Swann DVR replacement: which cameras carry over
What replaces a Swann DVR, which Swann cameras carry over, and what changes on the swap.
A Swann DVR can be replaced with a 5-in-1 recorder, and your cameras carry over if they are analogue cameras on coax cable with BNC plugs. If your Swann system is IP or NVR based, or the cameras use a proprietary plug, a DVR will not take them. Check the camera first, then pick a recorder with the same number of channels or more.
Which Swann cameras will work on a new DVR
Look at how each camera connects to the old recorder. A thin coax lead ending in a round BNC plug, running to a numbered input on the back of the DVR, means an analogue camera. Analogue cameras send one of a few signal types, such as AHD, HDTVI, HDCVI or standard analogue (CVBS). The recorders below accept AHD, TVI, CVI and CVBS signals on their camera inputs, so an analogue camera of one of those types can be moved to the same BNC input with the same cable. Check your camera's specification on Swann's website to confirm its signal type.
These will not carry over:
- Swann NVR and IP systems: cameras that plug into a network recorder with an Ethernet cable are IP cameras. They need an NVR, not a DVR.
- Cameras without a BNC plug: a standard recorder input takes a BNC lead, so a camera that connects some other way cannot be wired straight in.
If you cannot tell the signal type, the model number is on the camera body or its box. Match the camera's resolution to the recorder: a camera only records at a resolution the recorder supports.
Recorders that replace a Swann DVR
Hikvision iDS-7208HQHI-M1/XT: for 8-camera systems
An 8-channel AcuSense DVR that records up to 5MP Lite and 3K Lite at 12 frames per second with H.265 Pro+ compression. It supports HDTVI, AHD, CVI, CVBS and IP signals. It has one SATA bay for a drive up to 10TB, HDMI and VGA outputs and remote viewing in Hik-Connect. It suits an 8-camera Swann system, or a 4-camera one that you plan to grow.
Hikvision iDS-7204HQHI-M1/XT: for 4-camera systems
The 4-channel version of the same recorder: up to 5MP Lite at 12 frames per second, the same five signal types, one SATA bay up to 10TB, and up to six IP cameras on top. It suits a 4-camera Swann kit where you want a like-for-like swap.
Dahua WizSense XVR5104HS-I3: 4 channels with AI detection
A 4-channel recorder for HDCVI, AHD, TVI, CVBS and IP cameras. It records analogue cameras up to 4K, takes IP cameras up to 8MP, and has one SATA bay up to 10TB. SMD Plus sorts people and vehicles from other movement to cut false alerts. Remote viewing is through Dahua DMSS.
ANNKE D941BB: 4 channels, up to 8MP analogue
A 4-channel 5-in-1 DVR for TVI, AHD, CVI and CVBS cameras, with up to 8MP on compatible analogue cameras, H.265+ compression, human and vehicle detection, one SATA bay and remote viewing in the ANNKE Vision app. It suits a 4-camera swap where you may upgrade to higher resolution cameras later.
What changes when you swap
- Hard drive: a drive normally has to be formatted in the new recorder before it can record, which erases it, so copy off any footage you want to keep first and check the recorder's manual.
- Phone app: the new recorder uses its own app (Hik-Connect, DMSS or ANNKE Vision), so you set up remote viewing in that app.
- Settings: recording schedules, motion detection and passwords are set up again.
Live price and delivery are on each product page. To compare more models, browse our 4-channel DVRs, 8-channel DVRs or all DVR recorders.