CCTV Video Storage Solutions Explained

Once your CCTV cameras capture footage and send it through the system, it needs to be stored somewhere – and that storage choice affects how long you keep footage, how easy it is to access, and how secure it remains.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common CCTV video storage technologies, what makes them different, and how to choose the right one for your system.

cctv video storage

DVR (Digital Video Recorder)

DVRs are used with analog CCTV systems. They receive analog video via coaxial cables and record compressed footage onto built-in hard drives.
  • Compression: Typically H.264 or H.265 codecs
  • Strengths: Simple to set up, cost-effective
  • Limitations: Lower maximum resolution (typically up to 5MP); each camera must be hardwired directly to the DVR
DVR systems are best suited for legacy analog installations or hybrid setups where budget constraints are critical.

NVR (Network Video Recorder)

NVRs are designed for IP camera systems. They record digital video streams over Ethernet (Cat5e, Cat6) networks, offering higher resolutions (up to 4K and beyond) and greater system scalability.
  • Compression: H.265/H.265+ preferred for high-efficiency storage
  • Strengths: Supports audio recording, smart analytics, remote access
  • Limitations: Requires proper network setup to prevent bandwidth issues
  • Note: Many NVRs support RAID configurations (e.g., RAID 1, 5, or 6) for redundancy and protection against drive failures
PoE (Power over Ethernet) simplifies installation by allowing a single cable for power and data.

Local Storage (On-Camera SD Cards)

Some IP cameras feature built-in SD card slots, allowing local footage storage without external recorders.
  • Typical SD Sizes: 32GB to 256GB
  • Strengths: Backup option if network connection fails; simple for isolated cameras
  • Limitations: Limited storage space; frequent overwriting; SD cards have limited write cycles
Pro Tip: Always use high-endurance, surveillance-grade SD cards rated for 24/7 continuous recording to maximize reliability.

Cloud Storage

Cloud-based CCTV solutions upload footage to remote servers via an internet connection.
  • Strengths: Off-site redundancy, remote access, automatic backups
  • Limitations: Monthly subscription costs; heavily dependent on stable internet
  • Bandwidth Tip: A typical HD camera stream requires 2–5 Mbps upload bandwidth; higher resolution systems (4K) need even more

Cloud storage is excellent for theft protection (no recorder to steal) and disaster recovery but must be configured with strong encryption and secure authentication.

Hybrid Storage Systems

Hybrid systems combine local and cloud storage to balance cost, convenience, and security.

Strengths:

    • Redundancy against drive failures
    • Remote access even if on-site systems are compromised
Example: Local NVR for continuous recording + cloud storage for event-based clips (motion detection, after-hours activity)
This approach is increasingly common in enterprise surveillance deployments where uptime and disaster recovery are critical.

Storage Capacity and Retention

Choosing the right storage isn’t just about hardware – it’s about how much footage you want to retain and at what quality.
Key factors include:
  • Number of cameras in your system
  • Resolution of recordings (e.g., 1080p vs 4K)
  • Frame rate (e.g., 15fps vs 30fps)
  • Recording mode (continuous vs motion-triggered)
Example: A 1080p camera recording 24/7 with H.264 may consume 80–120GB per day. Using H.265 can reduce storage needs by up to 50%.

Pro Tip 1 : Always plan retention based on legal requirements (e.g., 30–90 days for businesses) and critical footage backup needs.

Pro Tip 2 : Choose surveillance-grade hard drives (e.g., WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk) specifically designed for continuous operation and heavy write workloads.

Wrapping It Up

Your CCTV storage solution isn’t just about holding onto video – it’s about making sure critical footage is accessible, secure, and reliable when needed.

Whether you use a simple DVR, a scalable NVR, or a cloud-hybrid system, planning your storage strategy carefully ensures peace of mind and system resilience.

Up next, Learn why CCTV video resolution matters and how it impacts footage clarity and storage needs.

Security Systems Singapore