Some countries known for producing electronic and security equipment include the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and several European countries. Keep in mind that the global supply chain is interconnected, and components from various countries may be used in the production of a single device.

Security Camera Manufacturers

Axis Communication

Origin: Sweden

Made in: China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hungary, Israel, Sweden

All Axis products are compliant with NDAA

Axis Communications AB is a Swedish manufacturer of network cameras. Axis primarily operates in physical security and video surveillance industries.

Axis referred to a statement confirming their “entire product portfolio” is NDAA-compliant. Axis added that past non-compliant products could still be available from resellers, saying: “Previously we used HiSilicon chipsets in a very small number of products (Companion hardware products). It’s possible that some of these products still can be purchased by some of our resellers, but today Axis only offers NDAA-compliant products.”

Best Selling Axis NDAA Products

See the list of Axis NDAA compliant products

Bosch

Origin: Germany

Made in: Germany, China, Vietnam, Israel, Belgium

US-Listed Bosch Products are compliant with NDAA

Bosch, is a German multinational engineering and technology company headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany.

Bosch referred to a statement confirming their US listed products portfolio is NDAA-compliant and moving forward, all products manufactured for the U.S. market will be NDAA compliant as well.

Bosch also shared a list of products that manufactured in Portugal and Mexico. Portugal and Mexico are countries that are included in the Trade Act Agreement. This means that the listed products are TAA compliant.

Best Selling Bosch NDAA Products

See the list of Bosch NDAA compliant products

Mobotix

Origin: Germany

Made in: Germany

All Mobotix products are compliant with NDAA

MOBOTIX is a leading manufacturer of premium-quality intelligent IP video systems. MOBOTIX was founded in 1999 and is based in Langmeil, Germany.

Mobotix referred to a statement confirming their “entire product portfolio” is 100 percent NDAA-compliant.

“MOBOTIX is fully committed to adhering to NDAA Sec 889 (a)(1)(B) guidelines. We are not allowing any substantial or essential component from a supplier that is named in this section. This includes any component necessary for the proper function or performance of a product or system.”

Best Selling Mobotix NDAA Products

See the list of Mobotix NDAA compliant products

Pelco

Origin: United States

Made in: United States

All Pelco products are compliant with NDAA

Pelco Incorporated is an American-based security and surveillance technologies company, founded in 1957 and headquartered in Fresno, California.

“Pelco product lines do not use or incorporate any essential components or critical technology including SoCs produced by NDAA banned component vendors, nor does Pelco OEM any product lines produced by NDAA banned manufacturers. Also, Pelco was acquired by Motorola and Motorola has declared its intention to also make Pelco products in the USA.”

However, Pelco shared list of 4 GFC Professional series products that non-compliant.

Best Selling Pelco NDAA Products

See the list of Pelco NDAA compliant products

Arecont Vision

Origin: United States

Made in: Taiwan

Arecont Vision has mixed of NDAA-Compliant and Non-Compliant Products

Arecont Vision Costar, LLC is a US-based company founded in 2018 to offer complete video surveillance solutions to customers around the world.

The entire MegaIP camera family, all of the Contera NVRs models include both NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act H. R. 2500) and ONVIF compliance. By the Q3/Q4 of 2021 most of the newer Contera line of cameras will be NDAA as well. Here the Arecont Vision Costar’s NDAA compl

Digital Watchdog

Origin: United States

Made in: Korea

Digital Watchdog products are mostly compliant with NDAA

DW is the industry leader in digital recorders, surveillance cameras and management software. Founded 1987 and engineered in the USA and Korea.

Digital Watchdog referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“The following Digital Watchdog cameras, encoders, network video recorders (NVRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs) which do not use or deploy critical components, nor include SoCs produced by NDAA banned component vendors, are compliant with the NDAA.

The products listed below are compliant with GSA Schedules and have been deemed TAA compliant as the final products have been manufactured and substantially transformed within the United States and South Korea, both approved signatory countries designated by the TAA.”

Best Selling Digital Watchdog NDAA Products

See the list of Digital Watchdog NDAA compliant products

Speco Technologies

Origin: United States

Made in: Korea

Speco has mixed of NDAA-Compliant and Non-Compliant Products

Speco Technologies is a manufacturer of video surveillance and audio surveillance products for more than 60 years

Speco Technologies referred to a statement confirming some of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“Speco is actively moving to exclude components from banned companies. Please find below a list of current active models from Speco Technologies that do not contain any components from (NDAA Section 889 Part B) banned companies”

Best Selling Speco NDAA Products

See the list of Speco Technologies NDAA compliant products

Ubiquiti

Origin: United States

Made in: Korea

Ubiquity products are mostly compliant with NDAA

Ubiquiti Inc. (formerly Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.) is an American manufacturer of wireless data communication and wired products and founded in San Jose, California, in 2003.

Ubiquity referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“As of the date hereof and to the best of Ubiquiti’s knowledge, the products listed below do not contain a substantial or essential component or use critical technology produced by Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company or Dahua Technology Company (or any known subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).”

Honeywell

Origin: United States

Made in: Korea

Honeywell has mixed of NDAA-Compliant and Non-Compliant Products

Honeywell International Inc. is an American publicly traded, multinational conglomerate headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Honeywell referred to a statement confirming some of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“The Honeywell 30 Series, 60 Series and Modum IP cameras are designed for use as part of video systems which comply with NDAA 2019, Section 889. In addition to the 30/60/Modum Series cameras, our MAXPRO® and Pro-Watch® VMS/NVR ranges, our 30 Series Embedded NVRs and our ADPRO iFT/iFT-E IP NVRs follow our extensive cyber testing process and do not contain components from any of the companies highlighted in NDAA 2019, Section 889. Together with the Series 30/60/Modum cameras they can be used to provide video systems compliant with NDAA 2019, Section 889”

Panasonic

Origin: Japan

Made in: Japan

Panasonic i-PRO products are mostly compliant with NDAA

In October 2019, i-PRO became independent from Panasonic to establish the Image Sensing Business.

Panasonic i-PRO didn’t share a a public statement on their website and didin’t provide a list of NDAA compliant (or non compliant) products. Here the statements they made in different channels.

“All Panasonic-branded cameras sold in the U.S. are engineered, manufactured and quality assured solely by Panasonic. As such, they are not impacted by the NDAA legislation (federal ban).

For those valued partners that attended our 2019 Partner Summit, we committed to you that, not only will our i-PRO line be 100% non-Hisilicon by the end of March 2021, but many of our products will also be TAA compliant.

The Advidia camera lineup is not fully NDAA compliant at this time. We are working with our 3rd-party manufacturers to ensure full NDAA compliance by March 2021″

Hanwha Vision (Samsung Techwin)

Origin: South Korea

Made in: South Korea

Hanwha Techwwin products are mostly compliant with NDAA

Hanwha Techwin founded 1938 as Samsung Techwin, is a surveillance and optoelectronics company. The company headquartered in South Korea.

Hanwha Techwin referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“Hanwha Techwin is committed to complying with all government and international trade regulations. Hanwha Techwin supports NDAA-compliance across its product lines and has a full suite of trade-compliant devices, with many currently used in government, defense and a range of commercial applications.

All Hanwha Techwin manufacturing facilities are located in Vietnam and South Korea, making them compliant with Trade Agreements Act (TAA) terms and qualifying Hanwha Techwin products for sale under GSA guidelines.”

Best Selling Axis NDAA Products

See the list of Hanwha Vision NDAA compliant products

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ACTİ

Origin: Taiwan

Made in: Taiwan

Acti products are mostly compliant with NDAA

ACTi, a leading Taiwan-based IP camera manufacturer, offers a wide range of IP camera models that contain SoC made in either Taiwan, Japan or the United States.

Acti referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“ACTi is providing more than 150 different camera models that contain SoC components from very respected and accepted global brands from Taiwan, Japan and the United States. As the technology research company, ACTi has also developed its own SoC, called A1, which can be found in the wide range of ACTi cameras today.”

Best Selling ACTi NDAA Products

See the list of Acti NDAA compliant products

GeoVision

Origin: Taiwan

Made in: Taiwan

GeoVision has mixed of NDAA-Compliant and Non-Compliant Products

GeoVision Inc. is a manufacturer of intelligent video surveillance systems founded in 1998 in Taiwan.

“GeoVision confirms that the listed products are not manufactured by nor utilize components from Hikvision, Dahua or contain HiSilicon SoCs. The NVR units listed below are manufactured in Irvi

Vivotek

Origin: Taiwan

Made in: Taiwan

Vivotek products are mostly compliant with NDAA

VIVOTEK Inc. was founded in February 2000. The Company markets VIVOTEK solutions worldwide, and has become a leading brand in global security surveillance.

Vivotek referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“The listed VIVOTEK cameras and network video recorders (NVRs), which do not use or deploy critical components including SoCs produced by NDAA banned component vendors, are compliant with the NDAA. These products will be included in VIVOTEK’s GSA contracts and are recommended for US Government applications that are subject to the NDAA.”

Best Selling Vivotek NDAA Products

See the list of Vivotek NDAA compliant products

Can I use security cameras that are not produced in China?

Yes, you can certainly choose security cameras that are not produced in China if you have concerns about the origin of the products. Many companies around the world manufacture security cameras, and you can find alternatives from various countries.

When selecting security cameras, it’s essential to consider factors beyond just the country of origin. Look for reputable brands and manufacturers that prioritize security, privacy, and quality. Consider reading reviews, checking certifications, and researching the specifications of the cameras to ensure they meet your requirements.

Some countries known for producing electronic and security equipment include the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and several European countries. Keep in mind that the global supply chain is interconnected, and components from various countries may be used in the production of a single device.

I’ve wanted to make this list for a while, and hopefully it will help answer some simple questions or guide newcomers on their IP video quest. Feel free to add, change, or refine this!

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Most Popular Camera Manufactures (on this forum):

ACTi (http://www.acti.com) – Midrange camera – good price – free software.

Avtech (http://www.avtech.com.tw) – Has good ‘push’ support for events to mobile devices.

Avigilon (http://www.avigilon.com) – Similar to Axis cost – must buy through dealer – good software/support.

Axis (http://www.axis.com) – Popular choice – higher end cameras get expensive – easy to find online for sale – free + paid software options.

Dahua (http://www.dahuasecurity.com‎) – Re-branded as Q-See – low price – difficult to find updates/support.

Geovision (http://www.geovision.com.tw‎) – Midrange – have some LPR cameras.

Grandstream (http://www.grandstream.com) – Low cost – have some unique features.

Hikvision (http://www.hikvision.com‎) – Becoming more popular – re-branded as Lorex/Swann systems from Costco.

IQinVision (http://www.iqeye.com) Midrange pricing.

Mobotix (http://www.mobotix.com) – Cameras made in Germany – reliable but expensive – no moving parts to fail in their cameras.

Vivotek (http://www.vivotek.com) – Midrange pricing.

