Digital Video Recorders, Getting the most out of your surveillance investment!
Most business do not use their surveillance system to it’s maximum potential. This is because they have not been informed or trained properly on it’s features. When choosing a surveillance system, think through what you want it to do today, but also how you might utilize it in the future.
Keeping in mind a few tips on how to maximize a digital video recording system will greatly improve your return on investment.
Today’s generation of surveillance equipment allows for different user levels. The administrator has full access, while a manager might only be granted the ability to review video, but not to change settings. Surveillance systems today allow for multiple levels of access to be assigned with individual passwords. These systems also keep track of users log in and out date and times.
When purchasing new equipment, buy the latest technology or one tier below. It is well worth the money spent to purchase up-to-date surveillance equipment.
Key Features:
Access Codes. Past surveillance equipment allowed a single password, making it impossible to decipher between and employee and manager. Surveillance equipment today has different layers of access. Allowing for access to specific cameras, ability to change settings, and many other security options to ensure privacy.
Network and Offsite Backup. Surveillance systems today can be networked with other systems clear across the world. These systems can also be backed up off site to protect the security of the video recording. Many of the surveillance software on the market today also come with the option of Central Monitoring Software. This application allows you to view different locations throughout the world on a single screen.
Alerts- Professional DVR’s are able to send email, phone, and text alerts based on settings within the software. These settings include general motion, missing object, foreign object, camera occlusion, focus lost, counting, and loss of video signal,
Cameras- Analog cameras are the most popular and cost effective cameras on the market. While IP Cameras have more functionality and features, they are generally 2-4 times more expensive. Megapixel cameras can capture license plate numbers and other details normally lost with standard cameras. Each project is different and choosing analog or IP cameras is a project by project decision. Before making a decision think through the long term use of your surveillance system.
Integration with POS- With today’s technology we are able to have text inserted into the video. When an item is entered into a register, it is also displayed on that registers camera with the item, quantity, and value. This function gives the owner the chance to search for specific items, review any discrepancies with money, and keep track of inventory.
System Maintenance- Every surveillance system needs maintenance. Periodically take off the side panel of your surveillance system and vacuum out any dust and debris. Location of your DVR is also crucial, make sure your system is in a well ventilated area and with a stable cool temperature.
Spend your money wisely and think through how you will use your surveillance system, along with doing research on companies that offer technical support. Good luck with your project!
Ryan Temple is the Director of Operations for PCSurveillance.net. PCSurveillance has been serving integrators and manufacturing customized Surveillance Systems throughout the US since 2002. You can read more of Ryan’s articles at http://blog.pcsurveillance.net/ Ryan can be reached at ryan@pcsurveillance.net
