NVR software: the Internet Protocol security solution.

The advent of digital video recording (DVR) technology has revolutionized the security and surveillance industries.

The grainy, black-and-white live-feed systems of the past are steadily being replaced with digital color surveillance systems. More than ever, this crystal-clear footage enables individuals captured on DVR to be unmistakably discernable.

In addition, the digital nature of the technology allows surveillance feeds to be accessible for review for as long as the data remains saved, and from any location with access to the server. As a result, weeks or months-old recordings may be viewed by authorized individuals from potentially anywhere.

There is a wealth of digital security systems to choose from, and no matter what your requirements, there is a security option that is ideal to meet your unique objectives.

For those in need of a system that is both cost-effective and intuitive, internet protocol (IP) security solutions are increasingly popular, mainly in the form of network video recorders (NVR).

An NVR is a video recording solution that runs on a Network Server and records video from one or more network cameras. These systems differentiate themselves from other security products in that they are easily integrated into any existing IP data network. This provides ease of operation and eliminates costly hardware installations and rewiring, thereby simplifying the system and reducing the odds of a malfunction.

NVR software applications connect to digital network CCTV cameras that work with network cables, which anyone with high-speed internet access will already have installed. It completely eliminates the need for coaxial cabling to be wired back to one central building location, as well as costly hardware such as video matrix switches, multiplexers and quads.

The feeds from these cameras can be viewed live or as stored data from any computer with access to the server. NVR software can even work with existing analog cameras when used with a video encoder. All features of the system can be accessed by connecting to the network, either locally or remotely, with any Windows-based PC and an Internet browser.

Why Windows?

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.

The data itself can be stored on the hard drive of an existing network server. In some cases it is necessary to expand the hard drive's storage capacity. This additional memory can be purchased anywhere computers with high-capacity hard drives are sold.

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 and amount of motion occurring in the cameras). Also available is "advanced searching" software, which can make the difference between locating a problem or, inadvertently, overlooking it. It determines how quickly the operator can review saved data, which is especially helpful when watching hundreds of hours of recordings.

Additional perks include simultaneous recording, playback and live viewing options; data storage both locally and at a remote location; periodic auto-archiving with network support; centralized management of multiple systems through a single interface; unlimited recording capacity per camera; motion detection and other event-activated recording; event alerting via email or SMS/text messaging; time-stamped and authenticated captured video; JPEG, AVI, WAV and DB export formats; multi-channel video and audio recording; and simple integration with network, digital and analog cameras.

The Right Shots

Purchasing the right cameras is integral to the effectiveness of the application. Though compatible with most any camera, failing to upgrade--especially if your system is analog rather than digital--is often pennywise but pound-foolish. Keeping outdated cameras will compromise the quality of the footage. If you should have a costly security breach and grainy analog footage is all that is available to the authorities, you'll lose a lot more money than you saved.

The ideal network cameras should have an FPS capacity or "frames per second" of no less than 120 FPS for recorded data. Speed criteria also apply to live viewing at the NVR. With a 16-camera system as the benchmark, the most efficient live viewing occurs with 480 frames per second, or 30 FPS per camera.

All other bells and whistles aside, the appeal of an NVR application over other DVR options remains its adaptability. It should require no more than LAN cables connected to an existing network to function seamlessly from any network PC.

Whether upgrading or starting from scratch, research the software application before you purchase it. Consider hard drive expansion to accommodate new technology as it is developed.

Most importantly, choose an IP security solution that works when you need it to work.

BY JON ECKER, PRESIDENT

PEACE OF MIND TECHNOLOGIES, LLC