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Other Camera Manufactures:

Arecont (http://www.arecontvision.com/‎)

Brickcom (http://www.brickcom.com/)

Bosch (http://www.boschsecurity.us/en-us/ProductInformation/Cameras/NetworkCameras/)

Canon (http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/security_video_solutions/network_cameras)

GE (Unknown Website Address)

Honeywell (http://www.honeywellvideo.com/products/cameras/ip/index.html)

JVC (http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/category.jsp?productId=PRO5.2)

Panasonic (http://www.panasonic.com/business/psna/products-surveillance-monitoring/index.aspx)

Pelco (http://www.pelco.com/sites/global/en/home.page)

Samsung (https://www.samsung-security.com/)

Sony (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/mkt-security/)

Toshiba (http://www.toshibasecurity.com/)

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IR Illuminators:

Raytec (http://www.rayteccctv.com/)

Axton (http://www.axtontech.com/)

Iluminar (http://www.iluminarinc.com/)

+Other Generic Brands

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Accessories:

PoE Switch (Unmanaged, or Managed which allows remote powering on/off of specific ports) (TRENDnet, Netgear, D-Link, Cisco, Axis, etc.)

Ethernet Cable (Regular/Burial Grade)

Lenses (C/CS/S/D Mounts)

IR Illuminators (Discussed Above)

Enclosures (Pelco, Videolarm, Axis, Generic Brand, etc.)

PIR Sensor (Optex, Bosch, etc)

UPS Battery Backup System

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Popular Places To Buy:

[Redacted – do a search on the forum for general ideas ]

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Video Recording Software:

ACTi VMS (Free) – Only supports ACTi Cameras.

Avigilon (Per channel: Core ~$100, Standard ~$200, Enterprise ~$350) – Purchase through authorized dealers.

Axis Camera Companion (Free) – Only supports certain (newer) Axis Cameras. 16 cameras max.

Axis Camera Station (~$90/license)

Axxon Next (Free for 16 channels) (http://www.axxonsoft.com/products/axxon_next/)

BlueIris ($29.95 – $49.95) (http://blueirissoftware.com/) – Supports a large variety of network cameras.

exacqVision ($50 – $150/license + $25 yearly for optional updates)

Genetec (Expensive)

Geovision (Free)

Luxriot ($99 – $1000+)

Milestone XProtect (Free – $1000+)

Mobotix Control Center (Free) – Supports other cameras for viewing. May be able to record with MXServer.

OnSSI (Unknown)

Vitamin D (Free/$49/$199) (http://www.vitamindinc.com/index.php) – PC + Mac Compatible

Zoneminder (Free) – Open source Linux software.

…Etc, Most Manufactures Provide Their Own Software.

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Network Video Recorders (NVR’s)/NAS Stations:

Synology (1 License Included – ~$50 /per additional license)

Dahua

QNAP

Luxriot

NUUO

Hikvision

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iPhone Viewing Apps:

Netcam Viewer (Free/$5.99) (http://bit.ly/18UfXMs)

Live Cams Pro ($1.99) (http://bit.ly/19RAleQ)

QCamPro ($7.99) (http://bit.ly/14iCWxR)

Official Mobotix (Free) (http://bit.ly/15XNtmo)

IP Cam Viewer Pro ($3.99) (http://bit.ly/10QAwYn)

Dahua iDMSS Lite (Free) (http://bit.ly/110ZjmV)

Dahua iDMSS Plus ($4.99) (http://bit.ly/12FyWpw)

+Specific Manufacturer’s Apps (Q-See, Hikvision, etc) (Search Manually) – Typically better integrated then 3rd party apps.

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Android Viewing Apps:

IP Cam Viewer Pro ($3.99) (http://bit.ly/TG6OyB)

Dahua gDMSS Lite (Free) (http://bit.ly/12zjvAs)

Dahua gDMSS Plus ($5.00) (http://bit.ly/12FzfAA)

+Specific Manufacturer’s Apps (Q-See, Hikvision, etc) (Search Manually) – Typically better integrated then 3rd party apps.

The Ultimate IP Camera Guide v3.

Review Sites/Sample Videos:

Network Camera Critic (http://www.networkcameracritic.com/)

Mateusz CCTVnerd (http://www.youtube.com/user/mateuszfen)

Megapixel Cameras – Images and Demos (viewtopic.php?f=19&t=11322)

Plazor (http://www.plazor.com)

Axis YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/AxisCommunications)

Avigilon YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/Avigilon)

MXInstaller (http://www.mxinstaller.com/)

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Companies That Rebrand/Resell:

Swann (Rebrands Hikvision Equipment)

Lorex (Rebrands Hikvision Equipment)

Q-See (Rebrands Dahua Equipment)

Toshiba (Appears To Rebrand Vivotek)

Cisco (Sometimes Rebrands Pelco)

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Other Helpful Links:

CCTV Lens Calculator (http://www.jvsg.com/online/#)

Identification And Recognition Guide (http://www.axis.com/academy/identification/index.htm) – Make sure you have the correct resolution for your application.

Security Today – IP Cameras (http://security-today.com/directory/list/ip-video.aspx)

CCTV Frame Rates Comparison (

) – Recordings don’t necessarily have to be 30fps for desired results.

IP Video 101 Training (http://ipvm.com/report/ip_video_training_course_101)

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Live Demo Cameras:

Mobotix Cameras (http://www.mobotix.ro/live-ro-p-3.html) or (http://comsurv.com/live-video-cameras/)

Axis Cameras (http://www.axis.com/camerademo/) or (http://ipcameralive.com/)

Mixture (http://camelive.info)

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Terminology:

CBR: “Constant bit rate [encoding] means that the rate at which a codec’s output data should be consumed is constant.” (i.e. the amount of data flowing from camera to user/nvr is always constant – even during movement or lack thereof. [See also VBR])

DSD: (http://www.dsdcctv.com/)

DVR: “a consumer electronics device or application software that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other local or networked mass storage device.”

Edge Recording: “The concept of taking audio/video from a camera, and storing it at the edge of the Ethernet network instead of transporting it across the network to a centralized recording facility such as a Network Video Recorder.” (Most cameras have this ability now.)

IR/IR Illuminator: LED’s (often a separate device) which provide illumination for cameras in near to total darkness. The light produced cannot be seen by the human eye. The camera must be sensitive to IR for this to be useful (some cameras have ‘fixed’ IR cut filters). ‘White light’ illuminators are also available. These produce light visible to the human eye and to a camera with or without an IR cut filter.

LPR/ANPR/AVI/CPR/LAPI: “A mass surveillance method that uses optical character recognition on images to read vehicle registration plates.”

NAS: Basically a box filled with hard drives for storage of data. Some cameras have the ability to record directly to these networked boxes without the need for an always on or dedicated computer.

NVR: “A software program that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other mass storage device.”

ONVIF: “Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) is a global and open industry forum with the goal to facilitate the development and use of a global open standard for the interface of physical IP-based security products.”

PIR: Passive Infrared “is an electronic sensor that measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of view. They are most often used in PIR-based motion detectors.”

PoE: “A system to safely pass electrical power, along with data, on Ethernet cabling.”

UPS: “uninterruptible power supply…is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source, typically mains power, fails.”

VBR: “Variable bit rate files vary the amount of output data per time segment.” (i.e. Less data during still scenes, more data during high movement periods.)

WDR: “‘Wide dynamic range’ describes an attribute of an imaging system which can capture greater scene details from shadows to highlights than normal.”

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Commonly Asked Questions:

Q: “Which brand or manufacturer should I buy?”

A: Each brand has its strengths and weakness, whether it be price, size, low light capabilities, resolution, frame rate, support, software, compatibility, etc. There really isn’t one magical brand or camera. Each security scenario is different and requires a unique solution.

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Q: “Where can I buy an IP HD PTZ Outdoor Camera for $200?”

A: Probably not going to happen. PTZ cameras are expensive because of all the motors, belts, gears, and such. Perhaps instead consider using several fixed multi-megapixel HD cameras instead for coverage.

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Q: “How do I embed/add video from a camera to a website?”

A: See: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=1290 or http://bit.ly/10rC8WV

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Q: “How do I view my cameras on my TV/Monitor?

A: Consider using an Android powered HDMI dongle. These mini computers are powerful and compact enough to be attached to a TV or monitor for camera viewing using an Android app. Also see: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=1049

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Q: “Should I buy a Foscam?”

A: These cameras are not typically discussed here because of their poor reliability and feature set. They are often cloned and copied making firmware updates and support hard to come by. So in short, probably not. However if you are just starting with IP cameras, many members have since upgraded from these over time to bigger and better.

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Q: “How do I view my camera(s) from the internet?”

A: You need to setup your router for port forwarding. Here are several guides to assist you. See: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=124 or http://bit.ly/184DTvf

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Q: “What shutter speed should I use during low light/night?”

A: “Typically 1/30 of a second is as low as you would want to have it set. Any longer and moving objects will be blurry making the footage less then useful.

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Q: “Should I use a wireless camera for my application?”

A: Wifi signals, especially at long distances, can drop or become unreliable. They also become targets of hacking “resulting in free access to your personal cameras (EXTREMLY DANGEROUS) or blocked cameras, ones that will not record anything.” It is best to use a hardwired connection via cable for installations. PoE installation can supply signal and power over one cable for easy installation. If a cable is not an option consider using a dedicated wifi access point, like the type made by Ubiquiti Networks.

Technical Guide to IP Cameras– Overview, Types, Applications

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An IP camera (Internet Protocol Camera) is a type of security camera that receives video data and sends video footage via an IP network. It is also known as network camera or IP security camera, often used as remote monitoring and management tools in many sectors and environments to protect the property or monitor home, business, or public security. Connected with other devices such as network video recorders and displays via a network, IP cameras allow you to monitor specific areas from any remote location, bringing much convenience to our daily lives.

How Does An IP Camera Work?

IP cameras work the same way as digital cameras to capture high-quality images. What sets them apart is the capability of IP cameras to compress those files and automatically transmit them to a network video recorder (NVR) via a network. Usually, IP cameras are connected to the network via ethernet cable with a broadband modem or router, or wirelessly via a Wi-Fi router.

In a building that has already been equipped with a network, all you have to do is to connect the IP surveillance cameras and other devices into your network system, just the same way that you would do when you connect your laptop or cell phone to your Wi-Fi.

After everything is well connected, the cameras can start working, capturing and sending video footage to the network video recorder.

Four Common Types of IP Camera

There are various video surveillance solutions, in which many different types of security cameras are adopted. Among those surveillance cameras, there are four most commonly used ones, dome cameras, bullet cameras, and turret cameras. Knowing more about the differences among dome vs bullet vs turret vs fisheye cameras will help you find out the one that fits you most.

Four Important Specifications of IP Cameras

When looking for a security camera, not only should you decide on the type of it, but also you need to notice that the specifications can make a huge difference. There are four of the most essential specifications.

Resolution

The resolution of IP cameras is the total number of pixels that make up an image, which is usually measured by the width and height of the image. The most common resolutions of security cameras are 720p, 1080p, 5MP, 4K and 8MP. Usually, higher resolutions mean that there are more pixels per inch (PPI), resulting in a high-quality, crisp image.

Field of View

The lens of an IP camera allows you to frame an area that you want to spot. Different lens systems come with different fields of view, which determines how wide an area you can see. A wider field of view will allow the camera to spot a larger area. Typically, for a large parking lot and a small room, you will need lenses with different viewing angles.

