Recorders (NVR & DVR)

Buy NVR and DVR recorders

A recorder is the brain and memory of your camera system: it stores the footage and lets you watch live and search back. At UMATECH you can choose modern NVRs (network video recorders) for IP cameras and hybrid recorders if you want to keep existing coax cabling, from 4 to 64 channels.

When buying a recorder for your installation, look at three things: the number of channels (how many cameras you want to connect), whether you need PoE, and how much storage you want. All models support H.265 compression, saving up to 70% storage without loss of image quality. We supply recorders from Dahua, Hikvision and Safire, plus our own mobile UMA NVR with 4G and Wi-Fi.

NVR: the network video recorder for IP cameras

An NVR records footage from IP cameras over the network. Many models have built-in PoE ports: you plug the camera straight into the recorder, which powers it and receives the video over a single network cable. No separate power supplies, and a much cleaner installation.

Choose the number of channels based on your cameras. A 4-channel NVR is enough for a home, an 8-channel recorder suits most commercial premises, and for larger projects there are 16, 32 and 64-channel models. No cameras yet? Take a look at our camera kits with recorder and cameras in one package.

Hybrid recorders for coax cabling

Already have coax cables from an older system? Then there's no need to rewire. A hybrid recorder works with analogue and HD-over-coax cameras, so you keep your existing cabling while moving to sharper images and modern storage. Handy when renovating or replacing an outdated system.

Smart AI analysis and 4K output

The newer Dahua and Hikvision recorders have smart detection on board. WizSense and AcuSense filter people and vehicles out of motion detection, so you don't have to review every leaf or cat when searching back – a big time saver after an incident.

• 4K HDMI output for razor-sharp live view and playback on any monitor or TV
• Mobile app and CMS software to watch live, rewind and export clips
• Push notifications that alert you instantly on motion or an alarm
• Local control with mouse and screen, or remotely via an encrypted P2P connection

Storage: how much do you need?

A recorder stores footage on one or more internal hard drives. For 24/7 recording choose a surveillance drive built for the job, not a regular desktop drive. See our hard drives and storage up to 20 TB each. For extra peace of mind you can also set up a NAS backup or cloud upload.

How much you need depends on the number of cameras, the resolution and how long you want to keep footage. As a rule of thumb, four 4 MP cameras recording continuously need 2 to 4 TB for two weeks of storage. Not sure? Send us a WhatsApp with your number of cameras and desired retention period and we'll calculate it for you.

Fast delivery

A metal housing, quiet temperature-controlled fan and surge protection ensure years of reliable operation. Order before 17:00 and, if in stock, we ship the same day from Amsterdam – so tomorrow you can review 24/7 what's happening around your home or business.

Frequently asked questions about recorders

What's the difference between an NVR and a DVR?

An NVR works with IP cameras connected by network cable. A DVR or hybrid recorder works with analogue or HD-over-coax cameras via coax cable. New installations almost always use an NVR with IP cameras, as they offer sharper images and more features.

How many channels do I need?

The number of channels determines how many cameras you can connect. For a home a 4-channel NVR is usually enough; for commercial premises choose 8 or 16 channels. It's best to go one size up so you can easily add cameras later without replacing the recorder.

What does PoE mean on a recorder?

PoE (Power over Ethernet) means the recorder powers your cameras over the network cable – one cable for power and video, no separate power supplies. Prefer to connect your cameras via a separate PoE switch? Then choose an NVR without built-in PoE ports.

Which hard drive fits in a recorder?

Use a surveillance-grade hard drive made for continuous recording, such as the models in our hard drives and storage range. A regular desktop drive quickly fails under 24/7 use. Most recorders take one or more SATA drives of up to 20 TB each.

Can I view my recorder remotely?

Yes. Virtually all recorders come with a free app and CMS software to watch live, search footage and export clips. Via an encrypted P2P connection you can watch from anywhere in the world on your phone or laptop, with push notifications on motion or alarm.

Does every camera work with every recorder?

NVRs usually work most smoothly with cameras of the same brand. Many recorders also support the ONVIF protocol, so they work with cameras from other brands too. Unsure about a combination? Get in touch and we'll check compatibility for you.