LPR Camera for Swann DVR / NVR System

A customer with a Swann security camera system recently asked me about adding an LPR camera to their existing system. Here is his question in short: “What license plate capture camera can I use with my existing Swann camera system?” Can you use Viewtron LPR camera with a Swann DVR? Yes, but which model you choose depends on whether your Swann recorder is an IP camera NVR or a coax BNC DVR.

Does the LPR-IP4 work with a Swann IP camera NVR?

If your Swann is a network IP camera NVR that supports at least 4MP resolution and is ONVIF compliant, it will work with our best LPR camera, the Viewtron LPR-IP4. The camera connects to the NVR using ONVIF / RTSP. The LPR-IP4 is a 4MP IP camera that captures clear license plates, and it also has automatic license plate recognition software built in.

However, on a Swann NVR you will only be able to use the license plate capture (LPC) function. The ALPR features, such as the plate database and plate alerts, are only integrated with Viewtron IP camera NVRs. I explain the difference in this video: License Plate Capture vs ALPR.

If you want full automatic plate recognition, look at a complete Viewtron VT-LPR-S4 LPR camera system, which includes a Viewtron NVR and a LPR-IP4 camera. The LPR-IP4’s ALPR software is completely integrated with the Viewtron NVR which makes setup and operations very simple.

Which LPR camera works with a Swann coax CCTV DVR?

If your Swann is a BNC coax DVR (CCTV), the LPR-AHD5 BNC LPR camera is the best option. It works only if your DVR supports 1080p resolution in AHD or HD-TVI video format. Swann 1080p systems were sold in both AHD and HD-TVI versions, but some older Swann DVRs do not support 1080p (more on Swann DVR formats here). The LPR-AHD5 captures clear plates, but it does not have ALPR software. This is fine for most applications. If you are running new cable, go with the IP LPR camera.

If you are unsure if you have a Swann DVR or NVR, email the exact make and model to info@cctvcamerapros.net and we will help you find out.

How should an LPR camera be mounted?

The smaller the vertical and horizontal angle from the camera to the license plate detection zone, the better. This matters most for ALPR. It is less important for license plate capture, but a smaller angle still gives you a clearer plate. I explain this in the LPR camera for home video below.

Read the full article here: LPR Camera for Home: Viewtron LPR-IP4 Surpasses Expectations.

More LPR Camera Videos

You can see additional LPR camera system videos here.