Buying Guide—How I Choose the Right Monitor for Security Camera System—Here’s an Explanation Based on My Experience

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Choosing a Monitor for a Security Cameras

Whenever customers want to install security cameras, they always ask me the same questions: “Do I need a monitor for my security cameras?” and “What kind of monitor should I use?”

Well, the truth is, these days, you don’t really need a monitor for your security cameras because you can easily view the camera feeds right from your smartphone. However, if you have a control room with security staff monitoring the cameras, then having a monitor is definitely a good idea. It makes it much easier for them to watch the live camera feeds right from their desks.

In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to choose the right monitor for your security cameras, based on my experience as a security camera technician.

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Buying Guide—Solar-Powered Security Cameras vs. Standard Security Cameras (IP, Analog, and Wi-Fi Cameras)

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Solar-Powered Cameras vs Standard Security Cameras

As the name suggests, a solar-powered security camera uses energy from the sun as its power source. These cameras are also generally equipped with rechargeable batteries to store energy for use when sunlight is unavailable.

But are solar-powered cameras actually better than standard security cameras? In this article, I’ll compare solar-powered cameras with conventional options, including IP cameras, analog cameras, and Wi-Fi cameras, to help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each and decide which one is right for your needs.

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CamWatch, Self-Hosted RTSP Security Camera Recorder Software—How I Installed on Linux Ubuntu and Used It

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I first came across CamWatch in a Reddit post, which made me curious enough to give it a try.

Yes, there are developers who have created virtual video recorders, commonly known as self-hosted NVR or VMS software. Since I had some free time on the evening of October 30, 2026, I decided to try installing and using CamWatch on my Ubuntu Desktop PC. It took me around 40 minutes to get everything installed and running. I spent most of that time going through the documentation provided by the developer to understand the installation process and how the software works.

Fortunately, I managed to install it successfully. You can use my experience as a guide to help you install CamWatch on your Ubuntu PC.

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Foscam Camera Login: Default IP Address, Username, and Password—How Can You Find Them All?

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Foscam is a security camera brand that is popular in several countries, including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Singapore, India, and Canada.

For new users, a frequently asked question is: what is the default IP address for a Foscam camera? What are the username and password required to log in to these IP or wireless cameras? In this article, I will explain how to find the basic information regarding the login credentials for your Foscam camera. Knowing these credentials will allow you to easily set up your security camera, whether for a new installation or for troubleshooting purposes.

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How to Use Frigate NVR After Installation: Adding Cameras, Playback, and Other Basic Settings

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How to Use Frigate NVR

This is a basic guide on how to use Frigate NVR.

I’ve already managed to install Frigate NVR on my Ubuntu desktop, and it turned out to be pretty straightforward. If you follow my guide on how to install Frigate on Ubuntu Linux, I’m confident you can get it up and running on your own system, too. Frigate is a virtual NVR that runs on your own server. Think of it as turning your PC into an NVR.

In this article, you’ll learn how to use Frigate NVR, including how to add your first camera, playback recordings, and configure other basic settings.

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Reolink Home Hub vs. Reolink NVR: Let Me Explain from Both a Technician’s and a User’s Perspective

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Buying a Reolink Home Hub or NVR without understanding the differences could leave you with a setup that doesn’t fit your needs. This is especially important if you plan to use both PoE and Wi-Fi Reolink cameras, as the way your cameras connect can affect which recording solution is right for you.

So, should you choose a Reolink Home Hub or a Reolink NVR?

In this article, I’ll break down the key differences between the two, explain what to consider when combining PoE and Wi-Fi cameras, and help you choose the right solution for your home security system before you spend your money.

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Hikvision Quick Pass—Easier Access Control for People and Vehicles—Everything You Need to Know

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Hikvision Quick Pass

Traditionally, access control systems rely on credentials like access cards, fingerprints, and vehicle license plates to grant entry. While these methods are still widely used, they’re considered less secure in today’s AI-driven world.

Someone using an access card might not be the person it was originally issued to. Fingerprints can also be shared. I’ve even tested this myself by enrolling fingerprints from two different people, only to find that both could use them to gain access. The same goes for license plates. Someone could simply transfer a license plate to another vehicle, and the system might still recognize it as valid, allowing a stolen car to leave the building without raising any alarms.

Hikvision aims to reduce these risks with its Hikvision Quick Pass solution.

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Installing Frigate NVR on Linux Ubuntu—My First Experience to Install Frigate on Ubuntu Using Docker Compose with Limited Technical Skills

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Frigate is a virtual NVR that you can self-host on your own computer.

You can add your IP cameras to Frigate and use it to manage your camera feeds and recordings. Most IP camera brands can work with Frigate through protocols like RTSP, and ONVIF may also be available for device discovery and configuration, depending on the camera. Keep in mind that Frigate is designed for IP cameras, not analog cameras directly. Analog cameras generally need a compatible video encoder or capture device to work with Frigate. If you’re not sure about the differences, check out my guide to [IP cameras vs. analog cameras].

With that out of the way, let’s get into the installation process. In the next few sections, I’ll walk you through how to install Frigate on Ubuntu.

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My Eufy Camera Shows “Failed to Establish Video Stream” in the Web Browser—Here’s How I Fixed It in Minutes

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Eufy Camera Shows Failed to Establish Video Stream

Many Eufy camera users encounter problems when trying to view their cameras through a web browser. That’s right—in addition to connecting directly to your phone via the app, you can view your Eufy camera on your laptop or PC using a web browser. This allows you to view the Eufy camera feed on a wider screen. However, many users are unable to access their Eufy cameras through a web browser. What’s causing this?

In this post, I’ll explain why the Eufy camera can’t be accessed via a web browser and how to fix it.

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Blink Camera ONVIF and RTSP URLs—How to I Add a Blink Camera to NVR and iSpy Agent DVR?

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Blink Camera ONVIF RTSP ULR

Are you planning to buy a Blink camera and connect it to a third-party app? Before you do, let’s take a closer look at Blink cameras and what you need to know about them.

Blink cameras are mainly designed for home security, so you’ll usually find them installed around places like porches, living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and TV rooms. They’re rarely used for more demanding applications, such as monitoring factories, mining sites, or other environments where cameras need to withstand water, heat, and dust. So, before buying a Blink camera, make sure to read the specifications carefully to ensure it meets your needs.

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PHP2Shell—How It Affects Security Cameras—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

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PHP2Shell is a security vulnerability that can allow attackers to execute PHP code remotely under certain conditions. By sending specially crafted HTTP POST requests to a vulnerable application, an attacker may be able to execute commands on the affected server without needing valid login credentials. The potential impact goes beyond websites and web servers. Many security devices, including IP cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVRs), run embedded software and provide web-based interfaces for configuration and remote access. If these devices contain a vulnerable PHP application or a related exposed service, they could also be at risk.

So, what could happen if a security camera or NVR is compromised by this type of vulnerability?

In this article, I’ll explain what PHP2Shell is and how it can affect security camera devices. I’ll break down the issue in simple terms to help you understand the potential risks and what you can do to protect your cameras.

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