Understanding the Basics: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Before diving into the different types of security cameras, it’s crucial to understand some basic but important considerations that will influence your choice.

Identifying Your Security Needs

When considering the installation of a security camera system, the first step is to assess your specific needs. The requirements of a sprawling estate versus a cozy apartment differ vastly. Similarly, a retail business will have different security needs compared to a manufacturing unit. Begin by asking yourself the following questions:

Answering these questions will lay a solid foundation for your search and ensure that you don’t end up with a security camera system that’s either overkill or insufficient for your needs.

Security Camera Buying Guide and How to Choose

Considering the Location

The location where the cameras will be installed plays a pivotal role in your decision-making process. Indoor cameras differ significantly from outdoor cameras, particularly in terms of durability and weather resistance. If you’re considering outdoor surveillance, ensure the cameras are weatherproof and have adequate night vision capabilities.

Exploring Security Camera Technologies

When choosing a security camera, it is critical to understand the differences and similarities between IP security cameras and HD over coax security cameras to select the right type for specific needs.

What are IP Security Cameras?

IP (Internet Protocol) security cameras are digital video cameras that use networks to transmit image data and control signals over an IP network. These cameras can be directly accessed from a network connection, making them highly versatile for a variety of settings.

Advantages of IP Security Cameras

High Resolution: IP cameras are known for high-resolution images, which can go up to 4K resolution, allowing for clearer and more detailed images.

Scalability: They are highly scalable as one can easily add more cameras to the existing network without significant infrastructure changes.

Remote Accessibility: IP cameras can be accessed and controlled remotely, making it possible to monitor footage from anywhere in the world via the internet.

Disadvantages of IP Security Cameras

Cost Factors: They tend to be more expensive than other types, both in terms of initial setup and maintenance.

Network Dependency: These cameras require a stable network connection, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.

What are HD Over Coax Security Cameras?

HD over coax security cameras transmit high-definition video over coaxial cable. These cameras are an upgrade from the traditional analog CCTV systems, providing better resolution and clarity without the need for new cabling infrastructure.

Advantages of HD Over Coax Security Cameras

Cost-effectiveness: Generally less expensive than IP cameras and utilize existing coaxial cable setups.

Ease of Installation: They are relatively easy to install, especially if replacing existing analog systems.

Reliability: Less dependent on network bandwidth and do not suffer from network-induced lag.

Disadvantages of HD Over Coax Security Cameras

Limited Resolution: While improved over analog cameras, their resolution does not compare to the high levels achievable by IP cameras.

Scalability Issues: Adding more cameras often requires additional DVRs (Digital Video Recorders), which can complicate the system.

Comparing Video Quality and Resolution

When it comes to resolution, IP cameras generally offer more with options going up to 4K, whereas HD over coax typically maxes out at 1080p. This makes IP cameras a better choice for scenarios where detail is critical.

Comparing the Cost Implications

IP cameras have a higher upfront cost primarily due to the need for networking equipment and possibly, higher quality cabling. However, HD over coax cameras often involve less expensive equipment but might incur more costs if extensive cabling is needed.

Remote Access Capabilities

Both IP camera systems and HD over coax camera systems excel in remote access as they can be configured for view from any location thru PC, cell, or tablet through the internet. 

Use Case Analysis

For large, expanding facilities or highly detailed surveillance needs, IP cameras would be more suitable. In contrast, HD over coax cameras are well-suited for smaller setups or where budget constraints are significant.

Future Trends in Security Cameras

The future likely holds further enhancements in camera resolution and network capabilities for IP cameras, and continuous integration of advanced analytics. HD over coax might see improvements in compression and transmission to allow for higher resolutions.

Both IP and HD over coax security cameras offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, budget, and desired scalability. Understanding these aspects will guide you in choosing the most suitable type.

Exploring Types of Security Cameras

With a basic understanding of what to consider before purchasing, let’s delve into the most popular types of security cameras available on the market.

Dome Cameras

Dome cameras are named for their dome-like shape, making them more discreet than other types. They’re excellent for indoor use, especially in retail or commercial settings, where they can blend in with the decor while providing a wide viewing angle.  In addition, most of our dome cameras are also vandal resistant.

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras are long and cylindrical. They are typically used outdoors, mounted on walls or ceilings. These cameras are known for their strong night vision capabilities and long-distance viewing, making them ideal for monitoring large areas like backyards or parking lots.  Whether you need a wide angle or a zoom we have the perfext bullet security camera for you. 

Wireless vs. Wired Cameras

Another crucial consideration is whether to go for wireless or wired cameras. Wireless cameras offer flexibility in placement and are generally easier to install. However, they depend on your Wi-Fi signal’s strength and can be more susceptible to interference. On the other hand, wired cameras require a more complex installation process but provide a more stable and reliable connection, making them well-suited for extensive surveillance systems.

Smart Cameras

Smart cameras come with features like motion detection, facial recognition, and automatic alerts. These cameras not only record footage but also analyze it, sending you notifications when something out of the ordinary happens. They’re perfect for homeowners who want to stay informed about their property’s security in real time.  We also have specialty cameras such as PTZ, license plate, and fisheye cameras.

Key Features to Look For

Delving deeper into the specifics, here’s what you should look for when shopping for a security camera:

Selecting the right security camera for your home or business requires careful consideration of your specific security needs, the features you value most, and the type of camera that best suits your space. By taking the time to understand the different options available and what each offers, you can make an informed choice that ensures your property is watched over effectively. Remember, the goal is not just to deter potential intruders but to give you the confidence that comes with knowing your space is secure. Whether you opt for a dome camera for your business interior or a bullet camera for outdoor surveillance, ensuring your peace of mind is the ultimate priority.

