A network video recorder is typically a proprietary complete solution – computer and software, and is also typically channel limited or not expandable.  They tend to work well with the cameras from the same manufacture, but not well with others and also tend to be limited on features.  Video Management Software (VMS) is software only and runs on Windows or Linux-based computers and can be scaled to any size system.  VMS solutions typically are feature-rich with options for additional features and analytics.

Yes.  Many cameras look great in daylight but may perform poorly in low light situations.  Some cameras handle complex exposure conditions better than others, as well as other critical settings for lighting.  Cameras vary in quality relative to how long they last before failure, how well they stand up to environmental conditions including salt and sand erosion, and how well they interface with VMS and NVR solutions.

Archive storage is a function of resolution, scene complexity, encoding, and the amount of motion in a scene. NVR storage tends to be limited whereas VMS storage is virtually unlimited, as long as you’re willing to buy larger storage solutions. Having the ability to customize and mask out motion areas that are not critical to the viewing scene helps optimize storage so you are not recording on flags waving, cars passing by distant roadways, etc. The amount of days archive is a user-driven choice and should be customized in the design up front.

There are typically options to view your camera system via
– A smartphone app
– A browser on a computer (or smartphone)
– The client software supported through a VPN or other similar connection
Browsers are convenient but typically do not perform well for video decompression.  Smartphone apps are also convenient but obviously offer a smaller view and aren’t recommended for serious system viewing. Whenever possible, full featured client software should be used along with a remote connection technique to have more features and capabilities available to the user.

Most surveillance systems are capable of sending notifications on alarms. The reliability and accuracy of the alarms is what makes those notifications useful. Most systems can alarm on motion detection.  Although that can be sufficient in many cases, we typically look deeper at alarming conditions to make the system more intelligent and therefore more useful.   Analytics such as zone cross detection, face recognition, license plate recognition, as well as motion detection are some of the analytics we use to help notify our customers when intrusion is detected.  Notifications can be email, sms (text), audible alarms, and visual alarms.

User rights customization is a key feature of having your security system capable of supporting a wide range of users – some of whom may have greater need or authority than others.  One size does not fit all and we believe creating custom user rights with what a user can see, when they can see it, and what they can do with the archive evidence are all examples of areas that should be considered for customization.

This technology is rapidly moving and advancing.  Typically, older systems are not worth modernizing if they were left unmaintained, however, sometimes particular components, such as cameras, can be brought into new systems until they become obsolete or can be replaced.  We help evaluate your current investment and understand your security needs to identify which components can be incorporated into a new system

Installing a surveillance system that does not perform well in low light conditions is almost always a waste of money.  Surveillance systems need to perform under all lighting conditions including darkness, extreme changes in light, fog, bright sunlight, etc. Our solutions take into account all possible lighting conditions and camera selection as well as feature configurations are made accordingly.