the recorder can record at the maximum resolution only if some video channels are not occupied by cameras. Different models may require a varying number of free channels for this capability. However, there are models where the maximum resolution can be achieved even with all channels fully loaded.