What is Video Surveillance Software?
Video surveillance software is a tool used to manage data and devices captured by security cameras. It helps professionals, such as security personnel and law enforcement, manage multiple cameras and the data they collect. The software provides a single platform to view the data and ensure the efficiency of the security systems.
Comparing Video Surveillance Software
When choosing the right video surveillance software for your business, it's important to consider factors such as:
Scalability. Consider if grouping organizations within the same cloud-based dashboard is necessary for your business. Research the scalability offered by different vendors.
Ease of installation. Consider how easy it is to connect new cameras to the cloud console and configure them remotely. An easy installation process can help boost business productivity.
Industry. Make sure to choose a software that is well-suited to the specific industry you serve.
Top Video Surveillance Software Products
When it comes to video surveillance, there are a number of options available on the market. Each software has its own unique features, pros and cons, making it challenging to determine which one is the "best." That being said, here is a list of some of the best video surveillance software:
1. Web Camera Pro: This is a free, multi-platform software written in C++. You can use any IP or USB camera to create a full-fledged video surveillance system with remote access from anywhere in the world and at minimal cost. The software includes a built-in face and car number recognition module for detection. With smart detection, the software can differentiate between people and household pets, and send you video via Telegram or a mobile app only if a person appears in the frame.
2. Blue Iris: This software is known for its advanced features, including support for multiple cameras, video compression options, and remote viewing capabilities. It also has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to set up and manage your surveillance system.
3. iSpy: This open-source software offers a range of features, including support for IP, USB, and webcams, motion detection, and audio detection. It also has a customizable interface and the ability to add plugins and extensions to enhance its functionality.
4. Milestone XProtect: Video management software designed for surveillance systems. It offers a comprehensive and scalable platform that integrates seamlessly with various security cameras, enabling real-time monitoring, recording, and advanced video analytics..
5. Zoneminder: This is another open-source option that is a popular choice for its feature-rich capabilities, including motion detection, event management, and remote viewing.
Ultimately, the best video surveillance software for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the features and capabilities of each software and choose one that best fits your requirements.
When choosing the right video surveillance software for your business, it's important to consider factors such as:
Scalability. Consider if grouping organizations within the same cloud-based dashboard is necessary for your business. Research the scalability offered by different vendors.
Ease of installation. Consider how easy it is to connect new cameras to the cloud console and configure them remotely. An easy installation process can help boost business productivity.
Industry. Make sure to choose a software that is well-suited to the specific industry you serve.
Top Video Surveillance Software Products
When it comes to video surveillance, there are a number of options available on the market. Each software has its own unique features, pros and cons, making it challenging to determine which one is the "best." That being said, here is a list of some of the best video surveillance software:
1. Web Camera Pro: This is a free, multi-platform software written in C++. You can use any IP or USB camera to create a full-fledged video surveillance system with remote access from anywhere in the world and at minimal cost. The software includes a built-in face and car number recognition module for detection. With smart detection, the software can differentiate between people and household pets, and send you video via Telegram or a mobile app only if a person appears in the frame.
2. Blue Iris: This software is known for its advanced features, including support for multiple cameras, video compression options, and remote viewing capabilities. It also has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to set up and manage your surveillance system.
3. iSpy: This open-source software offers a range of features, including support for IP, USB, and webcams, motion detection, and audio detection. It also has a customizable interface and the ability to add plugins and extensions to enhance its functionality.
4. Milestone XProtect: Video management software designed for surveillance systems. It offers a comprehensive and scalable platform that integrates seamlessly with various security cameras, enabling real-time monitoring, recording, and advanced video analytics..
5. Zoneminder: This is another open-source option that is a popular choice for its feature-rich capabilities, including motion detection, event management, and remote viewing.
Ultimately, the best video surveillance software for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the features and capabilities of each software and choose one that best fits your requirements.
A Comprehensive List of Video Surveillance Software
Free Software Solutions
Web Camera Pro
OS: Windows, Android
Features: Client-server software, object detection, facial recognition, user-friendly VMS interface.
ZoneMinder
OS: Linux
Features: Open source, downloadable here.
iSpy
OS: Windows
Features: Mobile applications for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. Some open-source aspects but largely closed source.
Motion
OS: Linux
Features: Lightweight daemon written in C, compatible with TV and web cameras through video4linux and network IP cameras.
Herospeed
OS: Windows, MacOS
Features: Client-server architecture, 256 channels for free, based in China.
Shinobi
OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS
Features: Client-server architecture.