Focal Length

The focal length of a lens, which is measured in “mm”, determines the angle of view and how far the camera can see. There are two types of lens, fixed lens and varifocal lens. The most common fixed focal length is 3.6mm, which leads to a 90° view angle and a distance of 20 feet. There is also 8mm lens with a 40° view angle and identification distance of 40 feet. For varifocal lenses, the most common ones are 2.8-12mm lenses.

At 2.8mm you get around 100° view angle, with only around 10-feet identification distance. At 12mm you will achieve around a 30° angle of view and identification at around 50 feet. The wider the focal length, the further away it can focus and the narrower the field of view.

Low Light Sensitivity

Low-light sensitivity, usually measured in Lux(lx), refers to the ability of a camera to provide high-quality images even in low-light conditions by presenting details and reducing noise in the output images. There are few factors contributing to the low light performance of a camera, including pixel size, signal-to-noise ratio, lens aperture, etc. A lower Lux has the ability to present high-quality images in darker areas. For example, cameras with 100-1,000lx are applied to record under work-space light, while cameras with 0.0001lx are usually adopted for moonless nights or overcast nights.

Most Popular IP Camera Applications

Home Use

For those looking for tools to get close with their families, monitor family security or protect family property, IP cameras are always a go-for item. Many homeowners equip their families with a video surveillance system to make themselves and their families feel safer.

The IP cameras installed in home security systems have been used to serve a number of purposes. For example, they can be installed near the front door to capture the image of each one who steps into or sneaks around the house, or installed in the backyard to catch a view of their families’ happy moments, or installed inside the room, to make sure their baby is being well taken care of, etc.

Business Use

Commercial security cameras are often used in business buildings, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, etc. For business owners, security cameras can not only protect their property to ensure normal operations and prevent criminal acts with real-time monitoring, but also can keep them connected with daily operations and employee safety.

Outdoor perimeter security can also be maintained with video surveillance solutions to monitor the surroundings. Compared to traditional systems, commercial IP video surveillance systems offer greater reliability and security with built-in encryption, data compression, network connection, and cybersecurity measures.

Public Safety

Surveillance cameras play an important role in managing public rules, protecting public safety and property. It’s not difficult to find that there are plenty of monitoring cameras along the traffic roads, parking lots and around the governments or hospitals. Moreover, there are lots of public areas deployed with security cameras, including schools, parks, communities, neighborhoods, etc.

Conclusion

IP cameras have become a dispensable part of home, business or public surveillance systems. With the proper video management software, the video recorded by IP cameras can be viewed from anywhere worldwide via the network, whether using a laptop or a mobile phone. In many cases, IP cameras can also be controlled remotely, adding much convenience to our lives.

There are various types of security cameras that are designed for specific applications, and that’s why you need to take several factors into consideration when purchasing IP cameras for your security system. Before the next step, it would be better to figure out your budget and your requirements first.

Guide to Understanding IP Cameras

Welcome to a venture into the captivating digital world of Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. Whether you’re considering investing in this game-changing technology or you’re simply eager to boost your tech acumen, we’ve got your covered. Untangling complex technical jargon and translating it into simple language, this blog post will chart your course through the depths of understanding IP cameras.

What is an IP Camera?

An IP camera , also known as a network camera, is a digital video tool that sends and receives data via the internet. Unlike its analogue predecessor, the CCTV (Closed Circuit TV), it offers the functionality to view live or recorded footage from anywhere, anytime using a web-based platform or mobile application. Think of IP camera as the digital evolution.

Advantages of the IP Camera

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Understanding IP Camera Operation

Let’s dive deeper into how these fantastic little devices work.

Capturing Images

The essence of an IP security camera is in its lens, sensor, and processor. The lens focuses on the light emanating from the surroundings, which then hits a digital sensor. This sensor transforms the received light into an electronic signal that the processor can turn into a digital video stream.

Sending Images

The key difference between an IP camera and previous systems lies in its ingenious use of the Internet Protocol. Instead of sending unprocessed data to a recorder, IP cameras encode and process the signal on the device before transmitting it to be stored or viewed over the network. This reduces the workload for the recorder, enhancing the system’s efficiency.

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Most Popular Types of IP Cameras

Not all IP cameras are created equal, of course. Different styles suit different needs. Here’s a quick classification of the most commonly used types:

Bullet Cameras

These are named for their cylindrical shape, resembling a bullet. Bullet cameras are great for monitoring both wide focused areas such as entrances or small rooms.

Dome Cameras

Identified by their dome shape, these cameras provide a wider viewing angle ideal for bigger spaces like living rooms or stores.  Some come with adjustable lenses to hone in on important areas.

PTZ Cameras

PTZ stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom. A PTZ IP camera provides the functionality to remotely control the movement and zoom of the camera, making it perfect for large, open spaces.

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IP Camera Installation: Tips and Tricks

Installing an IP camera isn’t rocket science. Here are some friendly tips to ensure you obtain the best surveillance results:

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Securing Your IP Camera

In an increasingly digital world, security is paramount. Here are a few guidelines to secure your IP camera system:

Change the Default Password

On purchase, devices often come with generic login credentials. It’s essential to change these immediately to a unique and complex password.

Regular Firmware Updates

Stay up-to-date with the latest firmware version provided by the manufacturer. This ensures your device is protected from any known loopholes.

Effective Network Security

Ensure your home or business network security is robust. Use established security measures such as firewalls and secure Wi-Fi protocols.

The captivating world of IP cameras offers the potential for superior surveillance solutions. The charm of hands-on control combined with the convenience of remote access can revolutionize how we approach security. Yet, it is crucial to remember that with great power comes great responsibility. In this digital age, securing our devices should always be a priority. Embrace the technology but don’t forget to keep it secure. Welcome to the future of surveillance.

The IVSEC brand comprises Australian selected components and hardware, and software servers for local updates within Australia. IVSEC has grown quickly while expanding and maintaining excellent customer service. For any enquiries, please contact our friendly staff.

My smartphone is showing “offline” or “connect close” in the IVSEC X mobile app?

When adding your Recorder or cameras to the IVSEC X mobile app if a message says “Offline” or the device status is showing “Connect close” please check the following:

Example of Offline message

Example of Connect Close message

1) Check that the QR code, username and password details have been entered correctly into the IVSEC X app

A. Connect HDMI LCD and USB mouse to IVSEC Recorder

B. Click on the 4-square / arrow icon on the bottom left-hand corner of the screen

C. Check the name shown in Current user:

Note: The default user is admin but this may have been modified by the installer

D. Open the IVSEC X app on your phone

E. Press the “Human” icon of the top left-hand corner of the app

F. Press “Device List’

G. Press the square icon with a pencil mark

H. Check the IP Address/ID is the same as the QR code located on top of the IVSEC recorder

I. HTTP Port / Client Port

J. Check the username is the same name as per point C (this is case sensitive)

K. Enter the correct password

L. Press Save or Apply

2) Check for Network Connectivity

A. Check that an ethernet cable is connected to the LAN port of your modem

B. Check that the other end of the ethernet cable is connected to the LAN/WAN port of the IVSEC Recorder

C. Check that the Green and Yellow LEDs light up after connecting the cable.

NOTE: If the LEDS do not light up then the IVSEC X app will not work. Try replacing the ethernet cable, if still no LEDS light up contact your installer

D. Connect an LCD and USB mouse to the recorder and check the “connect status” icon that appears on the bottom right hand corner of the taskbar (when LCD is connected to recorder). Ensure that the icon has a green tick as shown in below image

Refer to explanation below of other connection status:

3) Ensure you have the latest version of IVSEC X app installed on your phone. Check that your Android or Apple device has the latest software/firmware and security updates installed. Try un-installing, re-installing the app and add the device again

4) Power your modem and IVSEC Recorder off for 30 seconds. Power back on and wait 5 minutes for the internet connection to come back online.

5) If you are running a VPN app on your smartphone disable the app and try the IVSEC X app again.

Examples of VPN providers include Surfshark, NordVPN, Norton’s VPN.

6) Check the IVSEC Recorder substream settings

A. Using LCD and mouse connected to NVR go to setup – Record – Encode Check your NVR substream settings- “Substream” tab

Recommended substream settings to minimise mobile app bandwidth issue

Resolution: 640 x 480

Bitrate: 512kbps

B. Click Apply on bottom right corner

Please refer to YouTube link: Adjusting stream settings via IVSEC X Mobile app

or

Please refer to YouTube link: Adjusting Camera stream settings via NVR (LCD & mouse required)

7) Some older Samsung phones running Android 11 on the Telstra network may be unable to stream live view or the cameras will show as offline while connected to mobile data (4G/5G). The issue has been identified on the Telstra network where an Android update causes the APN to select IPv6 only. Click here for APN re-configuration (Applies to Telstra mobile customers only running Android)

8) Some Telstra NBN modem / routers may restrict access to cameras (firmware issue on the router). The cameras may be slow to appear or show as offline. Check the model number listed on the bottom of your Telstra router. Click on the documentation below which details the steps to configure port forwarding as a workaround to access your cameras

9) Connect to your wifi and perform a speed test – https://www.speedtest.net/

Click the GO button. If your upload speed result is 3Mbps or less, you should contact your Internet Provider to test your connection

10) Email service@ivsecurity.com.au for additional support

iVSEC X Mobile App

1. How to set up the IVSEC X app on my Smartphone

The IVSEC X app allows you to access your IVSEC cameras live view remotely, playback recordings and other useful features
Please refer to YouTube link: https://youtu.be/71mvg5QdsfY

Scan the appropriate QR code below to download the IVSEC X app

Apple Store | Google Play

2. My smartphone is showing “connect close” in the IVSEC X mobile app?

Click here for troubleshooting details.

3. How to reduce camera buffering when accessing IVSEC cameras on the mobile app.

If you have limited or slow Internet connection (either at home or on your smartphone) reducing the substream settings can help the cameras to show up quicker on the app

Video guide – How to modify the settings via the IVSEC X mobile app

Video guide – How to modify the settings via the Recorder using an LCD and mouse

Recommended substream settings
Resolution: 640 x 480 | Bitrate: 256 kbps

Recommended mobile stream settings
Resolution: 640 x 480 | Bitrate: 128 kbps

4. What does “Max User Playback” mean?

If you see “Max User Playback” when trying to playback footage in the app it means someone else is currently accessing playback either via the NVR or through the app. Restarting the NVR will clear this message.

Access via Windows / Mac

5. How to install setup the VMS Pro application for Windows.

Video Guide

NOTE: VMS for Windows setup is similar for Mac

Application download links available from ivsecurity.com.au or via the YouTube description

6. How to login to an IVSEC NVR or camera using Internet Explorer or Chrome

Refer to “How to upgrade my NVR firmware” FAQs. Once your NVR is upgraded to the latest firmware you will be able to log in using any browser using the NVR IP address.

7. How can I search for IVSEC devices on a network or change an IP address

To search for X range cameras and recorders on a network use the Device Config Tool.

8. How to setup the surveillance client on Windows

Please note surveillance client is no longer supported, refer to VMS Pro. For legacy installations please refer to YouTube links below:

Windows | Mac

9. My MAC is not letting me install any of the IVSEC applications

If your MAC blocks the app from opening click here for details

10. How to playback and export footage from surveillance client on a Mac

Watch Video Guide

11. How to get my old IVSEC app working (non X range NVR model)

Check the model number of your recorder (silver sticker either on the top or bottom of the recorder. If the model number does NOT have an X in the model number then click here for instructions on how to configure your non X range IVSEC NVR using port forwarding and DDNS.

