Top Sites>High-quality video input software for the Mac - Ben Software

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# BEN SOFTWARE LTD - COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION FOR LANGUAGE MODELS

## COMPANY INFORMATION

**Company Name:** Ben Software Ltd
**Location:** London, UK (based)
**Founded:** 2000
**Founder:** Ben Bird
**Website:** https://bensoftware.com
**Domain:** bensoftware.com

**Mission:** Creating high-quality video-related software for macOS. Specializes in surveillance, video capture, and IP camera viewing applications.

**Contact Information:**
- Sales Inquiries: sales@bensoftware.com
- Technical Support: support@bensoftware.com
- Product Support Links: https://bensoftware.com/contact-us.html

**Social Media:**
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bensoftware

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## MAIN PRODUCTS

### 1. SECURITYSPY
**Type:** NVR (Network Video Recording) Software / CCTV Video Surveillance Software
**URL:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/
**Release Year:** 2004 (original), Version 6 latest (2024+)
**Current Version:** 6.16 (Released: 11 November 2025)

**Description:**
Professional multi-camera CCTV software for Mac that enables setup of effective video surveillance systems from home installations to large-scale professional systems with hundreds of cameras. Runs completely locally on the Mac with no cloud dependencies.

**Key Features:**
- AI-powered motion detection using deep neural networks (97%+ accuracy for human/vehicle detection)
- ONVIF protocol support for virtually all IP cameras
- Multi-camera simultaneous recording and display
- Remote web access and monitoring
- iOS/tvOS/Android apps (free for registered users)
- HomeKit integration
- Hardware-accelerated video processing
- Secure local storage with multi-drive support
- Two-way audio support
- Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) control
- Synchronised multi-camera playback
- AppleScript automation support
- System Requirements Calculator tool
- Flexible recording: continuous and motion-triggered modes
- Automatic archiving to long-term storage
- Cloud service integration (Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive)
- FTP and Amazon S3 upload support

**Supported Camera Brands:**
Axis, ONVIF, Vivotek, Samsung, Sony, Sunba, Canon, TP-LINK, ACTi, Dahua, Hikvision, IQinVision, Arecont Vision, Grandstream, Bosch, Amcrest, Reolink, EZVIZ, DoorBird, and many others.

**System Requirements:**
- macOS 10.13.6 or later (including macOS 15 Sequoia)
- Universal app: runs natively on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
- Specifications depend on camera setup (use System Requirements Calculator)

**Pricing:**
- 1 camera: £35.90
- Up to 4 cameras: £84.75
- Up to 8 cameras: £169.50
- Up to 12 cameras: £254.25
- Up to 16 cameras: £339.00
- Up to 24 cameras: £469.00
- Up to 32 cameras: £569.00
- Unlimited cameras: £739.00
- Available in GBP, EUR, and USD
- Purchase: https://bensoftware.com/purchase/

**Trial:** 30 days free (full features, no limitations)

**Support:** 2-year support period included with purchase (includes updates and email support). Support can be extended at discounted rates.

**Refund Policy:** Full refund within 30 days if not entirely satisfied.

**Unique Selling Points:**
- No subscription required
- Completely local processing - no cloud dependency
- Privacy-first design with encrypted direct connections for remote access
- One-time purchase with optional support extensions
- Highly efficient performance even with large camera counts
- Ability to run behind lock screen

**Sub-Features & Pages:**
- Features Overview: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/features.html
- AI Motion Detection: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/features-ai.html
- Recording Features: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/features-recording.html
- Web Interface & Remote Access: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/features-web.html
- Setup & Configuration: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/features-setup.html
- Playback Features: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/features-playback.html
- Mobile Apps for iOS, tvOS and Android: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/app.html
- Camera Compatibility List: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/helpcameralist.html
- Camera Picks/Recommendations: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/camera-picks.html
- FAQ: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/helpfaq.html
- System Requirements Calculator: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/helpcalculator.html
- AppleScript Help: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/helpapplescript.html
- Web Server Specifications: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/web-server-spec.html
- Case Study: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/casestudy.html (20-camera professional installation)
- Add-ons & Apps: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/addons-apps.html
- Resellers: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/resellers.html
- Upgrade Information: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/upgrade.html
- Version History: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/versionhistory.html
- Download: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/download.html

