Whenever the same thing is available in different forms, people get confused while purchasing them. If you are one of those who people who are confused as which DVR to choose, you need to look deep into your requirements as for what applications or use you want DVR. To reach the conclusion, you have to understand their major differences.

You should also read our Buyers Guide.

 

Standalone DVR

Standalone DVR is a single unit or a rack mount, inside which all components, power, CPU, supplies, boards and all DVR related components are placed.

The operating system (which is Linux) and DVR software are on a single chip. Standalones have several internal hard-drive spaces and two or more external hard-drive connections for extended recording times. This unit is made specifically for one purpose which is to capture, record and store your surveillance videos and images.

 

PC-Based

A PC-based DVR is just what its name implies. It is a PC with DVR board. This board receives the video from the cameras and working in conjunction with the DVR software provides all the important video functions. Its operating system is mainly Windows and can record your surveillance footage, but it can also act as any normal PC, means you can do browsing and use other PC applications too.

 

Which one should You buy?

  • First look if you need to connect various units at different locations, even in different cities, and need to work with IP megapixel cameras then go for PC-Based. Whereas now-a-days, hybrid-standalone DVRs are combining IP cameras and analogue cameras but the problem is the storage. PC-Based solve the problem of storage. Here comes the factor of scalability which is not possible in Standalone. They’re more upgradeable and expandable, therefore it is easy to add hard drives, DVD burners, CD burners, and increase the storage space.

 

  • If you know the usage of computer then it will not be difficult for you to handle PC-Based and if you only know how to start and shut down PC then go for Standalone. Because, ease of handling a device is an important factor that should be considered while purchasing something.

 

  • Your choice also depends on your use of DVR for security and surveillance. PC-based surveillance security systems offer more enhanced video recording lucidity over period lapse and are usually more convenient compared to standalone DVR surveillance security systems.

 

  • One of the important things to consider is that Linux system is less vulnerable to viruses so there are less chances of losing data. While in PC-Based, Windows is most frequently attacked by viruses because PC is also being used for browsing internet and downloading other software for various purposes.

 

  • Lastly, you have to consider your work space and budget.  Standalone DVR is compact and takes little space as compared to PC-Based DVR, which comes with other peripherals. It is also possible that you already have a PC in your home and you can install DVR capture card in it, which will cost you much less than buying a new Standalone DVR.

 

Conclusion

These are some of the basic comparisons between the two DVRs. PC-Based is expensive but provides better features as compared to Standalone. Much of the differences between two are hidden behind the user interface. The more you are clear about your requirements -where you want to use DVR- the more it will be easier for you to make decision.