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NVR and DVR Recording Systems Explained

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NVR vs DVR: What Is the Difference?

A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is used with analogue cameras and processes video at the recorder. Cameras connect to the DVR via coaxial cables, and the DVR converts the analogue signal to digital for storage. DVR systems are typically less expensive but offer lower resolution and fewer features compared to NVR-based systems.

An NVR (Network Video Recorder) is used with IP cameras and receives video that has already been processed by the camera. Cameras connect to the NVR via Ethernet cables or wirelessly over the network. NVR systems support higher resolution cameras, offer more flexible installation options, and provide better remote access capabilities.

For most new installations, Auckland Geeks recommends NVR-based systems. They offer superior image quality, easier expansion, and better integration with modern features like remote viewing, motion alerts, and smart search. If you have an existing DVR system, we can help upgrade it to an NVR setup while reusing compatible cabling where possible.

Storage Capacity and Retention

The amount of storage you need depends on the number of cameras, the resolution they record at, and how long you want to keep footage before it is overwritten. A basic four-camera system recording at 1080p might need 1-2TB of storage for 30 days of continuous recording. Higher resolution cameras and larger systems will require significantly more storage.

Most NVR systems use standard hard drives that can be replaced or upgraded as needed. Auckland Geeks configures recording schedules and motion-based recording to optimise storage usage. With motion-based recording, cameras only save footage when activity is detected, which can dramatically reduce storage requirements without missing important events.

For businesses with compliance requirements, we can configure systems to retain footage for specific periods and set up automated backup solutions. Cloud storage options are also available for those who want offsite backup of critical footage.

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Nicole Saxon

4 months ago

Great IT Support!, we have had a couple of IT issues arise at work being hacked etc and the team at Auckland Geeks were super helpful and resolved our problems straight away. I would highly recommend

Jenny Donaldson

4 months ago

Dale turned up when they said he would, and was friendly and more importantly knowledgeable about my problem, which he fixed in rapid time, and also checked the general health of my PC. Would hire again

Brittany Sheweiry

4 months ago

Jack from Auckland Geeks provided excellent service and communication. He sorted out the windows 11 upgrade on my computer and provided me with great advice and information regarding a back up system option - which he then provided the best fit for my needs. The service was easy and fast. I highly recommend Gareth and Jack at Auckland Geeks.
-Green Bay, West Auckland

Trevor Ninness

4 months ago

I had a configuration issue happen randomly on my router at home and I was unable to fix it. I called Auckland Geeks and on the Sunday they were able to send out a technician that afternoon. Carlo arrived and quickly identified what was wrong and got my internet working again. Thanks Carlo and Ak Geeks for amazingly quick service on a Sunday. Awesome.

Lim Nov

5 months ago

Dale was amazing at fixing my BIOS issue. He explained everything clearly, worked efficiently, and made sure my PC was running perfectly before finishing. Super knowledgeable, patient, and professional. I really appreciated how smooth he made the whole process. Highly recommend Dale if you need any tech help!
When I booked it they called me instantly, they are really fast. Would book again if any issues.

Maxine Gay

5 months ago

Auckland Geeks are great. They are super professional and helpful. The service is quick and efficient, and they go the extra mile to make sure that you are comfortable with what is being proposed and/or what has been done to help you avoid further pitfalls. Highly recommend.

Jenny Metford

6 months ago

We used Auckland Geeks for the first time yesterday, and couldn't be happier with their service! Booking was easy, and we received an email confirming the appointment. The technician turned up on time, and was excellent. His name was Jack, and what a pleasure it was to have him help us out with our problems. He was very knowledgeable, polite and personable. We are very happy to recommend both the company and Jack, and will be calling them again when we next need tech help.

jan tasker

6 months ago

Very efficient from first phone call seeking an appointment, to the follow up email confirming name, time and details of technician.
Call by Technician Carlo Urbino 15 mins before his scheduled arrival time checking address.
Carlo was very thorough and explained clearly that it was a modem problem. He also tidied up various processes for me. He was very competent, knowledgeable and very respectful. Will definitely use Auckland Geek again.

Derek C

6 months ago

Highly recommend Auckland Geeks, in particular Jack. I shipped my PC from overseas when I moved to auckland. the PC was unfortunately damaged during transit. Jack was quick to provide me with a damage assessment and quote for me to claim the repair cost with the insurer. He also worked on his day off to replace the PC parts, clean up the interior and presented it back to me in excellent condition as the repair job was urgent.

Matt Hockly

6 months ago

Tarek and Gareth at Auckland Geeks saved the day again. We had server issues over the weekend. Our server are critical to running our business. Tarek came in Monday and got us back up and running fast and helped future proof our server for the future. I would fully recommmend thse guys for any of your IT requirements.

Julie Cook

6 months ago

Auckland Geeks responded very quickly with a phone call after we sent an email on a Saturday morning, having problems installing a new modem. An hour or so later, the technician was at our place and the problem was sorted. Our technician, Carlo, was friendly, knowledgable, gave us great advice, and wasted no time in getting our issue fixed. We will definitely use this company again.

Alan Douthwaite

6 months ago

I should have contacted Auckland Geeks three weeks earlier than I did. They turned up at very short notice and quickly diagnosed the cause of the Internet issues I had been having, which I had been attempting to fix myself. I highly recommend them.

