Network Video Recorder Upgrade 2021

I installed my Video Security System back in July of 2017.  After a few years of use there are many things that I was not happy with.

• The android phone app was no longer supported.  I had to go to download the unsupported apk from 3rd party websites.
• There was a new android app the company released.  I contacted their tech supported and all gave me a different way to connect and never worked.
• The company DDNS services deleted my account out of nowhere.  I had to email their support to get this fixed.  So I resolved it by using by paying for my own DDNS service.
• Their P2P QR code for ease of use did not work from the get go.  Until a tech support explained it should NOT be used.
• The NVR software had glitches and works around but over time those work around became useless.
  • I had to download IE TAB extension to use it on a modern web browser.  Since the extensions were for Internet Explorer.
  • Tech Support stated the Web Browser of choice was Firefox while their own documentation stated Chrome Web Browser
• Updated, Firmware, Patches were non existent.  Once the system was purchased there was nothing ever released in regard for updates.
• Cameras would disconnect randomly and would stay offline for many hours.  I later re-wired network cabling with better support.  Still not much of a difference.
• Originally I was able to view the live feed from PC and Android devices.  Later it was just using an outdated app on my modern phone.
• The documentation still mentions a lot of outdated information.
  • Mentions to use this app for this model NVR.  When you click on the webpage it shows a 404 error or missing link.
  • No mention of their newer app that “would” work with your system
  • Everything written and posted was for 2016 and nothing newer

I finally planned it out a possible way of keeping the same cameras and only upgrading a few items.  I found the Cameras are running 2K resolution and support ONVIF protocol.  Which means I can connect these cameras to other NVR systems.  The cabling is already there and did not wanted to rerun new cable.

I remembered an old Windows Only NVR named BLUE IRIS.  I purchased a Dell Small Form Factor PC running i5 CPU and 16GB of RAM.  I had a spare 4TB hard drive with external enclosure running USB 3.0.  I also purchased a 8 Port POE network Switch that is fan-less for a good price.  I configured the Dell PC, purchased Blue IRIS, installed the POE switch and migrating everything over to the new system.  After the system install.  Now I can view the cameras with the latest current android app, view it on web browsers, and repurposed an old android tablet with app for always on live feed.  I found some plans and 3D printed some tablet brackets with 3M Tape.  Couldn’t be happier.  Last project is to install a Door Bell with camera that supports ONVIF and I am done.

Here are the pictures:

Dell Optiplex 5050 SFF i5-6500 16GB DDR4 256GB SSD

Dell Optiplex 5050 SFF i5-6500 16GB DDR4 256GB SSD

Dell Optiplex 5050 SFF i5-6500 16GB DDR4 256GB SSD

External 4TB USB 3.0

8 Port POE Switch with 2 Uploads

8 Port POE Switch with 2 Uploads

8 Port POE Switch with 2 Uploads

Almost Done

Finished Product

Bonus Android Tablet