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Our IP camera can connect directly to your network or computer, and there are three ways to do so. The three ways listed below do not require a NVR. A NVR, or Network Video Recorder, is the device that IP cameras connect to.  The NVR records video provided by the IP cameras to a hard drive, either in HD (720p, 1080p), 2K HD, or Ultra HD (4K) depending on the type of NVR and type of camera that’s being used with it.

IP cameras are network-based cameras, however they don’t require Internet access in order to be used as they are standalone devices that can be used on a local network. A simple local network can be either of the following:

1.An IP network camera connected with a network cable to your desktop computer’s network port.

2.An IP camera connected to a router that is connected to a desktop or laptop computer, but the router is not connected to the internet.

Only if you want to view your system remotely from the internet then you would have to connect the system to the Internet.

Do I need a NVR for my IP security camera system?

A NVR is not necessary in order to view your network cameras or even record video. If you are testing cameras, looking for a temporary setup or want to set up something inexpensive then using a computer with an IP camera is a good alternative to a NVR.  SmartPSS is our computer software program that allows PCs to view and record IP cameras. However, this kind of processing will demand a lot from the computer. Most likely, you wouldn’t be able to use that computer for personal use as it would be bogged down processing video from high resolution IP network cameras.  Also, computers can be unreliable and crash, potentially leaving you with no recorded video.

NVR products are standalone devices using a Linux operating system which is known to be rock-solid and crash free, and designed to be operate 24/7 and maintain system security with user account access permissions. For a complete security camera system, you will want to use a NVR along with cameras. SmartPSS software can be used as a client software to connect from a computer to a NVR to watch cameras connected to the NVR and to playback/download recorded security footage.

How to Connect IP Camera Guide 2024

Three ways to connect an IP camera to a computer

Before we begin, it is important to understand that network camera systems require the ability to transport video and power to work correctly. Power Over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that transmits video/data signal and power over one Ethernet cable. In situations where PoE isn’t available, a 12V DC power adapter will be necessary to supply power to the camera.

Secondly, you will need to use our IP finder Config Tool to find cameras on your network. For more info on basic networking knowledge as to how IP addresses matter when deploying network cameras, please read our guide about connecting security cameras to the internet.

Now, let’s discuss the three ways to to connect to an IP camera from your computer.

1.12V DC power adapter with a network cable straight into a PC

2.12V DC power to camera + network cable to router

3.Camera to PoE Switch or PoE Injector

How to Connect IP Camera to Computer

1) 12V DC power adapter with a network cable straight into a PC

a) For this method we will provide power to the camera using a 12V DC 1amp power adapter that plugs into a 110V AC outlet. Below is a picture of our trusty power adapter.

b) Next, connect a network cable from the camera to your computer.

c) Set your computer’s network port to a static IP address like 192.168.1.200 so you can talk to the camera. Here’s how you do it on a Windows Computer:

d) All newer cameras with firmware from 2018 and onward have stringent password rules that require initialization before making any configuration changes to the camera including the IP address. In order to set the password and password recovery email address you must login to the web interface of the camera. Be sure to note down and keep the credentials you are setting in a safe place that you will remember.

There are no master reset passwords for our equipment. If you forget your password, recovery email address, and security questions that you set on the camera at time of initialization, resetting the camera requires factory service which will incur out-of-warranty costs to reflash the camera.

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e) Once you have a static IP address assigned to your computer’s wired network port, turn off WiFi on your computer. You can find the camera’s current IP address by using the Config Tool as shown. Our test camera has a current IP address of 10.1.1.65. If you need to change the IP address to let’s say 192.168.1.120, you can do that by clicking on the pencil icon to edit.

Note: if you have a password other than admin set on the cameras, then you will need to enter that in the “search settings” options before attempting to edit the IP address. See the illustration below on how that is done.

f) As explained in our article connecting security cameras to the internet, for two devices on a network to talk to each other, they must have the same IP address scheme. In 1C we set our computer’s address to 192.168.1.200, so we need to set change this camera’s address to 192.168.1.X where X is a number between 2 and 254, and not same as the our computer’s current address. We picked 12, so below is a screenshot of what to set your camera’s ip address to if you are following along in our guide. Set the subnet to 255.255.255.0 and gateway to 192.168.1.1.

g) After changing your camera’s IP address to one that matches your network, type the new IP address of your camera into the URL of internet explorer. Here’s a brief example:

You can also view the camera using our PC software. If you don’t already have it, you can download SmartPSS from here. Here’s how if you already have SmartPSS installed.

In summary, the above is a quick and easy way to connect an IP camera to a computer with a hardwired network port. This is great for the following scenarios:

• You don’t have a router and want to set up a closed circuit system between a computer and a security camera.

• You are trying to test an IP camera or troubleshoot it.

• You are trying to connect to a security video recorder directly from a computer.

Most computers have only one network port, so this method can be problematic as it would use up your only network port, preventing you from having a hard-wired Internet connection. The next 2 methods will demonstrate how to set up a network camera on a network. Method 2 is for setting up a camera with a 12V DC power supply and Method 3 entails using a PoE injector or switch. The only different between these two methods is how power is supplied to the camera.

2) 12V DC power to camera + network cable to router

This method will show you how to connect an IP camera to your router and view it over a network, while supplying power to the camera using a 12V DC power adaptor.

a) Connect a 12V DC power supply to your camera and connect the power adaptor to the wall to power the camera.

b) Connect a network (Ethernet) cable from the camera to the router to establish a data connection between the camera and the router.

c) Give the camera about 2-3 minutes to boot. Use our IP Finder Config Tool to find the camera on your local area network (LAN).  Below is a screen shot of how it looks in our case.

