Before making a decision, we should know the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Digital DVR - "Standalone"		DVR Card - for PCs
Advantages: Runs on Linux which is a very stable and reliable operating system. It's Plug-and-Play and doesn't require any software to be installed to use it right out of the box. No PC required! The DVR runs independently and can be used for just one purpose which is video surveillance. It has an simple user interface which you can manage by mouse, remote control or over your LAN. Its compact and stylish design let you put it anywhere. Low power consumption. A DVR uses about 30 watts while a PC uses between 200-300 watts (a savings of 125-190 Kw per month). You can lock down the entire system with a password so no one else can access it. The Digital DVRs we sell are compatible with 3G telephones like the iPod, Blackberry, Nokia (Smybian OS), and Android-based phones, plus tablets like the iPad, Galaxy, etc. (using 3rd-party "Apps" available online). Disadvantages: Your initial investment might be higher (without taking into account the future savings from it's low power consumption). It has a limited number of channels and can't be expanded without buying and stacking another DVR on top.		Advantages: If you have a spare PC (even an old Pentium IV for a basic 4-camera system running at 30fps), your initial investment could be much lower. If the PC has enough memory and processing power, you could use it for other basic tasks like sending and receiving e-mail. If the PC has enough processing power and PCI ports available, you could install up to four DVR cards to manage up to 32 cameras on a single PC. Disadvantages: The PC's operating system, graphics card, processor, etc. are often too basic, and in some cases the DVR cards aren't compatilble with the processor or they only work with Windows 2000 or XP. High power consumption. A PC uses 200-300 watts, while a DVR uses about 30 watts (an extra expense of about 125-190 Kw per month). The computer could be used for other high-demand applications which could affect the performance of the DVR system. You can block most of the PC's operating system and files with a password, but not the entire system. Computers get viruses. You need to install the DVR software yourself.