Remote Connection

[eriecableguy]

I'm aware of needing two paid activated instances of BI to remotely control the server, but is is possible to connect two instances of BI that are activated, but belong to two different users and licenses?
Im tired of troubleshooting my friend's BI setup over the phone and remote desktop. There is trust already laid, it is a matter the possibility.

 

[Old Timer]

One way would be to set up a VPN between your 2 networks, and give you access to his BI server.
Then you could connect to his BI

 

[looney2ns]

I'm aware of needing two paid activated instances of BI to remotely control the server, but is is possible to connect two instances of BI that are activated, but belong to two different users and licenses?
Im tired of troubleshooting my friend's BI setup over the phone and remote desktop. There is trust already laid, it is a matter the possibility.

Yes you can. I do it with my daughters remote system.
Hopefully, you both have good internet speeds.

 

[SpacemanSpiff]

I'm aware of needing two paid activated instances of BI to remotely control the server, but is is possible to connect two instances of BI that are activated, but belong to two different users and licenses?
Im tired of troubleshooting my friend's BI setup over the phone and remote desktop. There is trust already laid, it is a matter the possibility.

Yes you can. I do it with my daughters remote system.
Hopefully, you both have good internet speeds.

I am aware of the differences between remote desktop and VPN as means of access.

Up to this point it was my understanding you administer the BI server at the host machine, itself. Is there a BI client on the machine OP uses to, in turn, manage/administer the off-site BI server?

Disclaimer: Yep, I am not yet a BI owner/operator

 

[looney2ns]

When you install BI on your machine. You can configure it to allow you to easily connect to another remote Blue Iris install. Thus giving you the ability to remotely configure most settings, review video, etc on a remote BI system.

 

[Moonville]

When you install BI on your machine. You can configure it to allow you to easily connect to another remote Blue Iris install. Thus giving you the ability to remotely configure most settings, review video, etc on a remote BI system.

I want to confirm whether I'm understanding this correctly. I will be installing cameras at my weekend home and they will be connected to a PC running BI.

I will want to be able to view those cameras from my primary residence. Do I need a second BI license on my machine at my primary residence to view the cameras?

Also, is there a way to view the cameras from anywhere that I have web access (using laptop or smartphone)?

 

[wittaj]

I want to confirm whether I'm understanding this correctly. I will be installing cameras at my weekend home and they will be connected to a PC running BI.

I will want to be able to view those cameras from my primary residence. Do I need a second BI license on my machine at my primary residence to view the cameras?

Also, is there a way to view the cameras from anywhere that I have web access (using laptop or smartphone)?

You do not need second license.

Simply get a router that supports OpenVPN and then you connect to your weekend home via VPN and then it is like you are right there.

Do not confuse this with paid VPN - those are to hide your IP address for porn and illegal streaming.

OpenVPN is free and puts you on your weekend home IP address just like you are there.

 

[Moonville]

You do not need second license. Simply get a router that supports OpenVPN and then you connect to your weekend home via VPN and then it is like you are right there.

That's good news. I feel a little silly asking this, but why do I need to subscribe to Alarm Grid's top level plan for my cameras?

 

[wittaj]

Why don't you just buy the cameras and install yourself so that you get quality gear? Security company cameras are usually poor junk that will tell you what time something happened but not be able to get a clean picture to IDENTIFY who it was.

This is expensive for a camera that will be total junk. Wifi camera...

Alarm.com ADC-V724 - 1080P Outdoor WIFI Camera w/2-Way Audio

The ADC-V724 is the first outdoor camera offered by Alarm.com that supports 2-Way Audio. Use video analytics to detect intruders, then use the app and speak to those being viewed for an added deterrent. Buy the ADC-V724 from Alarm Grid!

www.alarmgrid.com

Look at this great spec lol:

Low Light Sensitivity: 0.5 lux with IR

That is blind. A camera should be 0 lux with IR. That .5 will make a difference. Good cameras can be in color up to like 0.003 Lux...

Even their security systems look weak and cheap. You would be better off with a Ring Alarm system.

 

[Moonville]

Why don't you just buy the cameras and install yourself so that you get quality gear?

That's what I plan to do (and I will be buying whatever I can from Andy). I've signed up for Alarm Grid's Gold plan which is: Central Station, Cellular Monitoring, Arm / Disarm via Phone & Web, Email, Text & Push Notifications, Remote Home Automation.

To get their video monitoring service requires the Platinum plan which is everything above plus video surveillance. I was wondering why I need to pay for video surveillance if I can view my cameras - but I think it's because I'm relying on the cellular connection - my internet connection is slow and unreliable. Does that sound right? Sorry for not understanding all this stuff but I'm trying.

 

[wittaj]

Oh ok. That makes sense.

You may want to consider the Ring Alarm system - after you purchase the base and number of sensors you need (comparable or cheaper than Alarm Grid) - if you want it monitored you can do that for $10/month. It has a cellular backup in the event the internet and power goes out.

Or just rely on it notifying you and then you call the police and not pay a monthly.

I believe Ring offers video monitoring as well, but it might need to be their cameras. Alarm Grid may be the same for video monitoring.

But whether you want a company to watch your video stream is totally your decision and you shouldn't feel like you are forced to have to subscribe to a service like that.