Video Recording has come a long way. It was not too long ago that people recorded video on VHS. But now people are going digital with digital video recorders (DVR). The stand-alone DVR and the 4 channel DVR are two examples. Although both their features are similar, they differ in the way that they are used. Read on to more about these differences.

Size And Prize

Looking at how the two devices look will tell one from the other. Stand-alones resemble any upstanding media player which comes in one single box. You only have to connect the device to your television sets to use it. On the other hand, a 4 channel DVR is a more advanced video recording device because you have to use it with a personal computer along with other peripherals such as a mouse and a webcam for each separate channel. Because of its security features, DVRs that are used for surveillance tend to be more expensive than those used in home entertainment systems.

Functionality

The way these two digital video recorders are used make it unique from the other. You can use stand-alone devices to record television shows that you may have missed. You can program the device to record your favorite basketball game so that you can watch it once you are home after work. On the other hand, a 4 channel DVR is mainly used to beef-up home security systems because of added security features such as motion detection and video searching. It also supports the use of removable media such as hard disk drives and writable optical drives. Using the device results in clearer surveillance videos and improved video playback.

Ease of Use

Because of its security features, a 4 channel DVR may not be so easy to operate as compared to a stand-alone DVR. Anyone can set up the latter with just the aid of a user-manual. However, you may have to consult a professional when integrating your DVR into your home security system.

Storage Capacity and Features

The 4 channel DVR clearly has the upper hand in terms of the amount of data that can be saved. For sure, the device comes can store hours and hours of surveillance data more than any high-powered computer could. To take the security of public places such as shopping malls, schools, hospitals, and theaters up a level, these devices can accommodate up to 32 channels! The storage capacity of stand-alone DVRs, although large, fails in comparison with DVRs in security systems. Stand-alones may lack security features, but its recording and playback capabilities are up-to-par. The device will greatly change the way you watch TV at home.

You should consider these differences if you are thinking of getting yourself a digital video recording device. Do not confuse the two devices from each other because they have different uses and functions. The thing to remember is that a 4 channel DVR is used in security systems, while a stand-alone DVR is used for entertainment purposes only.