It is possible to combine (or merge) multiple Uniview NVRs on a shared network into a unified system that offers tremendous advantages.
This integration becomes particularly relevant when dealing with a combination of analog (traditional or HD over coax) cameras that need to be retained alongside other newer cameras (such as IP cameras).
In this easy guide, we will combine a 4-channel hybrid Uniview NVR which connects to the old analog cameras, and another 16-channel NVR which connects to the rest of the cameras (the IP ones).
It is crucial to underscore that both NVRs must be upgraded to the latest firmware version, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
If one of the units is running on old firmware, it may not properly communicate with the newest version.
Note: The instructions are applicable to Unview recorders, including the OEMs which are sold in various third-party brand names. The same logic may be applied to other brands as well.
Combine two UNV Recorders into One System
To start the integration process, we will initially set up both NVRs independently with their respective cameras. Basically, hook up the analog cameras to the forest recorder, and the rest of the newer cameras on the other NVR.
Once this initial configuration is completed, we can proceed with the following steps:
First of all, ensure that both recorders are connected to the same network infrastructure. If not, the NVRs won’t be able to communicate with each other since, technically, they are not on the same LAN.
Adding the cameras to the second NVR
Once the individual setups are finalized, proceed to the 16-channel NVR, which will act as the primary hub for the integrated system.
Identify an available channel on the 16-channel NVR and initiate a search for a new camera to add.
Given that the 4-channel hybrid NVR is operational on the same network, you will be able to select a new camera from the hybrid NVR’s pool.
Choose an unused camera slot on the main NVR and navigate to the camera configuration settings.
Add the camera via the ONVIF protocol
Within the camera configuration settings of the main NVR, select one of the cameras from the same IP address range as the hybrid (the second) NVR.
These cameras will be marked as ONVIF, indicating their compatibility and interoperability with the integrated system.
Additionally, you can also configure the cameras connected to the hybrid NVR from the main NVR’s interface. This can be accomplished through the “Config Details” or “Access” options available in the web interface of the main NVR.
Upon activation, the prompt will redirect to the hybrid NVR’s interface, granting you the ability to make necessary changes and adjustments to the camera settings.
By following these steps, you successfully combine multiple NVRs into a cohesive surveillance network, taking advantage of both the 4-channel hybrid NVR and the 16-channel NVR.
This integrated and combined system provides control and monitoring capabilities over your entire camera setup, thereby enabling efficient management of your surveillance infrastructure.
With the NVRs combined through the CMS/VMS, you can now access and manage the video feeds, recordings, and settings from a single interface.
This centralized management allows you to view multiple cameras across both NVRs, search for recordings, and perform system-wide management tasks efficiently.
The benefits of combining two NVRs are numerous. One advantage is increased storage capacity. By integrating multiple NVRs, you can expand the total storage available for video recordings.
Scalability is another advantage. Combining NVRs allows for easy expansion of your surveillance system without replacing the existing infrastructure.
Moreover, combining NVRs can provide redundancy and failover capabilities. If one NVR fails, the other NVR can continue recording, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance coverage.