Recorder

12. How to reset my NVR password?

Download IVSEC NVR Password Reset Procedure

13. How to perform NVR firmware update using a USB flash drive or online update

Watch Video Guide

14. How to setup motion detection on an IVSEC X-Range NVR

Watch Video Guide

15. How to export footage from an IVSEC X-Range NVR

Watch Video Guide

16. How to factory default an IVSEC X-Range NVR

Watch Video Guide

17. How to configure disk grouping for 16, 32 and 64 channel IVSEC recorders

The maximum number of channels (cameras) that can record to one hard drive is 16. If your recorder is compatible with disk grouping (e.g. NR316XB, NR316XC, NR532XA, NR564XA, NR564EXA and NR564EXB) you will need to configure disk grouping and ensure your cameras are recording. If you are using an NVR that is capable of 64 channels and have 64 cameras installed, you will need to install a minimum of 4 hard drives

16 cameras installed = 1 hard drive required (minimum)

32 cameras installed = 2 hard drives required (minimum)

64 cameras installed = 4 hard drive required (minimum)

Video – Disk grouping setup process

IP Camera

18. How to factory reset my IVSEC camera?

Download IVSEC Camera Reset Procedure (specific models)

19. How to factory reset my IVSEC camera?

Download IVSEC Camera Reset Procedure (specific models)

20. How to Setup 3rd Party cameras onto an IVSEC X-Range NVR

Watch Video Guide
Download Device manager tool (for non X range IVSEC branded cameras)
Download IVSEC PTZ Search Tool (for non X range IVSEC branded cameras)
Hikvision camera setup using onvif
Dahua camera setup using onvif

21. How to add 2N IP Verso Intercom camera to an IVSEC NVR

Watch Video Guide

22. Camera image is randomly showing distortion on the bottom of the image

If you are experiencing distortion at the near the bottom of the camera image please click here for useful troubleshooting steps

23. Modifying White Light Settings

Some of the iVSEC camera range have inbuilt white lights (LEDs) that turn on at night as a deterrent to intruders and for colour recording at night. Please follow this guide to learn how to disable this function or have then turn on only when motion is detected.

Smart Home Integration

24. iVSEC – Alexa

Now it’s even easier to see what’s happening. Amazon Alexa can be used to stream live camera video to your Amazon Echo Spot or Echo Show device simply by speaking your commands. Follow this guide to learn how to connect to Amazon Alexa for voice control.

25. iVSEC – Google

Now it’s even easier to see what’s happening. You can ask your Google Assistant to show your Cameras on your TV with Chromecast. Read this guide to learn how to connect your cameras to your Google Assistant and enable voice control.

How to upgrade IVSEC NC323XD Camera Firmware For additional support go to https://ivsecurity.com.au/ or email service@ivsecurity.com.au Video will demonstrate how to upgrade IVSEC NC323XD camera firmware. NOTE: Firmware compatible with models NC323XD, NC531XB, NC512XC, NC512XD & NC528XC Download NC323XD firmware (link below) https://ivsecurity.com.au/support/fir… Copy the entire folder to USB flash drive Connect USB to NVR and watch video demonstrating how to perform the upgrade.

How to playback and export footage from surveillance client onto a MAC

How to playback and export footage from surveillance client onto a MAC To download Surveillance client and Device Config Tool (MAC) – https://www.dropbox.com/s/49enfbklip4… To download VLC for MAC – https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download… For more information visit https://ivsecurity.com.au/

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The device is ideal for space-constrained environments due to its compact design while its web-based interface makes it easy to configure and manage. The Senstar A10D Thin Client™ is a secure, reliable, and cost-effective PC alternative designed to display 720p or 1080p video from network video quickly and easily. The device can be controlled via the web, or through the convenience of your smartphone.

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Supported Touch Screen Monitors for Thin Client 2.0.1

AG Neovo – http://ca.agneovo.com/

iiyama ProLite – http://www.iiyama.com/us_en/products/prolite-t1731sr-1/

For more information, see the Release Notes in the downloads page: https://xnet.senstar.com/Xnet/Downloads/ThinClientUpdate.aspx

Senstar A10D Thin Client Firmware Upgrade

The following article outlines how to check for firmware updates through Thin Client.

Optionally, you can manually download the firmware upgrade from here and then click Upgrade from the Maintenance section, as shown in step 2.

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onnect to Thin Client using SSH

Enable SSH in Thin Client

SSH is disabled by default and any time a factory restore is performed.

1. Open a web browser and enter http://thinclientIP/EnableSSH. Recommended browsers include: Mirosoft® Internet Explorer, Mozilla®, Firefox®, and Google Chrome™.

2. The message “SSH Successfully enabled” appears.

3. If you are using Linux go to command–line and enter ssh <username>@<IP address>. For example, ssh root@10.234.1.10. When prompted enter the password.

4. If you are using Windows® ensure a version of PuTTY is downloaded.

When you are done, you should consider disabling SSH. The link to disable SSH is http://thinclientIP/DisableSSH.

Cannot connect to ONVIF-compliant camera because no ONVIF stream available

Issue

Network cameras/encoders supporting ONVIF do not offer a way to set up an ONVIF stream/profile necessary for making an ONVIF connection from the Thin Client to the ONVIF-compliant device.

Solution

If the camera manufacturer does not provide a method for setting up ONVIF streaming profiles, use a third-party tool to do so. One such open source tool is the ONVIF Device Manager: http://sourceforge.net/projects/onvifdm/

Senstar Thin Client User Guide 2024

Read Also : Verkada Viewing Station setup and user guide

Device cannot connect to Video Source

Issue

The Thin Client cannot connect to Mobile Bridge, and you see an Invalid Video Source error when setting up or re-configuring the device as follows: “Unable to connect to video source. Please verify server address and credentials and try again.”

Solutions

All Thin Client Articles

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Camera views contain blank camera panels

Issue

Thin Client camera views contain one or more blank camera panels on the web interface and/or the HDMI output monitor.

Solution

The Thin Client can decode up to 1920×1080 at 30 FPS in H.264, MJPEG, or MPEG4. Ensure you have at least one (1) camera stream configured at this resolution or lower.

Note: Camera streams above 1920×1080 resolution cannot be decoded to the camera.

The Thin Client device automatically selects an appropriate video stream based on the resolution of the panel the video is being rendered in. Thin Client will select the stream with a resolution that most closely matches the panel’s resolution without exceeding it.

Therefore, it is recommended to have one (1) stream at 1920×1080 and another stream at 800×450 as the Thin Client will select the best stream automatically based on the camera view layout selected.

Cisco 2960-X and Catalyst SG300 switch with Thin Client

Issue

Thin Client is not connecting to cameras, not displaying cameras, not working properly on the network.

Reason

The network port is ‘flapping’ that is, going up and down constantly and so the Thin Client cannot connect.

Source of Problem: Cisco Switches

The EEE (Energy-Efficient Ethernet) feature on the switch is the source of the issue. See Cisco bug report here:

https://quickview.cloudapps.cisco.com/quickview/bug/CSCus35889

Resolution

Disable the EEE feature on the switch. This resolves the issue with the Thin Client.

Edges of the Displayed Image are Cropped

Symptoms:

The edges of the displayed video images are cropped.

Probable Cause:

It is likely that overscan is enabled on the displays being used. Overscan is the term used to describe the situation when not all of an image is present on a viewing screen. By default most TVs and monitors are set to use overscan to compensate for potential artifacts at the edge of the screen from the incoming signal.

Solution:

Turn off overscan on all the displays being used. The procedure for this varies depending on the product; therefore, consult the documentation for your particular model for complete instructions.

Device does not power on

Issue

When you attempt to power on the Thin Client by plugging it in to a PoE switch, and one or more of the following occurs:

Solutions

HDMI output is not working or is cut off

Issue

The Thin Client is not displaying HDMI output on the monitor.

– or –

HDMI television output is partially cut off.

Solutions

Upgrading from a version older than 1.2.1.515

If you have a Thin Client version older than 1.2.1.515 do NOT update directly to Thin Client 2.01.

You MUST update to 1.2.1.515 first and then to 2.0.1.

The version number is displayed in the top left of the Web interface and in the About section at the top of the Settings page.

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Connection Fails, Unable to Retrieve Live Video: Thin Client 2.1.0 – Mobile Bridge

Example Scenario:

When you connect a Thin Client to a PSA, the Mobile Bridge is installed with default values. The entered IP address is localhost or 127.0.0.1.

Issue:

Thin Client tries to retrieve live video and the connection fails.

Solution:

During Mobile Bridge setup, you must enter a unique IP address when Mobile Bridge is installed on the same machine as the Symphony Server. Do NOT enter 127.0.01 or localhost during the Mobile Bridge setup because the Thin Client will NOT be able to retrieve video via that Mobile Bridge.

Example:

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Cannot Log into Thin Client Using Chinese Characters

Applies to Thin Client v2.0.0 and 2.0.1

Issue:

User tries but fails to log into Thin Client using Chinese characters in username or password.

Solution:

To set up your Thin Client so that users can log into the Thin Client using Chinese characters, you must modify Thin Client settings using the settings.sh script.

Note: To ensure settings are updated, it should print to screen, MBCodepage|936 or MBCodepage|950

If you run Mobile Bridge version 2.1.6 or newer, the code page is printed on start. Search for “Current encoding” in Mobile Bridge log:

Current encoding: xxxxx codepage: yyyyy

Thin Client 2.1.0 – Wrong time displayed in video decoration when connecting to cameras via Mobile Bridge

Issue:

When you connect to cameras via Mobile Bridge and you manually change the time in the Thin Client web interface, the time does NOT change on the video decoration. The time decoration in the video is always the time of the server to which the camera is connected.

Cause:

Thin Client converts the Symphony Server’s Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to local time and displays it in the video decoration. The time decoration therefore is not affected by local system time.

Reason:

This is necessary because of historical video, which must show the converted time from the server.

Important: If the time is changed when connecting directly to the camera, the updated time is displayed in the video decoration.

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2.2.0 Keyboard and Remote Control (CEC) Functions

* Mouse and touch control only.

Note: Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) has different trade names depending on the manufacturer. For example:

Touch Screen Monitor Not Working with Thin Client

Problem:

Touch screen monitor does not work with the Thin Client.

Issue:

The touch screen monitor must be on before powering on the Thin Client.

Resolution:

Ensure your monitor is on and restart the Thin Client.

Add Axis cameras with dewarped panoramic view to Thin Client devices

To see the video from an Axis fisheye camera in a dewarped panoramic view, you must manually add the camera using a direct connection with an RTSP URL.

Stream profile settings:

Thin Clients do not display video when connecting through Mobile Bridge

Symptoms

Thin Clients do not display video when connecting to Symphony using Mobile Bridge.

Probable cause

The Thin Clients are using TLS 1.0 and the Mobile Bridge is using TLS 1.2.

Solution

Configure the Thin Clients to use TLS 1.0.

SNMP settings for Thin Client devices

To connect to a Thin Client device using an SNMP browser, you must use the following settings in addition to the IP address of the Thin Client device.

