Blue Iris
Recommended 6× on r/BuyItForLife
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Michael Scott HM Blue Iris Software Plugin for HS4
Pro v5.xx Video Camera Security Software - Full License Life | Voice Recorder | 5 V
Amcrest Blue Iris Professional Version 5 IP Camera Recording Software
Video Capturing including recording with H.265/H.264 Compression. Use up to 64 cameras (webcams, camcorders, network IP cameras, analog cards, or your PC desktop) Capture JPEG snap...
Amcrest Blue Iris Professional Version 5
Ver 5 Professional Surveillance Software
Blue Iris Ver 5 Full Professional Surveillance Monitoring DVR Software is a top-of-the-line IP camera monitoring software designed by BlueIris - Perspective Software. This color-ba...
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Blue Iris
6 mentions from real owners
- #1Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I have a blue iris server, license is cheap, buy used hard drives, setup a cheap used PC as the server BAM still going after 3 years and have even deployed to a remote site
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Ok... here is what you need. IP Cameras - I have and use Amcrest. They come in a variety of styles. Wi-fi ro wired. I prefer wired. Further I prefer Power over Ethernet (PoE). A windows 11 computer you can leave on all the time - I bought a cheapo one deal of the day. As long as it has space for an extra Hard disk to store the footage on. I bought a 4TB drive and record my exterior 24/7 and keep footage for a week. Blue Iris - This is the software that manages the cameras and handles recording. There are tons of videos on how to set up and run Blue Iris. I have used this method for years with out issue. The computer I have sits in the basement and if I want to do any thing with I remote into it from one of my daily driver PCs.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I've been using Blue Iris for a decade. Roll your own stuff and never look back.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
Blue Iris software allows you to run security cameras from a pc. Cameras can be viewed through a browser link. No monthly subscription needed, but you do need basic networking skills to set it up.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
The auto update, phone home, and general compatibility between devices prevent any newer tech offerings from being BIFL. If use relies any dedicated mobile app, it is definitely at risk for failing any given year. My cameras are entirely blocked from seeing the internet, so no updates can get in and no telemetry can get out. The cameras are monitored with BlueIris on a dedicated PC. Not cheap, and not easy for most folks, but it shouldn’t need any maintenance until hardware fails.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Sep 5, 2025
Why did we accept that security cameras need monthly fees to work properly?
I use BlueIris. It works with most cameras and does the recording/motion tracking for the camera, and records to whatever you want it to. The only caveat is its very complicated and kind of a pain to set up and learn how to use. Also, blue iris does charge a yearly fee for updates, so I guess its not completely an answer to the problem.
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