Ubiquiti today announces the availability of the UniFi Network Video Recorder Instant (model UNVR Instant), a network video recorder (NVR) powered by its UniFi Protect application.
Available at $199 for a single unit or $699 for a Kit that includes four G5 Turret Ultra cameras, which generally cost $129 each, the UNVR Instant seems to be an excellent way to dabble in the rich world of UniFi for those who don’t care about its default Network application.
Ubiquiti UNVR Instant: A flexible security solution
If you’re not familiar with the UniFi ecosystem, check out this post for more information. The gist is that a UniFi console can do a lot more than a simple router via multiple applications.
The UNVR Instant is a device that hosts just the UniFi Protect and Access applications, designed to add video surveillance to any existing network, not hosted by a UniFi Cloud Gateway. It’s not Ubiquit’s first NVR, but it’s definitely the first made for general consumers, thanks to its compact size and the look that’s easy on the eye. Previously, all of Ubiquit’s NVRs were full-scale rackmount, designed for large corporations.
Tip
All UniFi Cloud Gateways (also known as UniFi consoles) share the same basic features and settings, but their capacities, namely the breadth and depth of applications they can handle, vary depending on the hardware specs.
Main applications in the UniFi Application Suite include:
- Network (default): This application enables the hardware to function as an advanced router by managing all things network-related, including network settings/features, security, firewall, Wi-Fi, and support for extenders and access points to form a Wi-Fi system.
- Protect: The support for IP cameras as an advanced surveillance system, including a built-in NVR.
- Talk: A locally hosted Voice-over-IP system.
- Access: A “platform designed for Access Control Systems”—per Ubiquiti. Examples include door-related security IoT devices, such as doorbells, key fobs, locks, etc.
- Connect: Application that manages digital signage and EV Stations
Each of these applications is a world in itself, with various in-depth customizations and different types of UniFi devices.
The UNVR Instant is a perfect candidate for those currently using a non-UniFi router, such as one from ASUS, NETGEAR, or any other—it can’t work on its own without being connected to an existing network.
You can also use the UNVR Instant with a UniFi-based network, and in this case, its integrated HDMI port for real-time monitoring can come in handy, since you won’t need a separate computer for that. However, UniFi consoles generally already have the NVR function built in and come with their own internal storage.
The UNVR Instant features a 3.5-inch HDD bay—similar to the case of the UDM-SE—that can host standard SATA drives—a 3.5″ hard drive, a 2.5″ HDD/SSD—of any capacity. On this storage front, the company says “if it fits, it sits,” though it only sells drives up to 24TB at the UI store.
Additionally, UNVR Instant comes with seven Gigabit network ports, including one uplink port, and six PoE ports, ready to host up to six UniFi cameras out of the box. The number of camera it can handle doesn’t depends on its port. According to Ubiquiti, the UNVR Instant can handle up to fifteen HD cameras, or eight 2K cameras, or six 4K cameras. You generally can use a mix of them, and the system will let you know how many you can use in real-time via its resource meter.
The UNVR Instant comes with a little screen that shows its status. For management, though, it uses Bluetooth (for the setup process) and Ethernet—you connect to it via the UniFi Protect app.
The table below shows the UNVR Instant’s detailed hardware specifications.
Ubiquiti UNVR Instant: Hardware specifications
 |
|
|---|---|
| Model | UNVR Instant |
| Processing Power | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 at 1.7 GHz, 4GB of RAM |
| UniFi Application (built-in) |
Protect Access |
| Camera Support | (15) HD, (8) 2K, (6) 4K |
| Storage Capacity | 1x drive bay (any capacity) (1TB 3.5″ HDD included) |
| Design | Desktop |
| Mount | Wall, Din rail mount (accessories included) |
| Ports | 1x GbE RJ45 uplink port, 6x GbE PoE RJ45 ports 1x HDMI port (Viewport) |
| Power over Ethernet Standard (PoE) |
802.3bt (PoE) |
| Max PoE Power Budget (all ports) |
40W |
| Max PoE Power Output (per port) |
15.4W |
| Power Intake | AC/DC, Internal, 60W via Universal AC input, 100-240VAC, 1.5A Max, 50/60 Hz |
| Internal Cooling Fan | TBD |
| Local Web-based Management | No |
| Cloud-Management | Yes (free) via the UniFi Protect App |
| Mobile App | UniFi Protect |
| Dimensions | 8.7 x 8.7 x 1.9″ (220 x 220 x 47 mm) |
| Weight (without mounting accessories) |
2.3 lb (1.04 kg) |
| Display | 1.14″ screen |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 0 to 40° C (32 to 104° F) |
| US Launch Price (Check current price!) |
$199 (standalone) $699 (kit with four cameras) |
Availability
The UNVR Instant is available to buy today. It’ll work with any UniFi cameras. If you get the Kit, it’ll come with four G5 Turret Ultra, the white version. I’m in the process of getting my own. So, check back soon for an in-depth review.