| With the convergence of IP Network Video into | | | | can go up to the thousands if you are looking for |
| CCTV (Closed Circuit Television), many are looking to | | | | specific features. More and more Video Servers are |
| convert their existing CCTV surveillance system into | | | | becoming available by a wide range of manufacturers. |
| an IP Network Video system. Is this possible? How | | | | As mentioned before, Video Analytics are starting to |
| can it be done? Video Servers have been created to | | | | be integrated into Video Servers that allows the |
| do just that. Let's take a look at the questions | | | | video server to have smart motion detection, object |
| regarding Video Servers and let's discuss how they | | | | tracking and object recognition. This means the Video |
| can benefit you if you have an existing CCTV | | | | Server can monitor the camera for you and notify |
| surveillance system. | | | | you immediately if unwanted perpetrators or objects |
| So what is a Video Server? Well in basic terms, a | | | | are found where they should not be. |
| Video Server is a device that can convert an analog | | | | Most Video Servers also offer a Video-Output jack. |
| signal from an Analog CCTV Surveillance Camera into | | | | This allows you to integrate the Video Server into |
| a digital format similar to IP Network Cameras. The | | | | your existing CCTV surveillance system but also |
| Video Server can then be plugged into your | | | | convert the signal from each camera to a digital |
| computer network allowing you to record relevant | | | | signal. This allows you to still view and record video |
| video to a network device such as a PC or NAS | | | | on Television but also view and record on your PC. |
| (Network Attached Storage). The Video Server can | | | | Some Video Servers include Audio-In which allows |
| also be connected to the Internet allowing you to | | | | you to also record audio as well. |
| view live video from anywhere in the world and even | | | | The world is a changing place and so is the security |
| record video to a remote location. | | | | industry. Video Servers have been around for a few |
| Video Servers also include a built-in web server. This | | | | years, however, they are not at their full potential. If |
| means they can run independent without the need of | | | | anyone is thinking of upgrading their current |
| a PC, like a webcam does. Some Video Servers even | | | | surveillance system, I would highly suggest integrating |
| have built-in motion detection or Video Analytics that | | | | Video Servers into your current surveillance system |
| allows the Video Server to detect unwanted motion | | | | or even upgrading your system to IP Network |
| or track objects. Security personnel can then be | | | | Cameras. Video Servers offer a wide variety of |
| notified immediately of this and proper actions can be | | | | benefits and can help you easily monitor your home |
| taken. | | | | or business when you can't be there. |
| Video Servers can start for around $100 USD but | | | | |