How to Add IP Security Cameras to Blue Iris (Best Practices)

⚡⚡⚡⚡ Amazon links of similar security cameras:

Today I will walk through the steps of how to add IP security cameras to the camera management software, Blue Iris. We’ll chat about camera protocols, network configurations, the basic options in Blue Iris when adding your cameras. I have 3 cameras already setup to add to Blue Iris, so let’s get started.
If you have watched any of my previous videos, you know I am a big fan of Blue Iris. In short, it’s PC software allowing centralized recording and playback of multiple brands of IP security cameras. Do check out my videos showcasing my dedicated PC and a handful of Blue Iris performance tweaks.
Here’s what we are covering today:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Camera Compatibility
02:36 Network Configurations
04:00 Add Camera – Hikvision
08:07 Add Camera – Reolink
09:05 Add Camera – Vikylin (Generic PTZ camera)
10:32 Final Thoughts

So, starting off, let’s talk compatibility. Not all security cameras will work with Blue Iris. When purchasing a camera, there are a couple of protocols and standards to look for. Cameras (including video doorbells) that advertise as having the RTSP Protocol (Real Time Streaming Protocol) or being ONVIF compliant should have no issues with Blue Iris. Check the specs before buying. Battery operated cameras will most likely not fit into this category.
Next, we are going to explore what is required from a network configuration to connect an IP camera with Blue Iris. As long as the PC with Blue Iris is on the same local network as the IP camera, there should be no issues. If the cameras are however connected to an NVR or DVR and that recorder does not support ONVIF or RTSP, then the PC with Blue Iris will not have access to the cameras.
Adding a Hikvision Cam:
1. Click icon for Add new camera
2. Name and short name it
3. Select if the camera has a mic.
4. Disable motion detector because I’ll be recording continuously.
5. Select Direct-to-disc as a performance benefit.
6. Next, you’re going to need the camera’s IP address on the internal network. I discuss here multiple ways to find this.
7. Now I’ll enter this camera’s credentials.
8. There is a button here called Find/inspect. This will allow Blue Iris to reach out to this camera and see if it can fill in any of the below information. It’s great for generic cameras, but I like to populate the Make and Model myself if the brand is in the list.
9. Select the brand and I update the RTSP port here
10. Next, I talk about frame rates
11. On the Trigger tab, Motion recording is off. I normally don’t use this and just record 24/7.
12. On the Record tab, let’s set this to record all the time or continuously.
13. For Combine or cut video, it’s a personal thing but I like to keep my footage files relatively small so I can search through them quite quickly. I’ll set mine to 2 hours or 4GB.
14. For, record dual streams, I’m going to turn this off for now. Basically, it allows you to record a lower quality stream from the camera (in addition to the main stream) and it makes searching though footage faster.
15. Complete by clicking OK.

Add a Reolink camera:
1. Add a camera
2. Give it a name
3. Yes for a mic and direct to disc
4. Use the IP address and credentials
5. Select Reolink
6. Frame rate
7. On the record tab, select continuous and update the 8 hours to 2.
8. And we’re done.

Add generic ONVIF camera with PTZ abilities:
1. Add a camera
2. Give it a name
3. Yes for a mic and direct to disc
4. Use the IP address and credentials
5. I use the Find/inspect feature so Blue Iris will find the camera and populate the rest of the field.
6. Set frame rate
7. On the record tab, select continuous and update the 8 hours to 2.
8. And we’re done but since this is a PTZ camera, Blue Iris can also control the camera using the arrows and zoom feature. If I double click on the camera to make it full screen, I also have control as the mouse icon changes.

Thanks Folks!

[mindshelfpro]

My Hikvision cameras are old analog BNC from 2015/6, but I was able to add all 8 cameras to BlueIris via the DVR. BI has made my old Hikvision system smart, with high level motion detection. I now record 24/7 with the DVR and just use BI for motion detection and alerts.

[IanSmit]

Hello - from South Africa, I love the way you do your presentations, as it is very clear and detailed - I was wondering if you could do a Ezviz Model:C8C setup with Blue Iris.

[amaadmahfooz]

Hi, thank you for your previous reply but I was wondering if you could answer another query for me please. I’ve bought the 8 channel reolink nvr with the 811a cameras and I was wondering if there is a way to install the nvr in a bedroom closet, but also have an internet connection for remote viewing, or do you need a LAN connection to the nvr. Thank you in advance.

[nguyensmusic]

I have some old Nest cameras, will they be compatible with Blue Iris. Thank you for the video.

[sintask]

Hello I was hoping on setting about 20 reolink 4k cameras on 4 different sites with different routers. What solution would be possible for connecting them all at home and recording everything there with blue iris ? Do I need 4 different nvr or computers or poe switches are enough ? Please help

[santorini]

I have bought a Reolink NVR 16 channel for my cameras, are you saying I cannot use bluebirds with this??

[S.C.A.M.B.E.R.]

Hi, do you think 2MP (turret and bullet) dahua or hikvision camera would be enough for AI recognition for faces, pets, and object, not including ALPR.

[aperson]

I have multiple Lorex cameras as my Lorex nvr died. Would I be able to somehow use Lorex cams if I buy blue iris and set it up on a separate PC, what equipment do I need to make this work?

[nomercydawicked]

question, so if i am running security cameras on some storage units, and there is a total of 3 buildings with each building having its own switch which is connected together with multi mode fiber connection what do i need to do in order to view the cameras from each building off of their respective switches??

[amaadmahfooz]

Hi, recent subscriber here and so far loving all your automation and security camera videos. Just one question though, if I was to purchase the reolink nvr and camera package (RLK-810B4A), would those cameras still work with blue iris if I was to upgrade later. Thank you in advance for you reply!

[llNMll]

Curious why you wouldn't use the secondary low resolution streams? Maybe you only need to do that when analyzing with ai?

[fxpeter]

Hi, Thanks for the video, I have used Blue Iris for a few years now but always find new things to learn. When adding a new camera and you drop the frame rate to say 6FPS for streaming will this also be the frame rate for recordings that are exported. 6-10 FPS is ok for monitoring but I would prefer 20+ for export and evidential recordings. Thanks

[margyjr]

Hi, why was there a yellow triangle on the the Reolink and VIKYLIN Cameras? also could you make Video on how to setup remote access including using the wizard in Blue Iris? Thank you for the great and very helpful Video, I have learnt a lot from it!!

[stefanz]

All my 3 of my CTronics cams work with Blue Iris.

[kirkmcintyre]

My settings worked when I was using my camera over WIFI but when I plugged it in directly to the router Blue Iris no longer shows what the camera sees. The Camera itself is working better than it ever did through the ICSee app with no lag whatsoever. Please help. Blue Iris Legacy 4

[schwamieboy]

Hold on, did I get you right? The Reaolink NVR will not connect to BI?

[taharjadli]

Vous montrer tout set produits il faut le prix

[bigtaco]

Good evening i have 2 CMIP9532
Matrix IR Bullet Network Camera connected to a NVR POE, one is pulling in 2.4 watts and the other 5.9 watts, the one with 2.4 the IR is not working, possible solution?