Standalone DVR or Embedded DVR (EM-DVR): embedded systems generally refer to non-PC systems, there are computer functions but not as computer equipment or equipment. It is based on application-centric, software and hardware can be cut, and have strict requirements to features, reliability, cost, size, power and others, it’s a micro-dedicated computer system. Simply said, embedded systems integrated the system application software and hardware, similar to the PC BIOS works, its software code is small, with highly automated, fast response characteristics, especially for applications that require real-time and multi-tasking. Embedded DVR is based on the embedded processor and embedded real time operating system, which use a dedicated chip for image compression and decompression playback, the embedded operating system notably complete machine control and management. Such products do not have so many software modules and redundant functions as PCDVR, such products quality are stability, there will be no crash problems did arise, but also storage speed, resolution and picture quality has greatly improved in video and audio compression code stream, its function better than PCDVR. Embedded DVR system built on an integrated hardware architecture, the entire video and audio compression, display, networking and other functions can all be achieved by a single board, greatly improving the overall system hardware reliability and stability.

Embedded DVR main difference embodied in the video compression chip, the choice of the main processor and other chips, there are two kinds of video compression chip: ASIC and the DSP, generally, the main processor is Arm, Mips, or PowerPC and so on. Embedded DVR generally use the embedded real-time operating systems, such as PSOS, embedded Linux and other factors, the latter more than bureau. The main program short lean, not need hard disk storage systems procedures, not like ordinary computers easy attacked by computer virus. Terms from the functions, an embedded DVR and Industrial DVR is basically comparable, but the operation interface is not good as dustrial control type DVR, but most of the industrial control-type DVR does not support remote control operation, so both have their own characteristics.

In recent years, Philips, TI, ADI and other DSP manufacturers introduced powerful digital signal processing chips, embedded DVR is now taken by the major hardware programs, although the largest video path number supported by embedded DVR is 16 ch, a great number of single-purpose Industrial Type DVR is easy attacked by virus as well as the misuse of users, so CCTV DVR manufacturers are increasingly the choice of embedded DVR.

Nevertheless, the current DVR market, both market share basically the same, after all, industrial control DVR is easy to mix the various components, in general do not need to machine maintenance, some soft press card assembly PCDVR also have certain price advantages.

The problems in the present, the quality of the picture preview of the embedded DVR is not as good as Industrial DVR, even though the former support VGA and analog video output, but the preview picture quality and clarity of the apparent inability are not good as PCDVR, PCDVR use the latest computer technology, and have a powerful display capabilities, so embedded DVR not be compared with it, Another weakness is the video playback, hardware compression card-based Industrial-type DVR is currently available for up to 16 video playback even higher (generally only depends on the PC, the hardware configuration), while the embedded DVR general large ones can only be a limited playback.