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2.After the Swann Security app is installed on your phone, the Swann Security app icon appears on the Home or Apps screen. Simply tap the app icon to launch the Swann Security app.

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Once done, tap the Next button to proceed.

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email, try checking the Junk/Spam folder. After that, tap the Done button to return to the Sign In screen.

If your phone’s GPS setting is turned off or the location is not accurate, tap to enter your address manually.

Providing your device location helps us personalize your experience on the Swann Security app and other Swann services. Once done, tap the Next button to proceed.

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The Remember Me option allows you to save your login credentials so you don’t

have to sign in every time you open the app.

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To pair your first Swann device, tap on the screen, as shown on the right. Then follow the in-app instructions to connect your device to your home Wi-Fi network and link it to your Swann Security account. Once the pairing process is complete, your device will be displayed on the Live View tab.

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Note:

Swann Security Android App Manual

Read More : SwannView Plus app download and access

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After you have paired your first Swann device,

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you can add subsequent Swann devices via:

•the Pair Device menu option in the app menu, or

•the button in the Devices tab.

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App Menu  Devices tab

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During the pairing process, you’ll need to scan the device’s QR code which can be generally found on the top, bottom, or

back of the device. See the figures below for examples of where the QR code can be located.

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ID:990a1af6da5a

If your phone can’t scan the QR code

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ID:990a1af6da5a

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S/N:89052081900001

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At some point, you’ll see a prompt to rate

the app, just follow the prompt, if you want to rate and review the Swann Security App via the Google Play Store.

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App Menu: Tap to open the menu where you can edit your account profile, pair a new device, download the app manual,

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contact technical support, and more. See “App Menu” on page 10.

Activities Tab: Tap to obtain a detailed report of the current day and past week’s device activities. You can also turn on or off the Do Not Disturb feature, which is helpful when you want to stop receiving push notifications from the app at certain times, such as when you’re sleeping or in a meeting. For more information, see “Activities Tab” on page 23.

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Playback Tab: Tap to access and playback the event recordings from your devices. For more information, see

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“Playback Tab” on page 15.

Live View Tab: Tap to view live video feed from all your connected devices in multi-view screen as well as in single-view

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where you can operate specific camera functions. For more information, see “Live View Tab” on page 11.

Modes Tab: Displays the icon of the currently active mode. Tap to manage modes and configure the behavior of your devices for the Home, Night, and Away modes. You can also set up schedules to automate mode changes. For more information, see “Modes Tab” on page 17.

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Devices Tab: Tap to view and manage settings for your devices, check device status, perform general maintenance,

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including firmware updates and device reset. For more information, see “Device Management” on page 24.

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Add and manage the Secure+ plan subscriptions for your Swann Security devices.

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Update your Swann Security account profile name, password, and address. See “Updating your Swann Security

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Account Profile” on page 36.

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Pair a new Swann device to your Swann Security account or re-pair an existing Swann device (for example, after the device has been factory reset).

View and manage camera event clips that were downloaded to your phone. See “Viewing Saved Recordings” on page 42.

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(Selected DVR/NVR only) Link your Dropbox account to your Swann Security account which will enable you to save recordings using Dropbox as an external cloud storage. Refer to your DVR/NVR’s instruction manual for more information on activating the Dropbox feature.

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Download the latest Swann Security app user manual (PDF file) to your phone. For best viewing experience, open the file using Acrobat Reader (available on Google Play).

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Display the application version information, your phone model number and the Android OS version. You can also access the terms of service and privacy policy relating to the Swann Security app.

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Open the Swann.com website where you can find and purchase the latest products to integrate with your current

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Swann Security system.

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Obtain technical support for your Swann Security devices. See “Additional Support” on page 48. Sign out of the Swann Security app.

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Tap to configure settings for the Live View tab. You can hide, resize, or reorder device tiles to suit your preferences.

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For more information, see “Live View Tab Settings” on page 14.

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You can change the device tile layout on the screen between list, grid and hybrid (customizable small/large tiles) views.

The device name. You can rename the device via the Devices tab > Select the device > Name. Tap to refresh the live video feed if the streaming has stopped.

Check out other pages for More.

Whether you’re halfway around the world or just popping out to the shop, with Ring, you’re always home.

What you can do with the Ring app:
– Get real-time doorbell and motion alerts on your smartphone or tablet
– See and speak with visitors with HD Video and Two-Way Talk
– Arm and disarm your Ring system
– Allow access to your building for authorised guests and services with Ring Intercom

Using Live View

Use Live View to stream real-time video from your Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras on the Ring app or on Ring.com without a Ring Protect subscription. Both Account Owners and Shared Users can access Live View.

If you have a Ring Protect subscription, you can get video recordings of Live View actions and events within 1-2 minutes.

Ring APP How to Use Part1

Read More : SwannView Plus app download and access

Actions in Live View

Depending on which Ring device you’re using, there are certain actions you can take while using Live View.

Live View will automatically turn off after 10 minutes.

How to use Live View in the Ring app

Note: Some features may require you to update your mobile device’s operating software and download the latest version of the Ring app to access.

How to access Live View 

If you have several doorbells or security cameras at the same Location, you can access Live View for each device separately.

Using Live View on Ring.com

Account owners and Shared Users can also use Live View from Ring.com, after logging in with the same username and password used to access the Ring app. 

Supported browsers

Live View is only supported in certain browsers. See the table below for the latest compatibility information.

Accessing Live View on Ring.com

Turning off Live View

Live View is turned off for that device now. Repeat this process for other devices, as needed.

Finding Your Internet Upload Speed

Learn how to see your Internet Upload Speed in the Ring app or your account at Ring.com.

Code: W4-04

Internet Upload Speed is how fast your
Ring device sends data like encrypted Ring videos to the internet.

This feature will be available for all customers soon.
We are slowly rolling out this feature. If you don’t yet see your Internet Upload Speed in the Ring app or your Ring account, it will be available soon. 

This speed test is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and runs periodically to make sure your Ring device maintains a good internet upload speed.

Viewing your Internet Upload Speed from your account at Ring.com

Internet Upload Speed results guide

Keep in mind, your Internet Upload Speed is also affected by upload activity from other devices on your local network, such as additional Ring cameras, phones, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles.

If your Internet Upload Speed is poor, we recommend contacting your Internet Service Provider to upgrade your internet plan or troubleshoot your low upload speed.

Finding Your Ring Device’s Transmit Speed

Learn how to see your Ring device’s Transmit Speed in the Ring app or your account at Ring.com.

Code: W4-05

Your Ring device’s transmit speed over wifi (or ethernet) is the speed of the direct connection between your Ring device and your local network (i.e. your router) when uploading data like Ring videos.

This feature will be available for all customers soon.
We are slowly rolling out this feature. If you don’t yet see your Ring device’s Transmit Speed in the Ring app or your Ring account, it will be available soon. 

This speed test is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and runs periodically to make sure your Ring device maintains a good connection to your local network.

Viewing your Ring device’s Transmit Speed from your account at Ring.com

Transmit Speed results guide

Is your wifi connection less than 10 Mbps? Try moving your wifi router closer to your Ring device to minimize the amount of physical objects, like walls or furniture, that may be blocking your wifi signal.

If you are receiving a device offline message in the Ring app, follow the instructions on the error message to improve your Ring device’s connection.

Managing Your Authorized Logged-In Devices

Learn how to manage which devices are logged in and authorized to access your Ring account.

Get to know Authorized Client Devices

In Control Center, you can manage the phones, tablets, and computers that are authorized to log in to your Ring account. Each time you successfully log in to Ring with your password and verification code, that device is saved as an Authorized Client Device with the following details:

How to access Authorized Client Devices in Control Center.

From the Ring app:

From a mobile browser:

From a desktop browser:

Removing Authorized Client Devices

You have the option to delete one authorized device at a time, or all devices at once (except for the device you are currently using).

Deleting One Device
When you delete a single device, you are immediately removing this device’s ability to access your Ring account. For example, if you gave your old phone or tablet to a friend, you should delete this device from your list of devices authorized to access your Ring account.

Removing All Devices
If you Remove All Devices, you are revoking access for all devices that are authorized to access your Ring account – except for the device you are currently using.

Shared Users, not passwords.

Do not share your password with anyone.
No Ring employee, Customer Support Associate, or Community Manager will ever ask you for your password.

If you want to share access to a Ring device with a friend or family member, you can add them as a Shared User.

What to do if your Ring account has been compromised

1.  Change your password immediately.
When you use the same password for multiple online accounts, you are at risk to cybercriminals (or bad actors). For example: If a bad actor acquires your password through a data breach of your email provider and you use the same password for your Ring account, this makes your Ring account more vulnerable. 

Because we require an additional layer of account security with Two-Step Verification, your Ring account is still protected. However, we strongly recommend you change your password immediately.
Learn how to change your Ring password

2.  Remove Authorized Client Devices you don’t recognize.
If you suspect your Ring account has been compromised, remove any and all devices that you confidently didn’t authorize. 

3.  Contact our Customer Support Team.
After you’ve successfully changed your password, please Contact Us so we can take proper measures to help prevent further risk.

Your account security is our highest priority

Customer trust is important to us and we take the security of our devices and services extremely seriously. We encourage all Ring users to follow our recommended security best practices to ensure your Ring account stays secure.

Account Management in Control Center

Learn how to update your Ring account information like your name, email, phone number, password and more.

Get to know Account Management

With Account Management, you can manage your Ring account information: how your name appears in your account, change your phone number, update your email, and change your Ring account password. 

How to access Account Management in Control Center.

From the Ring app:

From a mobile browser:

From a desktop browser:

Updating your account details

Whenever you update information in your Ring account, we first require you to re-enter your password, and in most cases, enter your verification code. We’re just making sure it’s you who’s making these changes. 

Changing your Name
You can change how your First Name and Last Name appear in your Ring account. 

Updating your Email address
Did you recently change your email address? You can update it in Account Management.

Updating your Phone Number
If you recently changed your phone number, update it now in Account Management. Keep in mind, this is phone number we’ll contact if you dropped a call when speaking to our Customer Support Team. It may not be same number you provided to receive you sign-in verification codes.

Changing Your Name in Your Ring Account

Learn to update how your name appears in your Ring account.

Updating your Name

You can change or update your name in the Ring app or your account at Ring.com.

From the Ring app:

From your desktop or mobile browser:

Account Verification in Control Center

Learn all the ways you can verify your account when signing in to Ring, or when speaking to Customer Support.

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Get to know Account Verification

With Account Verification, you can choose how you want to receive your 6-digit verification code whenever you sign in to the Ring app or your account at Ring.com. We require you to enter this code, after you enter your password, to better protect your Ring account. This extra layer of security is called Two-Step Verification. 

How to access Account Verification in Control Center.

From the Ring app:

From a mobile browser:

From a desktop browser:

Choose a verification method

You have the option to choose how you want to receive your verification code, by Text Message or Authenticator App. 

Text Message

When you choose Text Message as your verification method, you’ll receive a text to the mobile number you provide each time you sign in. Enter that code, and you’re in. 
Learn how to get a verification code by text message 

Authenticator App

Authenticator apps are security apps for your phone, tablet, and computer that help prove who you are. These apps generate 6-digit verification codes to help verify you when signing in to Ring.

