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Network Video Recorders

Network Video Recorders for IP CCTV Systems

Network Video Recorders, also known as NVRs, are used to record, store and manage video footage from IP-based CCTV camera systems.

NVRs are specifically designed to work with IP cameras connected through a network. They are an essential part of modern video surveillance systems and are commonly used in homes, offices, retail stores, warehouses, commercial buildings and larger security installations.

Compared with older analogue recorder setups, NVR systems can support high-resolution video, network connectivity, remote viewing, flexible camera expansion and advanced recording features, depending on the recorder and camera models selected.

Network Video Recorders NVRs IP CCTV Systems Remote Viewing Home & Business Security
Note: NVR selection should be matched to camera brand, channel count, recording resolution, storage capacity, PoE requirements and remote access needs.

Leading NVR Brands Available

Shop CTC Communications for Network Video Recorders from trusted CCTV and surveillance brands, with options for small residential systems through to larger commercial and enterprise-style installations.

Brand Common Use Browse
Dahua Professional IP CCTV systems, smart surveillance and compatible Dahua camera installations. Dahua NVRs
Hikvision Residential, commercial and business IP camera systems using Hikvision equipment. Hikvision NVRs
HiLook Cost-effective CCTV recording for compatible HiLook IP camera systems. HiLook NVRs
IDIS Commercial and professional surveillance systems using compatible IDIS cameras and equipment. IDIS NVRs
Panasonic Selected professional CCTV and surveillance recording applications. Panasonic NVRs
TruVision Business and commercial CCTV recording with compatible TruVision surveillance equipment. TruVision NVRs
Uniarch Practical NVR solutions for compatible Uniarch IP camera systems. Uniarch NVRs
Hanwha Vision Professional IP surveillance recording and compatible Hanwha camera systems. Hanwha Vision NVRs
Compatibility note: For best performance, choose an NVR that is compatible with your camera brand, resolution, analytics features and recording requirements.

NVR Channel Sizes & Camera Capacity

Network Video Recorders are available in different channel sizes. The channel count indicates how many IP cameras the recorder can support. Choosing the right channel size is important for both current camera coverage and future expansion.

NVR Channel Size Common Use Best For
4 Channel NVR Supports up to 4 IP cameras. Small homes, units, small offices and compact CCTV systems.
8 Channel NVR Supports up to 8 IP cameras. Homes, shops, small businesses and medium camera coverage.
16 Channel NVR Supports up to 16 IP cameras. Larger homes, warehouses, offices and commercial properties.
32 Channel NVR Supports up to 32 IP cameras. Commercial buildings, schools, strata properties and larger sites.
64 Channel NVR Supports larger multi-camera surveillance systems. Large commercial, industrial and multi-area CCTV installations.
128 Channel NVR Supports high-capacity IP camera networks. Enterprise-style sites, major facilities and large-scale surveillance systems.
Quick guide: Allow spare channels where possible. If you currently need 6 cameras, an 8 channel NVR may suit; if future expansion is likely, a 16 channel model may be more practical.

NVR Storage, Hard Drives & Footage Retention

NVR storage capacity determines how much video footage can be retained before older footage is overwritten. Storage requirements depend on camera resolution, recording schedule, frame rate, compression settings, number of cameras and retention period.

Network Video Recorders typically support internal surveillance hard drives, and selected models may support additional storage bays, external storage, NAS options or cloud-connected features depending on the product and system design.

  • Internal hard drives – The most common storage method for CCTV recording.
  • Multiple hard drive bays – Selected NVRs support more than one hard drive for increased storage capacity.
  • External storage – Some systems may support external backup or export options.
  • NAS storage – Selected professional systems may support network-attached storage where configured correctly.
  • Cloud storage – Availability depends on the recorder, brand, software platform and subscription options.
  • Footage retention – Larger hard drives help store footage for longer periods.

Browse compatible CCTV hard drives, CCTV monitors and CCTV network switches.

Not sure how much recording capacity your system needs? Read our guide, How Much CCTV Storage Do You Need?, for a practical explanation of camera resolution, bitrate, continuous vs motion recording, retention periods and NVR hard-drive sizing.

