Video recording fundamentals cover the four standards that control every modern security install: H.265 codec (cuts storage by 40 percent), ONVIF protocol (camera-to-recorder vendor compatibility), Power over Ethernet (single cable to camera), and RAID disk grouping (protects footage against drive failure).
This hub sits under the PVRBlog.com home page. Use the links below to reach every fundamental article on the site.
Core Video Standards
- H.265 Video Codec. Cuts storage by roughly half compared to H.264. Almost every 4K recorder in 2026 uses it.
- ONVIF Interoperability Standard. The reason your Hikvision NVR can record a Reolink camera. Profile S is the minimum to look for.
Power and Storage Standards
- Power over Ethernet (PoE). One Cat5e cable carries power plus data up to 100 meters. Look for PoE+ (30W) for PTZ cameras or IR-heavy models.
- RAID for NVR Storage. RAID 1 mirrors, RAID 5 tolerates one disk failure, RAID 6 tolerates two. Pick RAID 5 for most homes.
How Recording Actually Works
- Technology Behind PVRs and DVRs. Tuners, encoders, storage controllers, firmware. How the box turns a signal into a file.
- PVR and DVR Hardware Components. CPU, memory, SATA controllers, video chipsets. What to compare when reading spec sheets.
Related Hubs
- PVR Hub (Personal Video Recorders)
- DVR Hub (Digital Video Recorders)
- NVR Hub (Network Video Recorders)
- HVR Hub (Hybrid Video Recorders)
- Security Cameras Hub
- Brand Reviews
- How-to Guides
Related Reading
- Video Recording and Security Camera Glossary
- About PVR Blog: Twenty-Eight Years of Video Recording Coverage
- Whats the difference between PVRs and DVRs
- NVRs Explained – Advanced Video Recording
- The History of PVR & DVR technology
- Hybrid Vs Digital Video Recorders – Comparison
- How To Install And Configure Your Hybrid Video Recorder