Building My New Blue Iris CCTV Setup with PTZ Cameras
TLDRIn this video, the creator discusses his new CCTV setup using Reolink E1 Zoom cameras and a Blue Iris NVR, replacing his previous UniFi Protect system. The upgrade allows for more discreet indoor surveillance with pet camera-style devices and the added functionality of PTZ cameras for privacy. The video also covers the installation process, configuration of the NVR, and integration with his existing home automation system for a seamless surveillance experience.
Takeaways
- π The video discusses the installation of a new CCTV setup using Relink E1 Zoom cameras and a Blue Iris NVR as an alternative to the UniFi Protect system.
- π¦ The Relink cameras are chosen for their ONVIF compliance, Ethernet support, and PTZ capabilities, making them suitable for both pet monitoring and home security.
- π§ The cameras were set up with static IP addresses and configured for optimal performance, including adjusting bit rates and frame rates for efficient recording.
- π₯ The Blue Iris software was installed on a Dell OptiPlex 5070 Mini PC, which was chosen for its small form factor, low power consumption, and included Windows license.
- π The video covers the process of setting up and configuring Blue Iris, including adding cameras, adjusting settings, and utilizing the PTZ control features.
- π οΈ The setup allows for privacy protection by physically turning the cameras away from recording areas when at home, which is automated through the Blue Iris MQTT API and the alarm system.
- π‘ The video highlights the importance of understanding the different video streams (main and substream) and how they impact storage requirements and system performance.
- π The NVR was installed in a network cabinet, showcasing a clean and organized approach to system integration.
- π The video provides insights into the recording settings, including continuous, triggered, and periodic recording options, and how they can be tailored to suit different monitoring needs.
- π€ The integration of PTZ cameras with home automation systems is discussed, emphasizing the potential for enhanced security and convenience.
- π Overall, the video presents a comprehensive guide to setting up a Blue Iris-based CCTV system, highlighting the benefits of PTZ cameras and the flexibility of the software.
Q & A
What is the main purpose of the new CCTV setup the user is installing?
-The main purpose of the new CCTV setup is to enhance the user's current surveillance system with the addition of PTZ cameras for better control over what the cameras record while also maintaining privacy when at home.
Why does the user want to replace the existing UniFi Protect system?
-The user wants to replace the existing UniFi Protect system because it is a closed system that only works with UniFi cameras, which lack the desired PTZ cameras. Additionally, the user is looking for a more pet camera or baby monitor style rather than a professional CCTV appearance.
What are the key features of the Realink E1 Zoom cameras chosen by the user?
-The Realink E1 Zoom cameras are 5-megapixel, ONVIF compliant, and have PTZ capabilities, allowing them to pan, tilt, and zoom. They also have built-in Ethernet, which is a significant advantage for the user.
Why did the user choose Blue Iris as the NVR software?
-The user chose Blue Iris due to its compatibility with ONVIF cameras, its one-time cost without the need for additional licensing fees for more cameras, and its reputation for being a better option compared to other NVR software like Friga.
What type of hardware is the user running Blue Iris on?
-The user is running Blue Iris on a Dell OptiPlex 5070 Micro Mini PC, which has a low power consumption, includes a Windows license, and has enough processing power for video transcoding and handling multiple cameras.
How does the user plan to address privacy concerns when at home with the new CCTV setup?
-The user plans to use the PTZ capabilities of the cameras to physically turn them away from recording areas when at home, ensuring privacy. This setup will be integrated with the user's alarm system to automate the process.
What is the user's approach to handling storage concerns with the new CCTV setup?
-The user is using a 1 terabyte hard drive for storage and has configured the Blue Iris software to record a lower quality substream continuously for extended storage duration. They also plan to use the full quality stream only when motion is detected.
How does the user plan to integrate the CCTV setup with their home automation system?
-The user plans to use the MQTT API of Blue Iris to integrate the CCTV setup with their home automation system, allowing for automation of camera positions based on the arming and disarming of the alarm system.
What are the user's impressions of the Blue Iris interface and setup process?
-The user finds the Blue Iris interface and setup process to be not very intuitive initially and requires some learning and familiarization. However, once understood, the user is able to navigate and configure the system effectively.
What is the user's strategy for remote access and management of the NVR?
-The user has enabled remote desktop on the NVR machine, allowing them to connect and manage it remotely without having to access the machine physically located in their hallway comms cabinet.
How does the user plan to power the non-PoE capable PTZ cameras?
-The user plans to use PoE Splitters to provide both network and power connections to the cameras over a single Ethernet cable, allowing them to be powered over PoE despite not being PoE capable.
Outlines
π Home CCTV Setup Introduction
The video begins with the creator discussing his current home CCTV setup based on UniFi Protect, which includes a Cloud Key Gen 2 and various cameras. Despite its effectiveness, the creator wants to replace it due to several reasons, which will be discussed in the video. The main goal is to transition from a professional CCTV look to a more home-friendly camera style and to incorporate PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras for enhanced privacy and functionality.
