How to size an NVR
The NVR (network video recorder) is the brain of a PoE camera system. Size it for channel count, resolution, and how many days of video you want to keep — then shop the matching kit.
1) Channels
Channel count = how many cameras the recorder can record at once. Match it to your camera plan (4 vs 8 vs 16 cameras). Buying an 8-channel NVR for four cameras today is smart headroom. Buying a 4-channel NVR for twelve cameras is a redo.
2) Resolution and bandwidth
- 4K / higher-resolution cameras need more storage and a recorder that supports that stream.
- Keep camera codecs and NVR capability on the same team — DIY Pro PoE kits are matched that way so you are not mixing random leftovers.
3) Hard drive / retention
- More cameras + higher resolution + longer keep-days = larger drive.
- Decide: a few days of continuous, or longer with motion/event recording. Event recording stretches retention on the same disk.
- If the kit ships without the drive size you need, plan the upgrade before install day — not after the first overwrite.
4) PoE ports vs external switch
- Built-in PoE ports: simplest DIY path — plug cameras straight into the NVR (PoE kit wiring).
- Outgrow those ports or need longer cable plants? Add a Lysora PoE switch and follow Add cameras on a PoE switch.
Shop matched kits
Start with a complete kit sized by camera count. Networking parts are there when the built-in ports are not enough.
Shop CCTV starter kits → · Lysora PoE switches → · DIY Academy