Kerberos
OS: Linux
Features: Open source, based in Belgium.
MotionEye
OS: Linux
Features: Can be installed as a regular application or as a custom build on single-board computers.
Frigate
OS: Custom (Designed for Home Assistant)
Features: Object detection through artificial intelligence.
Camlytics
OS: Windows
Features: Client-server architecture.
Free Software Solutions
Web Camera Pro
OS: Windows, Android
Features: Client-server software, object detection, facial recognition, user-friendly VMS interface.
ZoneMinder
OS: Linux
Features: Open source, downloadable here.
iSpy
OS: Windows
Features: Mobile applications for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. Some open-source aspects but largely closed source.
Motion
OS: Linux
Features: Lightweight daemon written in C, compatible with TV and web cameras through video4linux and network IP cameras.
Herospeed
OS: Windows, MacOS
Features: Client-server architecture, 256 channels for free, based in China.
Shinobi
OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS
Features: Client-server architecture.
Kerberos
OS: Linux
Features: Open source, based in Belgium.
MotionEye
OS: Linux
Features: Can be installed as a regular application or as a custom build on single-board computers.
Frigate
OS: Custom (Designed for Home Assistant)
Features: Object detection through artificial intelligence.
Camlytics
OS: Windows
Features: Client-server architecture.
Paid Software Solutions
Revisor VMS
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
Features: Downloadable here, trial version available.
Xeoma
OS: Windows, Linux, Linux/ARM (Raspberry), Mac OS X, iOS, and Android
Features: List of supported cameras available on their website.
A & H Software House
OS: Windows, MacOS
Products: Luxriot VMS & Luxriot EVO
Location: USA
ACTi
OS: Windows
Features: Downloadable here.
Location: Taiwan
American Dynamics Victor
OS: Windows
Features: Product integration compatibility list available.
Location: USA
Arcules
OS: Windows
Features: Intelligent Video Cloud Platform
Location: USA
Avigilon
OS: Windows
Features: Avigilon Control Center
Location: USA (Owned by Motorola Solutions)
Axis
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
Products: Companion, Camera Station, Guardian
Features: Third-party product compatibility list available.
Location: Sweden
BlueIris
OS: Windows
Features: List of supported cameras available.
Location: USA
Dahua VMS
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
Location: China
Digital Watchdog
OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS
Products: DW Spectrum
Features: Demo version available.
Eagle Eye Networks
OS: Mac, PC, Chromebook, iPad, and Android
Features: Cloud Security Camera VMS, online demo available here.
Location: USA
Freedom Surveillance
OS: Windows, Android
Location: Australia
GeoVision GV-VMS
OS: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
Location: Taiwan
IDIS Solution Suite
Location: South Korea
Revisor VMS
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
Features: Downloadable here, trial version available.
Xeoma
OS: Windows, Linux, Linux/ARM (Raspberry), Mac OS X, iOS, and Android
Features: List of supported cameras available on their website.
A & H Software House
OS: Windows, MacOS
Products: Luxriot VMS & Luxriot EVO
Location: USA
ACTi
OS: Windows
Features: Downloadable here.
Location: Taiwan
American Dynamics Victor
OS: Windows
Features: Product integration compatibility list available.
Location: USA
Arcules
OS: Windows
Features: Intelligent Video Cloud Platform
Location: USA
Avigilon
OS: Windows
Features: Avigilon Control Center
Location: USA (Owned by Motorola Solutions)
Axis
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
Products: Companion, Camera Station, Guardian
Features: Third-party product compatibility list available.
Location: Sweden
BlueIris
OS: Windows
Features: List of supported cameras available.
Location: USA
Dahua VMS
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
Location: China
Digital Watchdog
OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS
Products: DW Spectrum
Features: Demo version available.
Eagle Eye Networks
OS: Mac, PC, Chromebook, iPad, and Android
Features: Cloud Security Camera VMS, online demo available here.
