Q-See Replacement DVRs, NVRs, and Cameras
Does your Q-See system just go dead, or is the app no longer supported? Did your recorder die? Chances are, you probably don’t need to replace your cameras or wire your home or business from scratch. When it comes time to upgrade your Q-See system, you don’t always need brand new cameras or new wires.
At CCTV Camera World, we pride ourselves on carrying professional replacement DVR and NVR systems that can help you replace and upgrade outdated brands such as Q-See without having to do a complete replacement of your system. Our DVRs are compatible with multi-format coax cameras such as CVBS, AHD, HD-TVI, and HD-CVI. Our NVRs are designed to work with IP and PoE cameras for high-quality recording up to 4K resolution and higher, depending on which recorder you choose.
All recorders come with free remote viewing apps for mobile devices, flexible recording options such as motion recording, continuous recording, scheduled recording, and event recording. We also support AI features with compatible IP cameras. And best of all, there are no monthly fees or subscriptions. Replacing your old Q-See recorder is not only affordable, but it also extends the life of your cameras and avoids the need to rewire your business or home.
The first and most important detail is identifying whether you have a Q-See DVR (coax/BNC cameras) or a Q-See NVR (IP/network cameras).
Do You Have a Q-See DVR or Q-See NVR?
Look at the back of your recorder.
- Round BNC coax ports? You need a DVR replacement.
- Ethernet network ports for IP cameras? You need an NVR replacement.
- Only upgrading cameras? Scroll down to the Q-See Camera Replacement section.
Totally lost or not sure what you need?
Our team can help identify the right Q-See replacement. Call us at (716) 229-0080 during business hours or send us a contact request. If possible, include your Q-See recorder model number and camera model numbers, or send us a clear photo of the back of the recorder. We can usually determine what equipment, cameras, and wiring you can keep.
Shop Q-See Replacement Recorders & Cameras
Below are suggested Q-See DVR replacements, NVR upgrades, and compatible camera replacements.
Q-See DVR Replacement (BNC / Coax Camera Systems)
Upgrade Path: Keep Your Cameras
If your Q-See DVR has round ports with coax cables plugged into it, chances are the easiest upgrade is to replace the DVR and keep your existing cameras and wiring.
Which Q-See Cameras Will Work With a DVR Replacement?
Q-See sold cameras using several different video formats over the years. Our replacement DVRs support the industry-standard coaxial signals commonly used by legacy systems:
- CVBS (standard analog)
- HD-CVI
- HD-TVI
- AHD
Important Note:
Please note that these DVRs are not designed to work with HD-SDI cameras. If your Q-See cameras have round BNC connectors but are marked HD-SDI, please contact our support team to assist you in identifying the proper replacement.
IP cameras operate differently than BNC cameras. You cannot plug an IP camera directly into the BNC camera ports on a traditional analog DVR. IP cameras connect over a computer network and require an NVR, PoE switch, or an XVR that supports IP cameras.
If your cameras have round BNC connectors and are not IP or HD-SDI cameras, then a newer DVR or XVR is likely the correct replacement for your current system. We offer Avalonix DVRs and XVRs as replacements for Q-See DVR systems.
Keep Your Cameras, Replace Your Recorder
If your Q-See DVR failed or the app stopped working, you may only need to replace the recorder.
You can:
- Unplug your existing BNC camera cables from the old DVR.
- Plug those same cables into the new replacement DVR.
- Set up your recording options and download the new remote viewing app.
Important Note: Use the power supply that comes with your new DVR. Power supplies are not always interchangeable between recorders, and using the wrong one can damage your new DVR.
Watch Your Cameras Remotely After Replacing Your DVR
Once your replacement DVR is installed, download the app for your new recorder and set up remote viewing. Our replacement DVRs support viewing from:
- iPhone
- Android
- Mac
- Windows
Q-See NVR Replacement (IP Camera Systems)
If your Q-See system uses Ethernet network cables, your replacement path is different from a coaxial DVR system.
Important Note: IP cameras cannot plug directly into the BNC ports on an analog DVR. They connect over a computer network to an NVR, PoE switch, or compatible XVR.
Will My Q-See IP Cameras Work With a New NVR?
The short answer is: it depends.
If you are replacing a Q-See NVR, the exact series and model number matter. Because Q-See used cameras from different manufacturers through the years you need a NVR that is compatible with the cameras and recorder you own.
