One of the advantages of the use of network cameras for video surveillance is power and flexibility provided by network camera software. Such software is easily programmed to fit your specific needs, providing the most powerful surveillance for your security requirements. One of the most powerful software functions is motion detection.

Automatic Alerts

No matter how in control you are of your place of business and your video surveillance system, the fact of the matter is you cannot be monitoring your security feeds 24/7. It is not humanly possible. Your computer, on the other hand, does not require sleep, entertainment or relaxation; it is on the job every minute of every day.

By using motion detection with your network camera software, however, you can ensure that you are always informed should your camera catch anything. The software can be configured so as to automatically signal an alarm upon motion detection. Not only that, it can send out automatic notifications via e-mail, ftp, http, etc. so that you and/or key members of your staff are made aware of the event and can take immediate action.

As Needed Video Recording

Keeping proper recordings of video surveillance feeds is critical should something occur to your place of business. Recordings can be used to assist in investigations, at trials or simply to settle a dispute between employees or between your staff and consumers. After hours, however, nothing of interest is occurring within your place of business, and if your camera is set to record everything you will wind up with countless hours of video featuring nothing more than an empty office or shop.

With motion detection network software this problem can be solved. The camera can be set to record only as needed, when motion is detected. If you have multiple cameras as part of your video surveillance system, you can even configure the software to activate recording for all cameras in the building if any one of them detects unusual motion. This can be a very powerful tool and allow you to save space on your hard drive.

Many network camera systems can even provide both pre- and post-detection recording. That is, events just prior to the detection of motion will also be saved in the system's hard drive, along with everything that occurs afterward. It will also extend recording to a few minutes after motion ceases so that nothing whatsoever is missed.

Flexible Sensitivity

Network camera software can be further tweaked by checking the sensitivity of motion detection. Too sensitive and you might find that the camera is activating alerts at the slightest gust of wind: not sensitive enough and a stealthy intruder will be able to avoid activating it. Motion detection software can be programmed so as to meet the exact sensitivity you need for your specific job site, making your surveillance system that much more powerful.

Copyright (c) 2008 Wes Fernley