A typical DVR installation comprises analogue cameras connected to the DVR unit(s) by coax cable. Once connected, the video images are recorded at a user defined number of images per second and quality level.

Recording can be made continuously or on detection of motion in the image, by external input signal from a PIR detector or by time window. Onboard analysis tools can be used to detect if the images contain an object that has been left too long in the scene or if an object has been removed; these techniques are useful for airport and museum installations.

Advanced analysis tools such as direction sensing, people counting, crowd gathering, and 3D perspective are available from a selection of equipment manufacturers.