Lorex - How do I deactivate indoor cameras?

[Metallo]

Hi All,

I have the following kit from Lorex:

• NVR N864
• E893AB IP Cameras

Today, I called the Lorex Support to ask how can I easily turn the indoor cameras off (via the App), as I really need to use them only when I am away from home.

I could not find a way, other than unplugging the network cable.

Lorex confirmed that there is no way I can do that via software, I can only unplug the Ethernet cable.

Now, I have a hard time to believe this, really?? That would be a huge PITA for me, I mean, it is extremely unpractical and if you forget, you have no option to do that remotely.

Can anybody confirm this? Instead, if you found a way, could you please share it?

Thank you!
Alex

 

[fenderman]

Hi All,

I have the following kit from Lorex:

• NVR N864
• E893AB IP Cameras

Today, I called the Lorex Support to ask how can I easily turn the indoor cameras off (via the App), as I really need to use them only when I am away from home.

I could not find a way, other than unplugging the network cable.

Lorex confirmed that there is no way I can do that via software, I can only unplug the Ethernet cable.

Now, I have a hard time to believe this, really?? That would be a huge PITA for me, I mean, it is extremely unpractical and if you forget, you have no option to do that remotely.

Can anybody confirm this? Instead, if you found a way, could you please share it?

Thank you!
Alex

Think about it. If you can disable via software then anyone can enable via the software. So if you are concerned that someone is watching you then can enable the camera after you disable.
An alternative is to buy a separate poe switch and use a wifi plug/outlet to turn it off.

 

[TonyR]

+1^^.
There are several makers but TP-LINK offers the Kasa line; their Wi-Fi wall outlets are UL-listed and the app is free. I've got one of their RGB Wi-Fi bulbs outdoors that changes color from blue to green and back periodically from dusk to dawn, since December '22. It operates on a defined time schedule plus geographic sunrise/sunset AND I can control it remotely with an app.

 

[Metallo]

i feel this is unbelievable and extremely limiting the product.
They could easily implement this feature, use a password or two factor authentication for safety.

Unplugging the cameras from the recorder is not only a pain in the neck, but with the time, will damage the Poe port/plug.

Is this a common issue with other brands or specific to Lorex?

 

[biggen]

i feel this is unbelievable and extremely limiting the product.
They could easily implement this feature, use a password or two factor authentication for safety.

Unplugging the cameras from the recorder is not only a pain in the neck, but with the time, will damage the Poe port/plug.

Is this a common issue with other brands or specific to Lorex?

I can’t think of one single camera that has a “Power off function” available. It just isn’t a thing,

Buy a PoE switch that has a management interface that you can power off the port. Or use those wifi connected plugs as was recommended.

 

[TonyR]

Is this a common issue with other brands or specific to Lorex?

I am not aware of any brand that will provide a means to disable any or all cams remotely.

Do you not think @fenderman 's suggestion regarding a remotely controlled wall plug that powers off/on a POE switch and moving the cams Ethernet cables from the NVR to the POE switch presents a viable solution to your UNIQUE requirement?

 

[Metallo]

I can’t think of one single camera that has a “Power off function” available. It just isn’t a thing,

Buy a PoE switch that has a management interface that you can power off the port. Or use those wifi connected plugs as was recommended.

I worked hard to have every single camera (10) wired, retrofitting my two storey home, to avoid Wi-Fi.

How would that work with an additional PoE?
Should I connect Ethernet + the 10 cameras to the new PoE Switch and connect the switch to the recorder?

Thank you!

 

[fenderman]

i feel this is unbelievable and extremely limiting the product.
They could easily implement this feature, use a password or two factor authentication for safety.

Unplugging the cameras from the recorder is not only a pain in the neck, but with the time, will damage the Poe port/plug.

Is this a common issue with other brands or specific to Lorex?

If you are so certain about the security that two-factor authentication would provide then why would you need to turn out the cameras in the first place? Guaranteed right now the way you have your system set up anyone who wants to access it can...

If you want to be able to disable cameras a third party VMS like Blue Iris can do it but again it's only a secure as your network...

 

[biggen]

I worked hard to have every single camera (10) wired, retrofitting my two storey home, to avoid Wi-Fi.

How would that work with an additional PoE?
Should I connect Ethernet + the 10 cameras to the new PoE Switch and connect the switch to the recorder?

Thank you!

Honestly, I'd just buy a better managed switch that has the ability to power off the port that is connected to the camera. That is probably the easiest and cleanest solution.

