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Home > Key features of security DVRs that have revolutionized the DVR video surveillance marketplace
June 13, 2008
By: Lynn Bryant
Video surveillance systems are a great way to add a level
of security to your home or small business. The video
cameras themselves are obviously a critical component of any
video surveillance system. However, another often-overlooked
component is almost as critical. Any good video surveillance
system needs a quality DVR video recording device.
When it comes to video surveillance, we rely on the
cameras to capture what we cannot see ourselves. Unless we
can afford to hire a 24-hour live monitoring service to keep
watch over our surveillance cameras, we need to rely on a
recording device to capture critical events for later
review. Most new video surveillance systems incorporate some
type of DVR recording device to manage this task. This
article focuses on some of the key features to consider when
developing the DVR video surveillance strategy for your home
or business.
The features that have been selected are not necessary
for all security applications. The list merely serves as a
guide to demonstrate some of the unique functionality that
is available in the DVR video security marketplace. Your
specific security needs and budget will dictate which are
appropriate for your specific surveillance plans. Some of
the highlights include the following:
- Remote video surveillance capabilities --
Remote video surveillance gives you the ability to
access and view both live and recorded video from your
surveillance cameras from a remote location. This
usually involves logging in to a secure website over the
Internet where you can view each of the cameras you have
connected to your local network. Many systems even
accommodate remote camera control abilities such as
pan/tilt/zoom, or resolution adjustments. Remote video
surveillance is a great tool to have especially if you
do frequent traveling.
- Event tagging for easier retrieval -- DVR
technology converts captured video into a digital
format, which allows for easier data management and
storage. This is a big advantage over older forms of
video recording media such as VCR tapes. Many DVR's can
be configured to automatically tag a security event the
instant it occurs. This makes it much easier to go back
and retrieve relevant events without having to sift
through every minute of captured video. Digital data can
also be stored and retrieved much more efficiently. Many
DVR's allow you to query for specific footage simply by
entering an event parameter or date/time range.
- Automatic recording only when security event
detected -- Some DVR's can be set to record only
when a security event is detected. This eliminates the
capturing and storage of unusable or irrelevant video
footage. Often security events are triggered when a
video camera senses motion. Other sensing devices are
available that can be incorporated into your
surveillance system. These can include temperature
sensors, water sensors, and light sensors.
- Automated alert features -- This may be one
of the most important features to consider when
implementing a DVR system. An automated alert feature
will ensure that you are notified the moment something
out of the ordinary is sensed. After all, this is one of
the main reasons people implement security systems in
their homes. They want to be made aware of a potential
problem the moment it is detected. With automated alert
functionality, you can configure your system to send you
an alert either by email or through your mobile phone.
You can often have a short video clip attached to the
alert, which will give you more insight into what is
taking place.
Video surveillance systems have come a long way over the
past several years. Now, technology is able to manage many
of the events that could only be handled by a live person
years ago. This trend makes it possible for many more of us
to gain access to the safety and security this technology
can bring.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your
definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV
cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.
Also See:
[ Remote
surveillance using AT&T's video security monitoring service ]
[ Home
surveillance with video-based personal security equipment ]
[ Ethical & legal questions
about home nannycam usage ]
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