The camera currently has an IP address of 10.1.1.65. As explained in our article connecting security cameras to the internet, for the camera to be reachable from the computer on your network, its IP address has to match the IP scheme of your network. In our case our router IP is 192.168.1.1, so we are going to have to change the IP address of the camera. To change the IP simple press the pencil icon to edit.

d) We are going to set the camera to an IP of 192.168.1.X, we chose 192.168.1.12. Before we go ahead and change the IP address, we have to think about duplicate IP addresses on the network which would create networking issues. To see if a specific IP address is available on your LAN, use the command prompt in Windows to ping the address you intend to use. Below is a video explaining how to use the ping command. You can use this command on Mac as well by using the terminal.

e) Let’s change the IP address. In our case we set it to 192.168.1.12. Subnet mask is usually 255.255.255.0 on simple networks, and the gateway is the IP address of the router. Press OK.

f)  Once the camera is assigned a new IP address, you can access the camera using your Web Browser or SmartPSS as shown in 1F above.

3) Camera to PoE Switch or PoE Injector

We discussed that PoE supplies power to the camera, so a 12V power adapter is not necessary in this scenario.

In this method you plug an ethernet cable from the camera to a PoE port on a compatible PoE switch or injector. The PoE switch or injector connects to the router.

Here’s how you connect to a PoE switch.

Here’s how you connect to a PoE injector

Again, use the Config Tool to find your camera’s IP address and change it to match your network scheme (if necessary) as described in steps 2C thru 2E. Once the camera is on the same network as your computer you can login and watch the camera as shown in Step 1F.

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Summary

At this point, you now should know a good amount about networking and have used the above mentioned steps to make your very own IP camera system using your computer and IP camera.

Viewing an IP Camera on a Smart TV

Among the many different ways that security cameras are used, we are often asked if it is possible to view an IP camera directly on a Smart TV without using a NVR recorder. With most Smart TVs on the market there is no application that is available to watch IP cameras directly on the TV. In this guide we show how to use an Android TV box by downloading an App to connect an IP camera to a Smart TV or any monitor that has an HDMI input.

All IP cameras from CCTV Camera World support a RTSP video stream that is usable by third party programs and apps. The App that we suggest you use on an Android TV box is called VLC Media Player. You can login and access the RTSP stream from an IP camera and have it display on a TV.

Keep in mind any device that can download VLC Media Player can do this process like iPhones, iPads, Android tablets, and phones.

What equipment is needed?

Here’s the list of all the equipment that is needed to connect an IP camera to a Smart TV.

1.IP camera from CCTV Camera World

2.PoE injector or 12V DC Power Adaptor to power the camera

3.Network cables to connect the camera to your computer network

4.Android TV Box from any online shopping marketplace

5.Computer network to connect the camera and Android TV Box

6.Internet connection to setup and install Apps on the Android TV box which can later be removed after the setup process is finished

7.SmartTV or Computer Monitor with HDMI input

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How to connect IP security cameras to an Android TV Box

Before you can access the stream from the camera you will need to have it connected to your computer network and verify that it’s accessible. If you purchased a standalone IP camera from CCTV Camera World the camera is likely already configured with an IP address. Check the top of the camera box for the login information label. If the camera has not been configured, or you need to set it up on your network we recommend following our How to Connect an IP Camera guide.

You will also need to set up your Android TV box on your network, consult with the manufacturer of your box to find out how to do this.

You will need your IP address, username, and password that is set on the camera in order to access it. Inside of the VLC Media Player app you can access network streams. Inside of the app navigate to adding a video source and select network stream. Using the example RTSP stream below plug in the information for your camera’s IP address and type the text into the media player URL.

rtsp://192.168.1.109:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0

After you’ve typed in the correct RTSP stream for your camera you will be required to login to your camera stream. Type in the username and password for your camera to allow the app to login to your camera stream.

If you receive an error, double check that your camera is connected to the network and you’ve typed the correct username and password. Provided the camera is set up on the network and you are able to login you should now see your camera stream inside of the VLC Media Player App.

Keep in mind that Smart Camera features cannot be used with the RTSP stream. If you would like to use Smart Detection features that your security camera may have, you will want to use an NVR to display the camera on your TV.

Watch our video below that shows the setup process described above on an Android TV box.

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Looking for the best NVR? This guide will help you find the right one for you, help you through the jargon, and get your recorder at the best price.

NVR is short for Network Video Recorder, a device which acts as a hub for an IP-based security camera system. It is a storage and review point for your CCTV which means you don’t need to sign up to remote service to store your video.

That means, of course, it’ll need cameras, typically connected by power-over-ethernet (PoE) cables (see our guide to the best PoE cameras), and a storage medium like a hard drive.

Retailers often package the same NVR in several different bundles, mixing up the types and numbers of cameras and hard drives, or simply leaving this all to you. There are real bargains to be had with some of these all-in-one kits, and the only real downside is some spectacularly confusing product names.

An NVR, incidentally, is not quite the same thing as a DVR (or Digital Video Recorder), which appeared in the late 90s. They look similar and store video too, but a DVR is built to accept and digitally compress analogue or digital video via coax sockets; an NVR expects a digital input.

The advantage of an NVR-based security system is that, because the video is being compressed by the cameras, local processing power is available for AI functions like detecting movement. This, in turn, means you don’t need to dig into your wallet for a subscription service; both storage and AI analysis are provided by a device you own rather than a service you lease. 

Given that subscription services usually only store the clips their AI identifies as significant, having your own NVR may give you the power to review every moment yourself rather than being dependent on an algorithm to parse the events your camera sees. All the advantages of networking like remote access and – of course – the ability to work with all IP cameras, wired or wireless, remain.

