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Digital Video Recorders

Our digital video recorders are compact yet powerful recording devices, supporting up to 32 analog HD cameras. Designed for seamless integration with analog cameras, these recorders provide a centralized hub for recording, playback, and management of video footage.

DVR vs NVR — Which Recording System Do You Need?

A digital video recorder (DVR) connects to analog cameras using coaxial cable. An NVR connects to IP cameras over ethernet. Choosing between them depends on your camera infrastructure:

Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Network Video Recorder (NVR)
Camera type Analog HD: HD-TVI, AHD, CVI, CVBS IP cameras (PoE or networked)
Cabling Coaxial (RG59, RG6) — existing CCTV wiring reusable Cat5e/Cat6 ethernet, or PoE switch
Resolution Up to 4K on HD-TVI cameras Up to 4K+ with IP cameras
Installation cost Lower if coax already installed Lower for new builds (single cable per camera)
Best for Upgrading existing analog systems, long cable runs, cost-sensitive projects New installations, higher resolution needs, remote PoE deployment

2M Technology DVR Models

Model Channels Max Resolution SATA Bays Best For
2MT-4004 4-ch 1080p 1 × up to 8TB Small retail, single office floor, residential
2MT-4008 8-ch 1080p 1 × up to 8TB Small business, warehouse dock, parking lot
2MT-4088 8-ch 1080p H.265+ 1 × up to 8TB 8-camera sites requiring H.265 compression for longer retention
2MT-5004 4-ch 4MP 1 × up to 10TB 4-camera upgrade from SD analog — higher detail without full IP migration
2MT-5116 16-ch 4MP 2 × up to 10TB each Medium facilities: schools, factories, strip malls

How Much Storage Does a DVR Need?

Storage sizing is the most common DVR planning mistake. At 1080p, 15fps, H.265 compression, one camera uses approximately 20GB per day. Use this as your baseline:

  • 4-channel digital video recorder — 4 cameras × 20GB = ~80GB/day. A 2TB drive gives ~25 days of continuous recording.
  • 8-channel digital video recorder — 8 cameras × 20GB = ~160GB/day. A 4TB drive gives ~25 days of continuous recording.
  • 16-channel digital video recorder — 16 cameras × 20GB = ~320GB/day. Dual 4TB drives (8TB total) give ~25 days of continuous recording.

H.265+ compression (available on 2MT-4088 and 2MT-5116) can reduce storage consumption by up to 75% compared to H.264 — extending retention without adding drives.

Digital Video Recorder Applications

  • Retail and restaurants — 4 and 8 channel DVRs provide sufficient coverage for storefronts, POS areas, and stockrooms. Mobile app access lets owners review footage remotely.
  • Schools and campuses — 16-channel DVRs cover exterior doors, corridors, parking lots, and common areas in a single unit. DVR systems integrate with existing analog camera infrastructure without full replacement.
  • Warehouses and distribution — High-throughput environments benefit from H.265+ DVRs that extend retention without additional drives. Coverage zones include loading docks, inventory aisles, and exit points.

Contact 2M Technology for a digital video recorder site assessment — we recommend the right channel count, storage capacity, and camera pairing for your facility. Compare with our network video recorder (NVR) systems for IP camera installations. For recording standards, see the ASIS International security standards library.

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Reliable Surveillance

DVRs don’t rely on a network to transmit data so they will continue to work even if your network goes down.

Remote Access

Monitor live feeds from multiple cameras in real-time and playback recorded footage.

Easy Setup

Simply plug in your cameras and DVR, no complicated network configuration needed.

No Bandwidth Usage

DVRs don’t consume network bandwidth, making them ideal for areas with limited internet connectivity.

Digital Video Recorders FAQ

A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) stores and records video footage from analog security cameras, providing a centralized storage system for easy viewing, playback, and management.

DVRs connect to analog cameras using coaxial cables and record analog video signals. They convert the footage into digital format and store it on internal hard drives. You can then access the recordings either through a connected monitor or remotely (if configured for remote access).

The main difference between a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and an NVR (Network Video Recorder) is the type of cameras they support. A DVR works with analog cameras, while an NVR works with IP (digital) cameras. DVRs send video through coaxial cables, while NVRs use Ethernet cables to transmit digital video data.

Yes, you will need a DVR to record and store footage from your analog cameras. The DVR acts as the central hub for managing, storing, and retrieving video footage. Without a storage device, the footage from your analog cameras would not be recorded or saved for later viewing.

The number of cameras you can connect to a multi channel DVR depends on its channel capacity. We carry DVRs that can support 4, 8, or 16 channels. When selecting a DVR, make sure to choose one that offers enough channels to accommodate the number of cameras you plan to install.

The amount of footage a DVR can store depends on several factors, including the video resolution, frame rate, and number of connected analog cameras. When your DVR runs out of storage, older footage will be automatically overwritten by newer recordings. However, you can extend storage time by reducing video quality, lowering the frame rate, or using additional external storage to back up critical footage.

Yes, you can access your DVR remotely if it is connected to the internet and supports remote viewing. The setup process varies by DVR model; our older models may require port forwarding, while our newer models support P2P (Peer-to-Peer) for easier configuration.

Generally, DVRs are meant to be used with analog cameras only. However, there are hybrid DVRs that allow you to connect both analog and network IP cameras. If you’re planning to use IP cameras only, you’ll need an NVR.

When choosing the right DVR for your facility, consider the following factors:

  • Camera compatibility: Make sure the DVR works with the type of analog camera you plan to install.
  • Storage capacity: Determine how much storage space you need based on the video resolution, frame rate, and retention period.
  • Number of channels: Choose a DVR that can accommodate the number of cameras you need, with room for expansion if necessary.
  • Remote access: If you need to view footage remotely, make sure the DVR supports this feature.

If you’re unsure, get in touch with one of our security experts for guidance on selecting the best DVR for your analog video surveillance system.

We offer personalized services instead of direct online purchases. To order a digital video recorder DVR, contact our sales team to discuss your security needs and receive a customized pricing estimate. You can email sales@2mtechnology.net, call +1 (214) 988-4302, or fill out a quick quote form.

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2MT-4088 8-CH Digital Video Recorder

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2MT-5116 16 Channel Digital Video Recorder -5000 Series

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2MT-5004 4 Channel Digital Video Recorder -5000 Series

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2MT-4008 8 Channel DVR

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2MT-4004 4 Channel DVR

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