π¦ Unboxing and Discussing the New Cameras
The creator presents the new Reolink E1 Zoom cameras chosen for their 5-megapixel resolution, ONVIF compliance, and PTZ capabilities. These cameras can be powered via Ethernet, which the creator prefers over Wi-Fi for reliability. However, the camera lacks Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, so the creator uses PoE Splitters to overcome this limitation. The cameras' design and features are discussed in detail, emphasizing their suitability for the creator's needs.
π» Choosing and Setting Up the NVR
The creator explains the choice of a Dell OptiPlex 5070 Micro Mini PC as the network video recorder (NVR) for Blue Iris software. This decision is based on the PC's small form factor, low power consumption, and inclusion of a Windows license. The creator also discusses the benefits of using a NAS for NVR functionality, but ultimately opts for the Blue Iris software for its compatibility and performance. The process of setting up the NVR, including installing Windows 11 Pro and configuring remote desktop access, is described.
π§ Building the NVR and Initial Configuration
The creator walks through the process of physically building the NVR by installing a hard drive and configuring the hardware. The importance of having a serviceable machine and the ease of accessing the internals are highlighted. The creator also discusses the initial software setup, including enabling remote desktop, disabling sleep mode, and formatting the hard drive for video storage. The installation and activation of Blue Iris are also covered.
π± Blue Iris Setup and Camera Configuration
The creator delves into the setup process of Blue Iris, including adding cameras, configuring settings, and adjusting for optimal video quality. The process involves setting static IP addresses, adjusting video streams, and enabling necessary protocols for connection with the NVR. The creator also discusses the challenges of learning and navigating the Blue Iris interface for the first time.
π₯ Understanding Blue Iris and Recording Settings
The creator explains the recording settings in Blue Iris, including options for continuous, triggered, and periodic recording. The concept of triggers and alerts for motion detection events is clarified. The creator also discusses the challenges of managing video storage and the strategy of using a lower bit rate substream for continuous recording while maintaining the ability to record high-quality video upon motion detection.
π΅οΈ PTZ Functionality and Integration
The creator explores the PTZ functionality of the cameras within Blue Iris, including the setup of presets and the use of the web interface for remote control. The process of configuring the cameras to turn away when at home and back to recording positions when away is detailed. The creator also discusses the integration of this functionality with the home automation system through Blue Iris's MQTT API.
π Final Thoughts and System Evaluation
The creator concludes the video by sharing his overall satisfaction with the new Blue Iris CCTV setup. Despite some initial challenges with the Blue Iris interface, the creator is happy with the performance and functionality of the system. The setup allows for privacy when at home and security when away, with the added benefit of home automation integration. The creator also discusses the physical installation of the cameras and the NVR in the home environment.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘CCTV setup
π‘PTZ cameras
π‘Blue Iris NVR
π‘UniFi Protect
π‘Ethernet
π‘POE (Power over Ethernet)
π‘Home automation integration
π‘MQTT API
π‘Remote desktop
π‘Variable bit rate recording
Highlights
Installing a new CCTV setup using R link cameras and a Blue Iris NVR as an alternative to the UniFi Protect system.
The desire to replace the current UniFi Protect system is due to the lack of compatible PTZ cameras and the need for a more pet-friendly camera design.
The new PTZ cameras allow for the ability to physically turn away for privacy when at home, and back towards the room when away.
The chosen Realink E1 Zoom cameras are ONVIF compliant, which enables compatibility with various NVRs, including the Blue Iris system.
The decision to use Blue Iris over other NVR solutions was influenced by its scalability, one-time cost, and compatibility with Windows.
A Dell OptiPlex 7070 Micro Mini PC was selected for running Blue Iris due to its small form factor, low power consumption, and included Windows license.
The installation process of the new CCTV system involves setting up the cameras, configuring the Blue Iris software, and integrating the PTZ control.
The PTZ cameras have built-in Ethernet, which allows for a wired connection rather than relying on Wi-Fi for a more stable setup.
Using PoE splitters and adapters, the cameras can be powered over Ethernet, even though they are not PoE capable out of the box.
The Blue Iris software requires some learning and patience, but once understood, it offers a lot of flexibility and control over the CCTV system.
The new setup allows for recording in both high-quality and sub-stream quality, with the latter being used for continuous recording to save storage space.
The integration of the CCTV system with the home alarm system enables the cameras to turn away and disable recording when the user is at home.
The user's experience with the new system has been positive, noting that it performs better than expected, especially when accessed remotely.
The final setup has the NVR neatly installed in a hallway comms cabinet, showcasing the compact and practical nature of the system.
The user concludes by expressing satisfaction with the new setup, highlighting the added functionality and automation capabilities.