Location: USA
Freedom Surveillance
OS: Windows, Android
Location: Australia
GeoVision GV-VMS
OS: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
Location: Taiwan
IDIS Solution Suite
Location: South Korea
Milestone XProtect
OS: Windows
Features: Supports a variety of camera brands
Location: Denmark
NetworkOptix nxWitness
OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS
Location: Israel
NLSS
OS: Windows
Location: USA
OpenEye OWS and Radius
OS: Windows, Linux
Location: USA
Pelco
Products: Digital Sentry, Endura, & VideoXpert
OS: Windows
Location: USA
Synology Surveillance Station
OS: Windows, MacOS
Location: Taiwan
Uniview EZStation
OS: Windows, MacOS
Location: China
Verkada VMS
Location: USA
Vivotek VAST2
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
Location: Taiwan
Hikvision iVMS 4200
OS: Windows, MacOS
Location: China
Vivotek VAST
OS: Windows
Features: 32 channels free for Vivotek camera users
Location: China
Beward
Products: IP Visor, IP Surveillance
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
OS: Windows
Features: Supports a variety of camera brands
Location: Denmark
NetworkOptix nxWitness
OS: Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS
Location: Israel
NLSS
OS: Windows
Location: USA
OpenEye OWS and Radius
OS: Windows, Linux
Location: USA
Pelco
Products: Digital Sentry, Endura, & VideoXpert
OS: Windows
Location: USA
Synology Surveillance Station
OS: Windows, MacOS
Location: Taiwan
Uniview EZStation
OS: Windows, MacOS
Location: China
Verkada VMS
Location: USA
Vivotek VAST2
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
Location: Taiwan
Hikvision iVMS 4200
OS: Windows, MacOS
Location: China
Vivotek VAST
OS: Windows
Features: 32 channels free for Vivotek camera users
Location: China
Beward
Products: IP Visor, IP Surveillance
OS: Windows, Android, iOS
What's difference between CCTV Software and Video Surveillance Software?
CCTV software and video surveillance software both refer to software programs that are used to monitor and record activities in a specific area, but they have some differences:
1. Purpose: CCTV software is used to control and manage a CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) system, which typically involves a network of physical cameras and recording devices. Video surveillance software, on the other hand, is used to monitor and record video from cameras, regardless of whether it is a CCTV system or another type of video surveillance system.
2. Functionality: CCTV software typically provides features such as controlling camera settings, viewing live streams, recording footage, and managing recordings. Video surveillance software may offer similar features, but may also include additional capabilities such as motion detection, face recognition, and alerts.
3. Compatibility: CCTV software is typically designed to work with specific types of cameras and recording devices, while video surveillance software can work with a wider range of cameras and recording devices, including IP cameras.
4. Accessibility: CCTV software is typically installed and used on site, near the cameras and recording devices, while video surveillance software can be accessed remotely from a computer or mobile device.
Benefits of Using Video Surveillance Software
By using video surveillance software, businesses can streamline their security management process, saving time and providing peace of mind. The software makes it easier to monitor and protect their business, allowing users to focus on their work.
What is the difference between CCTV Cloud, VSaaS and Surveillance Cloud?
VSsaS, CCTV Cloud, and Video Surveillance Cloud are all terms related to cloud-based video surveillance systems. The main difference between them lies in the way they are marketed and the specific features they offer.
VSaaS (Video Surveillance as a Service) refers to a cloud-based service that provides video surveillance capabilities over the internet. This means that users can access live or recorded video footage from remote locations, without having to physically access the cameras or the server that stores the footage.
CCTV Cloud (Closed-Circuit Television) is another term used to describe a cloud-based video surveillance system. This term is often used by manufacturers or service providers to promote their specific products or services.
Video Surveillance Cloud is a more general term that encompasses all forms of cloud-based video surveillance, including VSaaS and CCTV Cloud. The term is often used to describe a broad range of cloud-based video surveillance solutions, regardless of the specific features or branding.
In summary, all three terms refer to cloud-based video surveillance systems, but the specific features, branding, and marketing may differ between them.
CCTV software and video surveillance software both refer to software programs that are used to monitor and record activities in a specific area, but they have some differences:
1. Purpose: CCTV software is used to control and manage a CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) system, which typically involves a network of physical cameras and recording devices. Video surveillance software, on the other hand, is used to monitor and record video from cameras, regardless of whether it is a CCTV system or another type of video surveillance system.
2. Functionality: CCTV software typically provides features such as controlling camera settings, viewing live streams, recording footage, and managing recordings. Video surveillance software may offer similar features, but may also include additional capabilities such as motion detection, face recognition, and alerts.
3. Compatibility: CCTV software is typically designed to work with specific types of cameras and recording devices, while video surveillance software can work with a wider range of cameras and recording devices, including IP cameras.
4. Accessibility: CCTV software is typically installed and used on site, near the cameras and recording devices, while video surveillance software can be accessed remotely from a computer or mobile device.
Benefits of Using Video Surveillance Software
By using video surveillance software, businesses can streamline their security management process, saving time and providing peace of mind. The software makes it easier to monitor and protect their business, allowing users to focus on their work.
