What Is a Blue Iris IP Camera and How Does It Work?

1. What Is a Blue Iris IP Camera

Blue Iris is a popular video surveillance software that is designed to help users capture, record, and manage security camera footage from multiple cameras. The software is developed by Perspective Software and is widely used for home security, business surveillance, and other applications where video monitoring is necessary.

2. Blue Iris Supported Camera List & Compatibility

One of the key features of Blue Iris is its compatibility with a wide range of camera models. The software supports over 3,000 different camera models, including those from major brands such as ZOSI, Amcrest, Axis, Hikvision, and Dahua. This makes it easy for users to integrate their existing cameras into the Blue Iris system and start monitoring their premises right away.

However, it’s important to note that while Blue Iris engineers test IP cameras to ensure they are compliant with the software, they may not test every function of a camera. This means that some features of your camera may not work perfectly with Blue Iris. For instance, certain ZOSI cameras might have limited functionality when used with Blue Iris, which can impact your overall experience.

To fully enjoy the features of your ZOSI camera, it is recommended to use the ZOSI Smart App, which is specifically designed to work seamlessly with ZOSI cameras, offering full compatibility and a more robust set of features.

3. Blue Iris IP Camera Compatibility: What Features You’ll Get

Another important feature of Blue Iris is its robust set of functionalities. The software provides users with a range of tools to help them manage their cameras and footage. These include motion detection, which can be set up to trigger recording and alerts when movement is detected in a specified area, as well as remote access, which allows users to view their camera feeds from anywhere in the world using a web browser or mobile app.

In addition, Blue Iris offers users the ability to customize their recording settings to suit their needs. Users can choose to record continuously or only when motion is detected, and can also set up schedules for when recordings should start and stop. The software also provides users with the ability to configure alerts to be sent via email, SMS, or push notification when motion is detected or other events occur.

However, due to software limitations and differences in security camera manufacturers, certain camera functions may not be available when using Blue Iris. For example, ZOSI cameras may not have full PTZ functionality or other advanced features when used with Blue Iris. To avoid such limitations, it is recommended to use the ZOSI Smart App, which provides full support for all ZOSI camera features, ensuring a better and more reliable user experience.

4. Blue Iris License & Tech Support Fees: How Much You Need to Pay

While Blue Iris is a powerful tool for video surveillance, it does come at a cost. The software is not free and requires a one-time payment to use. However, the pricing is reasonable and users can purchase a single license for use on up to 64 cameras.

Blue Iris Support Plan Details & Prices

Note: The information in the chart above is quoted from Blue Iris official website.

Taking into account the expenses associated with utilizing the Blue Iris network camera software, opting for the manufacturer’s customized software, such as the ZOSI Smart App, for your security camera would be a more favorable option. With the customized software, you can enjoy the benefit of free usage and technical assistance without any additional charges while also eliminating any compatibility concerns.

On the other hand, using Blue Iris software may result in CPU issues, which we will elaborate on in Part 4. This factor makes it even more critical to choose the customized client and app instead of Blue Iris IP security camera software.

Therefore, you can select video cameras that are compatible with both Blue Iris app/client and the customized software to ensure a seamless experience.

Read also: Blue Iris IP Security Cameras Complete Guide