# Recorders (NVR/DVR)

Night Owl recorders provide local storage and advanced features for your surveillance system.

## NVR Systems (Network Video Recorders)

### Night Owl 8-Channel 4K NVR

- **Channels**: 8 PoE ports
- **Resolution**: Up to 4K per channel
- **Storage**: Up to 8TB HDD (2TB included)
- **Simultaneous Playback**: 4 channels
- **Features**: HDMI/VGA output, USB backup

### Night Owl 16-Channel 4K NVR

- **Channels**: 16 PoE ports
- **Resolution**: Up to 4K per channel
- **Storage**: Up to 16TB (2x HDD bays)
- **Simultaneous Playback**: 8 channels
- **Features**: Dual monitor output, RAID support

### Night Owl 32-Channel 4K NVR

- **Channels**: 16 PoE + 16 network ports
- **Resolution**: Up to 4K per channel
- **Storage**: Up to 32TB (4x HDD bays)
- **Simultaneous Playback**: 16 channels
- **Features**: Enterprise-grade, redundant power

## DVR Systems (Digital Video Recorders)

### Night Owl 8-Channel DVR

- **Channels**: 8 BNC inputs
- **Resolution**: Up to 4K-Lite
- **Storage**: Up to 4TB HDD
- **Compatibility**: Analog and HD-TVI cameras
- **Features**: Coaxial cable support

### Night Owl 16-Channel DVR

- **Channels**: 16 BNC inputs
- **Resolution**: Up to 4K-Lite
- **Storage**: Up to 8TB HDD
- **Compatibility**: All Night Owl analog cameras
- **Features**: Hybrid mode (analog + IP)

## Hybrid Recorders

### Night Owl Hybrid XVR

Supports multiple camera technologies:

- **Analog** (CVBS)
- **HD-TVI**
- **AHD**
- **CVI**
- **IP Cameras**

Perfect for upgrading existing systems gradually.

## Storage Recommendations

| Cameras | Resolution | Retention | Recommended Storage |
|---------|------------|-----------|---------------------|
| 4 | 1080p | 14 days | 2TB |
| 4 | 4K | 14 days | 6TB |
| 8 | 1080p | 14 days | 4TB |
| 8 | 4K | 14 days | 12TB |
| 16 | 1080p | 14 days | 8TB |
| 16 | 4K | 14 days | 24TB |

```{tip}
Motion-based recording can reduce storage requirements by 50-70%.
```

## Setting Up Your Recorder

### Initial Setup

1. Connect power to the recorder
2. Connect to your router via Ethernet
3. Attach monitor via HDMI
4. Follow on-screen setup wizard
5. Create admin password
6. Connect cameras

### Connecting to Night Owl Protect

1. Open Night Owl Protect app
2. Tap **+** to add device
3. Scan QR code on recorder
4. Wait for connection
5. Name your recorder

## Recorder Features

### Local Viewing

- Connect monitor directly
- Mouse navigation
- Multi-camera grid view
- Instant playback

### Remote Access

- View via Night Owl Protect
- Web browser access
- No subscription required
- P2P connection

### Smart Features

- Human detection
- Vehicle detection
- Line crossing
- Area intrusion
- Object left/removed

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**Next:** Learn about [Adding Devices](adding-devices.md) to expand your system.