Security DVR system, i.e. surveillance system has become an integral part of your home or business security solution. When searching to purchase a Security camera or security DVR, you will find that there are certain decisions you need to make before purchasing your first security DVR. There are two basic types of DVR’s available: a stand alone DVR and a PC-based DVR. A stand-alone DVR is a unit that looks like a VCR but is actually a computer running on a Linux base or proprietary operating system designed to function by itself as a digital video recorder. A PC-based DVR is a Regular computer, with a DVR capture card installed and configured, which basically transforms the basic computer into a full functioning DVR system. The system usually runs on windows XP or Linux, which perform on the same basic functions. We will explore each in a little more depth below.

Stand-alone Security DVR System
A stand-alone DVR is a computer board built on one complete circuit board. It looks very similar to a VCR, but it has the entire components that a regular computer has. The system runs on an operating system that is built into a chip / flush memory.  For that reason Stand-alone DVR’s are extremely reliable and very easy to install and use. They are usually managed and configured by a remote control like a VCR. The software is built in to the flush memory as firmware and is separate from the data stored on the hard drive.
 
PC-based Security DVR System
PC-based DVR is a DVR Capture Card built inside a computer. The system is either a tower or a rack mount. Installed within the system is a DVR capture card. This board captures the video from the cameras and works with the DVR software, providing all the necessary, video and recording functions: like, Video compression, converting the video to a file, camera controls and display, record and playback functions.

Stand-alone versus PC-based DVR’s
In general, PC-based DVR’s have more advanced features than stand-alone models. Most of their strength relies on their processing power compared to standalone security DVR systems. PC Based DVR systems are also better suited for upgrades and systems expansions to support multiple hard drives and multi capture cards to support large amounts of cameras
In general  when PC base and stand alone DVR came out to the market  PC-based DVR’s had much  more advanced features than stand-alone models and their processing power was stronger giving them the ability to process images faster and better. They also are better suited for upgrades and system expansions. But as time passed, Stand-alone DVR systems became more and more powerful and became very comparable to PC based DVR system in their performance and functionality. PC based systems still have more upgrade and expansion options, and for this reason most large institutions such as banks, malls, and airports utilize PC-based models rather than stand-alone DVR’s.
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Dvrmaster.com is a website that provides DVR information and clarification on the different types of security Camera and Security DVR’s. It provides affordable and top-of-the-line DVR products as well as providing custom built systems for individuals as well as businesses.