We look at some of the key features in detail at the end, but something else to remember if you’re in the USA is the China trade war; major security player HikVision have already fallen victim to US internal bans on new products and may end up on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. 

Key features to look out for are remote access, PoE (Power over Ethernet), which can simplify wiring, hard drive capacity (indeed if any drives are included at all), the resolution limit, the number of channels or cameras it can handle, and if there are any means of backup. Remember that a 4K camera uses more data throughput than a 1080P one, so an NVR can handle fewer of them – this is where the compression method (e.g. H.264 or H.265) can make a big difference.

Best NVR in 2023

Why you can trust Digital Camera World  Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

(Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital Camera World)

1: EufyCam HomeBase 3

The EufyCam HomeBase 3 and various bundles bring the glossy consumer experience of IP cameras like those from Google or Nest – including AI-like face detection – but don’t leave you paying every month. This device also has a home-friendly design so you can leave it on a countertop (good if you have limited space near your router).

Some security pros might not appreciate the non-traditional approach with only clips recorded when the cameras detect motion. The flip side is that the NVR is a more accessible experience. Even without adding a hard drive the 16GB included will likely capture a couple of months of ‘events’ (clips by triggered movement) from your cameras; add a drive and that can go up to a lifetime. It also means the cameras can be installed wirelessly, with battery power, meaning getting up and running is virtually painless. We especially liked the S330 eufyCam 3 bundle with solar-powered 4K cameras featuring floodlights and night vision

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(Image credit: Amcrest)

2: Amcrest 5 Series NV5232E-16P

Best DVR for multi-brand compatibility

While not everyone will need the 320Mbps throughput, if you’re looking for a powerful NVR which affords some flexibility when it comes to choosing your cameras (and don’t mind paying for that) then the Amcrest 5 Series seems to have that in the bag. Eight of the sixteen Ethernet sockets are PoE, likely enough for most customers though it seems a shame they weren’t all enabled.

We certainly can’t complain about the level of effort which seems to have gone into usability in what is not always the most user-friendly product category; a great example is the QR codes to bring up quick remote viewing via the Amcrest View app.

The device is certainly not the cheapest on this list, given the list price doesn’t’ include a hard drive and you’ll need at least one – likely two unless you opt for the motion detection mode. It does, however, offer some of the features of subscription services via the app and web features, as well as the advantages of a hardwired device; not to be sniffed at.

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3: Swann AllSecure650

Best NVR for uninterrupted security

Swann has always built innovative systems, and this is no exception. Adopting an elegant upright design, the NVR PowerHub is the basis of several new Swann packs including the AllSecure650. We like this system not only because of the elegant design, but because it offers so many options in a small package. It also, brilliantly, turns the main annoyance of battery camera systems to its advantage; an extra battery is included (total of 3 for a 2 camera bundle).

The extra battery lives in the hub, where it not only charges but offers backup power backup in case of an outage. When you need to swap a camera battery you have a spare, ready to go, so you can swap it with one – rather than two – trips up the ladder to the camera.

It does not, however, ditch all the functionality of a traditional NVR as it attempts to blend into the home or small business. While you can control nearly everything via the app, as well as enjoy remote access, there is also a mouse socket and HDMI port for use with a monitor. The supplied 1TB storage will also manage 2 years of clips by Swann’s reckoning, after which you can opt for Dropbox or USB transfer. 

Best NVR camera systems 2023

Read More : Best Night Vision Security Cameras

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(Image credit: Synology)

4. Synology Deep Learning DVA1622

Best AI NVR for homes and small businesses

Synology offer multi-drive RAID storage systems – many which can take on a little monitoring on the side – and devices like this built with it front and center. There is the power to drive AI on up to 16 streams of video including separating people from animals, intrusion detection and even license place recognition. Businesses can even use the AI system to detect whether face mask rules are being complied with. This AI also helps distinguish threats in poor lighting thanks to the GPU power. Recording can be backed up across drives or both can form a single volume

As well as HDMI connection for a monitor, the device can be reached remotely via iOS and Android apps and on virtually any computer via a browser interface. The USB 3.2 ports (front and back) offer keyboard and mouse connection.

This is a great choice for smaller installs, but bigger businesses might need something like the 4-drive FVA3221.

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(Image credit: Reolink)

5: Reolink RLK8-800

Best DVR for reviewing video history

Despite having only one SATA bay, the Reolink system makes a lot of room for storage by adding an eSATA socket at the back. The system is also typically bundled with its preferred Reolink 4K cameras which provide stand-out sharp footage which is easy to review thanks to the fresh modern interface. Reolink also offer a great variety of cameras and a doorbell.

Built-in operating systems can be a tad clunky, but connect the supplied mouse to the NVR and the Reolink interface, whether on 4K TV or VGA screen, is a bit clearer. The 24/7 recording is accompanied by a timeline which highlights events (people or vehicles) and can be filtered as you browse. While it doesn’t sound a lot, in practice most CCTV reviewing is for these things.

When connected to your local network via the LAN socket, assuming an internet connection, the system can use the same alert tech to send specific activity alerts to your devices.

(Image credit: Annke)

6: Annke 4K 8CH PoE NVR

Best NVR for affordable plug-and-play

Clearly built for practicality, the Annke H800 makes connecting a USB drive easy without re-positioning by adding an extra USB socket at the front as well as the rear one for the mouse.

The in-built OS isn’t beautiful, but actually very smart; you can choose to disable motion detection by zone on each camera view and, even as you refine the detection, you see a handy live view of where the algorithm is spotting action. Other handy features include quotas for individual cameras to prioritize some recordings drive vapacity.

The system includes event-driven or “Smart” timeline review of recorded video, the latter allowing you to search video for movement within areas you specify – a handy tool for finding if someone went into a specific corner of the shot after the fact.