Quick Reference: Which Q-See NVR Series Do You Have?
To figure out which series your Q-See equipment belongs to, check the first two characters of your NVR model number.
Replacing QC Series NVR Models
- The QC Series included both DVRs and NVRs, so first make sure you have an IP-based NVR and not a coaxial DVR.
- Our Avalonix Premium Series NVRs are our preferred replacements for Q-See QC NVRs and work with most QC and QT camera models.
Replacing QT Series NVR Models
- Q-See sourced QT Series NVRs from several different manufacturers, which makes compatibility more dependent on the exact model you are replacing.
- IP camera support varies considerably by model number and cannot be determined from the QT Series name alone.
- QT cameras work with many of our NVRs. Send us your QT NVR and camera model numbers and we can recommend the best compatible replacement.
Replacing Knox Series NVR Models
- Knox Series systems were IP-based NVR systems designed to work with Q-See Presidio IP cameras.
- In most cases, our NDAA compliant NVRs and security cameras are the best replacement options for Q-See Knox systems.
If you have questions about compatibility or upgrading, contact our support department before ordering. In most cases, we can tell you ahead of time whether your existing cameras will work with a new recorder.
Keep Your Cameras, Replace the NVR
Replacing the NVR itself is usually simple:
- Disconnect your existing cameras from the old NVR.
- Connect them to the new replacement NVR.
- Configure the cameras and recording settings on the new recorder.
Important Note: IP cameras are usually assigned a password the first time they are connected to an NVR. When you connect your existing Q-See IP cameras to a new NVR, you may see an “invalid username or password” error or be prompted to enter the camera credentials before they connect. In most cases, the password will be the admin password from your old NVR or the camera’s factory default password.
Q-See Camera Replacement or Upgrade
You do not always need to replace your cameras when upgrading or replacing a Q-See DVR or NVR. In fact, you can keep your existing cameras in most cases.
There are still a few good reasons to replace them. If you want better image quality, your cameras have started failing, or you want to take advantage of newer features available with current IP cameras, replacing the cameras at the same time as the recorder may make sense.
When Should You Consider Replacing Your Cameras?
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to look at new cameras.
- You are upgrading to an IP PoE system: If you currently have a coax-based DVR system and want to move to a full IP PoE NVR system, you will need IP cameras.
- You want better picture quality: More resolution gives you more detail. Moving from 1080p to 4K can improve facial detail at longer distances and reduce pixelation when digitally zooming into recorded video.
- Your cameras do not perform well at night: Low-light performance has improved considerably over the years. If your night footage is dark, murky, or lacking useful detail, your cameras may be showing their age.
- Your cameras have started failing: Connection failures, flickering video, water intrusion, poor night vision, and intermittent dropouts are common signs of an aging or failing camera.
Step 1: Determine What Kind of Cameras You Have
The first step is figuring out which type of camera your Q-See system uses. Most systems we come across fall into one of two categories.
A) BNC / Coax Cameras (Analog HD):
These cameras usually have a round BNC connector. Common formats include CVBS (analog), AHD, HD-TVI, and HD-CVI.
B) IP / Network Cameras:
These cameras connect using an Ethernet cable. Most IP cameras are PoE (Power over Ethernet) capable and connect to PoE ports on an NVR or PoE switch.
If you are still not sure what type of cameras you have, look at the connector on the cable. BNC/coax cameras use a round connector that twists into place. IP cameras use a square network (RJ45) connector.
Step 2A: Upgrade Coax Cameras Without Re-Running Wires
If you currently have BNC/coax cameras and want better image quality without running new cable, take a look at our HD analog cameras.
Our HD analog cameras use “4-in-1” technology, which allows the camera to switch between the major coaxial signal types for compatibility with most DVRs and XVRs.
Important Note: If you plan to upgrade to 4K over coax, the quality of your existing cable matters. Some older coax runs can support 4K, but many cannot. 4K over coax requires solid copper cable pulled from a roll and terminated with BNC connectors. Most pre-made cables supplied with Q-See systems were copper-clad aluminum, which cannot reliably carry a 4K signal over longer distances.
Step 2B: Upgrade IP Cameras (NVR Systems)
NVR systems work differently. If you have an NVR, replacement cameras must be IP cameras that are compatible with the recorder.