Storage note: Higher-resolution cameras, continuous recording and longer footage retention periods require larger hard drive capacity.

How Does an NVR Differ from a DVR?

Both NVRs and DVRs are used for video recording, but the main difference is the type of camera system they support. NVRs are used with IP cameras, while DVRs are used with analogue or coaxial camera systems.

Recorder Type Camera Type How Video Is Transmitted Best For
NVR IP cameras Video data is transmitted over the network, usually through Ethernet cabling. Modern IP CCTV systems, higher-resolution cameras and scalable networked surveillance.
DVR Analogue or HD-over-coax cameras Video is transmitted through coaxial cabling to the recorder. Existing analogue camera systems or sites using coaxial cabling infrastructure.

Advantages of Using an NVR

  • High-resolution video support – Suitable for modern IP cameras and clearer image capture.
  • Scalable camera expansion – Easier to add cameras where the network and channel count allow.
  • Remote access – View live and recorded footage through compatible apps or web access where configured.
  • Network integration – Works with switches, routers, PoE devices and modern IT infrastructure.
  • Advanced features – Selected systems may support motion detection, analytics, alerts and smart search functions.
Remote access note: Most modern NVRs support remote viewing through a compatible web interface or mobile app, depending on the brand, internet setup and security configuration.

What Should You Consider When Choosing an NVR?

Choosing the right Network Video Recorder helps ensure your CCTV system records reliably, supports your cameras and provides the storage and features your property requires.

  • Number of cameras – Choose an NVR with enough channels for current and future cameras.
  • Camera compatibility – Confirm that the NVR supports your IP camera brand, model and features.
  • Recording resolution – Check the maximum recording resolution supported by the NVR.
  • Frame rate and bandwidth – Ensure the recorder can handle the camera load and recording settings.
  • Storage capacity – Match hard drive size and storage bays to the footage retention you need.
  • PoE requirements – Some NVRs include PoE ports, while others require a separate PoE switch.
  • Remote access – Confirm app compatibility, internet requirements and security settings.
  • Ease of use – Consider setup, playback, search functions and export options.
  • Support and reputation – Choose trusted brands with reliable product support and ongoing availability.

Read more on our Network Video Recorder FAQs or see our blog, How to Choose the Right Network Video Recorder for Your Home or Business.

Shop Network Video Recorders at CTC Communications
Choose NVRs from leading brands for reliable IP camera recording, remote viewing, footage storage and professional CCTV system performance.
  • Original price $1,650.00
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    Dahua DHI-NVR5864-AI/ANZ 64CH WizSense AI NVR No HDD

    Dahua

    Dahua 64-Channel WizSense AI Network Video Recorder – DHI-NVR5864-AI/ANZ Enterprise-Grade AI Surveillance for Large-Scale Security Deployments Th...

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    Original price $1,650.00
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    Dahua DHI-NVR5864-AI/ANZ 64CH WizSense AI NVR with Hard Drive Options

    Dahua

    Dahua 64-Channel WizSense AI Network Video Recorder – DHI-NVR5864-AI/ANZ Enterprise-Grade AI Surveillance for Large-Scale Security Deployments Th...

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    Original price $1,439.35 - Original price $2,364.25
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    Hikvision DS-9664NI-M8 M-Series NVR 64ch 8xSATA noHDD

    Hikvision

    Hikvision DS-9664NI-M8 – M-Series 64 Channel 2U 4K NVR (No HDD) The Hikvision DS-9664NI-M8 is a powerful 64-channel 2U rackmount NVR designed for h...

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    Hikvision DS-9664NI-M16 64-Channel M-Series 8K NVR – 16 SATA, No HDD

    Hikvision

    The Hikvision DS-9664NI-M16 is a 64-channel M-Series 8K network video recorder designed for large commercial and enterprise CCTV systems. It suppor...

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    Vivotek 64CH Network Video Recorder without HDD,NR9682-V3

    Vivotek

    This state-of-the-art video recording device, the Vivotek 64CH Network Video Recorder without HDD, NR9682-V3, is capable of managing up to 64 chann...

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