CCTV storage and retention planner

Describe your cameras in groups and set how long footage must be kept. The planner shows how many terabytes the recorder needs and how much bandwidth the cameras generate. It recalculates as you type.

How the estimate works: bitrate = pixels per frame x frames per second x bits per pixel. The bits per pixel figure starts from a typical H.264 stream at medium quality and medium scene activity, then is scaled by the codec, the image quality setting and the scene activity you pick. Storage = bitrate x recording time. Cameras on variable bitrate can swing well above or below these averages, and audio and metadata add a little more. 1 TB here means 1,000,000,000,000 bytes, the same as the figure printed on a drive.

Disclaimer. This planner is a general guide only and does not constitute professional engineering advice or a design, specification or quotation. Results depend on the inputs entered and on assumptions, including estimated bitrates, that may not match your cameras, recorder or scenes. iDLink Systems Pte Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense, whether direct or indirect, arising from the use of or reliance on this tool or its results, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Always verify requirements against camera and recorder datasheets and a test recording, and have a qualified professional confirm your design before purchase or installation.