Working out the right storage for your CCTV system is important but can be a bit of a minefield. How do you work out how much hard drive space you need based on the number of cameras, video quality, and how long you want to keep the footage?
This guide will walk you through it all, step by step, everything that affects how much storage you’ll need. We’ll cover camera resolution, frame rates and even how to choose between DVR, NVR and cloud storage without getting lost in the technical mumbo jumbo.
Understanding the basics of CCTV storage systems and video surveillance systems starts with knowing the two main types of security systems: Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and Network Video Recorders (NVRs). A digital video recorder system uses traditional analog cameras and coaxial cables, the video signals are sent to the recorder unprocessed and then processed and viewed in a digital format. However the need for a direct connection from the camera to the recorder and separate cables for power and video limits your camera type and mounting options.
NVR systems work with IP cameras that encode and process the video data at the camera before sending to the NVR for storage and remote viewing. They can support both wired and wireless connectivity so are more flexible and easier to install. Knowing this is key to working out your CCTV storage requirements and making the right decision on how much storage you need for your CCTV system. DVRs and NVRs impact the required storage space based on factors like bitrate, duration of recording, and the number of cameras.
Now we have the basics of CCTV storage covered let’s get a bit more detailed. Have you ever wondered how video quality affects your CCTV storage requirements?
It’s simple: the higher the video resolution the larger the file size and the more storage space required. Continuous recording impacts storage space significantly due to the constant capture of high-quality footage, resulting in larger file sizes. HD video increases the storage demand due to the higher pixel count and larger file sizes.
But there’s a silver lining – the introduction of better compression formats like H.264 and H.265. These can reduce file sizes making high quality video storage more manageable. In particular H.265 compression brings advancements by maintaining high video quality at lower bitrates so more storage efficient.
Now we have the video quality and storage space relationship covered, let’s get to calculating your CCTV storage requirements, focusing on the required storage capacity. Several factors affect the amount of storage needed, including the number of cameras, recording hours per day, and the level of scene activity.
To work out your CCTV storage requirements, a formula can be used that includes bitrate, recording duration, and the number of cameras. Bitrate, in particular, plays a crucial role as it determines the amount of data processed per second, directly impacting the storage capacity needed for your video surveillance systems.
The DIY formula for calculating CCTV storage is:
Storage Space (GB) = Bitrate (Kbps) * 1000/8 * 3600 * 24 * Cameras * Days/1000 000 000
This formula helps determine the required storage space by considering the bitrate, duration of recording, and the number of cameras. But remember, this formula is just an estimate; the actual storage required will be affected by the complexity and motion in the recorded scene.
Understanding your storage requirements also means knowing the storage capacity and storage space, whether you need short term or long term storage.
Short term storage in CCTV is for:
Long term storage means planning for extended retention of surveillance footage. Choosing longer retention periods means more physical storage capacity, more power consumption and more time for operators to review footage for incidents.
To use your storage efficiently for short term you can do a few simple things. One is to use motion detection in your CCTV systems. This can reduce storage requirements by only recording when movement is detected.
Also lowering camera resolution and frame rate can optimize storage usage without sacrificing too much quality and clarity of the footage. Also programming your CCTV systems to record during peak hours can help with storage efficiency.
Long term storage means considering options for more storage capacity. When internal storage capacity is not enough, DVR/NVR storage can be expanded with external hard disk drives. For longer recording periods, investing in high capacity storage devices like modern hard drives and Network Attached Storage (NAS) can be an option.
But there’s another option to consider: Cloud storage. This is an offsite solution to store your CCTV footage, so you can have extra security and reduce the risk of local hardware failure.
Now that you know how to calculate your storage requirements and manage short term and long term storage you can look at some innovative ways to increase your CCTV storage capacity. These include:
Also consider systematic backing up and transferring of relevant footage to another storage. This will prevent your CCTV hard drives from filling up and you can continue to record.
Continuous recording modes can help manage and save storage space. These modes are continuous, scheduled, and motion-activated recording, which together capture footage only when needed.
Scheduled recording can be set to record only during specific times, reducing storage for low-risk or non-critical periods. Motion-triggered recording optimizes storage usage by recording and storing footage only when motion is detected. Remember to choose the recording mode according to your surveillance needs to use your storage capacity effectively.
Using modern video compression technologies is the key to reduce your CCTV storage needs. H.264 and H.265 are the advanced technologies to maximize CCTV storage efficiency by minimizing file size without losing video quality.
H.265 compression technology has several benefits:
And lastly smart camera placement. Placing security cameras in specific locations can reduce unnecessary recording and save storage space.
Using PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras or wide angle cameras will save storage space by covering a wider area with one camera and reduce the total number of cameras required.
As we get into the world of CCTV storage we should mention the role of a CCTV storage calculator. These are tools to help estimate the hard drive space required for a CCTV system.
These calculators take into account:
They will calculate storage needs and are for users using CCTV DVRs or IP camera NVRs.
As technology advances, cloud storage has emerged as a popular option for CCTV systems. Offering a flexible and scalable solution, cloud storage provides numerous benefits over traditional storage methods. It enables users to store CCTV footage offsite, ensuring data security and reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure or theft.
While cloud storage offers many advantages, it is essential to consider factors such as internet bandwidth, data privacy, and service reliability when choosing a cloud storage provider. Ensure that your internet connection can handle the data upload requirements, and verify that the provider complies with data protection regulations.
In conclusion, cloud storage presents a modern, efficient solution for managing CCTV storage requirements. By leveraging the power of the cloud, users can enjoy increased flexibility, security, and convenience, making it an attractive option for safeguarding their surveillance footage.
Navigating the tech landscape of CCTV storage, we need to compare the storage capacity, advantages and disadvantages of different storage devices. One question that always comes up is how much storage do I need. The largest SSDs available can have up to 60TB storage. SD and micro-SD memory cards can have up to 2TB.
On the other hand the largest magnetic hard drives available can have up to 14TB to 16TB storage. Note that while SSDs are generally more expensive, SD cards are a more cost effective solution with a wide range of capacities for different budgets.
So there you have it, we’ve covered the world of CCTV storage. Now it’s time to take action.
Choose Castle Security as your trusted partner for your premises. Let us give you the latest storage solutions that’s not just surveillance but a fortress of security.
