The simple answer: an NVR records IP cameras over a network cable, while a DVR records analog cameras over coax. Most new Hikvision systems use an NVR, but a Turbo HD DVR is perfect when you want to upgrade an existing coax-cabled system. Here is how to choose — with genuine Australian stock from an authorised Hikvision reseller.
What is a Hikvision NVR?
A Network Video Recorder records IP cameras over a network cable. A Hikvision PoE NVR also powers each camera over that same cable, so installation is neat and simple, and you get the highest resolutions and the latest AI. See our NVR channels & storage guide to size one. Browse Hikvision NVRs.
Hikvision DS-7608NXI 8-Channel PoE NVR
- Records 8 IP cameras with built-in PoE
- AcuSense smart search by person & vehicle
- One cable per camera for power and data
- Ideal for new home and small-business systems
What is a Hikvision DVR (Turbo HD)?
A Digital Video Recorder records Turbo HD analog cameras over coax cabling. Hikvision’s Turbo HD DVRs deliver high-definition video over coax, so you can upgrade an older analog system to a sharp, modern picture without re-running cable. Browse Hikvision DVRs.
Hikvision iDS-7208HUHI-M2-S 8-Channel AcuSense Turbo HD DVR
- Records 8 Turbo HD cameras over existing coax
- AcuSense person & vehicle detection
- Upgrade analog picture quality without re-wiring
- Supports a mix of analog and IP channels
NVR vs DVR: side by side
| NVR | DVR (Turbo HD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cameras used | IP (network) cameras | Analog / Turbo HD cameras |
| Cabling | Network cable with PoE | Coax (existing or new) |
| Power | Powered over the network cable (PoE) | Separate power to each camera |
| Resolution | Up to 4K and beyond | Up to 4K over coax (Turbo HD) |
| Best for | New systems and upgrades | Reusing existing coax cabling |
Shopping for Hikvision NVRs?
Authorised Hikvision reseller: genuine Australian stock, full warranty, competitive prices and price match available.
So which should you choose?
- Building a new system? Choose an NVR with IP cameras for the best resolution and features.
- Upgrading an old analog system? A Turbo HD DVR reuses your coax and lifts picture quality instantly.
- Not sure? Our team can look at your cabling and recommend the right path.
Ready to buy?
Shop genuine Hikvision at ARC IP Networks
Authorised Hikvision reseller
Hikvision at ARC IP Networks
AcuSense, ColorVu and DeepinView cameras, NVRs and complete systems. Genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty, competitive prices and price match available.
Frequently asked questions
An NVR (Network Video Recorder) records IP cameras over a network cable or PoE. A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) records analog cameras over coax cabling. New systems almost always use IP cameras with an NVR.
Choose an NVR for a brand-new system — it gives higher resolution, PoE simplicity and the latest AI features. Choose a Turbo HD DVR when you want to upgrade picture quality over existing coax cabling without re-wiring.
Yes. Hikvision Turbo HD DVRs record HD-over-coax cameras and are designed to upgrade older analog systems using your existing cabling.
Yes. Hikvision offers AcuSense on both its NVRs and its Turbo HD DVRs, so you get smart person and vehicle detection either way.
For new installs, an NVR is generally the better choice thanks to higher resolution, PoE and smarter features. A DVR is the better choice specifically when reusing existing coax cabling.
Related Hikvision guides
- Best Hikvision NVR: Channels & Storage
- Hikvision CCTV Kits: What's in a System
- Is Hikvision Good? An Honest Verdict
- Best Hikvision Cameras for Home Security
Find the right Hikvision recorder
ARC IP Networks is an authorised Hikvision reseller — genuine Australian stock and expert help choosing an NVR or DVR for your system.
Shop NVRs →Shop DVRsCompare the options
Browse the ranges that go with this guide at ARC IP Networks:
- NVRs (network video recorders): 4 to 128 channel recorders, with and without built-in PoE
- Security camera systems: complete systems from 2 to 16 cameras with a PoE NVR
Who we are
About ARC IP Networks
ARC IP Networks is an Australian supplier of security cameras and CCTV systems, based in Blackburn, Melbourne, Victoria. We work with homeowners, installers, integrators and businesses across Australia, supplying Hikvision, Ubiquiti UniFi Protect, Dahua and Jovision CCTV.
We are an authorised reseller for every brand we sell, and the national distributor of Jovision in Australia, so you get genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty, never grey imports, at competitive prices. Our team can help you choose the right equipment, and trade customers get trade accounts and project pricing on larger jobs.
- Genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty
- Competitive prices, price match available
- Trade accounts for installers, integrators and MSPs
- Australia-wide delivery; showroom in Blackburn, Mon–Fri 9–5 (demos by appointment)
Need help choosing?
Tell the ARC IP Networks team what you are trying to achieve and we will recommend the right equipment and quote it as one order.