Mathew Crowe

6 months ago

We have recently changed our IT arrangements for our multiple retail stores to Auckland Geeks. We could not be happier with the change. Fast efficient and very reasonably priced. They rectified a range of issues with our systems in a heart beat.
I would highly recommend these guys.
Gareth has been amazing to deal with and explains everything in simple terms that non IT minded people can understand.
There are no surprise costs like we have encountered from previous IT consultants

Bronwyn Olney

7 months ago

Excellent service at very short notice and came outside of normal hours to help us out of a difficult situation. Our second time using Auckland Geeks and again they totally impressed us with their service. Highly recommend to all!

Paul Brookbanks

7 months ago

My Mac Mini required an Auckland Geek to access my old RAM cards and replace with new 2x 16GB cards to get it moving again. Well he was amazing as fast and so knowledgeable so I can only praise his ability and positivity!
Many thanks
Paul

Sue Grant

8 months ago

Fantastic service. Gareth was great in getting back to me, ordering tablet and arranging time and day quickly for setup. Dale was efficient in transferring data over to new tablet, setting up printer and a pleasure to deal with.

Craftsman Plumbing Ltd

8 months ago

We had Auckland Geeks change our email hosting - They were fast and efficient and had great communication through the process. Will definitely be using them again for any IT needs.

janine cooper

8 months ago

Easy to deal arrange an appointment and Jack was very easy to work with. Tech stuff is not my world so what felt like a big issue to me was no trouble for them at all — they handled it quickly and without ever making me feel silly.

Roger Grant

8 months ago

Sometimes there are conflicts created when adding software or drivers to your computer. And sometimes it takes an outside cool knowledgeable head to find the issue and resolve it. Jack navigated to the issue in good time and the system is running very smoothly now. Much appreciated.

Gladiator del Wino

8 months ago

Being semi computor illiterate we found Geeks service (Dale) extremely efficient, educational and effective in helping us set up our new system. Well priced too.

David Grace

8 months ago

As Always, Auckland Geeks were fast on the cas3, my Tech Dale was personable, and swiftly identified my issue, enacted the fix and set up, I know who to always call if I have any issues in the future.

Jenny Pullar

8 months ago

I feel very fortunate to have found Kai through Auckland Geeks. He was a brilliant Mac service technician and through his ingenuity gave me in effect a major system upgrade, solving all my computer issues in the process. The outcome could not be better & I am thrilled with the result!

Jim Mather

9 months ago

Awesome service from Carlo Urbino who came to our home to install a new ASUS router. It was up and running, and customised to our requirements within an hour! All of this occurred on a Saturday afternoon after lodging my online support inquiry late on Friday night beforehand. Brilliant and I highly recommend Auckland Geeks!

Stephen Barnes

9 months ago

Easy to talk to Great service Fast internet now

Robert Askew

10 months ago

A perfect result thanks Auckland Geeks

Paul Sommer

10 months ago

Efficient prompt service

Sarah Anderson

10 months ago

Kai from Auckland Geeks was brilliant at addressing all computer queries and attending to all the things that needed to be done on my MacBook Pro - the best! I would highly recommend!

Megan Brookman

10 months ago

Communication from the start with Gareth was outstanding, great Customer Service. Jason was our tech and he was absolutely brilliant - he listened, then explained and showed me what he meant. He was patient and most of all understood I wasn't an IT Geek. We have another laptop which we will be getting Auckland Geeks to look at next week. Thoroughly recommend, outstanding from start to finish.

Brian Anderson

10 months ago

Speedy service
Extremely helpful
Nice guys

Noelle Henderson

10 months ago

Prompt, polite service from Dale who fixed the problem for me. Many thanks.

Doro Davies

11 months ago

These guys are the best. Fantastic communication and no problem is to big or small. Gareth and Dale have resolved months of frustration for us.
I can't recommend them enough.
Thankyou.
Doro D

Emily

11 months ago

Thank you Jack for your advice and transparency! He helped me find a solution over the phone and couldn’t be happier with how he went about it.

Ron N Smith

11 months ago

A great experience with Jason quick to solve my problems, and give me a greater understanding of what he actually did. Nice to know that this excellent support is available.

W Joubi

11 months ago

I’m really impressed with the services of Auckland Geeks. They came in, picked up the computer, upgraded it to a bigger hard drive and ram and returned it to me after 3 days as a new computer. Their prices and quality of work are excellent. Highly recommended company. Thank you.

Mark Everton

11 months ago

Disappointed, of course, that my iMac bit the dust after 8 years faithful service but Jack from Auckland Geeks did a great job identifying the issue(s), talking me through the options and supporting me as I moved on. I appreciated Jack’s clear, informed and friendly approach - communication was excellent and his service was most professional.

FMK Epsom

1 year ago

Consistently outstanding professional advice from Gareth and the team at Auckland Geeks! Their expertise is truly impressive, and I always feel confident in their recommendations. A solid 10/10 every time!

Hamza Alfayad

1 year ago

Very great service and good communication. I had Gareth and I would especially recommend him as he was quick and efficient in installing new parts into my pc and left it looking great ! There were problems in the beginning within some of the hardware but he was quick to find what needed fixing and fixed them right away no problem! Overall would highly recommend Auckland Geeks!!