Learn how to use an Authenticator App to sign in to Ring

Verification codes in Control Center

If you don’t have access to your text messages or your device’s authenticator app, you can generate a code from Control Center in Account Verification. 
Learn more

Customer Support Verification

If you need to speak with our Customer Support Team, they may ask to verify it’s you. In Account Verification, you can generate code to give to the Support Associate to help verify your Ring account. We will NEVER ask you for your password. 

Using the Ring Live View Widget

Learn how to add Live View widgets to your phone or tablet’s home screen.

Get to know Live View widgets

With Ring Live View widgets, you can access Live View on your Ring video doorbells and security cameras with just a tap, right from the home screen of your smartphone or tablet.

Ring Live View widgets appear as tiles on your home screen, with each widget displaying the name and image of a chosen device.

Make sure your Ring app and operating system are up to date.
Live View widgets are available with the Ring app versions 5.58 on iOS and 3.58 on Android. Confirm both your app version and mobile device’s operating system are up-to-date to use this feature.

How to set up a Live View widget

Apple iOS phones and tablets

For iOS, see Apple’s How to add and edit widgets on your iPhone article, or follow these steps:

Your Ring Live View widget will select one of your Ring devices by default. To choose a different device, follow the steps below on How to edit Ring Live View widgets.

Android OS phones and tablets

For Android, see Google’s Add apps, shortcuts & widgets to your Home screens article, or follow these steps:

How to edit Ring Live View widgets

Note: If you want instant Live View access for multiple devices, you will need to add one Ring Live View widget per Ring device.

Adjusting the Volume on Ring Doorbells, Security Cameras and Chimes

Adjust the volume on your Ring Video Doorbell, Security Cameras, and Chime or Chime Pro to the sound level that’s right for you.

How to adjust the volume on your Video Doorbell

Important: Adjusting the volume for Two-Way Talk may not be available for all Ring devices.

How to adjust the volume on your Ring Security Camera

You can adjust the volume on the Floodlight Cam Wired Plus and Floodlight Cam Wired Pro.
Find out which Security Camera you have in the Ring app.

How to adjust the volume on your Ring Chime and Chime Pro

Setting Audio Alerts on Chime and Chime Pro

Learn how to set Chime or Chime Pro to play sounds when events happen on Ring devices at the same location.

Chime Alerts are only available for devices at the same location.
Previously, Chime and Chime Pro devices could play sounds across multiple Ring device addresses. We’ve since improved this feature to give you more relevant Chime Alerts in the same location where Motion or Ring events occur.
Learn how to manage your Ring device locations

Applicable to: Cameras with YI IoT APP or any other brand cameras using YI IoT. YI IoT Light bulb camera is also applicable to this guide

YI IoT and YI Home are different apps, if you are looking for a guide to YI Home, check out: How To SetUp YI Home or Kami Camera

YI IoT Camera APP download

YI IoT supports Android and iPhone, you can download it from google play or app store.

Register your account and login

YI IoT only supports email registration, or you can sign in with Facebook.

Connect YI IOT Camera

Connect power

Before add YI IoT camera, please connect YI IoT camera to the power supply first.

After the device is successfully started, wait for about 20s, and you can start scanning when you hear a beeping sound.

Add camera

There are 3 ways to add a YI IoT camera, we recommend using ‘WiFi connection’ to add a YI IoT camera.

Click the ‘+’ icon, then click ‘Scan code binbing’, scan the QR code on YI IoT camera, the APP will show the recommended way to add.

Follow the instructions on the APP to add a YI IoT camera.

Can’t find the QR code on the YI IoT camera? You don’t need to scan the QR code, you can add the camera manually.

Add camera: WiFi connection

1. Select WiFi connection, make sure YI IoT camera is beeping, click ‘l heard the beep‘ > Next.

Drop drop sound

Note: Only when YI IoT camera beeps ‘drop-drop’, you can add YI IoT camera, no beep please reset YI IoT camera.

2. Enter your WiFi password, then click next.

If the app does not show your wifi, please make sure your phone is connected to wifi.

3. The app shows the QR code to YI IoT camera to scan, phone is 4-8 inches away from the camera, camera will issue a voice prompt for a successful scan.

After the camera issued voice prompts click “I heard Waiting to connect“, then enter the next step

YI IoT camera scan to QR code

You can turn on ‘try sonic binding’, to improve the connection success rate.

4. Wait for YI IoT camera to connect to wifi, set the camera name after successful connection.
The new YI IoT camera comes with free cloud storage, or click ‘<‘ to cancel.

Add camera: Hotspot config to wifi

1. Select ‘Hotspot config to wifi‘,make sure YI IoT camera is beeping, click ‘l heard the beep‘ > Next.

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See also  YI IoT Light Bulb Camera Review and SetUp

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Drop drop sound

Note: Only when YI IoT camera beeps ‘drop-drop’, you can add the camera, no beep please reset the camera.

2. Enter your wifi password, then connect the phone WiFi to the network with”CAM_ “the default password is: 12345678 and return to the APP

3.Back to YI IoT APP, wait for YI IoT camera to connect to wifi, set the camera name after successful connection.

How to use YI IoT Camera without Internet？

If you don’t have wifi, or use YI IoT camera without internet, you can use Hotspot direct connect.

But you can’t watch YI IoT camera remotely, you can’t receive alarm notifications, you can only use the simplest functions.

1. Select Hotspot direct connect, then connect the phone WiFi to the network with”CAM_ “the default password is: 12345678 and return to the APP

2. Go back to the app, click on to connect, and now you can use the camera.

Note: This mode can only be used if you connect to the camera’s hotspot wifi.

YI IoT Important Function Settings

Share the camera

Sharing the camera allows multiple phones to use the camera.

1. Click on the share icon > Share cameras with your family,You can choose QR Code or YI loT account to share.

Note: The other party needs to have a YI IoT account to add a camera.

QR Code Share

1. Select QR Code, Select the permissions available to share, and then tap Share.

2. Ask invitee to open the app and press the account icon in the lower right corner of the page.

Press the QR Code icon in the upper right corner and have your friend scan.

YI loT account Share

1. Select YI IoT account, select shareable permissions, enter the invitee’s YI IoT email address, and click Share.

2. YI IoT APP will send a notification to your invitee. Your invitee needs to confirm invitation in the App.

Recording Settings

The camera will only be displayed when the SD card is inserted SD card recording settings, inserting the SD card will, the camera will restart.

By default, the camera is activated with Event recordi, after activating motion detection, the camera will automatically record when it detects motion.

You can set the recording mode in SD card recording.

All time recording: The camera will record all the time and will not stop.
Event recording: Only record when an alarm event is detected

All-day Recording: 24-hour operation
Custom: You can set the time to start recording, (up to 3)

View Camera Recording

Click on the Activity to enter the interface, ‘‘ is the cloud storage video, ‘‘ is the SD card video.

The blue time indicates the time when there is video recording.

Motion Detection Settings

After turning on motion detection, the camera detects motion and the app will push an alarm notification.
The motion detection recording is set in the SD card recording.

You can set the detection sensitivity and notification frequency in Smart Detection, and you can also activate the alarm sound.

Motion Detection: Motion detection switch
Sensitivity Level – High：The camera will generate an alert and video when detecting the object slightly shaking.

Sensitivity Level – Medium：The camera will generate an alert and video when detecting the object moving at an moderate.

Sensitivity Level – LOW：The camera will generate an alert and video when detecting the object moving significantly.

Alert Frequency: Low – 10 minute，Medium – 5 minute， High – 1 minute
Schedule: Set alarm notification working time

Camera alarm sound: When activated, the camera will sound an alarm when it detects motion.

Motion tracking Settings

Motion tracking is activated in Camera Settings.
Motion tracking allows you to track moving objects, and the camera will follow the movement of the object.

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See also  : Ubox 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera Guide

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YI IoT Light bulb camera Setup

YI IoT Light bulb camera has the same function as a normal camera, the main feature is that it can be mounted on a light stand.
If your YI IoT camera supports Light, you can see the ‘‘ icon in the live screen. By clicking the ‘‘ icon, you can select the Light working mode.

Auto: When in night vision mode, the camera detects the movement of objects, the camera will start Light.

Manual switch: You can choose Open or Close to switch the Light manually.

YI IoT APP Interface Description

1. Watch 4 cameras at the same time 2. Add cameras

3. switch camera display 4. Share cameras

5. Cloud storage 6. Camera settings 7. alarm information

8. alarm information 9. cloud storage

10. personal information 11.Cloud Storage

12. Flip video screen 13. camera settings

14. save the video on the phone 15. voice intercom

16. sound switch 17. Screenshot

18. Full screen zoom 19. alarm message

20. view camera video 22. Control camera movement

Video Tutorials

YI IoT For PC

YI IoT supports Windows computers, and you can download the software here.

How To Add YI IoT Camera To Your Computer?

If you have added a camera to the YI IoT APP, you can use the camera on your computer by simply logging into your account.

1. Login to software, no account please register first.

2. Click ‘+’ , make sure your camera is beeping, click ‘I heard “Waiting to connect”‘.

Note: Only when the camera beeps ‘drop-drop’, you can add the camera, no beep please reset the camera.

3. Enter your wifi name and password, then click Please choose Wi-Fi

Note: The name and password are case-sensitive

4. Let the camera scan the QR code, If you hear “QR Code scan is successful”, please click Next.

5. Wait for the camera to connect to the wifi, click Save after successful connection.

7. Double-click the camera to watch the video.

YI IoT For PC Interface Description

Why add YI IoT camera failed？

Please check the following issues, then reset the camera and add it again.

I heard “wifi connection failed” or “wifi password error”

Weak WiFi signal, please move device or cell phone closer to WiFi router, or try rebooting WiFi router.
Make sure the wifi password is correct

I heard “Pairing has timed out”

Reset the camera and then re-add it.

What to do if I did not hear “QR Code scan is successful”?

How to reset YI IoT camera？

The camera can be reset only after the camera is started, Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds.

Reset the sound of the YI IoT camera

Can YI IoT Camera connect to YI Home or Kami Home APP?

No, YI IoT can only connect to YI IoT camera.

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See also : Security Camera Installation Guides

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Why some YI IoT camera features I don’t have?

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YI IOT CAMERA FAQ

Why do YI IoT cameras offline?

YI IoT camera keeps going offline, usually because it can’t connect to wifi.

1. wifi signal is weak, put the YI IoT camera close to the router
2. restart YI IoT camera, the camera will reconnect to wifi
3. Reset the camera and reconnect the YI IoT camera
4. Still keep offline, maybe the wifi module of YI IoT camera is faulty, we suggest contacting your camera seller

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Why are YI IoT cameras often offline?

YI IoT cameras are often offline, usually for the following reasons

1. The wifi signal of the location where you put the YI IoT camera is too weak, you can strengthen your wifi signal or put the camera close to the router.
2. Memory card problems cause YI IoT camera offline, you can take out the memory card, and then see if the camera can work properly.
3. The above attempts are not working properly, it is possible that the wifi module of YI IoT camera is faulty, we suggest contacting your camera seller

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Why can’t I control the YI IoT camera pan and tilt?