Our Avalonix Premium Series cameras work with Q-See’s QC line of NVRs, while our AvaEye series is compatible with Q-See Presidio Halifax/Knox Series NVRs. You can browse the available options in our IP Security Cameras category.
Upgrade Your Q-See System
In some situations, it can be beneficial to replace your entire Q-See system vs. upgrading piecemeal. If your recorder and cameras are old and you want to upgrade to newer features and higher resolutions, purchasing a complete system allows you to start with a fully matched recorder and camera system.
To retain your existing coax wiring infrastructure, consider purchasing a complete HD Analog security camera system. If you're ready to make the jump to a modern network-based video system, consider purchasing a complete IP/PoE security camera system. Additionally, a full system replacement can allow you to add more channels, expand storage, enhance remote viewing and access capabilities, and equip your system with newer AI features where available.
Choose Your Upgrade Path
Keep Your Existing Coax Wiring
Replace your Q-See system with a complete HD Analog security camera system while continuing to use compatible BNC/coax wiring already installed.
Move to a Complete IP/PoE System
Upgrade to a network-based security camera system with PoE cameras, higher resolutions, expanded storage options, and newer AI features where supported.
Q-See Replacement FAQ
What Should I Replace a Q-See Security Camera System With?
The correct Q-See replacement depends on whether you have a DVR with coax/BNC cameras or an NVR with IP cameras.
Q-See DVR with coax/BNC cameras:
If you have a Q-See DVR with coax/BNC cameras, you can usually replace only the DVR and keep your existing cameras and wiring.
Q-See NVR with IP cameras:
If you have a Q-See NVR with IP cameras, you can usually replace only the NVR as long as your existing cameras are compatible with the new recorder.
Camera upgrade needed:
If your cameras are old, failing, or you want to move to a higher resolution than your current system supports, replacing both the recorder and cameras is usually the better long-term option.
What Is the Best Replacement for a Q-See DVR?
Look for a DVR that supports CVBS, AHD, HD-TVI, and HD-CVI cameras. These are the common coaxial formats used by Q-See systems.
HD-SDI cameras will not work with these replacement DVRs. IP cameras also cannot connect directly to the BNC camera ports on a traditional analog DVR.
You can view our Avalonix DVRs and XVRs for available Q-See replacement options.
Will My Q-See Cameras Work With a New DVR or NVR?
It depends on your camera type, signal format, resolution, and the recorder you are replacing.
For BNC/coax systems, the camera signal type matters. For IP systems, compatibility depends more heavily on the exact camera and NVR models.
What Is the Best Replacement for a Q-See NVR?
The best Q-See NVR replacement depends on the Q-See series you are upgrading from and the cameras you already have.
Our Avalonix Premium Series NVRs work with many Q-See QC and QT cameras. Knox and Presidio systems may have different compatibility requirements, so the exact model numbers matter.
How Can I Tell if My Q-See Cameras Are IP or Analog?
Check the connector on the camera cable.
If the cameras connect using round BNC coaxial connectors that lock into place with a quarter-turn twist, they are analog/coax cameras.
If they use square Ethernet network cables and connect to an NVR’s PoE ports or a network switch, they are IP cameras.
Can I Reuse My Wiring When Upgrading From Q-See?
In most cases, yes.
For DVR systems, existing coax cable can usually be reused when replacing the recorder or upgrading cameras. The main exception is 4K over coax, which requires solid copper cabling for reliable performance.
CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet wiring used for IP cameras and NVR systems can also be reused.
Can I Upgrade My Q-See System to 4K Cameras?
Yes, as long as your recorder supports 4K.
To ensure full 4K performance and compatibility, upgrading both the cameras and recorder is recommended if your current recorder does not support the resolution you want.
Will I Be Able to View My New System on My Phone?
Yes. Every DVR and NVR available from CCTV Camera World supports remote viewing through free mobile apps and desktop software.
You can learn more about specific apps and software in our blog or by reviewing the product description for the recorder you are considering.
How Much Storage Do I Need When Replacing My Q-See Recorder?
The amount of storage you need depends on your camera count, resolution, frame rate, recording schedule, and how long you want to keep footage.
Visit our Security Camera Storage Calculator to determine what hard drive capacity best suits your system.