When investing in a CCTV system, most people focus on the number of cameras, resolution, and coverage. However, there’s one critical element that is often overlooked: video storage. Without reliable storage, your cameras are just recording into the void, which isn’t ideal...
Choosing the right storage system ensures you can access and review footage when it matters most. In this guide, we’ll break down the key considerations when selecting CCTV video storage and help you find the right option for your needs.
Understand Your Video Storage Needs
Before you choose a video storage solution, you need to think about the following things:
- How many cameras are needed in the security system, and will there be a need for more in the future? More cameras mean more data, and it’s best to think about future-proofing a security system before its initial installation.
- Resolution – Higher resolution, such as 1080p and 4K, consumes significantly more storage.
- Frame Rate – A higher frame rate creates smoother video, but also requires you to have more space on your video storage device.
- Retention Period – How long do you need to keep recordings? A week, a month, or longer? Making sure you have sufficient space to retain video for the required time and also record new footage is essential for an effective security solution.
- Compression Format – Modern codecs like H.265 reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality, but what is the purpose of this footage? Is quality important?
Taking these into account helps you calculate storage requirements and avoid under- or over-investing. We have a video storage calculator, which you can use for free to help you figure out the right amount of video storage for your CCTV system
Storage Options for CCTV Systems
There are several ways to store CCTV footage; however, each video storage solution comes with pros and cons.
Local Storage: NVR & DVR
A Network Video Recorder (NVR) is designed for IP CCTV cameras. Cameras process the video and send digital data over Ethernet cables or wirelessly to the NVR, which stores the data. You should choose an NVR if you’re starting fresh, want higher-quality video, plan to expand in the future, and value modern features like remote monitoring and smart analytics.
A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is used with analogue CCTV cameras. The cameras send raw video signals over coaxial cables to the DVR, which then processes and compresses the footage for storage. If you have existing analogue cameras, want a budget-friendly solution, and don’t need ultra-high-definition footage or advanced features, a DVR would be a preferable solution.
The primary difference between the two local storage options is how they process video and which cameras can connect to them. But, no setup is foolproof; whether you use a DVR or an NVR, there’s still a chance of losing footage as they can be damaged from water, fire, or theft, and video footage can be overwritten or maliciously deleted with no way of getting it back.
External Network Storage (NAS Servers)
A NAS server (Network Attached Storage) is a central storage device connected to your network, serving as a private cloud for home or business use. NAS offers a flexible and secure storage solution for CCTV, making it ideal for those seeking centralised and expandable storage options.
Furthermore, NAS drives provide remote access, allowing authorised users to securely view and manage CCTV footage from any location with an internet connection. However, these features can make NAS servers a more expensive choice for video storage and may require a higher level of technical expertise compared to NVRs and DVRs. Additionally, like NVRs and DVRs, there is a risk of losing footage due to theft, hardware failure, or disasters such as fire or flooding.
Cloud Storage
Cloud CCTV Storage stores footage directly in the cloud instead of on a local device like a DVR, NVR, or NAS. Instead of relying on physical hard drives, the video data is uploaded to secure online servers via the internet. This setup allows you to access, manage, and share your footage from anywhere using the web or a mobile app. Cloud storage offers flexibility and scalability, off-site protection, and easy remote access to surveillance footage. However, it does rely on internet connectivity, and the ongoing costs may not be suitable for every situation.
Hybrid Solutions
Some businesses combine local and cloud storage for redundancy. This ensures footage is both easily accessible on-site and safely backed up off-site; however, this means you incur extra costs to maintain both cloud CCTV storage and a physical video storage solution.
Security and Reliability
Storing video isn’t just about space; it’s also about protecting evidence. When choosing a video storage solution for your CCTV Systems, it’s important to think about data redundancy, making sure there are RAID Configurations or cloud backups to prevent potential data loss.
Cybersecurity
Protecting your CCTV footage requires more than just selecting the right storage device. It's crucial to defend your system from hackers, data loss, and misuse. The security of your CCTV setup largely depends on the quality of its storage.
By following cybersecurity best practices, you can safeguard sensitive footage and improve the overall reliability of your security system. It's important to ensure that connections are encrypted and that strong passwords are used for IP-based storage.
Maintenance
Your CCTV system's reliability depends heavily on the device that stores its footage. Even the best cameras are ineffective if the storage device fails when you need it the most. Regular maintenance helps keep your system dependable and prevents costly data loss. By maintaining your video storage device, you protect your footage, ensure system reliability, and extend the life of your equipment, all while staying compliant and secure.
Budget Vs Value
Cheap storage may save money upfront, but can lead to critical gaps when you need footage most. Balance your budget with:
- The importance of the footage (e.g., home security vs business compliance).
- The likelihood of needing archived video.
- Long-term costs of cloud subscriptions vs. a one-time hardware purchase.
- Scalability – will you need to add to your system in the future, and is the video storage solution you’ve chosen going to allow you to do so?
Best Practices for CCTV Storage
- Utilise H.265 compression for efficient storage while maintaining the quality of video footage.
- Consider a potential growth plan by selecting scalable storage options in case you need to add more cameras in the future.
- Adhere to local regulations, as some industries have specific requirements for footage retention.
- Test your recovery procedures to ensure that you can quickly retrieve footage when necessary and ensure that it is backed up somewhere, either locally or in the cloud.
Finding the best storage for video surveillance
CCTV cameras are only as good as the video storage solution behind them. Whether you choose local drives, NAS servers, CCTV cloud storage, or a mixture of each, the right solution depends on your security needs, budget, and future plans. By carefully assessing your requirements and prioritising reliability, you can build a CCTV system that keeps your footage safe and accessible.
If you need further assistance, our sales teams are fully equipped and trained to help you make an informed decision. Get in touch today to see how Norbain can help you.