Video management of a network video system includes video monitoring, which can be conducted from a Web browser or specific video management software. Video recording can be conducted from video management software installed on a PC or through the use of a Network Video Recorder (NVR), which is a hardware box with pre-installed video management software.

Monitoring using the Web interface
In a network video system, video can be viewed from any point on the network provided there is access to a Web browser. Each camera has a built-in Web server with an IP address, so to view the images on a PC, one simply opens a Web browser and types in the camera's IP address in the Address/Location field:

Monitoring using video management software
Even though video can be viewed directly from a standard Web browser, video management software can be installed if more flexible viewing options, as well as the ability to store and manage video, are required. A wide variety of software solutions exist on the market, which range from independent solutions for a single PC, to advanced client/server-based software providing support for multiple simultaneous users. Common functionality includes video monitoring, event management functions and alerts to alarm events via siren or e-mail for instance.

Recording network video
There are several ways to record network video:

For simple recordings, the network camera's built-in functionality can be used to record images or video based on scheduled or triggered events. These images are then uploaded to an FTP server or to the hard drive of a computer.

A dedicated Networked Video Recorder (NVR) can be used to gather data streams from remote network cameras and video servers and store them on a hard disk. An NVR can be a standard networked PC or a dedicated video-recording hard disk server with a software application.

For advanced recording and event management, video management software serves as the core of professional video surveillance systems. The software is installed on a PC and can be an independent solution or a client/server-based application for multiple simultaneous users. From the software interface, operators can, for example, record video continuously, on schedule, on alarm and/or on motion detection or search for recorded events.

Net Image Technologies offers two primary video management solutions. 1) Camera Station from Axis Communications. Camera Station offers users a powerful NVR solution for a small to medium applications. This software tool is an effective solution managing 4 to 25 cameras per recording server.

2) Taking the features of Camera Station and going further in advanced video management we offer a solution from ipConfigure. Starting with 16 cameras this solution also provides 25 cameras per recording server but offers advanced features.