How will You Buy the Best Video Surveillance System for Your Business or Home?

Initially video surveillance systems were used for security purpose. However, these days, video surveillance is used to protect your valuable assets, home, kids, and for improving productivity. Imagine the benefits a video surveillance system is offering to millions of families and businesses. They let you remotely monitor your home or business without you being present physically on-site. You can play the video recordings as per your convenience to get the real-time footage of your residence or workplace. And, maybe you will be able to catch your neighbor’s cat peeping inside your kitchen on any day or at night!

There are many video surveillance systems in the market right now with advanced features and functionalities. Choosing the right system can be a tricky affair. However, it is up to you to determine which system is the right one for you.

Here’s what to consider in choosing a video surveillance system for your home or business.

Wireless Camera

Wireless vs. Wired

Wireless cameras are perfect for using in homes since they are easy to install and give you the flexibility to change camera locations without having to spend money on new wires or on contractors for installation purpose. For larger homes or offices in need of a more complex surveillance solution, a wired camera may be an ideal option. You don’t need to hire a contractor for installing such cameras, as these require cable being run from camera to DVR through low voltage lines.

What type of DVR the system has?

DVR Digital Video Recorder

You may need to install more cameras for proper coverage of a larger area. Typically, a system has a DVR or recording device with a limit to accept video feeds from a set number of cameras. So, depending on your DVR and its capability to accept video feeds from a number of channels, you will have to determine the maximum number of cameras you can use with the system.

Analog vs. IP Digital Cameras

HD Day/Night IP Security Camera

An analog camera feeds the images via an analog signal directly to a DVR. The DVR then sends it over the internet, ensuring efficient use of bandwidth. Analog cameras cost less compared to IP digital cameras that send the security images directly to a web server. IP digital cameras broadcast every camera stream separately having its own IP address. They are easy to install, as you can send images via any wiring present in your home or business for your computers. Although IP cameras are more expensive than the traditional analog cameras, in terms of installation and wiring, analog camera is easier and quick. Moreover, IP digital cameras can transmit higher resolution images than analog cameras, so if you are particular about image clarity and motion capture, then analog may not be the right choice for you.

Analog security cameras feed the images directly into a recording device, as such the security images are more susceptible to falling in the wrong hands. Anyone can get their hands on your recording devices. IP digital cameras are also less prone to interference as they encrypt your security feed prior to sending it to a network server.

Enable Remote Access

If you are sure about using a smartphone, laptop, or tablet computer to monitor your video footage, then it is a good idea to choose a system with remote access capabilities.

Recorder Capacity

Ask yourself - how much footage you would like to record and store. Also, what kind of video quality are you looking for? The answers will help you buy a surveillance system with optimal storage capacity. For example, if you want to store six days of video minus audio from five separate cameras at a standard frame rate, you would need around 50GB of storage capacity. You can also set your camera to detect only motion to increase the active recording time. Some systems again offer video compression, which increases memory capacity even further.

How Many Cameras You Need?

You need to determine the number of cameras you need for maximum coverage. Also, you need to determine whether you need weather-resistant cameras for outdoor surveillance or not. There are also cameras with night vision capabilities. Higher resolution cameras provide coverage of a larger area. A Digital PTZ Camera can pan, tilt and zoom around an area instead of remaining in a fixed position. Moreover, zoom security cameras can easily provide a close up of a person or suspicious activity. There are also vandal-proof cameras to install in high impact areas.

To note, a four channel DVR is a good size for small businesses and homes under 2,000 square feet. An eight channel DVR is ideal for businesses that want to monitor inventory, and for homes of up to 3,000 square feet size. Sixteen channel DVRS can be used in offices and homes of over 3,000 square feet.