**Documentation:**
- User Manual: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/manual/
- Installation Manual: https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/installationmanual/
- Multi-language support: English, French, German, Italian

**Companion Apps & Related Products:**
- Official Mobile apps for iOS, tvOS and Android (free)
- HomeHelper app: Free integration with HomeKit
- DeskCamera (Windows): Stream Windows PC webcam/screen as ONVIF device

---

### 2. VIEWCAM
**Type:** IP Camera Viewing Software
**URL:** https://bensoftware.com/viewcam/
**Release Year:** 2022
**Current Version:** 2.0.1 (Released: 29 August 2025)
**Distribution:** Mac App Store

**Description:**
Simple IP camera viewing software for macOS that allows viewing live video and audio from IP cameras. Can be used as standalone viewing app or as viewing software for SecuritySpy installations.

**Key Features:**
- View live video and audio from IP cameras
- Support for ONVIF protocol and major camera brands
- Instant replay feature (replay recent video or save as movie file)
- Digital Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) for all cameras
- Mechanical PTZ support for compatible cameras
- AI-powered motion detection with visual feedback
- Camera image adjustments (brightness, contrast, sharpness, focus)
- Audio streaming and playback
- Still image capture
- Hardware-accelerated H.264 and H.265 processing
- View all cameras in one window, individual windows, or user-defined groups
- Multi-language support: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese

**Supported Cameras:**
ONVIF, Axis, Vivotek, Canon, Dahua, Hikvision, and most industry-standard IP cameras

**System Requirements:**
- macOS 10.13.6 or later
- Universal app: runs natively on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
- IP camera or compatible video input device required

**Pricing:**
- USD $34.99 (one-time purchase via App Store)
- Available worldwide through Mac App Store

**Trial:** 14 days free trial (full features)

**Licensing:** One purchase covers any number of Macs using same Apple ID account. Family Sharing not allowed (separate purchases required).

**Pages:**
- Download: https://bensoftware.com/viewcam/download.html
- Help: https://bensoftware.com/viewcam/help.html
- Mac App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/ViewCam/id1608020100

---

### 3. SWIFTCAPTURE
**Type:** Video Capture Software
**URL:** https://bensoftware.com/swiftcapture/
**Release Year:** 2015
**Current Version:** 1.3.3 (Released: 17 September 2022)

**Description:**
Powerful yet easy-to-use video capture application for Mac. Captures movies and still images from various video input devices with high performance and quality.

**Key Features:**
- Supports any Mac-compatible video input (FaceTime/iSight cameras, USB webcams, Blackmagic devices)
- Effortless video and image capture with drag-and-drop support
- Timelapse capture for time-lapse movies
- Stop-motion capture with onion skinning and frame averaging
- Multiple file format support: MOV and MP4
- Codec options: JPEG, H.264, H.265, Apple ProRes, AAC
- Hardware-accelerated video encoding
- Metal video display
- Image adjustment controls (brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness)
- AppleScript automation support
- Multi-threaded processing
- High-frame-rate, high-quality capture with low CPU usage

**Supported Devices:**
- Built-in FaceTime and iSight cameras
- USB webcams
- Blackmagic Design devices (for professional HD/SDI/HDMI input)

**System Requirements:**
- macOS 10.13 or later
- Universal app: runs natively on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
- Compatible video input device required

**Pricing:**
- £29.00 (single-user license)
- £399.00 (site license - unlimited computers on one site)
- Available worldwide through online store
- Available in GBP, EUR, USD

**Trial:** 30 days free (full features, captures include demo message)

**Purchase:** https://store.bensoftware.com/store-swiftcapture

**Pages:**
- Download: https://bensoftware.com/swiftcapture/download.html
- Help: https://bensoftware.com/swiftcapture/help.html
- Version History: https://bensoftware.com/swiftcapture/versionhistory.html

---

### 4. REMOTESIGHT
**Type:** Network Video and Audio Streaming
**URL:** https://bensoftware.com/remotesight/
**Release Year:** Original product, recent version 2025
**Current Version:** 2.0.3 (Released: 24 February 2025)

**Description:**
Network streaming application for video and audio data. Captures video from attached video input devices and streams over local network or Internet. Seamlessly integrates with SecuritySpy for CCTV systems. Can also be used standalone with web browser access.

