Choosing a useable security system.

When purchasing a new digital surveillance system, one of the most important features to look for is ease of operation, i.e., the software should be user-friendly and intuitive. The hard-drive should be large enough to work fluidly and allow for maximum storage of data. The system should also have a RAID drive or external back-up solution. Whether it's a four- or 32-camera system, if there is enough power to drive it, and you and your staff has learned how it works, then you have an effective tool that will save time and money and protect your properties.

The system you purchase should have an ISO (International Standards Organization) certification. Windows-based operating systems have many advantages over embedded operating systems. To begin with, Windows systems are ubiquitous in business and provide a platform for new software. There is inherent flexibility for expansion and scalability, as well as the capacity to integrate with other Windows software. These systems tend to be more user-friendly and offer the most sophisticated and functional features available. They provide a variety of remote access benefits that embedded units lack.

For owners and managers of multiple properties, Windows-based software effectively integrates with individual systems and enables simultaneous viewing by multiple users from remote sites.

Equally important is the size of the system's hard drive. A 500 GB storage system is recommended for most 16-camera systems and should provide three- to five weeks of storage (depending on the system configuration). Also available is "advanced searching" software, which can make the difference between locating a problem or overlooking it. It determines how quickly the operator can review saved data, which is especially helpful when watching hundreds of hours of recordings.

Another feature that is integral to the effectiveness of a system is its FPS capacity or "frames per second," which should be no less than 120 FPS for recorded data. Speed criteria also apply to live viewing at the DVR. With a 16camera system as the benchmark, the most efficient live viewing occurs with 480 frames per second, or 30 FPS per camera.

The system you choose should display high quality video resolution with the ability to view multiple cameras at once. Broadband connection speed is also a major contributing factor to the quality of the video, but you still want software that can deliver usability remotely.

Whether upgrading or starting from scratch, research the product. In addition, ask the sales representative to arrange on-site visits to their clients' buildings, as well as viewings from remote locations. This type of accommodation is an industry standard.

Beyond the bells and whistles, the most important feature in a security system remains its usability. A fully-installed high-end ISO-certified system at $6,000 is generally a better investment than one at half the price. Better systems tend to function longer. They provide the right speed and hard drive capacity and are designed for expansion to accommodate new technology as it is developed. Most importantly, better systems work when you need them to work.

BY JON ECKER, PRESIDENT PEACE OF MIND TECHNOLOGIES, LLC