Very soon it will be difficult to find an object that does not have video surveillance installed. It performs security-related tasks and, more precisely, is designed to detect and prevent crime or infringement in a timely manner. Today, it is used not only in supermarkets and banking institutions, but also in parking lots, apartments and vacation homes, shopping centers and casinos.
Software, which is used in video surveillance, is a set of programs for the creation of video surveillance at the facility and remote control using a personal computer or similar device. It can be not only paid, but also distributed on the Internet in free access.
Earlier video surveillance software was used in professional security systems and was developed with their requirements in mind. In recent years, the trend has changed: now consumer video surveillance systems can be equipped with special software. The main difference between professional software is its advanced features and functionality.
Modern software provides great opportunities for the customer, namely:
view video material from any camera;
to edit and process the received data;
Change the camera settings; archive images;
provide interaction with video recorders or servers;
other operations.
Recording and viewing images by cameras is only the first stage, and even non-professional software can easily boast such functions. More sophisticated software makes it possible to analyze, collect information and process data in a variety of video image formats. Exactly such equipment is used for round-the-clock surveillance of the object.
What is such software? It’s a compact program which doesn’t take much space and doesn’t overload operating system. At the same time, software for IP-equipment and analog are made on a different principle. For software for regular users the interface is designed to be as clear and simple as possible. It only needs to be installed, and then create your own video surveillance system based on one or more cameras of any complexity.
NATIVE OR INDEPENDENT
The basic software, used to control video surveillance systems can be either proprietary software, purchased together with equipment or developed by independent companies. But if in the first case, the software is usually already included in the cost of equipment, in the second – will have to shell out extra money for expenses. But you can choose a software that would be distinguished by a large number of necessary functions.
Why is it that software is often tied to the manufacturer’s own varieties of camera models? There are no standards that would regulate their functioning. Developers have to provide support for proprietary standards, thereby avoiding significant price increases. Attracting any additional investment in this area leads to an increase in the price of the finished equipment, making it increasingly difficult for older manufacturers to compete with the budget Chinese brands.
Why does third-party software have such significant functionality? The point is that they are trying to focus all available financial or technological resources to create and improve the most flexible and versatile development. And in order to present ready-made solutions and attract customers to them, they actively use free software products.
Often such solutions are nothing but a cut version of a full-featured product, which costs money. There can be a limited term of use of the program or the depth of archiving files, the number of cameras used, and so on. The test product may have limited options for further upgrades. Although in some cases even the test program helps to solve the necessary problems.
Types of surveillance software:
Video surveillance software based on video servers;
Surveillance software based on video capture cards;
based on off-the-shelf video recorders;
on the basis of IP video servers.
The most widespread is video surveillance with the use of Internet technologies. Therefore, the camera comes with the appropriate software. This is how manufacturers achieve the convenience of using this equipment by customers.