AJAX video surveillance: NVR (Network Video Recorder)

What does an NVR do?

A Network Video Recorder receives video streams from IP cameras over the local network (Ethernet), stores footage on an internal hard drive, and makes live view, archive and alarm scenarios available in the Ajax app and on a connected monitor. Without an NVR you have no central, local storage for your Ajax Baseline cameras.

Ajax offers four hardware variants with the same software features. The difference is the number of channels (8 or 16) and how they are powered (mains AC or low-voltage DC).

NVR (AC) — mains power

The standard NVR has a built-in power supply and connects directly to 110–240 V AC. That is the simplest choice in a home or villa: the NVR goes in a utility room, storage area or rack where a mains outlet is available.

Box contents: power cable. No separate DC source required.

NVR DC — low voltage

The DC variant has no built-in mains supply. It is powered by 9–16 V DC via a terminal block (terminal adapter in the box). This is common in professional installations where NVR, alarm panel and other equipment run on one central DC supply or UPS.

The PSU board has a jumper: without jumper 8–16 V (wide band); with jumper 12.3–16 V (tighter 12 V band). We determine during design which mode fits your power architecture.

8 or 16 channels? Elk kanaal neemt één IP-camera op. Bij 4–6 camera’s volstaat 8-ch; bij grotere percelen, meerdere gebouwen of uitbreidingsplannen kiest u 16-ch. De fysieke behuizing is identiek — alleen de interne verwerkingscapaciteit verschilt.

Practical benefit: On an alarm notification you jump with one tap from the event log to the exact camera image at the time of the incident. Filters by motion or scenario, calendar view and quick export make forensic review easier than with classic DVR systems.

Linking in practice

The NVR is added to the Ajax security system via QR code — without a separate web interface or plug-ins. From the same app you manage alarm and video. That is a different ecosystem from wireless MotionCam cameras on the Jeweller protocol; those belong to the Grade 2 Baseline intrusion line.

Wired video surveillance does not replace outdoor detection. Cameras provide images; sensors and siren protect the home. Read why cameras alone are insufficient.

Export with digital signature: Exported recordings contain a built-in digital signature. Changes to the file are detected — relevant for evidence. (Ajax Media Player for verification; we recommend this for legal or insurance claims.)

Where does the NVR go?

The NVR is for indoor mounting only (IP20). Typically: utility room, storage, server cabinet or meter cupboard. Cameras can be outdoors; the recorder cannot.

We install the full video system only when Cat6a cabling to camera positions is already in place or can easily be included during new construction. We do not pull new cables through existing walls. See also our page on wired Ajax cameras.