Cloud Video Systems for Business Explained

What is an NVR System?

A NVR System uses an on-site NVR (Network Video Recorder) for user interface, video/audio recording and remote viewing. Because all the recording equipment is on-site, NVR systems provide the best clarity and performance compared to all other system types. The only cost after installation is the monthly fee for an internet connection, which provides remote access for live viewing, event alerts, and video playback.

 

What is a Cloud Security Camera System?

 

Cloud Security Camera Systems do not have an on-site server (NVR). Instead, the cameras are connected directly to a broadband internet connection, and the live video is streamed to the cloud, where it is stored. Users log in to the cloud service using a computer or a smart device browser. While this eliminates the costs of the NVR, there is a monthly fee per camera for cloud storage and access.

 

Benefits of Cloud Security Camera Systems for Homes and Businesses in the US

 

Cloud-based security cameras are becoming a popular choice for both homeowners and business owners because they offer flexibility, convenience, and advanced protection. Here are the main benefits:

 

• Remote Access Anytime, Anywhere: You can watch live or recorded video from your phone, tablet, or computer, no matter where you are. It is great for people who travel, run a business, or just want to be able to get to it all the time.
• Automatic Cloud Storage: The cloud keeps footage safe, so you won't lose any data if your DVR or NVR is stolen or broken. You can listen to recordings anytime without having to use big storage devices.
• Easy Scalability: Need more cameras? Cloud security camera systems allow you to easily add cameras without complex wiring or storage upgrades, ideal for growing businesses or larger homes.
• Enhanced Security Features: Many cloud cameras come with AI-based motion detection, alerts, and smart analytics to detect unusual activities instantly.
• Cost-Effective Maintenance: There's no need for local hardware or IT management; software updates and maintenance happen automatically through the provider.
• Data Safety and Backup: Cloud storage offers encrypted and secure backups, ensuring your video data is safe from tampering or physical damage.
• Multi-Location Monitoring: For businesses with multiple branches, you can monitor all sites from one dashboard without separate systems.
• Simplified Sharing: Easily share video clips with law enforcement or team members through secure links, without needing to copy files manually.

 

Video Quality

Cloud camera systems have video quality limitations. Because multiple cameras continuously stream the video to the cloud, the available upload bandwidth and storage costs normally require the video quality to be set at 2K or 3K (2mp - 5mp) and a frame rate of 15-20 frames per second per camera. In contrast, NVR systems can record up to 4K (8 megapixels) video quality at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. This is possible because the processing of the video and storage of the video is performed on-site by the NVR.

If a camera can support 4K video for an additional fee, advanced cloud services allow for 4K recording if the on-site bandwidth is adequate to support the workload and the frames per second are reduced. Often, due to limited upload bandwidth and costs, the customer prefers the 2K option. If two standard PC monitors are set side by side and one monitor displays 1080p video while the other displays 4K video, the user cannot detect which monitor is displaying the 4K video. Because both cameras exceed the monitor's maximum resolution, the images look to be of the same quality.

 

Both NVR and cloud security camera systems have the same digital zoom features (which allow a user to enlarge sections of the video for more detail). An NVR system, recording 8 megapixels, will allow the user to digital zoom 4 times as far into the video without pixelation compared to a 2K (1080p) cloud system. There is a smart way to keep your costs at the affordable 1080p (2mp) level while accessing 4K (8mp) video when extreme detail is needed. 

 

This is achieved by installing a micro SD memory card in a 4K camera. While the camera is streaming 1080p video quality to the cloud, it simultaneously records 4K video on the SD memory card. The memory card is a high-quality backup if more detail is needed or the internet service fails. The number of days stored in the memory card is a direct function of how much activity is present in the camera’s field of view. On average, the card will store 5-10 days of event-driven recordings. The 4K video is accessed on demand using a PC or our mobile apps.

 

Artificial Intelligence & Detection Features

 

NVR and cloud security camera systems offer the latest deep learning AI features. They can 99.8% accurately detect the human form, collect facial identification, and capture and compare license plates. Both systems can detect custom events and launch alerts to mobile devices for response. A good example is a national pizza chain that is using Cloud AI to automatically alert on-site managers when their pizza dough trays become half full. Or a national amusement park chain that uses an NVR system with facial ID to detect and stop banned visitors at the park's entry points. 

 

All are achieved automatically with facial ID cameras and a database of banned-for-life visitor photos. The applications are endless, and AI can detect and report how many customers visit a location. It can alert you when people congregate in a specific location or if more cashiers are needed. It can detect if a car is parked in a no-parking space, if an unauthorized person enters a restricted area, and show heat maps of visitor traffic flow. AI can also manage quality control processes and reduce inventory shrinkage.

 

Equipment

 

Both NVR and Cloud security camera systems use the same camera equipment and cabling. The only difference between the two systems is the recording and viewing method. With a cloud system, the NVR and its cost are replaced by a cloud service, which requires a monthly service fee per camera.

 

Service Fees

 

Cloud monthly service fees are based on each camera, the resolution recorded, and the number of days the video is stored.

 

Conclusion

 

By adding the memory card to the camera, the customer enjoys the benefits of both cloud security camera systems and on-site storage. The cost of the NVR is eliminated, along with the possibility of theft or tampering. Redundancy of video recordings is assured, and when the cloud 1080p video does not provide the level of clarity needed, the user can access the same video events in 4K clarity stored in the camera.

 

FAQs

 

1. What is the major difference between a cloud security camera system and an NVR system?

A cloud security camera system keeps video in the cloud, so you don't require a video recorder on-site. A Network Video Recorder (NVR) system records, saves, and maintains video footage on physical hardware that is deployed at your location.

 

2. Which system has higher video quality?

As everything is processed and stored on-site, NVR systems normally have greater video quality. They can support up to 4K (8 megapixels) at 30 frames per second. To save on bandwidth and storage costs, cloud systems commonly stream and store video at lower resolutions (2K–3K) and frames per second. However, some advanced cloud plans may offer higher quality video if bandwidth allows.

 

3. Do all of the systems have recurring costs?

Yes. NVR systems cost more up front for hardware, but they cost less over time, usually just for internet service to access them from afar. Cloud based security camera systems normally cost less to set up because you don't need recorders on-site. Still, you have to pay monthly membership fees for each camera, depending on its resolution and storage time.

 

4. What do you do if the internet goes down?

You can still watch a video that was recorded locally using an NVR system. Most cloud camera systems need a strong internet connection to record to the cloud; however, many now enable local backup with SD cards. When the internet goes down, the footage is stored on the card and sent to the cloud when the connection is back up.

 

5. Can I see live video from both systems remotely?

You can see live and recorded footage from both systems. You may view NVR systems from anywhere with an internet connection through a secure user interface. You can also check into cloud security camera systems using a web portal or mobile app.

 

6. Do both systems include AI functions like facial recognition and motion detection?

Modern NVR and cloud camera systems both have powerful AI features like recognizing faces, scanning license plates, and sending bespoke event notifications. Depending on the software and camera models you choose, the features are mostly the same.

 

7. Is there a maximum number of cameras that each system can handle?

Cloud solutions are quite flexible, so you can easily add more cameras without having to buy more hardware. The amount of available channels or storage space limits the NVR's capability; however, it can be increased by adding additional or better hardware.

 

8. Which system is more secure against theft or tampering?

As cloud security camera systems don't have video recorders on site, the footage is safe even if the actual place is broken into. The recordings are kept in the cloud. If hardware is stolen or damaged, video evidence could be lost unless an extra backup is kept off-site.