28th Feb 2009
Surveillance Options for your Business
They’re not just for financial institutions or military installations anymore. Surveillance systems are now vital to businesses of all sizes and industries. They are useful in reducing theft, monitoring employees, and evaluating the effectiveness of floor displays and customer traffic. Here we will evaluate the different types of surveillance systems commonly used by businesses, and provide important information which will help you choose the right system for your business.
Standalone vs PC-Based Surveillance Systems
The first major decision you need to make regarding the optimal system for your business is whether you need a standalone system or one which is pc-based. Both are great options for keeping tabs on your business, but depending on your expected usage and feature requirements, one may be better for you than the other.
Standalone DVR Surveillance Camera Systems
Standalone Digital Video Recorder (DVR) systems are a great option for an entry-level starter system. They record from your surveillance cameras directly to a hard drive – no PC involved. You can get great quality video recording, and some systems even allow for remote viewing. You can move video footage over to your computer with an included software application for editing or to burn to DVD. Standalone systems are generally more economical than their PC-based cousins.
PC-Based DVR Surveillance Camera Systems
DVR Surveillance Systems which are PC-based offer the optimal amount of features and performance, but generally cost more than a standalone version. They record directly to your PC hard-drive via a DVR card that installs in one of your available card slots. Most offer remote viewing through a web browser and some even allow for monitoring on mobile devices. These systems offer the highest quality resolution and can be expanded easily as your business grows.
Choosing the right camera for your system
Once you decide on the type of system you require, the next step is to choose the camera you’ll be recording with. Business surveillance cameras come in many styles, offering differing capabilities and benefits to each.
Outdoor Surveillance Cameras
If you wish to monitor your parking lot, entry gates, or doors and windows, outdoor cameras are a necessity. Many offer night-time recording capabilities in low to no-light conditions.
Indoor Dome Surveillance Cameras
Indoor dome cameras are a common sight near the ceilings of many businesses. Most conceal camera position so a subject never knows where the camera is looking at any time. Additional features on some models include light and motion sensing capability.
Infrared Surveillance Cameras
If your surveillance needs include areas that dark or have minimal light, an infrared camera might offer a solution. These cameras project a beam of infrared light toward the viewing area of the camera. This beam is invisible to the human eye, but illuminates the camera image for recording. These cameras vary in price depending on the size of the viewing radius.
Hidden Surveillance Cameras
If you require a bit of discretion when monitoring, consider going covert with a hidden camera system. These cameras are extremely small and are usually disguised as a common item found around the workplace, such as clocks, sprinkler heads, or wall decorations. There are even wireless options, but be prepared to pay for such features.
PTZ Surveillance Cameras
Finally, you may opt to choose a PTZ (Pan\Tilt\Zoom) camera. Most of these cameras can be operated remotely, allowing real-time repositioning of the camera without requiring a physical presence. You can control the camera either by remote or from the computer hosting your surveillance system. They provide great flexibility but tend to stay in the higher price ranges.
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