CCTV cameras have evolved tremendously over the years, and they offer huge versatility in their applications and purposes. One of the main questions that providers of CCTV installation Swindon consider for clients is the file format they are likely to want their recordings to be captured in. There are various options available, depending on the client’s needs. Let’s take a closer look.
The different CCTV footage formats available
Companies such as //apmfireandsecurity.com/cctv-installation/cctv-installation-swindon stock different brands of CCTV cameras, with a range of specifications and features. The CCTV footage can be stored in a wide range of outputs, including:
AVI, or Audio Video Interleave, contains video and audio data, but is typically larger in size than MP4, and the quality reduces with compression.
MP4 – known for its good video quality and compression, and very typically chosen for CCTV footage because it is small to save and easy to share. With every compression, there is a loss in quality and audio, however.
H.264, or Advanced Video Coding. This standard is used within MP4 formats and other types of files. It compresses videos superbly without compromising the resulting quality. This is a great choice if storage space is likely to be an issue.
H.265, or High-Efficiency Video Coding – HEVC, is a newer standard that offers even better compression and higher quality without higher bit rates. This reduces storage requirements and tends to be great for clients who need high-resolution formats for their video footage.
MOV, or QuickTime Movie, was developed by Apple to store audio, video, and other media types in one container format. It’s usually operated with the QuickTime program, and it’s easy to edit on a computer, with a high-res finish.
FLV, or Flash Video, is well known for online streaming, and it is used by some clients.
Which is best?
There is no ‘best’ type of file format, and the right decision will depend on individual needs such as video quality, storage, playback device compatibility, and the purpose of the system in use. The provider can help clients reach the best choice with these variables in mind.
