Quick answer

A quick reference for the words on CCTV quotes and spec sheets. Use it to compare quotes like for like: the most important lines are resolution, recorder type, storage days and whether cameras are rated for outdoor use.

DVR (Digital Video Recorder)
A recorder for analogue HD cameras, connected with coaxial cable. Lower cost and good for upgrading older systems that already have coax cabling.
NVR (Network Video Recorder)
A recorder for IP cameras, connected with network cable. Supports higher resolutions and smart features, and is the usual choice for new installations.
IP camera
A camera that sends video over a network cable. Each camera has its own address on the network and can be powered by PoE.
Turbo HD / analogue HD
Analogue cameras that send HD video over coaxial cable to a DVR. Turbo HD is Hikvision's name for this technology.
PoE (Power over Ethernet)
Power and video travel on one network cable, so the camera needs no separate power adapter. Many NVRs have PoE ports built in.
Resolution (2MP, 4MP, 8MP / 4K)
The number of pixels in the picture. 2MP is 1080p, 4MP is clearer, and 8MP (4K) lets you zoom in further on recordings, for example to read a number plate. Higher resolution needs more storage.
H.265 / H.265+
Video compression that makes recordings smaller than the older H.264, so the same hard disk holds more days. H.265+ is Hikvision's enhanced version.
WDR (Wide Dynamic Range)
Helps a camera see both bright and dark areas in one shot, such as a doorway with strong sunlight behind it. True WDR (shown in dB, e.g. 120 dB) is far better than digital WDR.
IR range
How far the camera's infrared lights reach in darkness, giving a black and white night picture. A 30 m IR camera will not light up a 60 m car park.
ColorVu
Hikvision cameras that show colour at night using a sensitive sensor and a soft white light, instead of black and white infrared. Useful where clothing or car colour matters.
Varifocal lens
A lens whose zoom can be adjusted during installation to frame the exact area needed. A fixed lens has one field of view.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
A camera that can turn, tilt and zoom by remote control, often used for large yards and car parks.
IP67
A rating for dust and water protection. IP66 or IP67 cameras are suitable for outdoor use in UAE dust and rain.
IK10
A rating for impact resistance. IK10 dome cameras resist being hit or kicked, which suits low mounting points and public areas.
Smart detection (line crossing, intrusion)
Analytics that alert only when a person or vehicle crosses a line or enters an area, instead of any movement. Far fewer false alarms from trees, shadows or cats.
Retention (recording days)
How many days of video the system keeps before overwriting the oldest. Set by disk size, number of cameras, resolution and compression. Approved installations must meet the required days.
BLC (Backlight Compensation)
Brightens the subject when there is strong light behind it, such as a person standing in a bright doorway. Simpler than WDR; useful on older cameras.
HLC (Highlight Compensation)
Dims very bright spots such as car headlights at night, so number plates and faces near them stay visible.
3D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction)
Cleans up the grainy 'noise' in low-light pictures by comparing frames. Gives a smoother night image and smaller recordings.
Defog
Boosts contrast to see through haze, dust or humidity. Handy on UAE mornings with fog or after a sandstorm.
EIS / DIS (image stabilisation)
Electronic or digital image stabilisation reduces shaking in the picture from wind or vibration, for cameras on poles or near machinery.
Tamper and defocus detection
Alerts you if a camera is covered, sprayed, moved or knocked out of focus. A good idea for cameras within reach.
ANR (Automatic Network Replenishment)
If the network to the recorder drops, the camera keeps recording to its own SD card and sends the missing video to the recorder when the connection returns.
ABF (Auto Back Focus)
Lets the camera refocus itself, usually from a button or the menu, after installation or a lens change. Saves a site visit to refocus by hand.
Digital watermark
A hidden marker added to recorded video so tampering can be detected. Helps show that exported footage hasn't been edited.
EZVIZ
A consumer brand of Wi-Fi cameras and doorbells, originally from Hikvision, aimed at homes and small shops. It uses its own EZVIZ app rather than Hik-Connect.
Hik-Connect
Hikvision's free app and cloud service for viewing cameras on your phone. See how to set up Hik-Connect.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
A battery backup that keeps the recorder and cameras running through short power cuts and protects the hard disk.
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Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a DVR or NVR system?

For a new installation, an NVR with IP cameras is usually the better choice. If you already have coaxial cable in place, a DVR with HD analogue cameras can save on cabling. We advise after the site survey.

Is 4K always better?

Not always. 4K helps where you need detail at a distance, but it uses more storage. A good 4MP camera in the right position often beats a 4K camera in the wrong one.

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Menu names can differ slightly between models and software versions. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Back to the help centre