Table of Contents
Table of Contents
You don’t need a DVR to set up a security camera. There are easier, more flexible ways to record and view video today. Whether you’re setting up cameras at a retail store, restaurant, or warehouse, skipping the DVR can save time, money, and headaches.
Here’s how to do it.
See how Solink can complete your business security camera system.
What is a DVR and why skip it?
A DVR (digital video recorder) takes analog video from cameras and stores it. These systems are older, harder to scale, and often require on-site storage.
Today, many cameras are digital (IP cameras) and connect directly to the internet. That means you can skip the bulky DVR and still get clear, recorded footage—sometimes with even more features.
What you need instead
To set up a camera without a DVR, here’s what you need:
IP security camera
It connects to your network through Wi-Fi or Ethernet and records digitally.Power source
Either plug-in or PoE (power over Ethernet) if your setup supports it.Internet connection
Wi-Fi or Ethernet to access footage remotely or store it in the cloud.App or cloud platform
Most modern IP cameras come with a mobile or desktop app where you can view, manage, and store recordings.
3 ways to set up a security camera without a DVR
1. Use a cloud-based IP camera system
Some IP cameras store footage in the cloud. You can watch live or recorded video through an app, and some systems even alert you to motion.
Pros:
Access video from anywhere
No on-site recorder needed
Easy to scale
Cons:
Subscription fees
Internet needed for recording
2. Store video locally on the camera
Many IP cameras have SD card slots. You can record directly to the card and view footage through the app.
Pros:
No monthly fees
Still works without Wi-Fi
Cons:
Limited storage
Manual retrieval
3. Connect to an NVR or cloud video platform
NVR (network video recorder):
An NVR connects to IP cameras over the same network. It stores footage on a hard drive and gives you a local way to review video. It’s a good fit if you want to avoid monthly cloud fees but still need a multi-camera setup.
Setup is simple:
Plug your IP cameras into your network
Connect the NVR to the same network
Use the NVR software to find and add your cameras
Start recording
Cloud video platform:
For remote access and automatic backups, cloud storage is the easiest choice. Most IP cameras come with cloud options baked in. Some, like Solink, go further—letting you search video by transaction, time, or employee activity.
Cloud platforms give you:
Access to video from any device
Automatic updates and backups
Easy sharing and export
You won’t need any extra hardware. Just connect the camera to your network and follow the app instructions to sync it with your cloud account.
Solink: Simplifying security camera connectivity without a DVR
Solink is at the forefront of redefining the concept of a security camera system. It enables businesses to turn nearly any device into a highly efficient and effective security monitor, bypassing the need for a DVR. This evolution not only bolsters security but also offers unparalleled operational flexibility and efficiency.
Answering the question of how to hook up a security camera without a DVR is straightforward: Use Solink.
To discover how Solink is transforming business monitoring, sign up for a demo today.