What is the difference between CCTV Cloud, VSaaS and Surveillance Cloud?
VSsaS, CCTV Cloud, and Video Surveillance Cloud are all terms related to cloud-based video surveillance systems. The main difference between them lies in the way they are marketed and the specific features they offer.
VSaaS (Video Surveillance as a Service) refers to a cloud-based service that provides video surveillance capabilities over the internet. This means that users can access live or recorded video footage from remote locations, without having to physically access the cameras or the server that stores the footage.
CCTV Cloud (Closed-Circuit Television) is another term used to describe a cloud-based video surveillance system. This term is often used by manufacturers or service providers to promote their specific products or services.
Video Surveillance Cloud is a more general term that encompasses all forms of cloud-based video surveillance, including VSaaS and CCTV Cloud. The term is often used to describe a broad range of cloud-based video surveillance solutions, regardless of the specific features or branding.
In summary, all three terms refer to cloud-based video surveillance systems, but the specific features, branding, and marketing may differ between them.
Key Features to Consider in Reliable CCTV Software
Simple vs. Fancy Software
Basic software lets you watch and record. But some fancy ones can do things like recognize faces or read car plates. Think about what you really need and how much money you want to spend before picking one.
Must Work Well with Different Brands
Make sure the software can work with many kinds of cameras. There's something called ONVIF that helps with this. But be careful! Some companies say they use ONVIF, but not all do it well. You may need to do some homework or ask the company to be sure.
Easy to Use
If the software is too hard to use, then what's the point? Make sure it's simple and that you can find what you need easily. It should have clear buttons and not be confusing.
Make It Your Own
Everyone likes their software to look and feel a certain way. Good software lets you change things like colors and fonts to make it comfortable for you.
Check It Anywhere
You should be able to see what's happening at your home from anywhere using your phone or computer. Make sure the software has an app or website for that.
Get Notified
Some software will tell you if they see something strange, like someone moving where they shouldn't be. This is super useful so look for this feature.
Smart Watching
The really fancy software doesn't just record; it thinks. It can tell you if it sees something you should know about, like a person who shouldn't be there.
Where Does the Video Go?
Think about where all the video will be stored. It could be on your computer or in the 'cloud' online. Both have pros and cons, so choose what you like best.
More Cameras, No Problem
Good software should let you easily add more cameras when you want. So, if you start with a few cameras and want more later, it shouldn't be a headache.
Works with Different Cameras
The software should work with many kinds of cameras, whether they are cheap or expensive, wired or wireless. This gives you more options to find the best camera for you.
It Recognizes Faces!
Some very fancy software can even know who people are. It can tell you when it sees someone you know, or don't know. It's like having your own digital security guard.
By considering these features, you can pick the best security camera software to keep your home safe and sound.
Basic software lets you watch and record. But some fancy ones can do things like recognize faces or read car plates. Think about what you really need and how much money you want to spend before picking one.
Must Work Well with Different Brands
Make sure the software can work with many kinds of cameras. There's something called ONVIF that helps with this. But be careful! Some companies say they use ONVIF, but not all do it well. You may need to do some homework or ask the company to be sure.
Easy to Use
If the software is too hard to use, then what's the point? Make sure it's simple and that you can find what you need easily. It should have clear buttons and not be confusing.
Make It Your Own
Everyone likes their software to look and feel a certain way. Good software lets you change things like colors and fonts to make it comfortable for you.
Check It Anywhere
You should be able to see what's happening at your home from anywhere using your phone or computer. Make sure the software has an app or website for that.
Get Notified
Some software will tell you if they see something strange, like someone moving where they shouldn't be. This is super useful so look for this feature.
Smart Watching
The really fancy software doesn't just record; it thinks. It can tell you if it sees something you should know about, like a person who shouldn't be there.
Where Does the Video Go?
Think about where all the video will be stored. It could be on your computer or in the 'cloud' online. Both have pros and cons, so choose what you like best.
More Cameras, No Problem
Good software should let you easily add more cameras when you want. So, if you start with a few cameras and want more later, it shouldn't be a headache.
Works with Different Cameras
The software should work with many kinds of cameras, whether they are cheap or expensive, wired or wireless. This gives you more options to find the best camera for you.
It Recognizes Faces!
Some very fancy software can even know who people are. It can tell you when it sees someone you know, or don't know. It's like having your own digital security guard.
By considering these features, you can pick the best security camera software to keep your home safe and sound.
Tech focus: