ICS systems offers several benefits over DVR, such as, recording to a digital hard disk; no tape maintenance; consistent high image quality; fast, easy image retrieval, and access to recorded video over IP networks.

However, a more comprehensive comparison of the two technologies reveals how ICS offers a number of significant advantages over a standard DVR:

Scalability. ICS scales from one to thousands of cameras in increments of a single camera a capability that is not found in DVR systems. Furthermore frame rates and storage can be increased by adding hard drives and PC servers to the network

ICS is cheaper to install. Since, most facilities are already wired with twisted pair infrastructure - ICS system can use this wiring to install the cameras. Thus no additional wiring is required in most cases to install an ICS system. This re-use of existing wiring for an ICS system makes installation more cost effective than that of a CCTV installation.  

Systems integration and network convergence. ICS provides an open, easily integrated platform. As system integration becomes increasingly critical, other systems and applications can be effectively integrated on a single network, making management more effective and cost efficient.

 Remote accessibility. Any video stream, live or recorded, can be accessed and controlled from any location in the world over wired or wireless networks on web browser via an ICS system.

 Intelligence at camera level. Motion detection, event handling, sensor input, relay output, time and date, and other built-in capabilities allow the camera to make intelligent decisions on when to send alarms, video and at which frame rate, improving information access and decision-making.

 Increased reliability. ICS enable off-site storage and the ability to use redundant infrastructure, server and storage architecture. By using standard server and network equipment, replacement time of equipment is reduced and is considerably less than when using proprietary DVR solutions.