In the past couple of decades video recording technology has improved a lot. In the past it was a common scene that people recorded video on VHS tapes. Nowadays people are moving to digital with the introduction of Digital Video Recorders (DVR). Two of the most common examples of DVRs are the stand alone and the 4 channel DVR. Although they have common features, they are usually used for different purposes.
If you look at both stand alone and a 4 channel DVR you can immediately tell which is which. A stand alone DVR looks a like a typical video cassette recorder as it comes with just a single box. All you need to do is to connect it to your television set and you are ready to go. On the other hand a 4 channel DVR has more advanced features and you may use it with other peripherals such as like a computer and a camera for each of the 4 channels. As you may have deduced a 4 channel DVR is mainly used in surveillance systems and obviously they are more expensive than a single channel DVR.
As I said earlier the uses for these two DVRs are used for different necessities. Stand alone DVRs are used to record TV programs that you could missed. You may program the DVR to record your favorite show so you can watch when you are at home after work. Meanwhile a 4 channel DVR is usually used for home security systems as it has added features such as video searching and motion detection. 4 Channel DVRs also support the use of external media such as hard drives or optical discs. By using a 4 channel DVR can result in better surveillance videos and enhanced playback time.
As you can imagine a 4 channel DVR is not that easy to use when compared to a standalone DVR because of its added security features. With the use of a user manual you can surely start using efficiently the stand-alone DVR. On the other side most probably you will need the assistance of a professional in order to merge the newly acquired 4 channel DVR into your home surveillance system.
When it comes to storage capacity the 4 channel DVR has the upper hand. For instance it can store up to several hours usually approximately to a whole weeks recording of surveillance. For example to monitor the security of public places such as schools, shopping malls theaters and hospitals there are DVRs that can take up to 64 channels. Usually the storage capacity of a stand-alone DVR is less than that of a 4 channel DVR or other DVRs that are in surveillance systems. But a stand-alone DVR has the same playback and recording capabilities and as a consequence it can greatly change the way you watch your TV at your home.
As you have seen, the distinction between both DVRs is mainly in the way they are used. So do not confuse these 2 devices as they have different functions and uses. What you have to keep in mind is that a stand-alone DVR is used just for entertainment use while the 4 channel DVR is used in surveillance systems.