6 Tips to Optimize CCTV Storage and Budgets
When it comes to video monitoring, video storage is just as crucial as security cameras. If you don't have a video recorder, it's the same as not having video surveillance. There will be no way to store and process the recordings if you don't have a video recorder.
While purchasing CCTV cameras, one needs to invest in the right quantity of storage as once the capacity is depleted, the system either stops recording or overwrites older recordings. It could lead to the loss or omission of key recordings. To avoid this, we'll offer some simple suggestions for maximizing the storage capacity of your CCTV. So, without much ado, let's get started.
Optimal number of CCTV Cameras
Many folks believe that having more cameras is beneficial since more angles will be captured, but keep in mind that more cameras also mean more storage. When installing a video surveillance system, only install cameras where they are indispensable. You should also strive to tilt the cameras in locations that give you the best viewing angle so that you may reduce the number of cameras yet get the most out of each one.
Optimal Image Resolution
The majority of consumers naturally choose high-resolution security cameras because they provide the most clarity and detail. If you aren't using facial recognition or number plate tracking kind of sophistication, then you might be good even with moderate resolution. The more the resolution, the more storage space is required. Consider employing cameras with a moderate to lesser resolution to optimize NVR/DVR storage capacity - especially when you don't need to capture everything in great detail, such as faces.
Capture Only Motion
Configuring your CCTV cameras to only record when motion is detected is one of the simplest ways to maximize your storage space. Because the recording isn't important, the bulk of surveillance footage is never used or played back. Only recording motion ensures that only pertinent events are recorded, thus saving on the CCTV storage.
Scheduled recording
If you don't wish to rely solely on motion detection, you can set your system to record at specific times. For instance, you may set your video recorder to record during business hours to keep an eye on your employees. This way, you'll be able to observe and record items that are important to you while optimizing space on your CCTV storage.
Video File Compression
Compressing your video data is another key method for optimizing storage space. The mechanism compresses the original video files into a smaller format, reducing the amount of storage space required. MJPEG, H.264, and H.265 are the most used video compression formats. Although H.264 is the industry standard, H.265 produces the best visual quality while keeping the file size as short as feasible.
Turn off Audio
It's a big plus to be able to record audio with security cameras, but that's not always necessary. When you record audio, the video file grows in size, which means you'll need more CCTV storage capacity. Consider turning off this feature if you don't need to record audio, such as in parking lots or outside your home.
Finally, if you've done everything above but still need extra storage, your NVR/DVRs' drive capacity may always be increased.
Video recorders now support drives with storage capacities of up to 12TB and 14TB. With a collection of accredited hard drives for fixed recorders available, you can find the exact drives you need. To know more about video storage, visit us now at https://www.westerndigital.com/en-in/solutions/cctv.
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