Building My New Blue Iris CCTV Setup with PTZ Cameras
TLDRIn this video, the creator discusses his new CCTV setup using Relink E1 Zoom cameras and a Blue Iris NVR, replacing his previous UniFi Protect system. He highlights the benefits of PTZ cameras for privacy, the aesthetic appeal of the cameras, and the scalability of the Blue Iris software. The video covers the installation process, camera setup, and integration with his home automation system for enhanced privacy and security.
Takeaways
- 🏠 The video discusses the installation of a new CCTV setup using Reolink E1 Zoom cameras and a Blue Iris NVR as an alternative to the UniFi Protect system.
- 📦 The Reolink cameras are chosen for their PTZ capabilities, allowing them to pan, tilt, and zoom, which enhances privacy by turning away when not in use.
- 🔧 The setup involves configuring the cameras with static IP addresses and adjusting their settings for optimal performance and storage usage.
- 🖥️ The Blue Iris software is used for managing the NVR, with a one-time purchase cost and support for up to 64 cameras without additional licensing fees.
- 🔄 The video highlights the importance of PoE (Power over Ethernet) for a clean and efficient camera power setup, with the use of PoE Splitters for non-PoE devices.
- 🛠️ The NVR is built using a Dell OptiPlex 7070 Micro Mini PC, which is cost-effective and includes a Windows license, making it suitable for running Blue Iris.
- 💡 The video emphasizes the need for learning and patience when setting up Blue Iris due to its complexity, but also its potential for customization and integration with home automation systems.
- 🎥 The PTZ functionality of the cameras is controlled through the Blue Iris interface, with presets configured on the camera itself and triggered via the software.
- 🔒 Privacy is a key consideration in the setup, with the cameras programmed to face a wall when the user is at home and reposition themselves to monitor the rooms when away.
- 🔄 The system allows for remote access and management of the CCTV setup, with the capability to format drives, enable remote desktop, and adjust settings as needed.
- 💿 Storage considerations are addressed by using a 1TB hard drive for video recordings, with the option to expand or use variable bit rate recording for longer retention periods.
Q & A
What is the main reason for the user wanting to replace their current CCTV setup?
-The main reason for wanting to replace the current CCTV setup is to integrate PTZ cameras, which can pan, tilt, and zoom, allowing for more flexibility and privacy when at home.
What are the key features the user was looking for in a new camera?
-The user was looking for cameras that were more pet camera or baby monitor styled rather than professional CCTV cameras, and also wanted them to be ONVIF compliant and have built-in Ethernet.
Why did the user choose Blue Iris as their NVR solution?
-The user chose Blue Iris because it was a well-reviewed, commercial software with a one-time cost for up to 64 cameras, and it offered scalability and performance suitable for their needs.
What is the main advantage of using PTZ cameras in the user's setup?
-The main advantage is the ability to physically turn the cameras away from recording areas when the user is at home, providing a clear indication of privacy and not wasting storage space on unnecessary recordings.
How does the user plan to integrate the new CCTV system with their alarm system?
-The user plans to use Blue Iris's MQTT API to integrate the PTZ cameras with their alarm system, allowing the cameras to turn away when the user is at home and disarmed the alarm, and turn back to record when away or the alarm is armed.
What type of NVR did the user decide on and why?
-The user decided on using a Dell OptiPlex 5070 Micro Mini PC as their NVR because it was cost-effective, had a low power consumption, included a Windows license, and was powerful enough to handle the Blue Iris software and video recordings.
How does the user address the lack of Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability in the Reallink E1 Zoom cameras?
-The user uses PoE Splitters to provide power to the cameras over Ethernet, which allows them to connect a standard PoE cable and split it into a network connection and power for the cameras.
What are the recording settings used by the user in Blue Iris?
-The user set the cameras to record a continuous substream at a lower bit rate (500 kbps) and a full-quality stream (5 Mbps) when motion is detected, allowing for long-term recording while saving storage space.
How does the user plan to manage the new NVR and cameras remotely?
-The user enabled remote desktop on the NVR, allowing them to connect and manage it remotely without having to access the physical machine in the network cabinet.
What was the user's overall experience with setting up and using Blue Iris?
-The user found Blue Iris to be a bit complex and not very intuitive initially, but once figured out, it worked well and offered the desired functionality and integration with home automation systems.
Outlines
🏠 Home CCTV Setup Introduction
The speaker introduces their current home CCTV setup based on UniFi Protect, which works well but has limitations due to the closed system. They express a desire to replace it with a more flexible and privacy-friendly solution involving PTZ cameras and a Blue Iris NVR. The speaker also discusses living in a flat without outdoor space, the need for indoor cameras, and the integration of their current system with their alarm for privacy.
