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Security cameras have become one of the most useful, yet confusing pieces of technology on the market today. Between the different brands, technologies, and resolutions. There has got to be a million and one different solutions for a single security system. Luckily, A1 has a team of security experts to make your decision as simple and cost effective as possible. We have compiled a list of what we feel is necessary to build the most budget-friendly and best performing system analog available. Let’s get started!
Information and Best Scale for CCTV software
For scalability, Arecont Vision (now AV Costar) offers average to advanced options with the Contera VMS. Coming in three commercial levels, this VMS offers different camera capacities per server (16, 32, 128) depending on the license level, limited concurrent remote connections (3, 5, unlimited), no backward compatibility, and provides only basic features. Renewal per channel also features 1 to 5 year options.
Compatible Server OS
- Windows
- Linux
Supported Protocols
- RTSP
- ONVIF Profile S
- Additional
AXIS offers a pricy commercial VMS with its AXIS Camera Station and a scaled-down option with Companion. Proven successful with government agencies and institutions, the program can be used at scale when supported by hardware at the same scale. At even high levels, AXIS Camera station offers excellent features and a smooth user interface not seen with other manufacturers. This VMS can also manage access control and third-party cameras while supporting 4K ultra HD at a high framerate if needed. In the commercial and scaled-down versions, real-time notifications and streaming have proven reliability. Also tested by IPVM, customers highly rate the software while other rating sites offer high praise despite the price.
Compatible OS
- Windows Enterprise 8 to 11
- Windows Pro 8 to 11
- More information on AXIS Release Notes.
Supported Protocols
- HTTP
- HTTPS
- RTSP
- TCP
- UDP
- ONVIF Profile S
More protocol-specific information on through AXIS FAQ.
Bosch offers multiple solutions for businesses looking for a VMS that scales to your needs thanks to the different BVMS versions (Lite handles 42 cameras, Plus handles 256 cameras, Professional handles 2,000 cameras, and Enterprise can handle up to 200,000 cameras or 10,000 sites) Small businesses may find BVMS beneficial for their needs thanks to it supporting up to eight cameras for free. Each other option also has several features and an expansive user interface, having a proven history with schools and businesses of varying sizes. However, there are reports that the VMS is complex to fully set up and maintain, requiring an experienced IT department to handle it. While additionally there are reports that the Bosch IT department is unreliable for BVMS, our reporting contradicts such claims.
Compatible OS
- Windows 8 to 11
- More information in Bosch Knowledge Base
Supported Protocols
- RCP+
- RTSP
- JPEG
- TCP
- UDP
- SSH
- Omni-Path
- Mode 2
More information in Bosch Knowledge Base
Despite being a smaller company compared to others on the list, Digital Watchdog offers companies with a solid choice in DW Spectrum. While it is an OEM of Network Optix, the system offers a good middle ground for those wanting a few advanced features on top of the average, but need it at a less expensive price. Additionally, when used with DW Blackjack servers, purchasers get a four camera trial to save on the initial cost. Excellent for small to mid-sized companies, this VMS does have limitations for those needing coverage in larger locations according to the DW help center. More specifically, one system can only support 10,000 products (cameras, recorders, megapixel, access control), can only support 1,000 users, and 100 servers.
Compatible OS
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
Supported Protocols
- RTSP
- MJPEG
- HTTP progressive streaming (WebM)
- HLS
More information in DW FAQ
For businesses small to large needing a scalable solution, Geovision’s GV Control Center provides an answer for small and commercial businesses alike. Offering features like Digital Matrix and Remote Viewlog, there isn’t necessarily anything interesting about what Geovision has to offer, more accurately being described as basic yet affordable when compared to other options that can scale to the same size.
Compatible OS
- Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
Supported Protocols
- RTSP
- ONVIF
- PSIA
While pricier than many options on the market, Hanwha Techwin (now Wisenet) offers a capable VMS option with Wave. Proven to be a viable option for educational institutions and businesses alike, this option provides analytics perfect for those needing additional attention to interactions. Scalable even to the needs of larger, the software supports the maximum number of 128 cameras per server, which maxes out at 100 as well. While also an OEM of Network Optix, this VMS features basic options along with more advanced functions like cloud services, memory/settings backup, enhanced video analytics, and more.
Supported OS
- Microsoft Windows
- Linux
- Ubuntu
- Apple macOS
Supported Protocols
- RTSP
- MJPEG
- WebM
- HLS
- RDP
- UDP
- TCP
- ONVIF
More information on Wave Specifications
For those needing a solid option for small to mid-sized business security camera systems, LTS offers the LTS X VMS. While not offering much in the way of anything new, this OEM of Hikvision allows for high performance at a low cost while connecting to access control and can allow for some 3rd party compatibility with other programs like Milestone. With that said, customers do report that the program is not necessarily advanced for more complex surveillance issues, commands, nor is it compatible with all programs. While it does offer limited backward camera compatibility, the software is limited in sophistication.
Supported OS
- Review manual for supported OS
A highly competitive option for those needing a VMS for their medium-sized business, Panasonic offers a solid choice with Video Insight. Having been thoroughly tested by the professionals at IPVM, the software shows that while it is not perfect, it can provide free access control integration and additional features on top of what’s expected. However, shortcomings in edge recording, searches, and more have been reported. Overall, while it may be pricey and have some bugs, the program comes highly rated from what we could find.
Supported OS
- Windows
- More information on Panasonic FAQ
Supported Protocols
- MPEG-4
- MJPEG
- Wavelet
- MxPEG
- JPEG2000
- Onvif
Known for its easy setup and capability to monitor small to mid-sized locations, Pelco offers an option for video management software with VideoXPert. Coming in Enterprise and Professional versions, the software doesn’t offer anything too special besides the basics. While having two standout features in VxToolbox and VxOpsCenter client, there has not seemingly been much more to be mentioned at the time of writing. Tested by Dell, VideoXpert offers affordable software for small businesses needing a surveillance solution.
Supported OS
- Windows
Supported Protocols
- TCP
- UDP
- SSH
- HTTP
- DHCP
- SNMPTRAP
- UPnP
- HAL
More Information on Pelco FAQ
Best environment per CCTV software
| Small to Medium | Large |
| LTS Panasonic Pelco | Arecont Vision AXIS Bosch Digital Watchdog Geovision Hanwha Techwin |
Does CCTV software come with operating software?
Typically no, the CCTV software and operating software are separate from each other. While some manufacturers will pre-download both onto recorders, it is generally a requirement for new owners to download both onto their security camera system (if a recorder is included) as the software requires an operating system to function. Furthermore, the OS allows for the management of recorded data, hardware, other downloaded software, and more. The most popular operating systems for CCTV hardware can include:
- Windows
- Linux
- Ubuntu
- Mac
Matching software and hardware cause fewer problems
Something to remember when building your own commercial security camera system is that matching software to hardware based on the brand can lead to far fewer headaches than the alternative. Not only that, but when doing so, the manufacturer can provide further IT services thanks to having the technical software and hardware information on hand.
Get the best CCTV software and products from A1 Security Cameras!
As can be seen from the above information, you have several options when it comes to CCTV software options. Businesses small to large can have effective surveillance with some of the most sophisticated features and not have to have something broken down every week thanks to so much as a basic understanding of the programs offered by each manufacturer. Purchase your CCTV software and hardware from A1 Security Cameras today to enjoy the best of what the surveillance industry has to offer!
