Ardent Networks Blog

VMS: A Guide to Video Surveillance

Written by Elizabeth Jackson | May 24, 2021 6:55:17 AM

 

Video surveillance is important when it comes to protecting your organization. You need to have the best security systems to keep your mind at ease 24/7. There are many ways to protect your environment. It all depends on what kind of security you need and your budget. 

 

Before you choose any kind of video surveillance or security systems we’ve come up with a guide to video surveillance to offer you maximum security. 

 

What is a video surveillance system?

 

Video surveillance is more than just having a security camera in your vicinity. It includes the placement of security cameras, monitoring motion, and activity, alerts, transmitting footage, and storing that footage. Security cameras can be placed indoors and outdoors. 

 

Small businesses no longer need to skip out on a video surveillance system because you can find powerful systems that are affordable for everyone. You can even tailor a system to fit your businesses’ specific needs. 

 

What to look for before purchasing a video surveillance system

 

Installation

 

Some companies can offer to install the systems for you if you have a larger business with multiple locations. But if you are a smaller business you can always do it yourself.  Check first to see how many cameras you need and if it will be a complicated setup. 

 

Price

 

The price depends on the size of your businesses, how many cameras you need, and the type of storage you want. List down all the features you want such as daytime and nighttime recording, intrusion recording, mobile alerts and notifications, centrally managed videos, and video analytics.  



Type of Security Cameras

 

You can choose from two types of main cameras: the internet protocol (IP) and analog. Currently, the traditional cameras are analog. IP cameras on the other hand offer better features and capabilities, they capture images in higher resolution and have automatic alerts, video analytics, and more. 

 

Type of Storage

 

The three kinds of storage are network video recorder (NVR), digital video recorder (DVR), and hybrid. DVR uses analog cameras, NVR uses IP cameras and hybrid combines analog and IP cameras. 

 

Security

 

Anything that uses an internet connection is prone to cyber-attacks. It is important that your security cameras are also secure. You should prioritize protecting your system as much as you protect your environment. Make sure you choose a surveillance system that has a built-in firewall, enables two-factor authentications, allows you to have a password on your camera, gives you the option to update your camera’s firmware, and has geofencing capabilities. 



What Features Can You Choose From?

 

Lighting

 

On the market, you will see that some cameras have full-color night vision. This will cost more but allows you to see clearly during the night. Before purchasing a security camera check out what the footage looks like when it’s dark. 

 

Ability to Connect with Smartphones

 

Technology these days are advanced and can do a variety of things to make your life easier. Cameras can now be connected to applications that can be viewed on your phone or tablet. So that wherever you are you can monitor what is happening. You will also be alerted right away if there are any intrusions. 

 

Field of View

 

The camera coverage is essential to the area that you want to cover. Make sure you find a camera that covers all areas of your vicinity. It all depends on the size of the lens. For narrow views, you should look for the highest number. A 2.8mm camera lens covers a wider area, whereas a 4mm shows you a clearer view but from further away. A 6mm lens shows more detail and focuses on your subject. 

 

Emergency Connectivity

 

You can now avail yourself cameras that are connected to emergency services. They can alarm the police without anyone having to place a call. This is a self-monitoring security camera that is wireless. Perfect for those who are not able to check or monitor their vicinities 24/7. 

 

Video Analytics

 

Advanced technology now has the ability to recognize temporal and spatial events in videos. Video analytics can detect a suspicious person, traffic signs that are not obeyed, and even flames and smoke. This feature is best for those who are monitoring a larger vicinity and requires more cameras than usual. 

 

Now that you have a detailed insight on what security cameras to pick. Keep this guide in handy when you finally decide to purchase a video surveillance system. There are many choices to pick from but having some knowledge of the features and what to look out for, will make your purchase easier. 

Keep your mind at ease and protect everyone at all times for a safer and peaceful environment. Ardent Networks Inc. has solutions that can help you achieve this. They are partnered with brands such as Milestone and NUUO. They offer the latest technology for all types of industries and can even be tailored for your needs.