Timelapse Software

Data Storage and Archive Depth Issues in DIY Surveillance

SmartVision is a time-lapse video surveillance software that enables you to control how your project is progressing, no matter where you are in the world. Whether you are using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, you can easily monitor your project's progress and get real-time updates on the weather conditions at your construction site.

When it comes to DIY surveillance, one of the significant issues users face is managing the size of stored files and the depth of their archive. Traditional surveillance systems capture video continuously, generating enormous volumes of data. This leads to challenges in:

1. Storage Capacity: High-quality video files can consume a significant amount of storage space.
2. Retrieval Speed: Larger archives make it more difficult and time-consuming to retrieve specific video clips.
3. Cost: More extensive storage solutions come at a higher cost, both in terms of hardware and energy consumption.

One unique feature of SmartVision is the ability to remove the time-lapse during the "golden hours," the first hour after sunrise and the last before sunset. This ensures that you capture high-quality imagery when the lighting is optimal, thus reducing the need to store less useful, poorly lit footage.

Video Analytics on Camera Side

Another way to tackle the data storage issue is to utilize video analytics directly on the camera side. This approach enables the camera to identify and store only relevant footage, such as when motion is detected, thereby reducing the amount of unnecessary data.
Whether you are a professional CCTV manager or a DIY enthusiast, SmartVision is a tool that you should consider adding to your toolkit. With its range of features and customization options, the software makes it easy to monitor your project's progress, capture the golden hours, and create panoramic views of your construction site. By integrating time-lapse technology and on-camera video analytics, you can solve the challenges of data storage and archive depth, making your surveillance system more efficient and cost-effective.

How Much Disk Space Do You Need?

To get a grasp on the storage requirements for continuous video recording, we'll begin with some basic calculations. We'll examine two commonly used resolutions: 1080p and 4K.

For a 1080p video running at 30 frames per second (FPS), the typical storage need is approximately 2.5 MB per second.
In the case of a 4K video at 30 FPS, you'll usually require about 10 MB per second.

Yearly Disk Space Estimation
To calculate the disk space needed for a full year (365 days) of uninterrupted recording, you can use the following formula:

Disk Space (GB)=Frame Rate (FPS)×MB per second×60 seconds×60 minutes×24 hours×365 days÷1024

We'll perform these calculations for various frame rates to offer a comprehensive view. Below is a table that outlines the storage requirements at different frame rates for both 1080p and 4K video resolutions:

The table's calculations account for one year of uninterrupted recording. For multiple cameras, you should multiply the table's figures by the number of cameras to gauge the cumulative storage needs over a year. It's evident that storage demands can escalate, particularly with 4K videos at elevated frame rates.

Time-lapse recording in CCTV systems is an adept technique for conserving disk space. It achieves continuous video recording with significantly less storage by capturing fewer frames each second. This is particularly beneficial in settings where there's minimal motion.

Yet, it's imperative to recognize timelapse's constraints, especially when observing rapid movements, like speeding vehicles. If only a few frames are captured every second, you might overlook vital incidents since the fast-moving subject might not even be in the shot in that short span.

While timelapse is a budget-friendly approach to cut down on storage requirements, it's vital to balance its advantages with its potential drawbacks to determine its suitability for your surveillance needs.

While conventional systems depend on pixel change detection, causing unwarranted alarms due to shifts in lighting or minor scene alterations, SmartVision integrates sophisticated object and motion detection techniques to minimize false alerts. Recording is triggered only when a specific entity—such as a person or animal—comes into view. This not only conserves storage but also sharpens the focus of the surveillance.

Advancing Security Through Smart Detection

Enhanced Object and Motion Sensing with SmartVision

SmartVision, along with Video Surveillance Cloud, serves as a powerful asset for bolstering the security of your home or business. These tools offer live monitoring capabilities, enabling swift reactions to urgent situations - even under challenging lighting conditions. One of the standout features is the software's ability to facilitate rapid responses to emergencies like fires, floods, or other incidents, both inside and outside the premises. Real-time video provided by SmartVision equips you with a precise understanding of unfolding events, aiding in timely and effective intervention.

In contrast to traditional systems that depend on pixel change detection and are prone to false alerts due to fluctuating lighting or slight scene alterations, SmartVision employs sophisticated algorithms for object and motion detection. This reduces the likelihood of false alarms, initiating recording only when a specific entity - be it a human or an animal - comes into the frame. The result is not just storage efficiency but also a more focused and effective surveillance approach.