Top DVR Coax/Analog-HD Security Camera Recorders

Coax / Analog-HD security cameras have been around for a long time, and even though IP-based devices cameras are overtaking the industry, analog devices are still sought out because of their affordability and ease of installation on pre-existing infrastructure.

In this list, we will be comparing five of the best Coax / Analog-HD Digital Video Recorders (DVRs). So without further ado, let’s begin.

Top DVR Coax/Analog-HD Security Camera Recorders

Our top pick for the best DVR is the Lorex 4K 8-Channel DVR. It is a slightly more expensive option that incorporates smart integration features with the older analog data transmission technologies.

As previously mentioned, this DVR can support up to eight analog channels/cameras via coax. It also supports any analog camera that’s lower than 8MP with a maximum 4K resolution of 3840x2160.

For storage, the DVR includes a 2TB hard drive right out of the box. However, if you need extra storage, you can swap it out for an 8TB SATA HDD.

This DVR is a great opportunity to incorporate smart integration platforms into your analog-based security system. This recorder supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google Nest Hub. Therefore, if you want a versatile and future-proof DVR, this is one of the best choices.

Our runner-up is the Speco D8VX2TB DVR. This device can support eight channels, each with a maximum 4MP (2688x1520) resolution.

Unfortunately, this DVR can only manage footage that’s under 15fps. Also, it can only support the H.264 codec. Even though it can get the job done, the footage is going to look choppy and occupy more space on the hard drives.

Speaking of which, the included storage amounts to 2TB of SATA HDD with the option to add extra hard drives and bring up the total storage to 10TB.

The Night Owl 4K 12-channel DVR is a great option for setting up multiple analog cameras in and around your house. This DVR can manage 4K streams with a maximum resolution of 8MP 3840x2160.

The included storage is a 2TB SATA HDD with the option to install additional hard drives for a maximum of 12TB.

This DVR is a great option for incorporating the Night Owl Protect App for your analog cameras. Along with remote viewing and real-time notifications, the DVR also gives your cameras the ability to detect humans and recognize faces.

The Swann SRDVR-85580H is a more affordable DVR that supports a maximum of 4K 8MP resolution. (3840x2160) for eight distinct channels/cameras.

The DVR comes with a 2TB SATA HDD with the option to add extra HDDs to increase the total storage capacity to 6TB.

This is one of the few devices that includes support for smart integration platforms such as Google Assistant and Chromecast. Unfortunately, the DVR isn’t compatible with other platforms such as Alexa or Apple TV.

This DVR doesn’t bring any intelligent motion detection features to the table but it does help integrate all your analog cameras with the Swann security mobile app and the Swann HomeSafe View Desktop App.

Our final item on this list is the ANNKE 4K 8-channel DVR. As the name suggests, this device can handle eight analog separate channels. However, it is also compatible with ANNKE IP cameras and includes four dedicated LAN ports for these.

This DVR comes with 8TB local SATA HDD storage, along with integration for the ANNKE vision mobile app. It doesn’t include any intelligent motion detection features, but it supports both H.264 and H.265 video codecs.

Decision Factors when Choosing a Coax/Analog-HD DVR

Channels

The number of channels will determine how many analog cameras you will be able to connect to a single DVR. Therefore, we recommend picking out a device that includes at least eight channels. With an 8-channel DVR, you might have room for future expansions.

Maximum Resolution

Most DVRs will also list the maximum resolution supported by each channel. So if you are hoping to integrate high-resolution analog cameras (such as ones with 4K Ultra HD resolution) you will need to look for a 4K DVR. Fortunately, most modern high-end DVRs are 4K-compatible.

Storage

The included storage and supported video codecs will determine how much footage the DVR will be able to store. Advanced codecs such as H.265 have better compression algorithms and utilize less space on your hard drives. (Almost 50%) Therefore, if storage is a priority, we suggest picking out a DVR that supports better codecs such as H.265 and H.265+.

Smart Integration

One of the features that are going to separate a modern DVR from an older one is the ability to integrate smart assistants and smart TVs. Ideally, you want to look for a device that’s compatible with a variety of smart assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple TV. However, it’s not always the case with DVRs, so we recommend going for a device with the support for the smart assistant/TV of your choice. 

Intelligent Features

Also, another benefit of including a modern DVR with analog cameras is the addition of intelligent motion detection features such as person and vehicle detection. Normal analog cameras will never be able to perform these advanced functions if it weren’t for these modern DVRs.

Conclusion

This is our list of the top five Coax / Analog-HD DVRs. The list may seem short and analog cameras may seem to be slowly dying out. Nonetheless, they are still a viable option because of their affordability. Many coax cameras are much cheaper than their IP counterparts, and it’s more efficient to upgrade the existing analog wiring in older buildings than to overhaul the entire system with IP-based devices.

So which specs do you favor most when picking out a DVR? Let us know in the comments.