Which nvr??

B

boog

n3wb
Aug 17, 2025
6
3
Kentucky
Hi Everyone ,
Im probably going to go with empiretech nvr but not set in stone.
Is poe the way to go?
Or get one that uses a switch?
Probably start with a 2tb or whatever comes with them.
Also is the a.i. really worth it?
Is there a phone app like eufy for nvr? Is there one for blue iris?
Im thinking the nvr is probably cheaper and easier than a computer. But I really don't know.

If ya'll could help clear it up it would be great.

Thanks
Booger
 
Better NVRs do not come with a hard drive.

AI is a must. Get cameras with AI in them.

NVR and BI both have phone apps, but most will say the consumer cam apps are easier to use, but that comes at the expense of poor quality at night with those cheap consumer cams.

Most go with a refurbished computer thus making BI cheaper.

It is up to you to decide which platform you want. Both have their pros and cons. Best to do a search here on people's thoughts on both. It has been hashed and rehashed and honestly people are tied of repeating their opinion on which one lol.

Whether to buy an NVR with POE or not is up to your situation and needs. An NVR with built in POE still allows you to use a switch later.
 
Thanks Wittaj
Im kinda still overwhelmed with information . I just figured there might be a good defined answer. But no easy choices.

Booger
 
Get yourself 16 Channel AI NVR (newest) with or without build in POE (you need to get separate POE switch if you buy without build in). It will give you 5 years of peace. Get AI cameras for your current needs and add down the road new cameras as needed. You can reshuffle them to fit your new setup and priority.
Get a 1 big HDD and add down the road as needed.
 
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^^^^
This

You'll get closer to 7+ years really. Mines going strong at 8 years

Dont cheap out, do it right to begin with or you'll always be trying to keep up with the technology as new cameras and tech come out every 18 months or so.

16 channel is the way to go, you'd be surprised how fast you'll fill up 8

Yes PoE because its more flexible. You can run some cameras on the NVR built in PoE ports and others off an external switch if you like. And the built in PoE does provide added security

Generally you'll want to run the AI on the camera itself, but there are scenes and uses for ALSO running an extra AI rule on the NVR


Either of these:

empiretech01.com

EmpireTech NVR16CH-16P-2AI 16 Channels 1U 16PoE 2HDD Network Video Rec

Multiple decoding formats Support AcuPick with Max. 16-Channel Support N+M cluster AI by recorder AI by camera Security baseline 2.3
empiretech01.com empiretech01.com


For $20 you get a lot more incoming bandwidth and VMD by recorder which can be very handy
empiretech01.com

EmpireTech NVR16CH-16P-2AI-S2 16CH 1U 16PoE 2HDDs WizSense Network Vid

Shipping to the United States takes 2 weeks, expedited shipping is not available Max. decoding capability: 40 × 1080p@30 fps or 10 × 8MP@30 fps. Supports IP cameras with a resolution up to 32 MP. Supports 8K HDMI output. AI by Recorder supports 4-channel face detection and recognition, up to 20...
empiretech01.com empiretech01.com
 
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boog said:
Or get one that uses a switch
Click to expand...

Just using switch in NVR is fine.
Yet, with no external POE switch that means running up to 16 ethernet cables to back of NVR.
With external switch you only need to run one ethernet cable to NVR.
Sometimes there is a more convent place to run all cables to than where you want NVR.
With POE switch if you move NVR to different room you only need to change one ethernet cable.

And of course, although you will still be limited to original quantity of channels, you can always add a POE switch later.
 
Thanks for the replies folks. Just starting i probably will go with nvr. I need to go the easiest route. I hope the phone app is pretty good. Big reason for this is I work 12hr shifts and this will definitely help.

Does the sound come through the poe also?

Booger
 
Photon Farmer said:
Just using switch in NVR is fine.
Yet, with no external POE switch that means running up to 16 ethernet cables to back of NVR.
With external switch you only need to run one ethernet cable to NVR.
Sometimes there is a more convent place to run all cables to than where you want NVR.
With POE switch if you move NVR to different room you only need to change one ethernet cable.

And of course, although you will still be limited to original quantity of channels, you can always add a POE switch later.
Click to expand...

Can do either/Or or both with a NVR with built in switch. No good reason not to
 
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Buy from Andy. He will do you right and will answer any questions you have. I've bought 2 NVR's from him and 11 cameras.

I have an NVR without the built in POE. I use 2 switches for my needs. One advantage to using external switches is you might encounter a bad POE port on the NVR. It's easier to replace a switch than it is to replace an NVR.
 
Thanks Folks,
I'll be ordering real soon. Fixing to start researching cameras now. Definitely be asking suggestions on a beginning set up with pics and such.

Thanks
Booger
 
Jahua95 said:
Only heat generation and fan noise will be the factor but that is not a big issue
Click to expand...

True I suppose, but way overplayed IMHO

I have 2 sitting outside in NEMA boxes in 95 degree 80+% humidity in Florida hurricanes for going on 8 years along with a cable modem and switch. No problems yet
 
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