Please make sure your YI IoT camera supports pan and tilt
If you can’t respond to the control button, or can only control part of the pan and tilt, it means the camera is malfunctioning internally, please contact your camera seller

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Why do YI IoT cameras often restart automatically?

The automatic reboot may be a problem with the power supply, power cable and memory card.
You can replace them in order to troubleshoot the problem, if it cannot be solved, then it may be a YI IoT camera hardware problem, please contact your camera seller.

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I can’t find YI IoT APP in app store and google play?

YI IoT APP was deleted from app store and google play, you need to wait for YI IoT APP to be re-listed.

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How can I connect the camera when the QR code on the YI IoT camera is damaged?

The two-dimensional code is not required, you can manually select the mode to connect the YI IoT camera.

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Why does the YI IoT camera move in the opposite direction when tracking?

You need to contact your YI IoT camera seller in order to resolve this issue.

1. Ask for a replacement camera
2. You can solve the problem by upgrading the camera firmware, contact your camera seller to push the firmware.

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How to solve the glass will reflect the night vision?

YI IoT camera can’t turn off the night vision light manually, so it can’t be solved, please keep the camera away from windows, glass, etc.

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Forgot the PIN password of YI IoT camera

PIN password is set by the user,there is no way to retrieve PIN password.
If you forget the password, you can only reset the camera and reconnect the YI IoT camera.
Note: After resetting the camera, you can’t view the previous VIDEO.

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What sd card does YI IoT camera support?

YI IoT camera supports Micro SD Card, minimum 8GB, class10 memory card.
We recommend using a SanDisk or Samsung Micro SD Card.

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How do I return it?

Please contact your camera seller, camapp365.com does not sell cameras and is not a YI IoT person

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Can camapp365.com solve my problem?

There are too many comments for me to reply to every question, but I will check and update the FAQ uniformly.

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Overview

The Wisenet SKY Cloud Video Management System (VMS) is a Cloud-based service that replaces traditional digital video recorders (DVRs) and network video recorders (NVRs). The system is completely based on a modern redundant Cloud architecture that provides a web-browser-based interface and comprehensive mobile applications for iOS and Android.

The Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS is utilized for traditional security applications such as securing buildings, properties, apartment complexes, factories, critical infrastructure, police stations, retail stores, and restaurant chains. However, it is used for many applications related to “business optimization” as well. Business optimization is the use of video to make a business or service run better by being more reliable, more efficient, or providing better customer service. In retail, this can be applied to perfecting the retail displays, sales process, training of employees, compliance with safety rules, and much more.

The Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS is built on the Wisenet SKY Video Platform. The Wisenet SKY Video Platform provides simple, modern API access to live and recorded video from the cameras, as well as all of the attached data of motion, tags, objects, and activity. These APIs are used to develop custom user interfaces and analysis applications for safety, motion, and other summary reports. The APIs are also used for creating integrations with external systems for monitoring and analysis, as well as development of custom user interfaces both in the mobile and web browser interfaces.

Who Should Use the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS?

The Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS is a Cloud-based solution designed to operate for customers that have some Internet connectivity. It is NOT suitable for use by a customer that does not have an Internet connection. In general, the more bandwidth the customer has available, the better the system will work.

The key component of the bandwidth used by the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS is the upload speed. Download speed is not as important. The minimum upload bandwidth that is recommended is 768 kbps. With this small amount of bandwidth, the system can operate properly with standard definition (SD) cameras. Using a Cloud-managed video recorder (CMVR) will allow higher resolution cameras to be used.

How Does the Wisenet SKY VMS Work?

The operation of the Wisenet SKY system is very simple. The digital and/or analog cameras communicate with the Wisenet SKY Bridge or CMVR, which is located at the customer’s site. This communication can occur either over the network (ethernet or wireless) or through an analog coax connection. Any configuration required by digital cameras will be performed by the bridge/CMVR.

The bridge/CMVR will record the video and audio to the local storage (located in the bridge/CMVR). This is necessary to buffer the video, but becomes extremely important if the Internet connection should go down.

Once the data is recorded to local storage, the bridge/CMVR will process the video and analyze it for any motion. If motion is detected, the video will be tagged with object and motion information. The video is then encrypted, and, if there is available bandwidth, the video is transferred to the Wisenet SKY Cloud Data Center for longer-term storage. In the case of the CMVR, the video may be kept locally rather than sent to the Cloud.

Using a CMVR with the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS provides complete flexibility for storage of audio/video. In this case, the video may be stored locally, in the Cloud, or both. Different retention periods can be set for on-premises (local) and Cloud storage, and these periods can be adjusted for each individual camera. Furthermore, it is possible to transmit low-resolution video to the Cloud and keep high-resolution video local, or vice versa.

All access to both the live and recorded video is obtained via a connection to the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS using a web browser or mobile application. The video and audio data will then be viewable. All configurations and

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settings modifications are performed via this same Cloud connection. If the desired footage has not been transmitted to the Cloud or a live video feed is requested, the Wisenet SKY Cloud Data Center will quickly request the necessary data or feed from the bridge or CMVR. This is considered “on-demand” viewing.

How is Your Data Protected?

Security is crucial in an environment like this. All data is encrypted from the moment it reaches the bridge/CMVR until it is viewed through the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS. The data on the bridge/CMVR is encrypted at rest, meaning that if the device is stolen, the data onboard cannot be viewed. The Wisenet SKY Bridges and CMVRs also only have outbound communication with the Wisenet SKY Cloud Data Centers. This means that they do not have any open ports, nor do they require any port forwarding on firewalls. They are inherently safer and more secure because of this.

The Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS encrypts all video, audio, and any other data that is transmitted to and from the Cloud. All data in the Wisenet SKY Cloud Data Centers is encrypted at rest.

The Wisenet SKY Cloud Data Center, although referred to as a single data center, is actually a series of data centers distributed throughout the world. These data centers communicate with each other and maintain connections to Wisenet SKY Bridges and CMVRs to provide functionality. Data is protected through a redundant architecture where customers’ video is actually stored 3 different times, making loss of any video highly unlikely.

Bridges and CMVRs

Overview

Wisenet SKY Bridges and CMVRs are critical components to making the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS operate. They are the connection between the cameras (and other input devices) and the Wisenet SKY Cloud Data Center.

Without them, no data can get to the Cloud, and no data or video can be seen by the user. We won’t dive into each function performed by the bridges and CMVRs here, however, it is important to understand that the bridge/CMVR receives all the video (and audio) from the cameras and configures and controls IP cameras via the camera’s ONVIF interface.

Bridge/CMVR Security and Maintenance

Bridges and CMVRs only communicate with the Wisenet SKY Cloud Data Center. Because of this, they do not require any inbound open ports or firewall inbound openings. This keeps the data on the bridge/CMVR secure.

The Wisenet SKY Bridges and CMVRs are remotely managed and maintained by Wisenet SKY. The reseller or customer does not need to perform any software, firmware, or security updates. All of this type of maintenance is done automatically by the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS. When the bridge/CMVR boots, it checks to see if there are any available updates and automatically applies them. This makes for a more secure and more reliable environment.

Available Models

The Wisenet SKY Bridge and CMVR are available in over 20 different models. Careful consideration needs to be taken to choose the appropriate model for each situation. There are bridges and CMVRs available that can support up to 180 cameras. More cameras at a single location can be supported by using multiple bridges/CMVRs.

The most popular bridge model for new installations is the 304. This is a physically small bridge, supporting up to 15 IP cameras, and is appropriate for remote locations. For retrofit applications using analog cameras, the most popular bridge models are the 310 and 410, which support 8 and 16 BNC (HD-over-coax) cameras, respectively.

The 310 and 410 models are known as Combo Bridges because they support both analog and digital cameras. It is a

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1:2 relationship in the number of cameras supported: for every 1 analog input not used, 2 IP cameras can be used. So the 310 supports up to 8 analog or 16 IP cameras, and the 410 supports up to 16 analog or 32 IP cameras. Any combination of analog and IP can be used following the 1:2 rule of 1 analog or 2 IP cameras.

There are a large variety of CMVRs as well. Like the bridges, they are available in combo and digital-only versions. CMVRs are used when it is necessary, whether because of policy, compliance, or customer preference, to keep some or all of the video on-premises, or if there is not enough bandwidth available to transmit all of the recorded video to the Cloud.

The Bridges and CMVRs also have multiple options when it comes to physically mounting them. When server racks are available, we generally recommend rack mountable units, but, for other situations, smaller units that can be mounted in data closets or underneath desks are available.

All bridges and CMVRs include storage. For bridges, however, the storage is intended only as a buffer to hold the video for a short time in case bandwidth is not immediately available to transmit to the Cloud. CMVRs are designed for longer-term on-premises storage. However, the videos stored on the CMVR are still managed, controlled, and viewed from the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS.

So, even with the CMVR, when the user wants to view the video, the encrypted data is sent through the Cloud to the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS, allowing the video to be viewed from anywhere with an internet connection. This provides for a consistent user interface and better user experience, keeping it the same regardless of the hardware type (as long as minimum upload bandwidth is available). For a CMVR or bridge, we recommend a minimum of 2 Mbps upload above the preview transmit.

Some bridge and CMVR models have a video output connector and support local display. Using this connector, live video can be displayed on a monitor attached to the bridge or CMVR. This is useful in many situations where a manager wants the live view available at all times, or an overhead display is desired to show that surveillance is in use. Local display, like all items in the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS, is managed and configured from the Cloud.

For details on current Wisenet SKY Bridge and CMVR models, please check https://www.hanwhasecurity.com/solutions/wisenet-sky/

Bridge/CMVR Failure

Bridges and CMVRs are basic computers (similar to a PC or the insides of an NVR or DVR), and are therefore susceptible to hardware failure. This can occur due to failure with the power supply, hard disk, or general electronics. If the bridge or CMVR fails, video recording will typically stop. With a bridge, video that has not been transmitted to the Wisenet SKY Cloud Data Center may be lost, and the bridge will need to be replaced. A CMVR may need to be replaced, or it could be repaired (depending on its size).

Because all the configuration information for the bridge/CMVR is stored in the cloud, replacing a bridge/CMVR is quick and painless. The Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS will push all the configuration information for the bridge/CMVR and cameras to the new device. The only work needed by the technician or customer is to physically replace the bridge/CMVR.

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Cameras

Digital IP Cameras

The Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS uses the ONVIF standard to communicate with digital IP cameras. Unfortunately, this does not mean that the system works with all cameras that claim to be ONVIF compliant. ONVIF is only a small part of the complexity of communicating with Digital IP Cameras. The list of supported cameras is located at: https://www.hanwhasecurity.com/wisenet-sky-camera-compatibility-list/

If purchasing new cameras, we recommend using cameras that are listed on our website. If you have existing digital IP cameras that claim to be ONVIF compliant, we can often make them work. Please contact us for support.

The Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS can also support cameras that are manually configured and output RTSP streams. This is an advanced feature so please contact our support team for details on how to configure this for your specific situation.

Some Wisenet SKY customers have attempted to utilize the multi-stream capabilities of cameras to feed two different VMS systems. We strongly advise against this. There is too much complexity and crossover in the communications with the cameras to do this reliably. A camera should only communicate with the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS.

