Negosentro | Installing CCTV cameras is one of the smartest choices that today’s property owners can make when attempting to improve their buildings’ security. Even the best CCTV cameras won’t get them very far without the right software to back them up, though. This article will offer a brief introduction to some of the best CCTV software solutions available on modern markets so that property owners can take full advantage of their new security systems.
Luxriot EVO
Luxriot EVO is designed to work with over 4,000 different brands of camera. It is considered one of the leading options in virtual memory system (VMS) software.
Property owners who opt to use Luxriot EVO can stream their CCTV footage directly to YouTube Live, alter the bandwidth profile to fit different screens and accommodate just about any security camera resolution, and more. The best part about it is that once they’ve purchased the software, property owners will find that these and other features are available 100% for free.
Blue Iris
Those who own larger properties may find that Blue Iris is a better fit. It is able to record footage from up to 64 cameras at once directly onto users’ computers and it’s compatible with a wide variety of different camera types, including IP cameras, webcams, camcorders, and capture cards. All captured video can be stored in MP4, AVI, or Windows Media Player formats, which allows the footage to be viewed on just about any computer.
There are two versions of Blue Iris available. The LE version is only $29.95 and offers support for just one camera, while the Full version costs $59.95 but offers support for as many as 64 cameras. The manufacturer also offers a 15-day free trial, so there’s literally nothing to lose by giving Blue Iris a try.
WebcamXP
This software is compatible with many CCTV camera manufacturers and is popular with homeowners. It allows remote connection via either computer or mobile phone and lets users broadcast their video live to the web. Property owners can also schedule automatic recordings and connect their software to motion detectors to capture footage only when intruders may be nearby.
Ivideon Server
Unlike the other software solutions listed above, Ivideon is cloud-based. It allows users to connect their CCTV cameras directly to a cloud recording service starting at just $4 per month for each camera connected. Ivideon is compatible with DVRs, NVRs, IP cameras, and webcams.
Contaware ContaCam
What sets Contaware Contacam apart is primarily its simple setup. Users need only purchase the software and devote a few minutes to set it up, then they can start recording footage directly to their local hard drives immediately. Unfortunately, it can only be used with webcams, which makes it ideal for a very specific set of circumstances but much less versatile than other, more professional software solutions.
ZoneMinder
ZoneMinder is an open source, Linux-based software program designed to capture and record CCTV footage. While it is not available to Windows users, Linux users tend to love it. After all, not only is it a solid option for a wide variety of different kinds of property owners, but it’s also free.
Shinobi
This open platform solution is designed to work not just with Linux but also with Windows and MAC OS. It features a multicast stream and is able to record MP4 videos, making it compatible with most modern devices. Homeowners can get a free version of the software online, while business owners can download a licensed version for commercial use for $75 per month.
There are a few benefits of upgrading to the pro version of Shinobi. These include more regular updates, developer support, and support for unlimited cameras.
iSpy
This open source software solution offers a wide variety of features including motion detection, scheduled recording, and video broadcasting. The iSpy program is open source and it is compatible with most CCTV cameras.
There are a few factors that really set iSpy apart from the competition. While other software manufacturers offer the features described above, few have license plate and face recognition, barcode scanning, and text overlay. iSpy has downloadable plugins that allow users to enable all of these features and more.
The basic software is free for local use and users can connect as many cameras as they want, which makes it one of the best free options available. Taking full advantage of everything iSpy has to offer really requires upgrading to the paid monthly subscription plan, though. For between $7.95 and $49.95 per month, users can get access to everything from cloud recording to text alerts, remote viewing, and more.
SmartViewer
This Samsung management software is designed to simplify Wisenet device control. It allows users to view video from their compatible NVR and DVR cameras and devices from anywhere and provides an intuitive user interface that makes it easier to keep track of what’s going on around the property.
SmartViewer is perfect for large commercial properties, as it can support an impressive 72 cameras across two monitors. The user interface makes setting up permissions, exporting videos, and backing up footage easy and its search function allows users to keep track of captured video according to different event types. It is available only on Windows PCs, though, so MAC OS and Linux users will have to look elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
The options listed above constitute some of the most popular CCTV software programs available on today’s markets. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages and not all of them are appropriate for every intended application. Property owners should make a point of keeping their unique situations in mind when choosing software and should double-check with its manufacturer to ensure that it will be able to support their existing cameras.
When evaluating a software program, make sure to keep things like simplicity of use and feature availability in mind. Don’t choose CCTV software based exclusively on budget and don’t just pick the first one that is compatible with the property’s video cameras. Instead, carefully consider all options prior to making a final decision.
