By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-01-05 10:15:35 | Word Count: 664
In this article we are going to talk about outdoor exterior security camera software. We’ll talk a little about what it is and how it works and what type of outdoor security camera equipment you can use with it.
So exactly what is outdoor exterior security camera software? There are basically two types of software. The first type is software that is used on a standalone digital video security camera system and the second type is software that is used with outdoor exterior security cameras and your personal computer. Although the name “outdoor exterior security camera software” refers to a computer based program, both types serve different roles in a digital video security camera system.
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The first type of outdoor exterior security camera software that we refer to is used with a standalone digital video security camera system. These systems normally consist of one to several cameras, a Digital Video Recorder or DVR with a Digital Signal Processor or DSP, and a monitor. The outdoor exterior cameras capture the video image and send it in digital form to the DVR unit that includes the DSP. The DSP interprets the digital data and uses a special program utility, called a COmpression/DECompression or CODEC to create a digital video file. The digital video file is stored on the DVR and can be viewed on the monitor in real-time (live) or at a later time.
The outdoor exterior security camera software in this case is used on the DVR with the DSP to coordinate each component in the standalone system and provide any additional camera, DVR, or monitor functions. For example, outdoor exterior security camera systems are often used in commercial settings such as providing security in store parking lots. In this example the software coordinates the functions of the cameras with the DVR and DSP, may provide the programming necessary for the CODEC that is used, and directs the DVR to store the digital video file that is created.
In addition, this particular outdoor exterior security camera software may also include special functions that either operate or control the camera, DVR, and monitor. A specific example of this type of software is often used in the store parking lots already mentioned. In this setting, it may be advantageous for the user to follow or “track” a person or vehicle. Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras used with DVRs that have software with this capability can detect motion. Once the motion is detected (by the software programming) the camera is controlled by the software to Pan, Tilt, or Zoom in order to provide the best possible video of the object as it moves in the field of vision of the camera. Usually, this software is provided by the manufacturer of the DVR at the time of purchase of the unit.
The second type of outdoor exterior security camera software that we mentioned earlier is used with cameras and a personal computer. Although this software may be able to perform the same functions as the standalone security system, it has an additional responsibility of coordinating the digital video cameras with the computer. In these systems the personal computer takes the place of the DVR and DSP as well as the monitor.
These systems are advantageous because they enable the use of an existing personal computer with the digital security cameras. The computer is connected to the cameras via a PCI type computer card that serves as the bridge between the two. Ultimately, for just the cost of the digital video cameras and outdoor exterior security camera software and PCI card, an entire digital video security system can be constructed without the need to purchase a DVR and monitor.
Since computer and electronic technology is rapidly advancing, there may be a third type of outdoor exterior security camera software to consider as well. Although this system uses components that are not specifically designed as digital video security equipment, it may make an economical suitable substitution in some instances. This third type of software allows the use of a webcam or other similar device to be used as a security camera.
This should give you with some good introductory working knowledge about outdoor exterior security camera software. There are as many different brands of software as there are manufacturers of equipment; too many in fact to mention in this article. However, if you have any additional questions about outdoor exterior security camera software, contact one of Security Camera King’s security specialists today.
