How to have better performance in CCTV DVR remote viewing and controlling?
CCTV Remote viewing setup
DVR remote viewing is very popular in CCTV systems, recent developments to internet bandwidth and introduction of smart phones have increased the demand for CCTV remote viewing and control. We know that CCTV video footages can be viewed via internet and mobile, but some of us experience lower fps (frames per second) and often we do not know how to rectify this problem. Customers normally blame CCTV installers and they often blame internet service providers and bandwidth, but no one knows what exactly should be done. As CCTV installers we have also experienced many of our customers have or had DVR remote viewing but they were not satisfied with fps, they simply could not see live video footages via internet and smart phones.
How can I improve fps in remote viewing?
We often think that by upgrading customer’s broadband speed they can see lively images and this has been a popular excuse by many CCTV installers. In sometimes we blame laptop, desktop, smart phones and decide to upgrade them and this can be a very expensive option for customers. Before we do anything we need to find out what is causing poor fps.
But it is really hard to trace what is causing slow fps as depends on various factors such as fps, video resolution, video compression, bandwidth and different brands in market.
What should I do first?
Resolution of recording – First thing to check is whether all your cameras are left in D1 recording, if all cameras are left in D1 recording and this is normally by default it will cause a delay in fps. When you buy a new DVR, manufacturers are likely to leave the video resolution setting as D1, this will produce large data and they are not easy to send via network. By conducting a proper CCTV survey, you can leave some of the cameras in CIF or HD instead of D1.
Also check whether you have left cameras on right fps in network. Network fps is not same as recording fps, you will find network fps under network or LAN section.
Video compression –DVR’s (Digital video recorders) use H264 format are usually better in transmitting video footage over internet than MPEG2.
Bandwidth provided by ISP (Internet Service Provider) – Check what is your bandwidth by ISP, as you are transmitting video footage over internet, you usually require high bandwidth. You can use a bandwidth calculator to determine required bandwidth.
Operating systems – Check your DVR supports all major operating system, for example it may only support windows based system and not apple or it may only supports certain versions of the windows. We often experience this problem in smart phones, as not all smart phones use same operating system. Your DVR manufacturer manual should clearly mention supported operating systems.
Be aware that most of standalone DVR’s and DVR cards only supports HTML protocol. This makes it hard to view with any browsers do not support HTML protocol.
Viruses, spyware or adware – If you are using DVR card, you may need to scan your system and keep them free from viruses, spywares, adwares and etc.
What are the best makes which gives better fps?
It is hard to recommend a brand. You should not make your decision by looking at your distributor’s website link to see their cameras online, as they often provide links to their high end DVR’s and if you buy a different model, you may not get same performance. Try to call them and talk to their sales team and explain what you require.
Conclusion
It is hard to guarantee fps as it depends on many factors. Try to explain this to your customers in simple terms and leave them to make a decision. If they are after high performance, they should be ready to invest for it. It is hard to buy a cheap system and expect it to give high performance.