If you are looking to install security surveillance in to your home or business, you will need to know the difference between standalone DVR packages and PC-based DVR packages. A surveillance system consists of surveillance cameras. These cameras are feed into a recorder. Previously, camera images would be recorded onto video tapes, however, today we use DVR technology most. But what package is best for you? Let’s do a comparison between the two and find out.
The Basics of Standalone systems and PC based systems
We will discuss here the basics of Standalone and PC based systems, let’s have a look at how both systems are in working? A basic understanding of each system works will help you understand the all process. Standalone system units have been around a lot longer than PC-based units are. Furthermore, PC-based DVR technology is still quite new.
A standalone system looks a lot like an old VCR or DVD players with all their components encased in one cabinet. This includes the basic CPU, IC chips, and power supplies. Everything you need to have to operate in the unit is located in one cabinet.
A PC-based system similar to your PC, the system’s hard drive, LAN board, motherboard, and video card are all located in the computer tower which PC based systems known for. There is also a DVD-writer to burn your security video images to and a card that records your security images.
Advantages of Standalone systems
- It uses tried and true technology and keep records for many years.
- They are not as expensive as PC-based units because of old technology
- Security videos could be feed with a TV output.
- These units are smaller, quieter and are easier to conceal.
- They don’t required daily software updates and aren’t vulnerable to hacking or computer viruses because It has an embedded software system.
Advantages of PC-based systems
It is PC-based and there is the same flexibility available to add and remove components as you do with your own computer.
- These units are user-oriented than standalone systems
- They have more features then Standalone systems.
- These PC-based systems work with analog and digital/IP cameras.
- Its working is up to the mark in Point-of-Sale and cash registers for greater retail protection.
- It has more power and greater memory that allows more data storage.
Disadvantages of Standalone systems
- They aren’t upgradeable as per your needs.
- Everything is tied into the one motherboard which makes it messy somehow.
- If one component fails then you will most likely have to replace the entire unit which is not appreciable.
- It has limited capacity of storage.
- It isn’t easily integrated with other technologies.
- The standalone units are connected to only one camera system and not more.
Disadvantages of PC-based systems
- These units are vulnerable to hacks including security breaches and sometime viruses.
- The units are more expensive then Standalones.
- These units are run off computer-based software which requires regular updating for their protection from Internet threats.
- The units are usually larger and more bulky then Standalones.
- The PC-based units are vulnerable to software. And has no hardware conflicts as they are made up of interchangeable parts.
What Package Best Suits Your Needs?
Now after you know the differences, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each unit, let’s talk about which package is better for your security needs and which doesn’t suits you. First of all, you need to work on what it is that you are securing and how much flexibility you require within your system.
If you are willing to add video surveillance to your home security system, you can easily get this with a standalone DVR security package. If you are living in a standard size house, you will probably need minimal camera coverage feeding in to a single monitor. Two to four security cameras would be sufficient in monitoring your outdoor area while feeding the pictures into your home office.
The standalone systems are not as much expensive as PC based systems.
If you are a business owner, you will probably want to have a PC-based system. It allows you for more cameras, more footage recording space, and are easily upgradeable as your business grows. This security system allows to work with multiple user accounts, so your IT staff can keep the software up to date, and your security staff can monitor your business space with the help of this system.
Whether it’s your home or business you want to make sure that you have the best surveillance installed so that your assets are kept secure away from any intruders.
