Surveillance Software

Software for closed-circuit television, commonly referred to as video surveillance software, serves as an essential element in residential security solutions. This software facilitates the monitoring and archiving of video streams from surveillance cameras placed both inside and outside your home. Essentially functioning as the control center for the camera system, it allows you to watch real-time video, review previously recorded footage, and adjust various settings.
Key Features to Consider in Reliable CCTV Software
CCTV software is crucial for bolstering home safety through real-time surveillance and recording features. It enables property owners to monitor their homes, ward off potential trespassers, and collect proof in the event of theft or property damage. Modern versions come with perks like motion sensors and immediate notifications, adding an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Types of CCTV Software: Basic vs. Advanced
Entry-level CCTV software focuses on essential surveillance and recording functions. In contrast, advanced versions offer extras like facial and license plate recognition and compatibility with other smart home gadgets. Your choice between the two should depend on your unique needs and financial capacity.

Importance of ONVIF Protocol Support
Your selected software should be compatible with the ONVIF protocol to ensure it works with various hardware options. However, beware of vendors making false ONVIF compatibility claims. Do your own research to verify these claims, especially if the software isn't listed in trusted resources as ONVIF-compliant.

User Experience: Simplicity and Intuitiveness
The software's interface should be straightforward so even tech novices can navigate it effortlessly. A clean, intuitive design minimizes the risk of errors and lets you focus on home monitoring instead of wrestling with complicated controls.

Tailor-Made Experiences
Different users have distinct preferences for software layouts. Choose CCTV software that allows interface customization to make the user experience more enjoyable and personalized.

Image and Video Quality
Software with high-definition or ultra-high-definition support is crucial for capturing clear, detailed video footage.

Accessibility on the Go
Look for software with mobile-friendly features, so you can check on your home security remotely whenever you want.

Smart Monitoring Features
Opt for software with motion detection to reduce false alarms and get real-time notifications for genuine security risks. Advanced versions also include video analytics that automatically flag suspicious activities.

Storage and Backup
Consider the software's storage capacity and whether it offers cloud backup as a fail-safe against data loss due to hardware issues or theft.

On-Premises vs. Cloud-Based
On-premises software gives you more control but may lack the convenience of cloud-based options, which allow easier remote access.

Managing Multiple Cameras
Choose software that simplifies the process of configuring and managing multiple cameras, and consider the system's scalability for future expansion.

Versatility in Camera Compatibility
The ideal CCTV software should work with various camera types and brands, allowing you to choose hardware that meets your needs and budget.

Integration with Third-Party Apps
Software that integrates with other applications and devices offers more opportunities for system enhancement and smart home automation.

Advanced Surveillance Features
Software that includes advanced motion tracking and PTZ control allows for dynamic, proactive monitoring.
Innovative Technologies
Facial recognition and object detection are increasingly common in advanced software, acting like a virtual security guard for your property.
In CCTV Focus
    A Comprehensive List of Video Surveillance Software

    Free Software Solutions

    SmartVision
    OS: Windows, Android
    Features: Comprehensive software solution designed for modern video surveillance systems, offering a range of advanced features that enhance security and monitoring efficiency. Compatible with any IP cameras that support RTSP or HTTP broadcasting. Smart detection features identify faces and license plates, differentiating between humans and pets.

    ZoneMinder
    OS: Linux
    Features: Open source.

    Web Camera Pro
    OS: Windows, Linux, Android
    Features: Video surveillance software allows real-time monitoring, recording, and playback of video from connected cameras. Features include customizable views, multiple camera support, and scheduling options for recording.

    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

    For those who are looking for a more specialized, feature-rich experience, several paid software options for video management are available. These options usually come with a range of extra capabilities, such as cloud storage, advanced analytics, or better user interface designs.

    Revisor VMS
    OS: Windows, Android, iOS
    Features: 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.

    iSpy
    OS: Windows
    Features: Mobile applications for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. Some open-source aspects but largely closed source.

    A & H Software House
    OS: Windows, MacOS
    Products: Luxriot VMS & Luxriot EVO
    Location: USA

    ACTi
    OS: Windows
    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

    IndigoVision Control Center
    OS: Windows, Linux, Android, iOS
    Location: United Kingdom

    Securiton
    OS: Windows, iOS
    Location: Germany
    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

    D-link D-ViewCam
    OS: Windows
    Features: List of compatible cameras available
    Location: China

    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

    Choosing the right video surveillance software (VSS) is a multi-faceted decision-making process. Given the myriad of individual factors that are unique to each business operation, offering universal advice is nearly impossible. However, there are a few critical tips that apply across the board, and they fall under the "must-have" category.