GeoVision vs. AVerMedia Surveillance Software Overview

October 8, 2009 by sreiland
Filed under: AVerMedia, Comparisons, GeoVision, Reviews, Software 

There are several clear differences between the GeoVision and AVerMedia central monitoring software suites. Here are a few key points that will hopefully help you decide which system you would like to utilize for your next surveillance installation.

GeoVision Central Monitoring Station

From the standpoint of an experienced technician, it feels like more thought has been put into designing GeoVision’s Products. The graphical user interface (GUI) is much more attractive and clean, and you have a different login for each user. If an administrator logs in, he or she has admin rights and does not have to enter a username and password time and again.

There are also many more advanced options for fully utilizing the GeoVision software. The average user should have no difficulty using it for simple monitoring purposes, though. For more advanced applications, such as projecting different security cameras onto separate monitors, repairing archived video footage, having more control over your GeoVision DVR Cards, or integrating IP cameras into your existing system, the possibilities are numerous.

When it comes to tying in different manufacturers’ products, however, GeoVision is not quite “user friendly.” Unless you are using one of GeoVision’s products with your GeoVision DVR Software, you will have to pony up a significant amount of money to integrate non-GeoVision security cameras and other equipment.

AVerMedia Central Monitoring Software

The AVerMedia digital surveillance software is built with a larger focus on the average user. Once setup, software is relatively self explanatory and somewhat painless to work with. Both software suites are menu-driven, but accessing options within the AVerMedia CMS is a cinch.

Like GeoVision, though, AVerMedia does have its drawbacks. You have to type in a password several times when you are accessing setup menus, minimizing or closing the software, etc. Also, some of the tweaks and tricks readily available in GeoVision’s software are not easily accessible in AVerMedia’s.

I will give kudos to the engineers at AVerMedia, though, because their system is not nearly as proprietary-minded as GeoVision’s. Without buying a special device to incorporate non-AVerMedia products, you can easily augment the software with various other security cameras and equipment. From IP cameras to POS devices, adding non-proprietary products to AVerMedia’s software can be easily and cost-effectively accomplished.

Depending on your level of technical sophistication, either of these products is perfect for the average user. However, if you are a “techie” or like to tinker, Geovision may be the better choice for you!

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Comments

16 Comments on GeoVision vs. AVerMedia Surveillance Software Overview

  1. Amir on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 8:25 am

    2. Another software-related plus for GeoVision is their new Turbo Mode feature which allows FPS (Frames Per Second) not to drop as much when you increase the recording resolution.

    Also, not software-related, but important:
    GeoVision offers a 3 Year Warranty, whereas AverMedia offers a 2 year Warranty.

  2. Herman on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 9:01 am

    3. Geovision does a awsome job with there software updates it seems like every time I turn around I see a new update. They are on top of there market.

  3. sreiland on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 9:12 am

    4. This is definitely something worth considering. And you make a very good point, Amir. I’d definitely consider a 3 year warranty before a 2 year warranty. There are pro’s and con’s for each manufacturer’s products. Avermedia recently came out with their NV9000 card… I will have to say that the live video from this thing is incredibly sharp – almost HiDef sharp!

  4. Sallie on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 10:45 am

    5. What does it take to integrate a non-GeoVision product with the GV software?

  5. sreiland on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 10:59 am

    6. It depends. What non-Geovision product do you mean? If it is an IP camera, there are a variety of IP cameras that the Geovision software supports. If your camera is not supported by the Geovision software, there is a “dongle” that you can purchase (from Geovision or ApexCCTV) that will allow you to integrate this camera. Does this answer your question, Sallie?

  6. Amir on Fri, 9th Oct 2009 11:52 am

    7. Sallie :
    What does it take to integrate a non-GeoVision product with the GV software?

    For 3rd party IP cameras that are supported by GeoVision’s software, you will need a 3rd Party IP camera license. They offer licenses for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 16 cameras.

    Supported 3rd party IP cameras can be seen at the following link:
    http://www.geovision.com.tw/english/product/GV-NVRV83_Spec.htm

  7. Sallie on Mon, 12th Oct 2009 1:49 pm

    8. Amir :

    Sallie :
    What does it take to integrate a non-GeoVision product with the GV software?

    For 3rd party IP cameras that are supported by GeoVision’s software, you will need a 3rd Party IP camera license. They offer licenses for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 16 cameras.
    Supported 3rd party IP cameras can be seen at the following link:
    http://www.geovision.com.tw/english/product/GV-NVRV83_Spec.htm

    Thanks!

  8. Kevin on Wed, 14th Oct 2009 8:21 am

    9. how about a feature comparison table?

  9. JB on Fri, 16th Oct 2009 5:51 am

    10. Thanks for the overview of the systems!

  10. Shaun Reiland on Fri, 16th Oct 2009 11:52 am

    11. Currently, JB, ApexCCTV does not have a comparison table… per se. Exactly what correlative information were you curious about?

  11. Amir on Fri, 16th Oct 2009 12:21 pm

    12. Another big feature that gets requested a lot is viewing cameras with an Apple iPhone. I have successfully got remote viewing GeoVision on an iPhone to work and it works very well. For you iPhone users out there, the app you will need to download from the AppStore is called, “GV-iView”. To my knowledge, AverMedia does not have a solution at this time for remote viewing on an iPhone.

  12. Z924 on Tue, 20th Oct 2009 5:13 pm

    13. Do you have any info on either manufacturer’s SDK?

  13. Shaun Reiland on Wed, 21st Oct 2009 10:33 am

    14. No, Z924. This information is something that you would need to ask Avermedia of Geovision, directly.

  14. Sammy on Tue, 27th Oct 2009 5:42 pm

    15. This is great info!! Thanks!!

  15. CK on Mon, 14th Dec 2009 11:36 am

    16. Excellent information. : )

  16. Surveillance software on Mon, 10th Jan 2011 6:09 am

    17. I dropped here from Google and I should say you have really put great time and effort.

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