📦 Unboxing and Overview of New Cameras
The speaker unboxes the new Reolink E1 Zoom cameras, highlighting their 5-megapixel resolution, ONVIF compliance, and built-in Ethernet, which allows for easier integration with a Blue Iris NVR. They also discuss the camera's PTZ capabilities and the inclusion of necessary accessories like a mounting bracket and power adapter. The speaker notes the camera's non-PoE capability but introduces a solution using PoE splitters to overcome this limitation.
🖥️ Setting Up the Blue Iris NVR
The speaker describes their choice of a Dell OptiPlex 5070 Mini PC for the Blue Iris NVR due to its small form factor, low power consumption, and inclusion of a Windows license. They detail the hardware specifications, such as the Intel i5 9500T CPU, 8GB RAM, and the addition of a 1TB hard drive for video storage. The speaker emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of this setup and the ease of servicing the machine.
🔧 NVR Assembly and Initial Configuration
The speaker demonstrates the assembly of the NVR, including the installation of the hard drive and the removal of unnecessary components like the Wi-Fi card. They discuss the machine's serviceability and the importance of certain BIOS settings for server functionality, such as automatic power-on and disabling sleep mode. The speaker also covers the installation of Windows 11 Pro, enabling remote desktop, and formatting the hard drive for video storage.
🔄 Blue Iris Installation and Camera Setup
The speaker explains the process of installing Blue Iris, including the purchase and activation of a license. They discuss the initial setup process, such as enabling remote desktop access, configuring the machine to automatically start upon power supply, and formatting the hard drive for video recordings. The speaker also covers the process of adding cameras to Blue Iris, emphasizing the importance of setting static IP addresses and adjusting camera stream settings for optimal recording.
🎥 PTZ Camera Configuration and Privacy Settings
The speaker delves into the setup and configuration of the PTZ cameras within Blue Iris, including the adjustment of camera positions and the creation of presets for privacy and home viewing. They discuss the integration of the cameras with their alarm system to automatically adjust the cameras' orientation for privacy when at home and to monitor the home when away. The speaker also explores the use of Blue Iris' MQTT API for automation and the recording settings for efficient storage usage.
👀 Reviewing and Utilizing the Blue Iris Interface
The speaker reviews the Blue Iris interface, discussing its learning curve and the process of setting up triggers, alerts, and recording options. They explain the use of different video streams for recording, such as continuous substream recording plus triggered events, to optimize storage space. The speaker also touches on the functionality of the PTZ control within the Blue Iris web interface and the potential for further customization and automation.
🏠 Final Setup and Home Automation Integration
The speaker concludes the setup by installing the cameras in their home, connecting the NVR to the network, and integrating the system with their home automation for automatic camera orientation based on their presence. They discuss the practicality of the setup, the performance of the Blue Iris software, and the potential for future improvements and customizations. The speaker shares their satisfaction with the new setup and its capabilities.
🙏 Conclusion and Thanks
The speaker wraps up the video by thanking the viewers for watching and expressing their overall satisfaction with the new CCTV setup. They highlight the benefits of the Blue Iris system, the integration with home automation, and the added privacy features of the PTZ cameras. The speaker encourages viewers to explore further tutorials and resources for more in-depth understanding and customization of their Blue Iris setup.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡CCTV setup
💡PTZ cameras
💡Blue Iris NVR
💡UniFi Protect
💡Ethernet and Wi-Fi cameras
💡POE (Power over Ethernet)
💡Home automation integration
💡Remote desktop
💡ONVIF cameras
💡Dell OptiPlex 7070 Micro
Highlights
Installing a new CCTV setup using R link cameras and a Blue Iris NVR.
Replacing an existing UniFi Protect-based system due to limitations with PTZ cameras and desired aesthetics.
The new setup allows cameras to pan, tilt, and zoom, providing enhanced flexibility and functionality.
Privacy is enhanced by having cameras turn away when not needed, using PTZ capabilities.
Choosing a more pet camera or baby monitor aesthetic over a professional CCTV look for a home environment.
The Realink E1 Zoom cameras are ONVIF compliant, allowing interoperability with various NVRs.
Exploring the Blue Iris software as a scalable and cost-effective NVR solution over traditional NVR hardware.
Using a Dell OptiPlex 5070 Micro Mini PC as the NVR host, leveraging its low power consumption and included Windows license.
Configuring the cameras with Ethernet and PoE capabilities for a clean and efficient network setup.
Discussing the importance of choosing the right NVR based on privacy concerns and the need for scalability.
Utilizing PoE splitters to power cameras over Ethernet without PoE capability, simplifying cable management.
The Blue Iris software offers direct to disk recording to reduce CPU load and improve efficiency.
Setting up PTZ presets for privacy and home positions, allowing the cameras to switch between recording and non-recording states based on user preference.
Using Blue Iris' MQTT API for home automation integration, enabling the cameras to turn away when the user is at home and back to recording positions when away.