Blue Iris Software
The cost of commercial surveillance systems was simply out of the question. I purchased the Aver Media NV3000 four port video card for analog cameras, but was not satisfied. I purchased a really cheap four port video card from China, but the software was written in Chinese and I couldn't understand it. I purchased a Genistech XSJ 402 stand-alone four port DVR system from China. It has a built-in removable hard drive, but no USB connection for a computer. The IP network feature of the Genistech unit is undocumented in the user's manual, the seller was unable to assist, and I could not figure it out.
Then recently I stumbled across Blue Iris software. It is a beautiful, well-written program. Blue Iris can record up to twenty five simultaneous operating cameras. Blue Iris software was able to capture video from the NV3000 card, but only on one channel. The problem was not the fault of Blue Iris, but of the board, which does not reveal its pin numbers to other software. Blue Iris also records video and audio directly from any ordinary USB camera connected to the computer. The quality of recorded USB camera video is superb, especially with the newer high resolution USB cams. Blue Iris software will also capture video from IP cameras and camcorders. And if that isn't enough, Blue Iris software will capture the desktop view as a camera, too, thus making it easy to produce instructional videos for the web.
I was already impressed with Blue Iris software when Ken, the Blue Iris's programmer, pointed me to the BT878 chipset. The BT878 chipset has a standard driver, which allows easy access of video to the software. There are several reasonably priced BT878 based PCI camera cards on the market. I found the Camsecure BT878a 8 Way PCI Capture Card, which captures eight PTZ live web cameras. There is a BT878 chip on each channel, which means if your computer can handle it, the card will capture high resolution video on all eight channels simultaneously.
Since I already own a Logitech QuickCam Orbit/Sphere AF USB video conferencing camera, I am already watching and recording high resolution video with Blue Iris software. Since Blue Iris will allow for up to twenty seven simultaneous cameras, I decided to purchase some new USB cameras. I found a great little 20 megapixel USB camera on eBay for only $6, and that includes shipping from Hong Kong! I couldn't pass up the deal and bought three of them. I also purchased a couple 30 feet long USB extender cables, so I could connect the cameras to my computer and mount them in my windows.
I wish I had made these discoveries earlier. I would have saved a bundle! The Pro version of Blue Iris software costs less than $50. The USB cameras costs $6 each. For as little as $56 it is now possible to host a high quality live web cam. The nice thing about Blue Iris software is that it already has the ability to capture more video feeds and post them to the Internet. So it is possible to expand the system to a 25 camera surveillance system with as many features, if not more, of a system costing several thousands of dollars.
Blue Iris software will allow you to post snapshots from your cameras to the Internet at any rate you choose. The snapshots can be generated from every few seconds to hours apart. Blue Iris easily configures to keep a loop of as many images as you like, so you can easily display the ten (or other number) most recent camera images on your web page. Also, you can generate the snapshots from motion, rather than from a timer. This means each image delivered to the web page will be an action shot. If you choose not to broadcast every action, then you might broadcast only the snapshots you take manually.
Want to broadcast live streaming video and audio to produce your own amateur TV station? If you have the Internet connection bandwidth, Blue Iris is ready to make you a movie star. Even with a $6 USB 20 megapixel camera and the $50 Blue Iris software, you can broadcast a high quality live video and audio stream to the Internet. It is very easy and requires minimal knowledge to setup. You can even have the software record high definition video (triggered by motion) and audio and then automatically upload the clip to a web page.
Want to make your own mini movie? You can install multiple USB high definition cameras and have Blue Iris software record your scenes from several angles simultaneously. You can record a combination of analog, IP, USB cameras, camcorders, and your desktop. You can employ PTZ cameras, which you might control with macros, motion detection, or by assistants. Then using programs, such as Adobe After Effects or Adobe Premier, you can edit the several videos into a single high definition production with the appearance of being filmed by a large production crew.
Even if you only want to document your fish tank with a single live USB web camera and post the images constantly to your web site, Blue Iris is the best choice. It costs nothing to try for thirty days. See the value of Blue Iris for yourself, then imagine the possibilities! Or if you are already convinced, buy the Pro version of Blue Iris for $49.95.