 

[fenderman]

Honestly, I'd just buy a better managed switch that has the ability to power off the port that is connected to the camera. That is probably the easiest and cleanest solution.

It would be difficult to easily enable/disable cameras that way. He would need to write a script then trigger it.

 

[wittaj]

I worked hard to have every single camera (10) wired, retrofitting my two storey home, to avoid Wi-Fi.

How would that work with an additional PoE?
Should I connect Ethernet + the 10 cameras to the new PoE Switch and connect the switch to the recorder?

Thank you!

Where did anyone say to make the system wifi? A wifi outlet to turn on/off is much different than a wifi camera.

You connect the cameras to the POE switch and connect the POE switch to the NVR WAN/LAN port and not one of the camera POE ports.

 

[Flintstone61]

I bought a 3 pack of the KASA outlet controllers.
It did the job.
But my Use case scenario was diff/ I used to use one to manually reboot the Nightowl DVR when it stopped sending out streams to the App.
Eventually I got better equipment.
I only have 1 camera inside the and it's covering the front door & garage door. ( so everybody oughta be wearing clothes in that zone)
I have 2 cams in the garage

 

[Metallo]

If you are so certain about the security that two-factor authentication would provide then why would you need to turn out the cameras in the first place? Guaranteed right now the way you have your system set up anyone who wants to access it can...

If you want to be able to disable cameras a third party VMS like Blue Iris can do it but again it's only a secure as your network...

Privacy maybe?

I have people coming in to my place every single day, it seems obvious to me that their privacy is my priority.

It should be an option in any camera system, of course with the proper security level.

 

[wittaj]

First thing you need to learn is that ironically security cameras are not very secure when it comes to the internet.

If they are touching the internet and powered on, they are insecure. That is why most of us here isolate the cameras so that they are not touching the internet. If we need to remote view them, we use a VPN that we host (free). Paid VPN is to hide IP addresses for illegal streaming and porn LOL.

If the people coming over need that kind of privacy, then the cameras need to have zero power going to them.

Or go to a computer VMS like BI as someone mentioned, but again, if the cameras are touching the internet, someone could still access the video even if you are not recording it.

 

[biggen]

It would be difficult to easily enable/disable cameras that way. He would need to write a script then trigger it.

Yup. I think the whole scenario is a bit ridiculous if I'm honest so I was just throwing this out there.

 

[garycrist]

Security systems are designed to be redundant! ZERO failures would mean NOT being able to
disable the cameras unless it's a bank job in the movies.
A WIFI enabled 120V AC outlet to control a POE switch is the most expedient
option offered so far!

GL

 

[mat200]

Privacy maybe?

I have people coming in to my place every single day, it seems obvious to me that their privacy is my priority.

It should be an option in any camera system, of course with the proper security level.

AirBnB hosting ?

 

[Metallo]

First thing you need to learn is that ironically security cameras are not very secure when it comes to the internet.

If they are touching the internet and powered on, they are insecure. That is why most of us here isolate the cameras so that they are not touching the internet. If we need to remote view them, we use a VPN that we host (free). Paid VPN is to hide IP addresses for illegal streaming and porn LOL.

If the people coming over need that kind of privacy, then the cameras need to have zero power going to them.

Or go to a computer VMS like BI as someone mentioned, but again, if the cameras are touching the internet, someone could still access the video even if you are not recording it.

Privacy is a legal requirement for those people, because they work for the government.
It is sufficient to tell/prove them that the camera is off.

Anyways, I will power those cameras with DC and pilot them On/Off with a switch.

This is the solution I came up with, I think it is much easier than disconnecting the cables.

You are right, security does not exist over the internet, when there are real security concerns, you install a proper alarm system, totally independent from the internet, and connected it with the police.
You may want to have both, but for me those cameras are only for surveillance. Security it is something I guarantee in a totally difference way, certainly not with IP cameras LOL

Thank you guys for sharing your ideas/opinions, I appreciate it.

 

[fenderman]

Privacy maybe?

I have people coming in to my place every single day, it seems obvious to me that their privacy is my priority.

It should be an option in any camera system, of course with the proper security level.

Right and my point is currently your NVR is not secure and not private. What have you done to secure your nvr? Nothing. You are so concerned about disabling the cams, while your entire NVR sits open on the net.

 

[Perimeter]

You could create a big privacy zone on your indoor cams which you turn off when you leave the house. Effectively, they are blind until then. But they do draw electricity still.