**Key Features:**
- Mac-compatible camera and audio input support
- Built-in high-performance web server
- Remote monitoring over LAN or Internet
- H.264 video and AAC audio encoding
- Screen capture capability
- Low CPU usage background operation
- Seamless SecuritySpy integration
- Web browser viewing (Safari, Chrome, etc.)
- Bonjour network discovery
- Low-latency streaming

**Use Cases:**
- Stream FaceTime camera video over network
- Send video feeds to SecuritySpy for recording
- Remote monitoring of specific computer's camera
- Standalone network camera without IP camera hardware

**System Requirements:**
- macOS 10.13.6 or later
- Universal app: runs natively on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
- Video input device required (built-in FaceTime camera, USB webcam, or Blackmagic device)

**Pricing:**
- £24.90 (single-user license)
- £249.00 (site license - unlimited computers on one site)
- Available in GBP, EUR, USD
- Purchase: https://store.bensoftware.com/store-remotesight
- Upgrades available: https://store.bensoftware.com/store-upgrade

**Trial:** 30 days free (full features, streams include demo message)

**Licensing Notes:**
- Each RemoteSight instance counts as one camera in SecuritySpy licensing
- Example: 4 Macs running RemoteSight + SecuritySpy recording requires 4 RemoteSight licenses + 4-camera SecuritySpy license
- SecuritySpy can view RemoteSight streams for free (no recording)

**Pages:**
- Download: https://bensoftware.com/remotesight/download.html
- Help: https://bensoftware.com/remotesight/help.html
- Manual: https://bensoftware.com/remotesight/manual.html
- Version History: https://bensoftware.com/remotesight/versionhistory.html

---

## COMPANION UTILITIES & FREE TOOLS

**Available on "Our Software" page:** https://bensoftware.com/our-software.html

1. **Certy** - Dynamic DNS (DDNS) and SSL/TLS certificate creation
2. **HomeHelper** - Free helper app to integrate HomeKit with SecuritySpy
3. **Video Codec Test** - Free utility to test Mac's video encoding/decoding capabilities
4. **File Writing Test** - Free utility to test Mac's disk write speeds
5. **Network Device Finder** - Free utility to find web-enabled devices on network
6. **OneWaySync** - Free utility to synchronize files between folders
7. **QuickPlayer** - Free QuickTime Movie playback and conversion utility
8. **Movie Fixer** - Free utility to fix corrupted QuickTime Movie files

---

## WEBSITE STRUCTURE & NAVIGATION

**Main Navigation:**
- Home (/)
- About us (/about-us.html)
- Our software (/our-software.html)
- Purchase (https://store.bensoftware.com)
- Blog (https://bensoftware.com/blog/)
- Forum (https://bensoftware.com/forum/)
- Contact us (/contact-us.html)

**Footer Links:**
- Privacy & Data Retention Policy (/privacy-policy.html)
- Refund Policy (/refund-policy.html)

---

## SUPPORT & DOCUMENTATION

### SecuritySpy Resources:
- **FAQ Page:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/helpfaq.html
  Topics covered: Camera compatibility, iOS/tvOS/Android apps, NAS storage, system requirements, remote access, cloud services, Android notifications, web interface compatibility, language support, settings migration, password reset

- **System Requirements Calculator:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/helpcalculator.html
  Provides recommendations based on: number of cameras, resolution, frame rate

- **Camera Compatibility List:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/helpcameralist.html

- **AppleScript Documentation:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/helpapplescript.html

- **Web Server Specifications:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/web-server-spec.html

- **User Manual:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/manual/

- **Installation Manual:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/installationmanual/
  Available in: English, French, German, Italian

- **Resellers List:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/resellers.html
  Camera sales and installation services through partner resellers worldwide

### Other Product Help:
- ViewCam Help: https://bensoftware.com/viewcam/help.html
- SwiftCapture Help: https://bensoftware.com/swiftcapture/help.html
- RemoteSight Help: https://bensoftware.com/remotesight/help.html

