continued from A Beginner’s Guide on How to Devise the Ideal Video Surveillance System part 2.
#4. Recording Video
Below are three important questions (with the answers) regarding the recording of videos:
- What specific resolution do you choose to record at?
The resolution is actually limited to what the security camera can capture. If you have a standard definition security camera, then this means that you can never record video at a high definition resolution. On the contrary, every user obviously records at the highest resolution that the security camera is able to capture.
- Do you record based on movement or do you record continuously?
Probably one of the hardest decisions to make is to whether you set your surveillance system to record based on movement or continuously. Both has its pros and cons. Continuously recording video ensures that everything that happens will always be recorded, but this takes up a lot of storage space. On the other hand, recording only when movement is detected will save you a lot of storage space, but there is a risk that significant video footage might not be recorded. Generally, a lot of surveillance systems utilize the motion detection feature nowadays.
- What frame rate do you choose to record at?
When in the process of setting up the recording feature, one of the most significant factors is the frame rate selection. You can choose from a high option and use 30 fps (TV) or you can choose a lower option and use 1 fps (slide show). The most commonly used frame rate is 6 to 10 fps.
#5: Video Management System
Video management systems are considered to be somewhat the “heart” of video surveillance systems due to the fact that these systems accept video from the security cameras, store the video feeds, and manage the distribution of video feeds to the viewers.
There are typically four basic options to choose from when it comes to video management systems. Many people typically choose one only. However, large companies could have several types especially if they have huge places to cover in one area and if they also have different branches to cover in separate towns, cities or countries.
- Digital video recorders or DVRs – they are computers that incorporate hardware, software and video storage all into one device. DVRs typically are only able to accept analog camera feeds. A majority of DVRs available in the market these days actually support remote viewing over the Internet. DVRs are basically very easy and simple to install; but, you need to be aware of the fact that they can essentially limit your flexibility in expansion upgrades and hardware changes. DVRs are in fact the most common choice amongst expert video surveillance system consumers. However, as time passes by, DVRs are gradually losing its appeal and a lot of buyers today opt to choose the next three options: NVRs, HDVRs or VMS.
![]()
Network video recorders or NVRs – they are very much like DVRs in many ways except for camera support. A DVR can only support analog security cameras, while an NVR can only support IP security cameras. If you want your analog security cameras to be supported by an NVR, you need to use an encoder.- Hybrid digital video recorders or HDVRs – they are DVRs that support IP security cameras. They have all the functions that a DVR has as well as they can also support IP and megapixel security cameras. Almost all DVRs software can be upgraded to make them become HDVRs. This kind of upgrade is becoming the trend these days because of the appeal of the low-migration cost (directly supports IP and analog cameras).
- Video management software or VMS – this is a software application, much similar to Excel or Word. Unlike DVRs or NVRs, VMS does not have any storage or hardware. You need to load and set up the server/PC for the software. This is actually more cost effective unlike when you use DVR or NVR devices. However, you need to be aware that this is more complicated and it takes a considerable amount of time to set up and optimize the system. Even if that is the case, video management software is gradually becoming the most frequently used method in recording these days.
Network video recorders or NVRs – they are very much like DVRs in many ways except for camera support. A DVR can only support analog security cameras, while an NVR can only support IP security cameras. If you want your analog security cameras to be supported by an NVR, you need to use an encoder.#6. Video Analytics
The function of video analytics is to scan incoming video footages in order to: (a) optimize storage capacity or (b) to identify potentially dangerous/out-of-the-ordinary events.
One of the most regularly used applications of video analytics is the optimization of storage capacity. The most basic function of video analytics is to examine video feeds and identify certain changes in motion. Based solely on the mere absence or presence of motion, the video management system can come to a decision on whether to store video at a lower resolution (or frame rate) or to not store any video footage at all. Due to the fact that a lot of surveillance video records very long periods of inactivity such as in staircases, hallways and buildings when they are closed for the day, the use of video analytics based on motion can significantly minimize the consumption of storage capacity by 60% up to 80% unlike when you opt to record continuously.
Another common yet “more thrilling” function of video analytics is to identify potentially dangerous or out-of-the-ordinary events. When it comes to the subject of video analytics, most people often visualize scenarios that often involve active crimes or something related to that. Some of the most common examples of these scenarios include perimeter violation (trespassing), people counting, abandoned items, and license plate recognition. The main objective of these kinds of video analytics is to proactively recognize safety and security incidents and to immediately stop them as they progress. For example, license plate recognition video analytics recognizes a car that belongs to a wanted thief so you can catch him or when a person is driving a car too fast in a highway that has a speed limit to it, or when the perimeter violation feature notices a thief jumping over your fence so you can stop them immediately or in real time.
To be continued on A Beginner’s Guide on How to Devise the Ideal Video Surveillance System part 4.