Understanding CCTV DVR And Why It’s Gaining Popularity In The Philippines

Understanding CCTV DVR And Why It’s Gaining Popularity In The Philippines

When digital video recorders (DVRs) emerged worldwide, the era of videocassette recorders (VCRs) eventually came to an end. DVRs replaced so many video tape-based systems – and this is all because of their capacity to record videos without the need for tapes. Unlike the VCR, DVRs record videos on their hard drive. Hence, making videos easier and safer to access online or on a local network.

As time progressed, DVRs were eventually used to convert analog signals from CCTV camera security systems into a digital format. And since then, it became one of the most popular methods used to record security footage.

Here are the types of DVR systems used in businesses nowadays:

Embedded DVRs

An embedded DVR system is a stand-alone piece of equipment that has an embedded operating system that is inaccessible to the external environment. For that reason, this type of DVR system is less susceptible to security attacks like hacking and viruses. This system has the capability to accept input from analog CCTV cameras for the purpose of compression. It can also store the footage that it takes on a local HDD.

Hybrid DVRs

One thing that makes hybrid DVRs unique is their capacity to accept more than one type of video signal. This type of DVR system’s flexibility is not available from the older DVR versions. It is only in hybrid DVRs that users are allowed to use analog CCTV and IP camera inputs as video sources. Businesses that utilized this type of DVR system were able to enjoy more camera recording options. They were also able to manage and record analog and IP surveillance cameras with ease.

PC-based DVRs

This type of DVR system is known for its storage space flexibility. In fact, a lot of users find PC-based DVRs easier to expand and upgrade. This DVR system is composed of a network card, video board, motherboard, and memory drive. It also has a DVR capture card that has video inputs for those that use analog security cameras. Furthermore, this DVR system is usually integrated into surveillance stations that have software or hardware compression running on a personal computer.

Every type of DVR system has its own strength, and once you identify the system that’s necessary for your business establishment, you would have the power to maximize its capabilities to optimize your CCTV security system.

What Are the Benefits of DVR Recording?

Now that you’re acquainted with the different types of DVR systems, it’s time that you know the business perks that DVR recording brings. As mentioned, DVRs help their users to convert analog CCTV videos into a digital format. But aside from that, it is also a cost-efficient step that business owners can take to modernize an analog CCTV system. That said, DVRs are the best choice for organizations that aren’t ready to migrate to an IP surveillance setup just yet.

To discuss further, here are the benefits that businesses get from DVR recording:

Remote Monitoring

Back when DVRs didn’t exist, the conventional CCTV systems available were only capable to transmit videos to a single monitoring station. But now that DVRs are within grasp, business owners can now access their CCTV camera’s footage outside of their offices as long as they have an internet connection. Moreover, DVRs also made it possible for business owners to monitor the said video feeds captured by the surveillance cameras in real-time. This footage can also be viewed on mobile phones and handheld personal digital assistants (PDA) as long as it’s compatible with the DVR.

Digital Storage

The majority of the surveillance systems in the past relied on VHS cassette tapes in order to record videos. The recording tapes that were used back then had many drawbacks – one of them is their bulky form. These tapes can take up a lot of space when you store them in your office or home. Moreover, analog tapes also made it inconvenient for users to search for a certain part of the recorded footage. But now that DVRs are here, analog videos can now be converted to digital. And because of a DVR’s capability to convert analog videos to digital, its users are enabled to store more videos without clutter.

Video Compression

When you record CCTV footage with a DVR, its compression technology will help your company maximize your storage capacity. DVRs provide different kinds of compression technologies that can store videos in the formats of Motion JPEG, MPEG-4, and H.264. And with that, DVRs reduce the original file sizes of the original videos. And it will do that without the need to compromise the image quality of your footage.

Secure Connectivity

Another benefit that businesses can get from DVR recording aside from remote monitoring, digital storage, and video compression is the secure connectivity it provides. With this technology, video footage would be protected by a password. And through that, business owners can get the assurance that the ones who can access the videos remotely are authorized personnel alone. That being said, business owners are most likely to foster secure connectivity when they utilize DVR recording.

DVR recording is just one of the many ways you can implement a digital surveillance solution in your company – and it’s a good start, especially for startup companies. 

What Can CCTV Cameras Do for Your Business?

Having professionals from managed IT services in the Philippines install CCTV systems may seem expensive at first, but the benefits it brings can help you save money in the long run. If you take a look at the business establishments at present, you will be able to see that there are a lot of business owners who can attest to this fact.

To delve into detail, here are the businesses perks you can get from installing CCTV cameras:

Prevent Crimes from Happening

It is common knowledge that criminals don’t want to get caught. And for that reason, the sight of a CCTV camera usually stirs up an air of danger for these wrongdoers. These video surveillance cameras give them the fear that they might give away their identities to the authorities. Hence, discouraging them from carrying out illegal activities. That being said, business organizations that have a CCTV security system in place can certainly prevent and deter crimes in their vicinity.

Monitor Activities

Another benefit CCTV security systems bring to business owners is the omnipresent eyes it gives. With this technology, they would be able to remotely keep track of the things that are happening on their business’ site – and keep records of it in case the time comes that they have to be reviewed. This is very useful for business owners who want to monitor their employees’ behavior during working hours. And as an added bonus, they can monitor the people who visit their companies as well. That said, CCTV cameras can give business owners peace of mind when they go out of their offices.

Encourage Proper Decorum

Aside from helping business owners to prevent crimes and monitor activities within the business premises, CCTV cameras also encourage good behavior. The presence of surveillance cameras tends to make customers and employees conscious of their actions. Hence, it encourages them to be on their best behavior while they are on your business site. Other than that, the recorded videos also help business owners foster an honest working environment where the wrongdoers would be held accountable.

Avoid Potential Damages

When you have a CCTV security system in place, you would be able to keep an eye on the high-risk areas of your business establishment. This can be your business’ server room or another area where potential damage can be inflicted to the people inside the establishment and the building itself. By having surveillance cameras in these accident-prone areas, you can monitor its status regularly and avoid potential damages like a fire break out.

Ensure Customer Satisfaction

It is an everyday challenge for business owners to ensure that their customers are satisfied with their services. For that reason, it became their responsibility to monitor how their employees are treating their customers from time to time. CCTV security systems make this task easier for business owners – for this allows them to monitor their employees even when they’re out of the office. That said, video surveillance solutions can help businessmen ensure customer satisfaction without the need to be present at the office all the time.

Regardless of your business’ size, a CCTV security system is a must-have to ensure the security of your business establishment. Alongside that increase in security, you can also enjoy a power boost to your employees’ productivity.

Implement a foolproof CCTV infrastructure today with the help of experts from managed IT services like House of I.T. With their help, you are guaranteed to have a video surveillance system that covers the entire building without any blind spots.