Network video recorders (NRV) typically cost a couple of hundred dollars, but in the past, we noted a low-cost, entry-level NVR with a single Ethernet port may sell for under $50.
But now, I’ve been made aware that $20 Linux-based NVR’s had shown up on Aliexpress either based on XM8536D processor, or SigmaStar SSR621Q dual-core Cortex-A7 processor. I’ll look at the N6110E model with the latter that sells for $22.99 plus shipping as it includes an enclosure and is said to support up to 10 channels, as well as AI features such as face & human body detection, “auto tracking” (vehicle tracking?), and mixed-traffic detection.
- SoC – SigmaStar SSR621Q processor/DSP with two Cortex-A7 cores, 256MB DDR3 RAM according to linux-chenxing
- Video decoding – H.265 , H.264 up to 1x 8MP @ 30 fps, 1x 5MP @ 30 fps, 2x 4MP @ 30fps, 4x 3MP @ 20 fps, 4x 1080p30, 8x 720p30, 10x D1 @ 30 fps
- Audio decoding – G.711
- Networking – 10/100M Ethernet with up to 50 Mbps “network video access bandwidth”, 40 Mbps “network video export bandwidth”
- Video output
- HDMI 1.4 up to 1080p60 or 4Kp30
- VGA up to 1080p60
- HDMI & VGA share the same output
- Preview normal split screen – 1/4/6/8/9/10
- Playback split-screen – 1/4
- Play control mode – Frame playback, rewind, 16-speed fast forward, 1/8 speed slow motion, 30s forward/reverse playback
- ONVIF support
- Storage – SATA interface for up to 10TB 3.5-inch hard drive
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 ports
- Misc – 3V CR1220 battery for time display
- Power supply – 12V DC
- Power consumption – ≤ 3W
- Temperature range – -10°C to +55°C
- Humidity – 10% ~ 90% RH (non-condensing)
- Dimensions – 120 x 46 x 20 mm
- Weight – Around 45 grams
They can keep it cheap because there’s no much inside the box with the mainboard, and even space to insert a 3.5-inch hard drive. The number of channels will depend on the resolution & framerate of the IP camera cameras connected to the NVR with for instance up to four 1080p30 cameras, and up to eight 720p30 cameras provided the combined bandwidth does not exceed the Ethernet port’s capacity.
It looks like there’s an “IPC” mobile app to monitor the videos, but any ONVIF compatible apps should work. N6110E NVR can also be configured through a multi-lingual web interface (16 languages) accessible through HDMI/VGA (and maybe a web interface?) where you can configure various settings including output resolution, camera options, AI features, storage, etc…
But as you can see from the screenshot above, there are some limitations to the video analysis feature due to the low-end processor with, for example, face detection limited to two cameras maximum.
The manufacturer appears to be Uvision Tech, and you’ll find the product page has limited information, so it’s mostly interesting to people wanting to purchase in large quantities.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Will CNX be seeing if the company would supply one to test?
Not sure about this model exactly, but it’s quite possible I receive an NVR kit with SigmaStar SSR621Q later on, as I get fairly regular contacts with security camera companies.
Single SATA interface seems a bit on the low side. It’s seems to me that at least two drivers could fit inte the enclosure. I could see an entry level nas/media player could utilize this platform (with some other Linux dist, ofc).
I mean, it’s a 20$ device. Single sata is fine.
I just ordered one of these a couple of days ago.
A nice enclousure, sata support and some form of community efforts to bring mainline support should make this a nice little NAS. Too bad it doesn’t have a gigabit NIC, but you can’t be picky for 20$.
I think, not sure as I don’t have one to hand, that the SSR621Q is the same die or very very close to the SSD201/SSD202D. For example the SSD20xD doesn’t list SATA in it’s specs but the registers for it are there and the Linux AHCI driver seems to be able to probe it just fine. My guess is that the die has a ton of pads and they are making variations by taking 128 of them depending on the feature set and bonding them out to pins. Short version: Getting linux 5.15 going should be pretty easy. Code for… Read more »
That would be pretty cool!
I’ll post a dump of the firmware, when i get my device, so we can at least explore what vendor has done with this.
If it wouldn’t be so low on ram it would make a cheap ceph node, well still worth a try…
Wow, this is indeed very interesting. Using a loose HDD you can configure a NVR. Just add the cameras and you’re good to go. I wonder what are the possibilities of interaction with it, like API to issue commands. It would be the perfect solution for SOHO I think.