There are several video analytics software packages available all promising to deliver cutting edge security intelligence at the most competitive prices. However with so many options to choose from, selecting the right one can be challenging. That’s why we’ve decided to create this buyers guide. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision and save your money and time in choosing the most suitable one.
So, here are the best video analytic tools out there!
Genius Vision Features
There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.
Pros
Works in depth with many types of camera
The tools are very sophisticated and accurate
The drop down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out
Cons
Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website
Setting up the remote features is difficult
You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected
Deskshare IP Camera Viewer
The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.
Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features
Live recording, playback, and split screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.
Pros
It is compatible with many types of camera brand
You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want
Adjust the properties of each camera individually
Cons
Installing is very difficult to do correctly
Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content
The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software
Anycam
The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with mostly any type of camera. The interface is basic, but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.
Anycam Features
Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.
Pros
The program seems to work with any type of camera
Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates
Installing and setup is very easy
Cons
Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly
The free version only allows two cameras to be linked
Recording is very limited with the free version
ContaCam
In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.
ContaCam Features
Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.
Pros
A rather advanced piece of software
The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing
You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds
Cons
The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all
ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing
The developers say this will never work with mobile devices
Agent DVR
The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.
Agent DVR Features
The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of camera. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.
Pros
A very simple and lightweight piece of software
Works all the way back to Windows 7
It still works with motion detection systems
Cons
Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years
Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10
The interface looks very dated compared to modern camera software
NetCam Studio
There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.
After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.
The NetCam Studio Features
If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.
The paid features include up to 64 sources, no water marks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.
Pros
The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications
You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands
Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs
Cons
The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly
They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure
Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult
Security Eye
The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).
Security Eye Features
You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.
Pros
It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec
The full version has no nag screen or recording limit
The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software
Cons
Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space
Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor
The icons should be more intuitive
Perfect Surveillance
There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.
Perfect Surveillance Features
Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefit. Determine when the cameras start monitoring, and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.
Pros
A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner
Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do
The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices
Cons
Installing seems overly long and bloated
There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected
They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots.
iVideon
There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.
iVideon Features
One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.
Pros
Online home use and access is completely full featured and freeware
It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps
Pros
Online home use and access is completely full featured and freeware
It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps
it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface
Cons
Seems rather light on features
Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial
Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems.
Conclusion
Video analytics is a powerful application that uses advanced technology to capture, analyze and interpret audiovisual data from a variety of digital sensors. Video analytic software applications combine computer vision and image processing with machine learning algorithms to detect, recognize and track objects within a surveillance system to make tightened security measures more effective against various threats.