What is Blue Iris?
Blue Iris is video security and webcam software that allows businesses to manage the security of their employees, buildings, and assets by using video surveillance and access control. It allows business owners to view live or recorded videos on mobile apps and receive real-time security alerts via email, SMS, or phone call.
Organizations can use the application to capture and save screenshots or videos in JPEG, MP4, AVI, DVR, and Windows media formats. Enterprises can use the motion or audio sensing functionality to record audio or videos on a regular basis, manage the current date or time of live recordings, and change logos in the user interface. Blue Iris also includes SSL security, offline access, data synchronization, automated notifications, log analysis, and other features.
Organizations can use the application to capture and save screenshots or videos in JPEG, MP4, AVI, DVR, and Windows media formats. Enterprises can use the motion or audio sensing functionality to record audio or videos on a regular basis, manage the current date or time of live recordings, and change logos in the user interface. Blue Iris also includes SSL security, offline access, data synchronization, automated notifications, log analysis, and other features.
Pricing
New users of Blue Iris are given a 15-day free trial after which the software is offered at 2 different price tiers. Full Version for $69.95 – Up to 64 cameras supported Supports 1 camera; LE Version; $34.95.
Key Features
Let’s know more about the features of Blue Iris to decide if the right solution for you.
Interface
You only need to load the software to see all the cameras and data on the screen. The Blue Iris user interface is fairly easy to use and understand.
You can create new layouts to accommodate the cameras to suit your preferences and arrange the titles with the cameras in various ways to have all of your cameras displayed in a single scream.
Every camera shows the time and date so that users can more easily see when events occur and search for the recorded video using a calendar.
Since movements signal an event happening in front of your cameras, events can be detected and displayed live on the screen so you can keep an eye on what matters.
Remote Management
You can now manage various Blue Iris installations from a single computer thanks to the new version. Alternative solutions, such as a remote desktop connection, which facilitates setup and monitoring, are not required.
Continuous and Event-based Video Recording
You can store videos on the hard drive with Blue Iris because they are only recorded when there is movement in front of the cameras. You can also record videos based on events like motion or audio detection. This is also excellent for searching video recordings.
Smooth Video Recording
Since the software allows for the selection of the video streaming to use, it can record videos from IP Cameras with various configurations. Blue Iris can record video at a rate that results in smooth playback if your IP Camera can operate at 30 FPS (Frames Per Second).
Motion Detection
Motion IP Cameras have the ability to detect motion and send an event to the software, which can then use to begin recording. The camera’s software allows for the configuration of the motion sensitivity and detection area; it only receives start/stop events.
Audio Detection
A microphone built into some IP cameras can record audio. The blue Iris software has the ability to record videos based on the audio event, so it only captures the video when the audio reaches a predetermined threshold.
Digital input/Output Detection
Recording in software can be started by electrical signals. This is accomplished using IP Cameras’ I/O (Input/Output) relays for sensors and alarms as well as DIO Devices connected to the computer where Blue Iris is installed.
Timestamps and Video Overlays Recording
A timestamp that includes the date and time was used to record the video. Using additional tools created by third parties is also an option. One such tool is the blue iris tool, which has a weather overlay to show additional data like temperature, humidity, wind speed, pressure, precipitation, etc.
Export videos in different formats
You can export the recorded videos using the software in a variety of formats, including AVI, MP4, and WMV.
Triggered Event Reaction
On the basis of the previous events, it is possible to cause a camera or group of cameras to react. You can move a Pan Tilt Zoom camera to a specific location or pop up the image of a minimized camera on the screen.
Two-way audio Communication
If your IP camera has two-way audio capabilities, the software will be able to make use of them to let you hear sounds close to the camera and respond with a microphone that is installed on your computer.
Software Requirements
A standard PC can run this software; for a list of required specifications, see below.
- Intel CPUs such as i5 or i7
- 8GB of RAM
- Nvidia Graphics
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- SSD hard drive for the O.S
- Extra HDD for video recording
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Simple to set up
- Operates on a standard computer
- Suitable for the majority of cameras
Cons
- The guide is not meant for beginners.
Conclusion
Some of the first details you should be aware of when planning to purchase the software is the Blue Iris compatible cameras. With this knowledge, you can more accurately evaluate your options and decide whether this software would end up being a cost-effective choice for you.
Understanding the specifics of Blue Iris camera compatibility will also ensure a simple and painless system setup for you. Additionally, because you are already familiar with the equipment you will be using, you will be able to predict what you will receive from the system with ease.
FAQS
- Does Blue Iris have a free version?
The most effective open-source alternative to Blue Iris is motionEyeOS.
- How many cameras is Blue Iris capable of supporting?
Blue Iris is compatible with the vast majority of IP camera and DVR brands and enables you to view and record up to 64 cameras (IP cameras, web cameras, DVR/CCTV-based cameras) simultaneously.
- Is there a mobile app for Blue Iris?
A single point of contact for your network of home cameras is offered by this app. There is no need to expose each camera to the Internet in an unsafe manner.
- Does Blue Iris Work with Ring and Nest?
The ring is not supported by Blue Iris, but Nest cameras are supported (at least in part). Blue Iris is not supported by Ring’s API or Application Programming Interface.
- How long is a blue iris license good for?
If you want to access software updates and support, your license must be renewed annually. You get the first year free when you purchase the initial license (about $70).