Phone integration for Android or iOS also brings notifications though only one user account can be connected.

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(Image credit: Swann)

7: Swann SRNVR-88580H

Best DVR for AI features

What shines out with the Swann system is the more advanced facial recognition tools which put person/vehicle recognition in the shade. Yes, generalized person or vehicle alerts are still very useful, but Swann allows the known faces can be named. That makes specific alerts possible if, say, one of the kids gets near the treats. That is the kind of benefit consumer smart cameras offer, built on with integrations with Alexa and Google Assistant, but without the cost of a subscription.

A third USB socket covers mouse, backup drive and downloading to a USB stick
without needing to unplug anything – usability plus. 

On the down-side, pet detection does require a cloud subscription (perhaps that just feels a worrying threshold to cross). In reality the fact Swann offer a cloud option – and secure backup using it – will be a handy option for some, even if it does bring with it a monthly fee. Swann’s Enforcer Kit system also has a number of 4K CCTV cameras with red and blue flashing LEDs and sirens built in which can be acquired in a bundle with the NVR for an effective deterrent system. 

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(Image credit: Lorex)

8: Lorex D861A82B 4K DVR

Best NVR for smart home integrations

This elegant-looking NVR actually has the same sockets as most other 4K 8-channel systems from the back, but is chic enough to sit comfortably under a living room TV. There the central panic button, which triggers all lights & sirens built into connected cameras, could end a home invasion.

The main Lorex NVR software also allows you to set up effective deterrence rules using person and vehicle detection and features area search for easier review.

There is a similar level of design polish in the remote access app save for one thing; if you do connect wireless and wired cameras you’ll need to tidy up the alerts yourself to avoid duplicates. 

We also appreciated that the Apple TV wasn’t forgotten; and smart home fans will love the ability to add sensors (like gate or door opening) as well as cameras via a Lorex Sensor Hub.

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(Image credit: Synology )

9. Synology DS923+

A RAID system with security-friendly extras

As well as dedicated NVRs, Synology are synonymous (sorry!) with all sizes of data storage devices. While many entrust their data – especially with limited amounts of it – to the cloud, there are many reasons to have a physical backup system. Hot-swappable drives mean every piece of information can be backed up within the device, and a network connection means it is available via your home network, or remotely.

Since the machine is essentially a small computer, it can run apps on its own OS, from Mail Server to (more relevant here) Synology Surveillance Station. This lets you use some of your overall drive space to store video from your connected security cameras.

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(Image credit: CanaKit)

10. CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4

For those who want to make security a hobby experience

Make no mistake, this is not the same approach as the other products on this list. This isn’t a ready-made box with all the necessary PoE sockets to connect a series of cameras to but, since an NVR is essentially just a computer in different clothes, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the enthusiast community is continuously refining software to power NVRs.

If you feel motivated to build your own, why not start with a Raspberry Pi 4? Unless you’re only using USB cameras, you’ll also need a PoE Ethernet Switch (like the BV-Tech) and certainly some kind of storage (it’s unlikely the microSD card slot in the Pi will cut it for long, but many folk already have a spare external hard drive lying around). From there it’s simply a matter of choosing an OS and a piece of software; Shinobi is available for free and supports ARM architecture, as does ZoneMinder, so there are two good starting points. 

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(Image credit: Amcrest)

11. Amcrest 4K NV4216E-AI

Best NVR for big multi-camera set-ups

If you need a more powerful NVR – with greater camera capacity – than the NV4108E above, then Amcrest have you covered; the 4216E-AI supports up to two 8GB drives inside and has 16 PoE ports for cameras on the back, all capable of 4K resolution. The system is happy with H.265 and H.264 and has a high-speed throughput of 200Mbps, dropping to 80Mbps when the on-board AI functions are active. This sacrifice buys you human and vehicle detection (and search in recordings), offering functionality to compete with the subscription services from Google Nest and Amazon Ring among others. Amcrest’s App is similar in scope. The machine even has microphone sockets for two-way-talk from the NVR.

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(Image credit: xmartO)

12. xmartO WNQ28

Wi-Fi NVR which can keep your CCTV separate from home network

If you’d like to install a CCTV system with some of the advantages of your own NVR, but aren’t interested in undertaking the cabling, then the WNQ28 seems a rational choice. It eschews the PoE network switching components in favor of two antenna to create its own wi-fi network which you can connect cameras and viewing devices to. xmartO also include their “G3 Auto WiFi Relay” feature which can use cameras to extend the network.

With or without this, the advantage of this device is that it keeps CCTV cameras on a different frequency from your home’s potentially already heavily taxed wi-fi (an issue many of us are starting to notice as high-speed broadband becomes more common). On the down-side it offers a fairly generic Linux-based OS and doesn’t have high bandwidth, while it definitely prefers xmartO cameras. Nevertheless it definitely helps keep things separate when building your network, so we can see some DIY fans strongly preferring this.

How to choose an NVR system

Selecting an NVR forces you to think about the very heart of your security system, and the choice you make will depend on whether you’re starting from scratch or you already have cameras you need to connect to. In either case, make the right choice and it’ll offer years of use even though you add and swap cameras and hard drives.

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Here are a few of the most common problems that Geeni camera user frequently face their troubleshooting against these issues are in detail.

So here is the List of Geeni Camera Troubleshooting        

1  Security Camera Speaker Not Working

Unlike the Geeni indoor camera, which requires you to press the speaker button while talking and release it to hear, the Outdoor Camera’s Two-Way Audio function works with a simple push of the speaker button. The two-way audio will not operate if you hold down the Outdoor Camera speaker button.

