Choosing A Video Surveillance System

 Video surveillance systems provide the business owner as well as law enforcement with an extra set of eyes to catch any activity in and around a business. The system you install can vary a great deal depending on the area involved and the level of surveillance required.

In the past, video surveillance systems recorded video in the form of an analog signal that was recorded to a tape. These tapes were then stored and viewed as needed by business owners or law enforcement officers. Today, digital video is the standard. This allows the video to be recorded to a digital storage device in the same way that data from a computer is maintained on a hard drive. This allows for a large amount of data or video to be stored in a much smaller area as well as at much higher video quality. The video in video surveillance systems can come with and without sound. The more sophisticated systems offer color video in high definition.

When choosing video surveillance cameras, you must decide what the intended purpose is for the cameras. Whether you are trying to resolve a specific problem or just need general security monitoring will largely determine the type of cameras you'll need and the overall scope and complexity of the system.

One of the first considerations is whether you want your video surveillance cameras to be visible. Some businesses prefer that the cameras be displayed as a deterrent for those people that might be intent on stealing. Still, others like the idea of hidden cameras that blend in with the décor or background and don't draw attention. Pinhole cameras are those that are discreet and of a much smaller size. These cameras can be hidden in common objects that might be scattered about the room. Commonly used as "nanny cams", these cameras are typical in one-off situations where inappropriate behavior is suspected and visual evidence is needed as proof. This type of camera can have either a wired or wireless connection to the recording device. In most cases, it makes sense to have a wireless connection because the camera has a specific purpose and is not intended for general security monitoring. Connecting the camera wirelessly minimizes the work involved and creates more of a temporary situation where the camera can be easily moved from location to location if needed.

For general security purposes, a network of security cameras with each located at a different point will be needed for complete coverage and business monitoring. Many businesses set the cameras up in this way with a centrally located area with monitors so that security personnel can observe the activity. In addition to providing live coverage, this video can also be recorded and archived for later viewing. This is a typical setup for most businesses.

IP-based video surveillance has become popular as it provides a live feed of video that can be accessed from any location where the internet is available. Additionally, the system will save this video in a file format that can be viewed at a later time. This type of video surveillance is connected to the server in much the same way as a computer. Each camera has its unique IP or Internet protocol address that identifies it on a network. The camera then transmits the video signal to the server on the local network. The server, acting as a Web server, provides users with a way to view the video from the Internet.

 Admittedly, the IP-based system can be set up where it cannot be viewed from the Internet however, setting it up without Internet access minimizes its benefit. Another advantage to an IP-based system is being able to leverage your company's existing local area network. This negates the need for additional cabling or wiring that would be exclusive to the video surveillance cameras. You might already have network cabling available that you could use for your video surveillance system. Using an IP-based system usually offers higher-quality video, faster transmit and receive rates, and a more efficient way to store video as well as greater control of the type of video and format it will be stored in.

When upgrading or purchasing a new video surveillance system, you need to consider your current setup and what will be easily integrated into what you currently have. For new video surveillance systems, you'll want to start with the best technology possible and use an IP-based system. For upgrading existing systems, you need to consider whether installing a completely new system might be more cost-effective. Either way, today's technology offers more options that not only increase security but also provide greater convenience. Leveraging this new technology will provide you with a better way to monitor business activities and maintain a video library through efficient archiving processes. Having video surveillance cameras that can be accessed and monitored no matter where you are, provide convenience as well as peace of mind.