Identifying the Factors of Choosing the Right Video Surveillance System

FREMONT, CA: Cameras in video surveillance systems today offer computer-like features like motion sensors, remote viewing, and cell phone notifications, enabling them to be more intelligent and effective.

Additionally, technological advances have enabled more efficient methods for recording and storing data. Small businesses can purchase powerful surveillance systems at relatively affordable prices.

Video surveillance systems for businesses require consideration of several factors.

Storage capacity: Storage requirements depend on how many cameras you have, their resolutions, how much footage you intend to keep, and how long you plan to keep it. The footage from multiple cameras shooting at high resolution will quickly fill up storage. When a video recorder reaches its capacity, it may overwrite the oldest footage, but if you aren't careful, it might overwrite footage that you still need.

An online tool can help you determine how much storage space you need based on the details of your system. Videos would be compressed into MJPEG files and stored on an NVR. A moderately sized system will need to handle quite a bit of data, so estimate what capacity you'll need. Make sure you keep a little cushion beyond the calculated amount so you can store any particularly relevant footage you may need in the future.

Cloud storage: A video recorder and the cloud can be used to store recorded video. This has several advantages, including remote access to your videos and larger storage capacities. You will even have archived footage if you store videos in the cloud if your hardware is destroyed, stolen, or damaged. Make sure this won't consume all your network bandwidth and slow your network down. It is best to upload files to the cloud after peak business hours or schedule them for upload.

Subscription fees are common with cloud services, especially when you want to store video files forever. Ensure the storage company protects your data with cybersecurity measures to get the most value for your money.

Camera compatibility: Not all video recorders are compatible with all cameras. A DVR must use analog cameras, while an NVR must use IP cameras, but the compatibility question goes beyond these distinctions. It is possible for some NVR systems to only work with IP cameras manufactured by a particular manufacturer. Before making the purchase, it is important to determine whether a video recorder is compatible with your purchased cameras.