Standalone NVR or PC Based NVR?

[ashr1uk]

Hi,
As the title suggests. What do you guys prefer and use? Standalone or PC Based NVR?

 

[Phil]

Somewhat, horses for courses.
e.g. if you have a spare/retired PC that is capable, then it's hard to beat the value of testing software on that.

However, it is hard to beat the price/performance of a dedicated Chinese NVR from Milesight or Hikvision.

Typically:
Provides POE power to the cameras.
Includes all camera licences.
Is linux-based.
Will auto-restart and record after a power-cut.
Includes portal access for easy access from anywhere.
Is App-ready.
Free Apps.
Free software.
Some even include advanced features such as ANPR FOC (with the appropriate cameras).
Just add surveillance HDDs.

 

[ashr1uk]

Very true. For me it was the built in PoE switch that made me spend the extra on the NVR.
However over the Xmas holidays I will remove the NVR and see how a PC based system differs. Any recommendations on software?

 

[Phil]

Most paid-for licence-based VMS solutions will cost about £40 +VAT per camera channel - this of course makes them unpalatable for home users.

I see Blue Iris mentioned quite often, so would gather that it is a popular solution (but, I've never used it myself).