Choosing the right camera system and storage option gets more confusing every year. What are the benefits of local storage vs cloud? Can you access your local storage without some huge set up in your closet that looks like something that should be at the NSA?
Short answer: Yes. The latest security technology can allow for local storage, generally housing footage within a NVR system that can be connected directly to a TV or viewed on your smart phone.
So what is an NVR?
NVR stands for Network Video Recorder and are a popular choice for many that want around-the-clock remote and on-site surveillance that’s scalable and flexible, without compromising quality. NVR systems encode and process the video data at the camera, then stream it to the NVR recorder–which is used for storage and remote viewing.
Since NVR camera systems are usually connected to the internet, footage can be accessed remotely via mobile devices and desktop applications. In an NVR system, each IP camera is connected individually to a single network which is configured, either wirelessly or via Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cables.
But just because NVR camera systems can connect to a network, that doesn’t mean they have to. If you aren’t interested in having remote access to your IP cameras, these systems can still operate like conventional CCTV solutions.
Other benefits of having an NVR camera system include high-resolution image quality, increased flexibility, advanced features and security, scalable storage, remote access, and power over Ethernet.
If you do wish to access your security cameras remotely when you are away from home. You can access each device using the manufacturer’s mobile app either on your PC or smartphone.
There are 5 main steps in order to have a secure remote access security camera system.
1. Password Protection
2. Utilize a firewall
3. Network security
4. Update Operating Systems Regularly
5. Encryption, Encryption, Encryption
If you’d like more information on how you can have a state-of-the-art camera system and NVR installed, please call and speak with one of our alarm experts.