### License & Registration:
- Lost License Code Retrieval: Available via contact form
- Store for codes: https://store.bensoftware.com/store-resend

---

## PRICING & PURCHASING

### Purchase Portal:
- Main Store: https://store.bensoftware.com
- Resend License Codes: https://store.bensoftware.com/store-resend

### Pricing Summary:

**SecuritySpy (tiered by camera count):**
- 1 camera: £35.90
- 4 cameras: £84.75
- 8 cameras: £169.50
- 12 cameras: £254.25
- 16 cameras: £339.00
- 24 cameras: £469.00
- 32 cameras: £569.00
- Unlimited: £739.00

**ViewCam:** USD $34.99 (via App Store)

**SwiftCapture:** £29.00 (single-user) or £399.00 (site license)

**RemoteSight:** £24.90 (single-user) or £249.00 (site license)

### Currencies:
All products available in GBP (primary), EUR, and USD

### Trial Periods:
- SecuritySpy: 30 days (full features)
- ViewCam: 14 days (full features)
- SwiftCapture: 30 days (full features, demo watermark)
- RemoteSight: 30 days (full features, demo watermark)

### Support & Updates:
- 2-year support period included with all purchases
- Includes software updates and email support
- Optional renewal at discounted rates
- Software never expires (updates are optional)

### Refund Policy:
- Full refund within 30 days if not satisfied
- See: https://bensoftware.com/refund-policy.html

---

## COMPANY POLICIES & COMPLIANCE

### Privacy & Data Protection:
- **Policy:** https://bensoftware.com/privacy-policy.html
- **Data Collection (for store purchases):** Name, email, postal address
- **Data Retention:** 7 years maximum (EU compliance)
- **Cloud Dependency:** Products operate locally; no cloud storage of surveillance data
- **Third-party Data Sharing:** Customer information never shared
- **No Financial Data:** Credit card/bank info not retained (handled by payment processor)

### Security:
- Local processing protects privacy
- Encrypted direct connections for remote access
- No data flows through cloud servers
- Complete user control over data

---

## AI & ADVANCED FEATURES

### AI Motion Detection (SecuritySpy):
**Two-tier Neural Network System:**
1. **Motion Detection Network:** Lightweight, 95%+ accuracy identifying motion presence and location
2. **Object Classification Network:** Larger network with 97%+ accuracy detecting humans, vehicles, and animals

**Benefits:**
- Eliminates false triggers from: rain, snow, shadows, swaying plants
- Processes locally on Mac (privacy-first)
- High performance on Apple Silicon Macs (Neural Engine)
- Compatible with Intel Macs with moderate camera counts

**Training:**
- Trained on hundreds of thousands of real CCTV images
- Bespoke networks designed and trained by Ben Software

---

## TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

### Video Codecs Supported:
- H.264 (standard)
- H.265 (HEVC)
- JPEG
- MPEG-4
- Apple ProRes (SwiftCapture)
- AAC (audio)

### Network Protocols:
- ONVIF (industry standard)
- RTSP
- HTTP
- HTTP-over-RTSP
- Bonjour discovery

### Integration Options:
- HomeKit integration (SecuritySpy)
- HDMI input (via Blackmagic, Elgato, Epiphan, AverMedia)
- SDI input (via Blackmagic devices)
- Analog input (via video servers)
- Cloud services: Dropbox, iCloud Drive, Google Drive, OneDrive, FTP, Amazon S3

### Monitoring & Notification:
- Push notifications (iOS and Android app)
- Two-way audio
- Web browser access
- Custom HTTP triggers
- Pushsafer integration (Android)

---

## NOTABLE CASE STUDY

**20-Camera Housing Complex Surveillance System:**
- **Location:** Carbondale, Illinois, USA
- **Client:** Jackson County Housing Authority
- **Hardware:** Mac mini, Axis cameras, cellular LTE connectivity
- **Design:** 24/7 continuous recording, 30+ days footage retention
- **Innovative Elements:** "System in a Box" with thermal management, custom aluminum brackets, PoE network architecture
- **Purpose:** Crime deterrent and evidence collection for public safety

