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  1. Security Camera Storage Method
  2. Security Cameras Optimized Storage Capacity Method

In this blog, we will explore how to store and enhance security camera footage to maximize its benefits for long-term use. From understanding the right storage solutions to utilizing advanced technologies, get ready to take your security footage to the next level.

Security Camera Storage Method

Common storage includes local SD card storage, NVR storage, CVR storage, cloud storage, etc. The recordings in the storage device cannot be modified or deleted. When the storage is full, the recordings will generally be overwritten cyclically.

  1. SD card storage. Insert the SD card into the camera, and the video is stored locally on the device. Check whether the camera used supports SDcard storage and the maximum supported capacity.You can check the parameters of the relevant model. Local storage is not affected by transmission links such as the network, but the storage capacity of the memory card is limited, so it is necessary to check and save the video recording in time. Because when the storage is full, the video will generally be overwritten in a loop.
  1. NVR storage, CVR storage. The camera is connected to the NVR and CVR video recorder, and the video is stored in the NVR and CVR video recorder after configuration. The NVR video recorder can not only be connected to the monitor for direct operation, but also for viewing real-time video and video playback.
  1. Store in cloud storage. You can access, download, and revisit cloud videos at any time without worrying about damage to monitoring equipment or hard drives. However, due to the purchase of cloud storage services, additional costs need to be incurred.

If you are using cloud storage, you don't need toworry about any storage issues. But general cloud storage costs will increase with the length and number of days you store. During the valid cloud storage period, you can access and download past videos at any time. Once the storage validity period is exceeded, the videos will be deleted. But if you are using SD card storage, NVR storage, or CVR storage, once the capacity is exhausted, the camera will either stop recording or re-write the old content. This may result in the loss or omission of critical video. To avoid this, we're going to provide some simple tips for maximizing your security camera's storage capacity.

 

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Security Cameras Optimized Storage Capacity Method

Optimal Number of Security Cameras

When installing a video surveillance system, install cameras only where necessary. Many people find it beneficial to have more cameras because more angles can be captured. But not the more cameras the better, more cameras also mean more storage space is required. When installing cameras, you can try to adjust the camera to the position that can capture the most field of view or the best angle of view, which can minimize the number of cameras while making full use of each camera.

Best Image Resolution

The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture you see, and the more clarity and detail it can provide. However, the higher the resolution, the greater the storage space required. If you don't need complex features like facial recognition or license plate tracking, a modest reduction in image resolution is also a good option for optimizing NVR/DVR storage capacity.

Only record when motion is detected

If you use the 24/7 recording feature, you're probably recording video that's completely useless most of the day, but those recordings are taking up storage space. For maximum storage savings, you can set it to only record when motion is detected. This both ensures that relevant events are logged and saves storage space.

Custom recording

If you don't want to rely solely on motion detection, you can set the system to detect custom recordings at specific times or in specific areas. For example, you can set the video recorder to record during work hours and in specific areas to keep an eye on your employees. This way, you can observe and document items or possessions that are important to you while optimizing your security camera storage space.

Video file compression

Compressing video data is another important way to optimize storage space. This mechanism compresses the original video file into a smaller format, thereby reducing the amount of storage space required. MJPEG, H.264, and H.265 are the most commonly used video compression formats. But H.265 produces the best visual quality while keeping the file size as short as possible. It can reduce the code stream recording to half of H.264 without changing the image clarity. When you choose to buy a camera, compared with the H.264 security camera, you can try to choose the H.265 security camera, which can save more than 50% of storage space while ensuring video quality.

Turn off audio

When you record audio, the video file size increases, which means you'll need more storage space. Being able to record audio with a security camera is a big plus, but it's not always necessary. Consider turning this feature off if you don't feel you need to record audio, such as in a parking lot or outside your home.

Reduce recording rate

Few people appear at night, but the camera is working as usual, and the recorded video is completely useless and occupies storage space. Therefore, we can consider reducing the recording rate by controlling the recording rate during the period when there are fewer moving objects. For example, 15 frames per second may take up large storage space. At this time, you can record at a rate of 2 to 3 frames per second, or even 1 frame. In order not to miss the recording of emergency events, you can consider adding a motion analysis function to the monitoring system. If there is a moving target, the recording frame rate will return to the normal rate. And when the moving target disappears, the recording rate returns to 2-3 frames per second. In this way, the storage space is reduced, and the recording of emergency events will not be missed.

 

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Finally, if you've done all of the above and still need extra storage space, your NVR/DVR's drive capacity may just keep increasing. The drive for the recorder now supports storage capacities of up to 12TB and 14TB. You'll find the drivers you need with a range of certified fixed recorder drives. For more storage-friendly security cameras, click to view.

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