To test two-way audio, stand far away from the camera or in a different room, and have someone else stand near the camera. This is because any echo heard by the camera, including one created by sound looping between the camera and your phone’s speakers, will be immediately detected and muted by the camera.

If your two-audio is not working on your camera, you can try the following:

1. Make sure the volume on your phone is turned up
2. Ensure that the mic and the speaker on the camera is not filled with dust/water

• Remove the camera from the magnetic mount and gently shake it to remove any water build-up in the microphone and speaker

3. Check that the “Microphone” option is toggled to On in your camera’s settings

• In the app, tap the three-bar main menu icon ≡
• Choose “My System” and then “Camera Settings”
• Select the Outdoor Camera
• Toggle “Microphone” to On

4. Make sure that you have allowed the Geeni app access to your phone’s microphone and speakers in your phone’s settings (consult your phone’s owner manual for help adjusting these settings)

2  Geeni Camera Motion Detection Not Working

If you are not receiving Motion Alerts even though motion detection is set on high then-

Possible Causes:

1. Despite having permission on the phone, no screenshots are stored on the app.
2. On the phone, permission is not set.
3. Defective Camera: Refer to after sales process

Troubleshooting Steps:

If on the phone provide permission steps (Same for Android and IOS):

1. On your device, open the main Settings app.
2. Tap Apps or Application Manager (depending on your device, this may look different).
3. Tap on the Geeni App .
4. Tap permission.
5. If you want to turn that permission on for a specific app, move the switch to the right until it turns green.

More: Floureon CCTV Troubleshooting

3  Geeni Constructing Encryption Channel Failed

“Geeni camera building encryption failed” appears to be a very typical problem that many people seem to be having with the Geeni camera. They are unable to use their smartphone correctly due to this problem.

We will be explaining all the different ways on how one can troubleshoot the error for good. So, let’s get right into the troubleshooting procedure!

Possibly these three reasons behind this error:

• Check Your Internet Connection
• Check Your Phone
• Change Your Wi-Fi Name and Password

Check Your Internet Connection

If you’re not sure why this error occurs, it’s typically because of a problem with the device’s network connection. As a result, the first thing we recommend is that you verify your internet connection.

Because the gadget does not appear to fully support 5GHz, double-check that your router’s Wi-Fi band or frequency is set to 2.4GHz. You’ll also want to double-check that WPA/WPA2 mode and the DHCP function are both enabled. Finally, make sure wireless access control is turned off.

Check Your Phone

Another item to look at is the phone you’re currently utilizing. It’s possible that your phone doesn’t support the app entirely. In this situation, you can try utilizing a different device to see whether this is the true cause of the issue.

You could also verify the version of the operating system on your phone. It’s possible that the problem is caused by an outdated version of software on your phone.

Change Your Wi-Fi Name and Password

Surprisingly, several customers have stated that changing their router’s name and password to both English letters and numbers seemed to have resolved their problem. As a result, we encourage you do the same.

Alternatively, we recommend that you double-check that your router is not too far away from your computer, since this might cause the problem.

4  Geeni Camera Won’t Scan Qr Code

To Fix this Problem:

Use a Bigger Screen

Even though there are a variety of variables that might cause the Geeni Camera to fail to scan the QR code, the majority of users were able to resolve the problem by utilizing a larger screen. The good news is that this problem is simple to fix; all you have to do is capture a screenshot and display it on a larger screen.

If you’re using a smartphone with a smaller screen, just snap a screenshot and upload it to your television. You may now scan the QR code with the camera without experiencing any performance difficulties. After that, the setup procedure is simple to follow.

Lower Brightness

Users sometimes believe that boosting the smartphone’s brightness will enhance their chances of connecting to the smart camera. However, this is not always the case, and you will most likely have the same issue if your device’s brightness is set too high. The camera will not be able to scan the QR code, and the Geeni camera will continue to give you the same error.

Fortunately, all you have to do in this circumstance is reduce the brightness by a small amount and then double-check the scanning feature. You should be able to get ahead of the scanning difficulties at this stage if the lens is not dusty.

Your Phone Is Too Near Or Too Far Away From The Camera.

Changing the camera’s angle when scanning the QR code has an effect on this problem as well. So, if you’re not having any luck despite having a large enough smartphone screen, try changing the angle of your camera. Make sure the space doesn’t have any other light sources that might reflect the light from the smartphone screen.

Fixing the angle should, in theory, produce better results, so play around with different camera angles and you should be able to go past the QR scanning step.

Clean Lens

The lens of your camera also has a huge role to play in scanning the QR code. In most cases, you will find that the lens is too dirty, and that is why the Geeni camera is having trouble scanning the code. The only thing you can do here is to clean the lens and then go through the scanning process again.

Some users have also said that bringing the camera closer to the smartphone is not a good choice when you’re scanning the code. There should be at least 7 to 9 inches of distance between the camera, and the smartphone is enough to access these settings.

The Wi-Fi SSID And Password Are Too Long

The Wi-Fi SSID and password should be between 1~31 characters. Please make sure they don’t contain special characters, like &<>.

The QR Code is Too Small For the Camera to Scan

Enlarge the QR code generated on the phone or try to use a phone with a screen larger than 4-inch.

The app is set to use the dark mode

Sometimes, the QR code generated on the App will be made messed up if the app is set in the dark mode. Please turn off the dark mode on the App.

Reset the Camera

If the Geeni camera still won’t scan after trying all of these troubleshooting options, you might consider resetting the camera. There’s always the chance of programming difficulties, and resetting the camera will clear them from your smartphone. As a result, just reset the smart camera and begin the setup procedure all over again. Hopefully, the camera will start operating properly this time.

Use the reset pin to press the Reset Button for several seconds (at least 5 seconds) until the camera starts to beep.

