Video Surveillance Systems have a come a long way since the CCTV networks and VCRs of the 1980’s. Today’s systems offer functions and features that both enhance security and streamline operations. And, broad pricing models enable facilities of all sizes to invest in surveillance equipment to obtain a clearer picture of what’s happening in their space.
If you’re in the market for a video surveillance system, then it’s important to start with some foundational knowledge. So, here goes:
Components of a Surveillance System
Your video surveillance system consists of three things:
- Security cameras tend to be the focus of people’s attention, and there are different types of cameras for different functions. However, the other two elements of your system are equally important.
- Commercial video security system storage, also known as video recorder systems or CCTV storage systems for business, store the video footage captured by business security cameras. We discuss the different types later in this blog.
- Commercial video security system software, also referred to as a video management system or video management software, allows your team to view live and recorded video captured by the cameras. The software also enables your team to manage the entire commercial security camera system from one interface. This includes being alerted to potential incidents, managing access for users, checking health reports for business security cameras and more.
Camera Types & Functions
Bullet Cameras: Long and cylindrical in shape, these cameras mount on a ceiling or wall. Thanks to their long-range and great zoom capabilities, these cameras are capable of seeing far distances. They are often used outdoors and have casings that are resistant to water, dust, dirt, etc.
Dome Cameras: Orb-shaped devices, these cameras are built for capturing complete views of wide areas. Dome cameras are durable and tend to be less noticeable than bullet cameras. With their rugged design, good zoom and low-light capabilities, dome cameras are the most common camera for basic indoor/outdoor surveillance. In addition, the dome makes it difficult for anyone to see which direction the camera is facing, and this can serve as a deterrent.
Fisheye Cameras: Ideal for monitoring indoor spaces such as lobby areas, hallways and rooms, fisheye business security cameras provide 180 or 360-degree coverage from a single vantage point. Smaller than a bullet camera, the fisheye is rather unobtrusive and is therefore often preferred by many customer-facing businesses.
Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Cameras: For accuracy’s sake, we’re including these, but PTZ alone is essentially old tech. While these cameras can be controlled by the person who is monitoring them, they have a tendency to enable blind spots as they are moved. A multi-sensor camera is a better solution and some can be equipped with an additional built-in PTZ camera
Multi-Sensor Cameras: Like the fisheye camera, multi-sensor cameras also provide panoramic viewing, but they use multiple image sensors to do so. The multiple sensors enable a greater level of detail across a wider coverage area, including 180°, 270° or 360° fields of view, and they can be used individually to forensically zoom in on specific areas.
Thermal Image Cameras: Used by many airports, seaports, and premises that provide critical infrastructure, thermal image cameras pick up the heat emitted by an object. These cameras provide quality 24-hour surveillance regardless of the time of day and light quality. They can capture movement even in total darkness, and the lenses have a long-distance range of over 900 ft.
Recording and Storage Options
Your recording requirements will impact your storage options, therefore it’s important to determine the video surveillance retention standards for your business depending on your space, compliance requirements, and security needs.
There are two types of recording options: motion-triggered and continuous.
- Motion-triggered recording. A motion-triggered system will only record footage if it detects movement within the frame. This can help reduce the data storage costs and upload requirements of your commercial surveillance systems. This feature is useful for monitoring spaces with less frequent activity, or for only recording specific events.
- Continuous video recording. A system with continuous recording will record everything, 24/7. For areas with constant activity, such as a lobby or parking lot, continuous video surveillance may be necessary. However, continuous recording uses up more data and storage.
For storage, the options are:
- Network video recording (NVR): This is used with on-premise camera systems.
- Digital video recording or DVR: This is used for analog and CCTV cameras.
- Hybrid systems: Most traditional DVR and NVR systems have on-premise storage, but many providers also now offer cloud-based video surveillance storage for businesses.
Monitoring Options
Your surveillance system should be monitored, whether that is live monitoring or alert monitoring. If cameras are not monitored, then they only serve to capture evidence of a crime that has already happened.
In alert monitoring, your cameras use artificial intelligence to detect motion or activity which then triggers an alert to either the property owner or the monitoring station. The system will then either include the video footage with the alert or prompt you to check the live feed. This allows the monitoring party to dispatch the authorities if needed.
With live monitoring, security agents are watching the site 24/7. This means they can spot unexpected or usual activity (such as a stranger lurking outside a gate) and respond to it immediately (usually by communicating with the property via two-way speakers). Given the cost associated with this advanced scrutiny, this is typically for larger entities or those in specialized industries.
Final Thoughts
It can be easy to under-buy with your surveillance system. Many companies will be reluctant to design the system with your future needs in mind because they are trying to win the project by price. However, the long-term cost may be significantly higher, as an additional video server may be required to meet the future needs of your facility. The better approach is to think through where your facility will be 3 – 5 years from now. Then, select a security provider who can design and build a system that is positioned for future expansion.
You may also want to work with a systems integrator (like CM3), because they represent multiple manufacturers and are not tied to one specific solution. This will help ensure that you are getting a system that is more suitable to your needs, as well as one that has more longevity.