LAN speed
The maximum data transfer rate supported by the DVR's LAN ports.
Note that for simple tasks, a rather modest by modern standards speed of 100 Mbps is often enough. However, high bandwidth (
1 Gbps) not only simplifies the transfer of large amounts of data, but also helps to reduce lags and improve the overall quality of communication; and modern technologies make it possible to provide support for gigabit LAN even in fairly simple and inexpensive registrars.
Of course, in order to use all the features of the LAN, it is necessary that the devices connected to such ports also support the appropriate speeds.
Bandwidth
The maximum data stream in Mbit/s that the NVR is capable of processing when recording and displaying. The throughput parameter is specified as the maximum incoming/outgoing speed, or as the sum of incoming and outgoing streams (total throughput). It is calculated in such a way that the throughput exceeds the total flow of all IP cameras connected to the DVR, and another 25–30% is put in reserve for playing video or viewing it via network access.
Frame rate
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.
Video compression format
Standards (codecs) used by the recorder to compress the recorded video.
This parameter is important when viewing recorded materials on another device — for example, a media centre, into which a "flash drive" with files from the recorder is inserted. For normal viewing, it is necessary that the player supports the appropriate codec — otherwise the video will be displayed with distortion or will not work at all. Technical details on various standards can be found in special sources.
Note that if you plan to view the materials on a computer, you can not pay much attention to this parameter: most modern operating systems have extensive built-in sets of codecs, and if you don’t have the right codec, you can easily find it on the Internet.
Max. resolution (IP)
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.
Total PoE power
The total power that the NVR is capable of delivering to all PoE outputs.
See above for details on such exits; here we only recall that the general idea of PoE is to supply power over the same Ethernet cable that transmits data. The total power is given for models in which there are more than one such connectors; it allows you to estimate the total power consumption of all PoE devices that can be connected to the NVR at the same time.
There are two important things to keep in mind when choosing a specific value. First, when multiple ports operate, the energy is usually shared equally among them; at the same time, the total power of the registrar does not always correspond to the sum of the maximum powers of all PoE outputs. For example, a model with 8 ports of 30 W each may have a total figure of not 240 W (8 * 30 W), but only 100 W. In fact, this discrepancy means that with the simultaneous use of all connectors, each of them will be able to deliver not 30 W, but a maximum of 100/8 = 12.5 W. The second point is that the total power consumption of the load should ideally be no higher than 75% of the claimed total PoE power — this provides an additional guarantee in case of malfunctions.
Power supply
The standard supply voltage of the recorder.
It is worth considering that almost all modern recorders are designed for direct connection to an outlet (110 - 240 V). This paragraph also indicates the voltage at the input of the device itself. That is, if the specifications indicate a value less - for example, 12 V or 24 V - this means that the recorder uses an external power supply (which is usually included in the kit). But models for 100 - 240 V use a built-in power supply.
