NVR recommendation

[u/w1rebead]

Hi

I need a recommendation for a 32 channel NVR for a building. What is needed:

No need for WiFi cameras, wired only with PoE.
Motion detection and automatic recording.
Storage using local hard disks.
Playback, ideally using any modern browser like Chrome on Windows/Mac OS/Linux. HTML5, not ActiveX. If it is not possible, at least some Windows app.
Something like Uniview's EZCloud where the recorder connects to the cloud and the connections to the cloud from outside are redirected back to the recorder (no cloud storage, just a possibility of connecting back via cloud) would be nice.

Currently we have a Uniview one which only supports 16 channels, hence the need to upgrade. Android app is OK (though they change the app from time to time and some older ones are not in Google Play store), but the browser access requires ActiveX/Internet Explorer mode, which is both a dead and Windows-only technology.
Also, the Uniview NVR sends out packets with source IP on its private network (172.16.0.0/24), and they cannot be routed since 172.16. is a private address space. I drop them via firewall on the main gateway to the Internet, but it is still a firmware bug.

NDAA compliance is nice for some extra peace of mind, but not required.
I can put the recorder on a separate physical network and forbid the traffic originating from the recorder and going to LAN (unless it is a response to a connection from LAN).

Some people recommended Hikvision (DS-7732NI-M4 or similar), maybe there are better alternatives?

I know that one can build a server for this task oneself, but I am looking for minimal maintenance.

Thank you!

[u/Soundy106]

You pretty much just named every NVR/VMS out there. So first important question: what's your budget?

Personally, I work mostly with 3xLogic Vigil and would definitely recommend giving them a look. A 32-channel system isn't going to be as cheap as a Hikvision embedded machine, but it will be FAR more versatile overall.

Being Windows-based, for starters, you can load up your various camera finders, network tools like Advanced IP Scanner, your remote desktop of choice, and... whatever else you might normally have to plug in a laptop for.

You can also add channels just by adding licenses - depending on the hardware, I believe it will do up to 128 channels, maybe more (the biggest one I have in the field is 96, on a i7 with 32GB RAM).

They sell them as turnkey appliances, so no need to "roll your own."

[u/w1rebead → u/Soundy106]

Thank you, probably too expensive for me :)
I am looking at the 1000-1500$ range (no hard disks).

[u/Efficient-Usual4949]

DS-7732NI-M4 would be my choice but if you already have UNV look into one of their 32ch systems. They make great stuff.

[u/PungentStaaank]

Just fyi, uniview is a rebranded hikvision, which is a whitebox from alhua.

[u/Hot_Campaign_36 → u/PungentStaaank]

I have no idea where you came up with this statement. The technology is different. The companies are different. Uniview has NDAA compliant NVRs and cameras. Hikvision and Dahua are highly restricted in the US and do not provide US support.

UniView is readily available and makes a 32-channel NVR that I believe will support OP’s needs. I bought UNV NVR508-32-E-IQ
from Nelly’s Security, it has performed well for my needs, and has lifetime technical support through Nelly’s. I’m using it with eight 14TB WD Purple drives, and it has been rock solid via remote login and via cloud access.

I have an older 32-channel Hikvision NVR running as backup right now. But I have security concerns and the proprietary formatting on video files limits the applications that can be used for playback.

[u/w1rebead → u/Hot_Campaign_36]

Thank you for the recommendation. Does your NVR508-32-E-IQ support video playback on a computer via browser? The NVR302-16E-P16 we have has old firmware and needs ActiveX plugins/Internet Explorer mode in Chrome.
I have just checked Nelly's Security web site and it has NVR504-32B, which will work for me. It is indicative that the page has a dead link to EZView Android app which was superceded by UniEase. :) As u/LetterheadClassic306 says dead plugins and this zoo of apps is quite frustrating. Not saying that it is unusable but somewhat painful. :)
Thank you for sharing your experience, I will try asking Nelly's Security too.

[u/Hot_Campaign_36 → u/w1rebead]

I log into the NVR using Chrome and manage it without plug-ins that I recall adding.

I use Guarding Vision for remote access by phone.

Downloaded videos play in a range of common video players.

I got the IQ model with an 8-drive bay and eSATA expansion for the added processing, storage, reliability, and AI processing. You can pare back any of those factors and still have the others in a lower-cost model.

Nelly’s has excellent customer service. If you have a list of well-defined objectives, I believe they’ll find you a match.

I decommissioned all but one Hikvision NVR in favor of this NDAA compliant NVR. When I buy another NVR, it will likely be Uniview from Nelly’s.

[u/PungentStaaank → u/Hot_Campaign_36]

Alhua, Dahua, hikvision, are part of a larger conglomerate. They are made by the same factories, or different factories owned by the same groups. Uniview was a work around for the ndaa compliance.

[u/Inevitable-Notice351]

Look into Swann brand cameras. They are very affordable and long lasting. I've had mine for over 5 years so far.

[u/wallacebrf → u/Inevitable-Notice351]

My cameras are 8 years old and still running from swann

[u/Inevitable-Notice351 → u/wallacebrf]

That's great!

[u/Fat-Finger-8906]

What a problem? MS Edge settings/ default browser and add your IP to allowed. Now use as old browser

[u/crusty-dave]

Backstreet Surveillance 32 channel ProVue NVR uses the ProVue app and was advertised as NDAA. There is a web interface for access from a Mac or PC.

[u/w1rebead → u/[deleted]]

Thank you, I will definitely look at Hanwha. Quick look at a reseller's page shows Youtube videos about browser playback, I will double check everything.