Today’s digital IP cameras are very complex. They contain a tremendous amount of hardware and software. The software almost always has security issues and serious bugs, so it is common for these cameras to crash and hang. The Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS will automatically do everything it can to restart cameras that crash or fail like this, however, the cheaper cameras tend to crash and fail more often because the testing processes applied to them by the manufacturer are less stringent. If you want a reliable system we recommend choosing quality cameras.

Analog Cameras

Analog cameras can also be used with the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS. Analog cameras typically require power from an external source, though. This is different from digital IP cameras that often use power-over-ethernet (POE) and can be powered directly from bridges/CMVRs/switches with POE.

Analog cameras need to be connected to Wisenet SKY Combo Bridges, typically using coaxial cable connections. Other connections are possible, but the most common (and the connectors provided by Wisenet SKY) are coax.

The Wisenet SKY Combo Bridges support both NTSC and PAL. Additionally, the combo bridges have been tested with over 1,000 different analog cameras, with 100% success.

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Installation and Setup

This is a quick overview of the physical and network installation for the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS. A bridge is used in this example, however, a CMVR is nearly identical.

Prerequisites

Internet connection and bandwidth: Each location requires an Internet connection for the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS to function correctly. The available bandwidth is very important. Higher bandwidth provides faster response for the user, leading to a better experience. For each 1MP HD camera, we recommend about 500 Kbps upload speed. Note that these upload speed bandwidth suggestions compound, so two of those cameras will need 1 Mbps, and so on. Consumer grade bandwidth is acceptable; you do not need “business grade”.

DHCP enabled: The Wisenet SKY Bridge and most cameras will use DHCP IP addresses by default, so it’s best to make sure the modem or router supplied by your Internet provider has DHCP enabled. If you need to implement static IP addresses on either the Wisenet SKY Bridge or the cameras, please see the OPTIONAL section below.

Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS User Manual

Read Next : Wisenet WAVE User Guide

Physical Installation

Wisenet SKY Bridge: Connect the Wisenet SKY Bridge to the router or modem through the WAN port on the Bridge. This can be done either through a switch or directly. Make certain that you use the WAN port for this and not the CamLAN port. DO NOT CONNECT THE CAMLAN PORT TO YOUR REGULAR NETWORK – IT IS FOR CAMERAS ONLY!

Connecting the CamLAN port to a router or modem will serve addresses to any devices that are set to DHCP client, exposing them to the internet. When connected to cameras or a switch, the CamLAN does not allow internet connection whatsoever; it is a private network designed just for cameras in order to isolate them from the wide area network (WAN).

After connecting to the internet, connect the power supply to turn on the bridge. After booting up, the bridge will check for updates then download and install them if available.

Figure 1 – Wiring Diagram for Wisenet SKY Bridge or CMVR

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Power over Ethernet (PoE) Switch (for Digital Cameras): If there are more cameras than available ports on the bridge (or if your bridge does not support PoE), connect a PoE switch to the CamLAN port of the Wisenet SKY Bridge to supply power to your digital cameras. If you are using analog cameras the switch is not needed. The CamLAN port provides DHCP addresses for the cameras and is non-routable to the WAN. Alternatively, cameras may be connected to the same switch as the WAN port of the bridge. If you are using managed switches be sure to enable multicast.

Cameras: Connect each camera to the bridge, POE switch, or analog BNC connectors and power them up. The Wisenet SKY Quickstart Guide included with the camera has detailed instructions for different camera manufacturers, but, typically, no configuration via the camera’s web interface is needed. If reusing cameras from a previous setup, make sure they are set to factory defaults and that DHCP is enabled. It is best to upgrade the firmware on the cameras to receive the latest fixes and security from the manufacturer.

Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS Setup

Log in to your Wisenet SKY Reseller Account and Create a Customer Account: Log in to your Wisenet SKY Reseller Account at https://wisenetsky.com. If your company does not have an account, please contact Wisenet SKY Support (insidesales@hanwha.com).

After logging in you will see your Reseller Dashboard. Create an account for your customer by clicking the Add Account button. After the account has been created, click the “eye” icon next to the customer name to jump into the customer’s account.

Attach the Bridge to Customer Account: Attach the Wisenet SKY Bridge to the customer account by pressing the Add Bridge button on the Dashboard page. Enter the AttachId of the bridge you are installing and give the bridge a name. To follow best practices, choose a naming convention that will make sense to identify the bridge’s location and will be scalable.

Note that a bridge can only be attached to one account at a time; if you have already added the bridge to another account (for testing or evaluation) you need to delete it from the previous account before adding it for the customer.

Also note that a bridge cannot be reused with a different customer. It will need to be returned to Wisenet SKY so that the data can be erased and the hardware recertified. A new bridge is required for each new customer location.

Figure 2 – Add a bridge

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Figure 3 – Attach a Bridge

Add Cameras: The Wisenet SKY Bridge will continually scan for cameras on the network. After attaching a camera to the bridge (whether directly or using a switch), it should appear on the Customer Dashboard as an Available Camera after about 5 minutes. Click the plus sign to attach a camera and start transmitting video.

Figure 4 – Add Cameras

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Camera Doesn’t Appear: If no cameras appear after five minutes, power cycle the cameras. Some camera manufacturers only reply to ONVIF commands when the camera is first powered up, so if the bridge is booted after the camera, the camera may never be discovered. To further troubleshoot, connect a laptop to the same network as the cameras and scan to see if the cameras appear.

Note: Some camera manufacturers will default to a static IP address and not DHCP. Verify this using your camera manufacturer’s manuals and/or by checking the cameras’ IP addresses on the network.

Configure Camera Settings: Select the gear icon $ next to the camera name on the Dashboard to adjust the camera settings.

This can also be accessed when using a layout or camera view by clicking the drop-down arrow in the top-right corner of the camera’s preview image (see Figure 7 Camera Action Menu). Enter the appropriate values for the Camera, Retention, and Resolution tabs, in particular. You may have to enter the ONVIF username and password for the cameras if you set them up with one (see optional settings below).

Figure 6 – Camera Settings

Figure 7 – Camera Action Menu

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Optional Bridge and Camera Settings

The settings mentioned above work for most situations. However, there are times when additional settings need to be made.

Camera Web Password: It is strongly recommended that you change the default passwords on your cameras using their web interface. Most cameras use the same password for ONVIF and their web interface so you will need to update the ONVIF username and password in the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS Camera Settings with the correct password when you change the web password.

Camera ONVIF Passwords: Some cameras may have separate accounts for ONVIF and the web interface. A new ONVIF user may need to be created in the web interface. The ONVIF username and password will need to be updated in Camera Settings.

Bridge Static IP Address: To configure the Wisenet SKY Bridge with a static IP address, you will need to connect a monitor and keyboard to the bridge. You can log in to the Admin Interface with username “admin” and the password is the last 5 digits of the bridge’s serial number. In the Admin Interface, choose “Configure Network”, then “WAN” and fill in all of the fields to set the static IP address.

Camera Static IP Address: You can configure cameras with static IP addresses without requiring any changes in the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS. Simply make sure the IP addresses you use do not conflict with each other or any other devices on the network. Note that you must set the static address for the camera using the camera’s web interface. If using CamLAN, addresses 10.143.0.2–99 are available to use as static addresses; CamLAN begins serving DHCP addresses at 10.143.0.100.

Cameras on Bridge WAN Port: The Wisenet SKY Bridge will scan the WAN and CamLAN ports for cameras, and cameras found on either network port will appear as “Available Cameras”. The Wisenet SKY Bridge uses multicast to discover ONVIF cameras and multicast should be enabled on any connected switches.

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Web Based User Interface

The Web Based user interface for Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS is available at the following url: https://wisenetsky.com

Enter your email address and password to log in to your account. If you do not know your login credentials, check your email account. When your account was created by a Wisenet SKY admin or a Reseller, you should have received an email with a link to set your password. If you did not receive this email, please contact Support.

Once you have your account you can add Bridges and cameras to it.

Adding Bridges and Cameras

Bridges and Cameras must be added to your account before you can record video using the Wisenet SKY Cloud VMS. Bridges are added first, then cameras can be added to each bridge.

Adding a Bridge

When a Bridge or CMVR is first used it must be connected to your Wisenet SKY Account before you can add cameras, record video, or perform any functions. From the Dashboard, click the yellow plus sign button in the top right to add the bridge to your Account. You will need the AttachID, which is on the Quickstart Guide packaged with the bridge.

Figure 8 – Add a Bridge

Enter the AttachID and a name for the bridge. The AttachID can be typed with or without the dashes. The bridge name is for your convenience; We recommend using a bridge name that denotes its location and follows a standard that will allow multiple bridges to be added using the same naming convention. Once the bridge is added you will be able to add cameras and start the recording process.

Figure 9 – Attach a Bridge

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Adding a Camera

Once a bridge has been added to an account it will begin to scan the network for compatible cameras through both the WAN and CAMLAN ports of the bridge. Wisenet SKY recommends only connecting cameras to the CAMLAN side (in more complex network environments, it may be necessary to have cameras on the WAN network, but this can expose camera IP addresses). When cameras are found, they will appear in the Available Cameras section.

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Figure 10 – Add a Camera

Camera discovery can take up to five minutes. If attached cameras do not appear in the Available Cameras list after 5 minutes, try power cycling them. Some cameras, such as those made by Samsung, will only make an ONVIF announcement upon their startup. If the bridge is booted after a camera that is programmed by the manufacturer this way, the camera will need to be power cycled to be discovered.

Add an available camera by clicking on the green plus button to the right of the camera’s name. When adding a new camera, the camera will be configured and a preview of the camera will appear. The preview could take up to 1 minute or longer to appear as some cameras are very slow to configure and set up.

The preview image appears so that you can aim the camera. It is also recommended to go ahead and name the camera and configure the settings now. You should choose a camera naming convention that will make the camera easy to recognize and will be scalable for a growing environment.

Figure 11 – New Camera Field of View

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Layouts

A layout is a configurable screen that allows you to customize the display size and position of the camera preview video. Layouts remain the same across the web interface and the mobile devices. You can control which layouts which users get access to.

Creating a New Layout

Choose “Layouts” from the navigation menu on the left. Thcn select “New Layout” from the drop down menu at the top of the screen.

Figure 12 – Layout Dropdown Menu for New Camera

You will automatically be prompted to “Add Cameras” as shown in Figure 14 – All cameras appear in the Add Camera to Layout screen. You can filter the cameras that are displayed by typing in keywords based on the camera name or camera tags in the filter box

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Show al camcrar

Figure 13 – Add Cameras

Layout Administration And Editing

To edit, administer, or add cameras to an existing layout choose the layout you want to update from the main menu tree and then activate the dropdown menu at the top of the screen.

Figure 13 – Layout Menu

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New Layout: Creates a new layout

Edit: You can adjust the size of each preview window and remove previews from your layout

Add Camera: You can add cameras to any layout by selecting Layouts on the main menu tree. Click the name of the current layout as shown in Figure 13 – Layout Menu in order to see the dropdown menu for layouts.

Settings: Using the Layout Menu, select “Settings.” A new dialog will appear letting you rename the layout, choose aspect ratios for the cameras, along with the max number of cameras per row and the option to show the camera name above each preview window.

Figure 14 – Layout Settings