Please recommend a NVR - I have two Dahua 2mp IP starlights

[buckfast]

Hey all
I have ordered a pair of Dahua 2MP IP starlight cameras, POE. I am new to this, and am looking for recommendations on a Dahua NVR, as there appears to be quite a few options. Besides the number of ports and storage limitations, are there any other features I should look out for?
Do you recommend a particular model?
Thanks

 

[Fastb]

buckfast,

Considerations:
= POE in NVR, multiple channels
(as compared to NVR w/ a single e-net port for connecting to a router with cameras connected to the router)

= Not sure what you mean by "storage limitations". Typically, the NVR doesn't have built in storage. Instead, you buy a hard drive and install it in the NVR. Pick the drive size so you there aren't "storage limitations"

= Alarm inputs. Useful for PIR sensor (superior to motion detect in the camera) or switches (on gate or door)

= Alarm outputs. Useful for strobe light, horn, etc.

Fastb

 

[nayr]

storage limitation is number of disks it can hold, 1, 2, 4, 8 typically.. with 2 very large disks (6TB+ Purples) you can cover most residential install's w/continuous recording for several weeks.. I suggest you buy a single largest disk you can, then if you find you need more storage in the future after adding more cameras or tweaking things you can always add a 2nd.

Unless you want minimal plug-n-play capabilities, I suggest external PoE and 16ch 2-disk Daua NVR's, for most all cases.. from 4 cams to 64 (just start stacking 16ch-2disk).. there are many models w/various other features (h265/4k video IO/Intelligent Features/etc); but any of them should basically get the job done.

Or use BlueIris/Milestone on a PC; but be weary about power consumption.. its far too easy to burn through a few hundred dollars a year in just electricity with PC based NVR's.. hardware NVR's sip on power in comparison to most PC builds.. for something always under load 24/7/365 its definitely something you should consider; espically in residential environments.

 

[buckfast]

Great thanks guys. How about ip forwarding? I want to view remotely via www. Does the choice of NVR or PC etc have an impact on this? Thanks

 

[nayr]

Port Forwarding is evil; consult the VPN Primer for Noobs

 

[buckfast]

Great post. I've read it. I am convinced I should go with a VPN. However, one requirement is that I need to access my camera feed remotely from my android device, such device being connected to a mobile cellular network. Unless I am misunderstanding, it appears that this may not be possible..

 

[nayr]

not at all; you simply need internet access to connect the VPN Client (Android) to your VPN Server (Router).. If you tried to run the server off a cellular internet connection (think teathering or mobile hotspots) then you might have issues; simply because most dont allow you to run servers on cellular/satellite networks.. some remote sites only have these options for internet access; and they require additional hoop jumping to accomplish the same thing.

 

[buckfast]

Cool, I completely mis-read in that case. So what I think I need to do is:

Once I move to my renovated house, I will choose the best upload/download deal that an ISP in my area can provide. The router they provide will likely be quite basic, so I think I will get a VPN server capable router. I will also clarify with the ISP that the router they provide can act in modem only mode, and pass through the connection to my own router.

In terms of a shopping list, as I want to order stuff asap due to long delivery times:

- Powerful router with capability for VPN server
- 16 channel POE Dahua NVR (to match my Dahua cameras)
- CAT 6 solid copper core cable

I will then have plenty of time to read and learn while I wait for the hardware!