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Just like we stated in our recent post, the use of video security cameras is the best way to strengthen your security. It helps you monitor your property and in the event of a break-in, you can use the captured recordings to prosecute. With the newly-designed surveillance cameras, it has even become easier to monitor your property as you easily see all the current happenings when miles away. This will be our topic of today, whereby we’ll show you how to remotely view security cameras using the internet.
For this guide, we’re going to share with you details as they are with the security systems we have installed in our small operating office. When we did the installation (around 2012), the analog DVR systems were still in wide use but we opted to settle with a HikVision NVR. For the purpose of this article, however, we’re going to use the Uniview security camera system for reference.
Uniview Technologies Ltd. is amongst the most underrated brands but based on the 1-year we have used its NVR system, the brand is truly worth it. Of course, you can’t compare it with HikVision but for the past one year, we have realized its products are remarkable as well.
Can I Remotely View Security Cameras With My Analog DVR?
Well, for sure that’s a tricky question to think of. The remote viewing feature is usually facilitated by an internet connection on both the camera system and your viewing device. The camera used is commonly referred to as IP cameras, which means an Internet Protocol camera.
A lot of people usually have the impression that IP cameras are netcams (or else webcams). In the security technologies industry, nonetheless, we use the name for those cameras that can be accessed over a network connection. This includes both the camera system with a built-in wifi antenna and that one requiring to be plugged into the NVR system.
In the majority of analog DVRs, it’s not possible to remotely view your security cameras a the feature requires an internet connection to work. Since the analog DVRs are set to produce analog signals, you’ll need to digitalize that signal by turning the system into a network-based IP CCTV camera system. This is done using an analog-to-IP converter, which you can get from security systems stores.
Recommended DVR System For You
NB: instead of trying to turn your analog DVR system into a network-based IP CCTV camera system, it is best you purchase a new IP camera system. The conversion can cost you up to $120, which probably can get you a good HikVision $ Channel Network Video Recorder. Also, the “home-made” IP CCTV camera system is only guaranteed to support one device for remote viewing, which of course, can be inefficient. How to remotely view security cameras using the internet?, Follow till the end.
Key Benefits of Remote Viewing via IP Network Camera Systems
- You can remotely monitor your home or office from anywhere in the world
- You can see who’s at your door and even communicate with him if the system has Two-way audio
- Deter a break-in by remotely controlling features like a siren (if your security camera have one)
- You can easily track the performance of your employees when away
How to Remotely View Security Cameras Using the Internet
There usually two ways that you can use to remotely viewing security cameras using the internet. They include:
- Streaming IP cameras via Manufacturers’ App/ Client
- Remote viewing via Port Forwarding
Streaming IP Cameras via Manufacturers’ App/ Client
Use of the Manufacturers’ App/ Client software is the easiest and convenient method to remotely view your security cameras using the internet. This is so since the App and Client are often for a particular brand (like EZLive for Uniview security cameras). Thus, you need not worry about any compatibility issues as it is when using third-party software.
As you plan to use the remote viewing setup, you have to understand if your security camera is wifi-enabled or if it needs an NVR system. If the security camera has a wifi antenna, you’ll only need to configure it on the internet directly. For an IP camera that uses the NVR system, you’ll first need to link the box with your home router, then, you configure it.
With the latest IP cameras that feature peer-to-peer (P2P) technology, the process of linking your IP security camera and your mobile device is much simpler. You only need to set up your system using the Unique ID number (UID) method. However, the approach of setting up the wifi camera is a little different from that of the NVR security system.
To Configure The Wifi IP Camera With The Manufacturers’ App Or Client:
- Step 1: Use your phone or computer to download the App or Client (for Uniview systems, use EZLive App or EZStation software)
- 2nd Step: Launch the app and enter a Unique ID Number (UID) to add the camera device.
- Step 3: Now click the camera on the App or Client and enjoy remote viewing even over the internet outside the home network.
Configuring The NVR System With The Manufacturers’ App Or Client:
- Step 1: Link your NVR with your home router using an Ethernet cable
- Step 2: Launch the downloaded App or Client software on your device (use EZLive App for Uniview NVR)
- Third Step: Click the “add device” icon and add wifi device or scan the NVR system’s QR code
- Step 4: Now click the added camera on the App or Client and view your security cameras over the internet
NB: Remotely viewing your security cameras using the Manufacturers’ App or Client is very easy. The whole configuration process can’t take more than 3 minutes of your time. In spite of its remarkable features, though, the Manufacturer’s app is only compatible with security cameras of that particular brand.
So, if your camera provider doesn’t have such camera remote viewing software, you’ll have to remotely view the systems via a web browser. This is what we’re referring to as remote viewing via port forwarding.
Remote Viewing via Port Forwarding
For you to remotely view your security cameras using the port forwarding method, the process is a bit complicated if you’re much of a pen guy. The process will need you to have the IP Address of your Camera and that of your home Router. Then, you set up the port forwarding rules.
While setting up the port forwarding, it is worth to note the process might vary since each brand usually has a different management page. As such, you may have to visit your cameras’ provider website and consult their FAQ section.
For a TP-link security camera system, you learn can how to remotely view your camera via a web browser here. If your system is from the Reolink brand, on the other hand, you can follow their guide on this page.
Enjoy Remote Viewing Now
Well, that all for today on how to watch CCTV camera from anywhere using the internet. We duly hope you’ll no longer worry about the two teens running your store or the nanny looking after your twins. As you choose the security camera brand to use, by the way, you have to choose wisely due to security concerns. With a renowned company like Reolink, the encryption technology they use leaves you with no safety vulnerabilities.
For the past year, we have been using Uniview security cameras’ remote access, we have not encountered any safety issue as well. We firmly believe our privacy is ultimately safe from both vulnerability and exposure. So, you can try the IP cameras or NVR systems from the brand as well and share with us your opinion about them.