More: Video Loss Troubleshooting for DVRs NVRs

5  Geeni Camera Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi

Make sure you entered the correct Wi-Fi password during the Wi-Fi setup. Check whether there are any Internet connection problems. If the Wi-Fi signal is too weak, reset your Wi-Fi router and try again, or change your modem because sometimes a few modems are incompatible with the camera.

6  Geeni won’t connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi

1. Log into the router.
2. Temporarily turn off 5G. (Factory settings use the same password for 2.4G & 5G and the device doesn’t work on 5G)
3. On the 2.4G settings, change the Auth mode to “Auto (WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK)”.
4. After the device connects, turn 5G back on.

7  User manual of Geeni smart camera

Manual in PDF

8  Contact Support

Note: Contact support staff if these solutions failed to fix your problem

Submit a Request

how to reset the camera？

1. Please power the camera on

2. After you power the cameras for 15 seconds, find the reset button, hold on the reset button for 15-20 seconds to reset this camera.

How to share the device with other people

1. Please connect the camera to the app:

There are two methods for you, pls see below. If you have done this step, pls go to step 2 directly.

A. How to use phone to connect camera without ethernet cable

B. How to set up camera with cable only for camera with ethernet port

Please click the “Edit” button and then the ” Share” button on the main interface.

2. Please click ” Invite with QR code”.

3. You can ask the recipient to directly scan the QR code on your phone’s screen to add the device, or you can share the QR code in other ways.

The following are the steps for the recipient to add the device:
Step 1: Click the “+” button on the main interface;
Step 2: Click “Connect a friend’s camera”;
Step 3: Scan the QR code to add.

4.After the device has been added to the recipient’s phone, the recipient can watch the live view, record the live video and take a screenshot. However, the recipient cannot control the device or adjust its settings.

5. If you want to cancel your sharing, please click the “sharing” button on the main interface, then click “Cancel the share”.,

What to Do if My Phone Can’t Connect Camera?

1. Download and install the APP

Please go to “Google Play” or “App Store” on your mobile phone, search for “JoyLite”, then download and install it on your phone.

2. Confirm your Wi-Fi status

2.1. Please check if your wireless router has enabled DHCP and if it is a 2.4 GHz network. (The device does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi currently.)

2.2. Please ensure your smartphone has been connected to the wireless router.

2.3. Please ensure there is no special character in the Wi-Fi name and password, and their length does not exceed 30 digits.

3. Check the device’s connection status

Please use the standard power cable to connect the device’s DC interface, then the device will start up and send out a prompt tone. You can also use an object to block or cover the device’s photoresistor to check if the device’s infrared lights will be turned on.

4. Connect the device

4.1. Open the APP and click the “+” button.

4.2. Click “Add a new camera”.

4.3. Click “PTZ Camera”.

4.4. Input your Wi-Fi password and click “Confirm“.

4.5. You can configure the device by sound wave or by QR Code. Here we present the setting steps to configure by QR Code:

Please hold the QR code on the phone to face the camera lens within 10 to 20 cm, then the device will automatically scan the code and send out the first prompt tone. Wait a moment and you will hear the second joyful prompt tone, which means your configuration is completed, then please click “Next”.

Note: Please ensure the distance between the device and the router is within 3 meters and there is no obstacle between them.

If your adding fails, please press the device reset button to reset the device and return to step C to reconfigure.

F. Scan the device’s QR Code, or input the code by yourself to add the device.

G.?Finally, the device will be added to your phone, and you can start the live preview.

How to connect camera to the phone without ethernet cable?

First of all, please ensure your mobile phone has been connected to the network. (take iPhone as an example here)

1. Open the “Joylite” APP and click the “+” button.

2. Scan the QR code on the camera.

Note: If the QR code can’t be recognized, please input the UID manually.

3. Click “PTZ Camera”.

4. Please put a pin into the reset hole of the camera and push and hold it until you hear a beep sound:

5. Input your Wi-Fi password and click “Confirm“.

Note: If the mobile phone didn’t connect to the 2.4GHz wifi, the APP will pop out a tips, and please click confirm to switch the network.

6. Click the button to release wave sound and put the mobile phone near to the camera:

Note: When the mobile phone is sending the sound wave, please turn up the speaker of the mobile phone.

7. Finally, the device will be added to your phone, and you can start the live preview

If the camera is failed to bind to the APP, please reset the camera to the factory default settings and try again.

How to Set Up Camera with Cable (only for Camera with Ethernet Port)

Note: This tutorial is only applicable to those devices with an Ethernet port.

Please power on the device and the device will be started.

Please connect to the wireless router. Connect one end of the network cable to the wireless router and the other end to the network port of the device, then the portlight will be turned on.

Add the device:

1. Open the “JoyLite” APP and click the “+”?button.

2. Click “Add a new camera”.

3. Select the camera model and configure the camera as required.

4. Directly click “Skip” in the upper right corner.

5. Scan the device QR code, or manually enter the device ID number to add.

Note: If your adding fails, please press the device reset button to reset the device and return to step C to reconfigure.

6.Finally, the device will be added to your phone, and you can start the live preview.

7. Click the System Settings button.

8. Click “Network Switching”.

9. Please select the SSID of the wireless router you want to connect to, enter the current Wi-Fi password and click ” Switch the network”. Then the device will reboot and automatically connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Note: After you finish all the configuration steps, you can unplug the device’s Ethernet cable, then the device can work normally via the wireless network.

How to Set Up Motion Detection and Recording?

1. First of all, please power off the device before installation. The device supports up to 64G Micro SD card. Before inserting the card, please ensure the SD card can work normally and the data is cleared. Please pay attention to the SD card’s direction when inserting.