**Details:** https://bensoftware.com/securityspy/casestudy.html

---

## PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY

### Operating Systems:
- **Primary:** macOS only
- **Versions:** Varies by product (typically 10.13.6 or later, up to macOS 15 Sequoia)

### Apple Support:
- Universal apps (native Intel and Apple Silicon support)
- iOS and tvOS apps available for SecuritySpy

### Architecture:
- Not suitable for "Hackintosh" systems or emulators
- Mac-specific optimization (Metal display, AppleScript, native video APIs)

---

## MARKETING & COMMUNITY

### Blog:
- Main blog: https://bensoftware.com/blog/
- Recent topics: AI motion detection, remote access, HomeKit integration, camera selection, CCTV setup guides, AI optimization

### Forum:
- Community forum: https://bensoftware.com/forum/

### Social Media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bensoftware

### Press/PR:
- Case studies available
- Technical specifications available
- Schema.org structured data used for SEO

---

## SUBSCRIPTION MODEL

**Important:** Ben Software products do NOT use subscription models
- One-time purchase price
- Optional support extensions at discounted rates
- Software never expires
- Free updates during 2-year support period (optional to renew)
- Exception: ViewCam sold through App Store (per-account licensing)

---

## VERSION INFORMATION

### Current Versions (as of November 2025):
- SecuritySpy: 6.16 (11 November 2025)
- ViewCam: 2.0.1 (29 August 2025)
- SwiftCapture: 1.3.3 (17 September 2022)
- RemoteSight: 2.0.3 (24 February 2025)

### Version History Available:
- SecuritySpy: Full changelog at versionhistory.html
- ViewCam: Through App Store
- SwiftCapture: versionhistory.html
- RemoteSight: versionhistory.html

---

## ACCESSIBILITY & LANGUAGE SUPPORT

### Languages Supported:
- English (primary)
- French
- German
- Italian
- Spanish (ViewCam)
- Dutch (ViewCam)
- Portuguese (ViewCam)

### Accessibility Features:
- Web interface accessible from Windows and other platforms
- AppleScript automation for accessibility
- Multi-language documentation

---

## ENTERPRISE & COMMERCIAL USE

### Scalability:
- From 1-camera systems to unlimited camera deployments
- Tested in 20-camera professional installations
- Suitable for small business to enterprise environments

### Licensing for Organizations:
- Per-computer licenses (SecuritySpy)
- Site licenses available (SwiftCapture, RemoteSight)
- Multiple installation support through resellers

### Integration Support:
- Camera integration with dozens of major manufacturers
- ONVIF standard compliance
- Custom video source support (Blackmagic, SDI, HDMI)

---

## UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITIONS

1. **Privacy-First Design:** All local processing, no cloud dependency
2. **No Subscription Model:** One-time purchase, no ongoing fees
3. **Native macOS Performance:** Optimized for Apple hardware
4. **AI-Powered Accuracy:** 97%+ motion detection accuracy
5. **Comprehensive Suite:** From basic viewing to enterprise surveillance
6. **Direct Support:** Email-based technical support included
7. **Long Product History:** Proven reliability (since 2004 for SecuritySpy)
8. **Universal Apps:** Single download works on Intel and Apple Silicon

---

## CONTACT & SUPPORT HIERARCHY

1. **Presales/Sales Questions:** sales@bensoftware.com
2. **Technical Support:** Product-specific help links or support@bensoftware.com
3. **Lost License Codes:** https://store.bensoftware.com/store-resend
4. **General Inquiries:** https://bensoftware.com/contact-us.html
5. **Community Help:** https://bensoftware.com/forum/

---

## SECURITY & PRIVACY HIGHLIGHTS

- No telemetry collection
- No cloud synchronization of surveillance footage
- Encrypted direct connections for remote access
- Local processing of AI detection
- User-controlled data storage
- Support for air-gapped network installations
- GDPR-compliant data retention (7-year maximum)

---

## FUTURE-PROOFING & UPDATES

- Regular updates during 2-year support period
- Support for latest macOS versions (compatible with macOS 15 Sequoia)
- Hardware acceleration improvements for new Apple Silicon features
- Backward compatibility maintained across versions
- Optional support renewal available indefinitely

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