Select the number of cameras expected to be recording. You can mix and match different cameras and resolutions. For example, if you are considering (3) 5 megapixel cameras and (5) 4K cameras, then the total count would be (8) cameras.

Select the total number of days you would like the system to store recorded video for all cameras.

Each camera can be programmed to record on continuous and motion activated schedules. They can be set to Continuous Recording (record 24 hours) or Motion Recording (record when motion is detected) - or a combination of both.

Cameras with different resolutions can be used on the same system. For example, a system may have several 3K cameras, several 4K cameras and perhaps some PTZ cameras. All can record in different resolutions. When calculating hard drive storage, we recommend using your best judgement. If most of the cameras are 4K resolution then it is reasonable to select 4K (8 megapixel). If half of the cameras are 4K and half are 3K, then we recommend selecting the higher resolution; in this case being 4K resolution.

Live video is 30 frames per second (fps). This produces the smoothest video but also the largest file sizes. For reference, Hollywood Movies are filmed at 24fps. Since the human eye does not commonly notice a drastic difference between 30fps and 20fps, you can choose to use 20-24fps for storage calculations. This simple reduction in frames provides a 27-30% increase in the total number of days stored. Even lower low frame rates (such as 15fps) will decrease the hard drive size needed or increase the total number of days that can be stored.