2. After the device is successfully connected, please click the system settings button.

3. Please choose “Store information”.

4. Please check if the device can recognize the SD card information. Please format the SD card if this is the first time you use the device. After the SD card is successfully formatted, the SD card status will show “Is recording”.

5. Please click “Guard Scene”. Please note that the motion detection alarm function is enabled by default. You can click the “Set time range” to set the time period.

6. Once the motion detection is triggered, APP alarm push notifications will pop up.

7. You can click the “…” button in the upper right corner to view the alarm information.

Note: If there is no micro SD card in the device and the motion detection alarm function is enabled by default, you can only receive APP alarm pushes, but without snapshots and video recordings.

8. Finally, please return to the main interface and click the video playback menu to view the SD card recordings. (The blue bar represents real-time video recordings and the red bar represents motion detection recordings)

What to do if the camera can’t recognize the SD card

A. First of all, please ensure your Micro SD card is a branded product from the regular channel. The device supports up to 64G Micro SD card;

B. Please connect the Micro SD card to a computer or other digital devices to check if it can be recognized normally. If it can be recognized, please format it. If not, it is a defective Micro SD card. Please use another card to try again.

C. Please power off the device, insert the Micro SD card in a correct way, then enter the APP interface to check if it can be recognized normally; if not, please contact our customer service at

How to reset the camera?

1. Please power on the camera and connect this camera to the router by the ethernet cable.

Then the indicator light on the RJ45 port will light up.

2. After you power on the cameras for 15 seconds, open the waterproof cover at the back of the camera, to find the reset button, hold on the reset button for 15-20 seconds to reset the camera.

How to Connect the Camera with Cable to the Phone App?

Note: This FAQ is only applicable to those devices with an Ethernet port.

Download and install the APP “Joylite”.

Go to “Google Play” or “App Store” on your mobile phone, search for “Joylite”, and then download and install it on your phone.

1. Reset camera

1). Please power the camera on, and connect this camera to the router by the ethernet cable. And the network port indicator light on the RJ45 port will light up.

2). After you power the cameras for 15 seconds, open the waterproof cover at the button of the camera, find the reset button, hold on to the reset button for 15-20 seconds to reset this camera.

2. Add the device

1). Open the “JoyLite” APP and click the “+” button.

2). Click “Add a new camera”.

3). Select the camera model and configure the camera as required. For the I41DH, you need to choose the “Mini bolt” type.

4). It will ask you to reset it again, you can reset the camera refer to Step 1. Please ignore the image on the phone for this step.

5). For this model I41DH, it has no audio and indicator light. Please ignore this step image on the phone.

6). Then please click the “Skip” button at the right top. Please don’t input the wifi information at this step.

7). You can scan the QR code or input the SN manually

8). Then you can see it “bind success” and you can see the live view.

9). Click the “setting” button on the live view and find the “network”.

10). Choose your wifi information, input the wifi password, then click ”

Switch the network”.

11). After you see the message: “Network switch is successful”, then you can unplug the camera from the router to check can you still see the image.

What to Do if Phone Can’t Connect Camera？

1. Please confirm you use the app “Joylite”

Download and install the APP

Go to “Google Play” or “App Store” on your mobile phone, search for “Joylite”, and then download and install it on your phone.

2. Confirm your wifi status.

1). Please confirm you have enabled “DHCP” in your router. The wifi is 2.4G Hz Wifi.

2). Please confirm your phone has been connected to this wifi.

3). Please be sure there is no special character in the Wi-Fi name and password, and their length does not exceed 30 digits.

3. Please check your camera’s connection status.

1). Power on the camera, connect the camera to the router by an ethernet cable, the connector RJ45 port’s indicator light will lit up.

2). Check the camera’s infra light lit up or not (Use your hands to cover the photo resistance, the infra light should be lit up on normal status).

4. If still fail to connect the camera to the phone app, please reset your camera and reconnect it to your phone app again refer to the link below:

https://support.sannce.com/hc/en-us/articles/900000448206

Before we begin:

1. Please download Kasa Smart from App Store or Google Play and install it on your smartphone.

2. Connect your smartphone to your home Wi-Fi network.

3. Plug your Kasa Cam into a power socket.

Here we use KC120 for example

Step 1:  Open the Kasa App

Log into your cloud account. Please refer to the link to sign up if you don’t have a cloud account.

Step 2: Tap “+” button to add a Kasa Cam, select “Add a Device”, and choose “Cameras” icon according to your model number.

Step 3:  Follow the instruction on the Kasa app to power on the Kasa Cam, wait for the light blinking orange and green.

If the light do not blinking orange and green, please reset the Kasa Cam as per UG/QIG.

Step 4: Connect your phone to the Kasa Cam’s Wi-Fi network.

For Andriod:

Kasa will look for your Kasa Cam automatically, and it will take about a minute.

If you have a problem with this step, please go to Settings->Wi-Fi on your smartphone and manually connect to Kasa Cam’s Wi-Fi network (same as iOS).

For iOS:

You need to connect to the Kasa Cam’s Wi-Fi network manually, please go to Settings->Wi-Fi on your smartphone and manually connect to Kasa Cam’s Wi-Fi network (which is named Kasa_Cam_xxxx), and then go back to the Kasa app to continue the setup process.

Step 5:  Choose your home network to connect, enter the password of your home network.

Step 6: Name your Kasa Cam

Step 7: Enable Activity Notifications. If you enable this function, your camera can alert you whenever it detects motion. If you don’t want to be notified, click on “I don’t want to be notified”.

Step 8: Follow the instruction to mount your camera. If you do not want to do it now, click on “No Thanks”, and we have completed the setup of Kasa Cam.