DVR Storage Space – How Much Do I Need?

Travis Chaffin

Travis Chaffin - Sales Manager – 2M CCTV

877-926-2288 x 6049

Like so many other things in the world, the topic of DVR storage creates extremes.  When I ask a customer how long they want to record I either get 8 hrs or 1 year.  Both of these are not realistic.  Even the smallest hard drive will get a couple of days at least and 1 year is only possible with a CCTV system larger than the average person wants to get.  What we need to think about is how the system will be used and what the system is for.

DVR Storage for a Home Owner

In a home, people have security systems to deter and catch crime.  A lot of times, they think if something happens I will know about it within 12 hrs.  Even though on regular days a person may only be away from home for 12 hrs max, we need to think of worst case scenario.  For a home owner I recommend at least 10 days of DVR storage space.  That way, even if the person goes on a week vacation, it gives them enough time to come back, notice something, find the footage, and download it.

DVR Storage for a Business Owner

When business customers call, they are concerned with not only crime, but also liability issues.  They want to store DVR footage for years upon years.  This is possible, for a price.  A price most people do not want to spend.  Now we need to think of the likelihood that an incident will go unreported for months or years.  For a business I recommend 2 months of DVR storage space.  It is easily affordable while still providing a good amount of time.  If there is footage that needs to be saved, then it can be downloaded to a DVD or a thumb drive and saved forever.

For whatever your application, think about the practical uses of the DVR and consult a sales rep for the right hard drive.  Call 2MCCTV for assistance: 1-877-926-2288