Security is crucial for any business, as it’s difficult to be profitable if you can’t protect your assets. Fortunately, video surveillance systems have benefited from the technological renaissance, emerging more intelligent and effective than ever before. When it comes to purchasing and installing a new system, most vendors now allow for a large degree of customization.

This means that business leaders can now tailor a system for your specific property needs. Whether you need a cohesive system that can cover multiple locations or just a few cameras to watch your property, there’s a solution for everyone. This post covers several factors to consider when searching for a video surveillance system.

What To Consider when Choosing a System

Camera Resolution

This is one of the most pertinent considerations when searching for cameras. To ensure a sharp image, you will want to obtain cameras that can shoot in at least 720p high definition, which likely means you’ll need an IP camera. If you want to guarantee that your camera will have a clear, identifiable image, don’t cut corners here.

Lighting

A wide variety of security cameras have the ability to shoot in  “low-light infrared,” enabling them to capture clear footage in dark conditions. These cameras function using infrared LED lights, which cover the darkened area in infrared light. Unlike humans, the camera is able to see this infrared light, so when those wavelengths reflect back, it’s as if the camera is shooting footage in an illuminated room. If capturing footage in the dark is a priority for your property, ensure your camera has IR LEDs.

Frame rate

This is another essential aspect of a camera. Basically, the higher the frame rate, the smoother the video appears. Remember, video is a series of still images patched together to create a motion picture. The lower the frame rate, the less frequently a still is taken, thus resulting in choppier footage. You’ll want to consider the frame rate of the camera you purchase before deciding. For reference, “real time” is typically considered to be 30 frames per second.

Audio

Integrating audio into a surveillance system makes it possible for personnel to hear and speak with possible perpetrators. It can be easily integrated with video management systems.From a surveillance point of view it can also be used as an independent detection method triggering recordings and alarms when audio passes a certain threshold.

Video Recorder Storage Capacity

The first question you have to ask regarding video recorders is “how much storage will I need.” Ultimately, the answer is dependent on a few factors: the number of cameras in your system, each camera’s resolution, the amount of archived footage you intend to store and how long you plan to keep recorded footage.

Keep in mind that if you have many cameras shooting in a higher resolution, the footage will take up more storage space. It’s important to scale your video recorder’s storage capacity to the size of your surveillance system.

System Integration

One of the most compelling reasons to consider a new video surveillance system is the improved system integration capability. New industry standards have helped to minimize challenges once faced in designing a system. Now, custom designs can be put together to minimize financial impact while meeting security requirements with the best available technology.

Hybrid solutions also help to preserve previous investments in infrastructure by deferring or eliminating the need to replace system that are still functional. Additionally, the growing availability of integrated solutions like recorders with built-in software control and management capabilities enables the implementation of high performance, multi-camera HD systems with exceptional functionality, cost-efficiency and scalability.

United Security Incorporated | Video Surveillance Systems

We know every client’s risks and business objectives are different requiring customized approaches, policies, procedures and requirements.

For 29 years we have brought peace of mind to our clients through the careful application of investigative talent and technology implementation. 

When it comes to the security of your building, it's best not to leave it up to chance. Be sure that you have made every effort possible to keep your property, employees, and visitors well protected. If you have any concerns, you should consider having your security measures evaluated by a reputable company.