UniFi offers both a web-based interface as well as a mobile app. I use them to automatically turn lights or fans on and off based on schedule, voice commands and more. Cloud Key Gen2 Plus (UCK-G2-PLUS): Hosts both the UniFi Network Controller and UniFi Protect Controller, eliminating the … At the moment, it doesn’t even offer all the features UniFi Video 3 had. Additionally, you can set up recording schedules and combine them with flexible, per-user alert settings. Minimum Motion Event Trigger (a.k.a. Additionally, I’d like UniFi Protect to get smarter by better understanding what it sees. However, you can only use your cameras with either UniFi Video 3 or UniFi Protect. I don’t have a reliable and repeatable way to test multi-client performance, but perhaps there are benefits there. WDR is similar to High Dynamic Range (HDR), which improves image quality in challenging lighting conditions. – Recording options “never” and “on motion” is now available You can swivel both the lens (vertically) and the base (horizontally) after installing the camera to fine-tune the viewing angle, but I’d recommend testing the swivel of the mounting plate before you fasten the screws. The NVR is a headless Linux system without a GUI, so you won’t see any video output on the VGA/HDMI ports. 1. ), Makes it easy to find and view previously-recorded clips, Doesn’t require changing or charging the batteries every few weeks or months, Provides advanced recording and notification settings, Offers advanced motion detection capabilities. For example, it makes a difference if the camera’s motion sensor detects a person, an animal, or an insect that’s flying in front of the lens. The UniFi® NVR 4 is an enterprise network video recorder that integrates an NVR, the UniFi Protect software, and a 4-drive bay. UniFi Protect Network Video Recorder (UNVR), UniFi - How to Set Up a UniFi Network Controller, Captive Portal (the UniFi Network Controller must be running), MAC Filtering (per port MAC Filter - Whitelisting), PPTP VPN Server (supported, but since it is a deprecated protocol is not supported in newer products (such as the UDM line), Auto IPsec Site-to-Site VPN between UniFi Sites. Background: I have used UniFi Video around my house since mid-2018, but in 2019 I decided to upgrade to Ubiquiti’s next-generation video surveillance platform UniFi Protect. Ubiquiti UniFi Controller, Cloud Key Gen2 Plus. The UniFi Protect Network Video Recorder (UNVR) hosts UniFi Protect. These setups allow local monitoring and cost less than the NVR. The inclusion of the Unifi controller is a big plus as that’s another $60 savings or so. I am short of buying a set of 8 to 10 cameras for the next project. Post Padding): Similar behavior to the above but not to be confused with the End Motion Event Delay. UniFi Cloud Key 就是內建 UniFi Controller Software 的裝置, 之前舊版為 Gen1, 現最新版本為 Gen2 & Gen2-Plus. The mobile app has numerous features that the web interface doesn’t have, and vice versa. For more information about UniFi switches, see: UniFi Security Gateways are cost-effective gateway routers with advanced security features for your UniFi networks. In our case, that means when everybody is sleeping (between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.). Visit our worldwide community of Ubiquiti experts for more answers and solutions. It’s not difficult to imagine what Ubiquiti’s video software might be capable of doing, considering the powerful hardware the company already offers. © 2021 Ubiquiti Inc. All Rights Reserved. I'm hoping Ubiquiti has other Protect options in the pipeline. After many rounds with tech support they finally replied, it’s there if you can make it work, we don’t really support this. You say one can define multi user roles, is it possible to define a role (eg ”Kids”) so that in a push of one button that role/user can turn on/turn off all indoor cameras through the ios app? Just wanted to add some information for other people : For the cameras I have installed outside the house, I monitor 24/7 but only record when they detect motion. I’m currently in the process of installing my third Protect setup. As I get more feedback from readers of this review, I’ll update this section. Since PIR sensors are passive by definition, they consume much less energy. In addition to the web interface, UniFi Protect also has a new mobile app for iOS and Android. I have little to complain about when it comes to the G3 Dome’s video quality, except for its performance in complete darkness. That means you don’t need to run an ethernet cable, which gives the device more flexible mounting options. That’s why I couldn’t possibly imagine changing from an iPhone to an Android device or from a Mac to a PC. Do you know if this is an evolution of your nvr? Connecting your NVR to your UniFi cloud account for easier remote access and streaming is optional. The UniFi NVR (network video recorder) is the central hub of the UniFi Video system, and it comes pre-installed with UniFi’s video software to deploy and manage your cameras. I like the idea of protect and your article helped me clear some of the queries I had in my mind. The Unifi Protect makes sense. UniFi Protect doesn’t support the first-generation airCams (and probably never will). Some of the features offered by the USG are Intrusion Prevention System, Deep Packet Inspection, advanced firewall and secure VPN. The NVR is almost unrepairable. If you’re a photographer, you can surely relate to that. Working with ethernet is much more convenient and significantly less risky than doing electrical work. While I acknowledge the shortcomings of this new platform, particularly compared to UniFi Video 3, I’m happy with what I have seen so far. Take retail as an example. For outdoor cameras, many users opt for a wireless model running on batteries because it’s a hassle connecting a camera to the home’s power supply. The CK Gen2 Plus is under $200 and can take 5 tb of internal storage. At this point, I opened a web browser and navigated to the NVR’s IP address. Or you can reduce recording to about 8hrs/day w/ all other settings as in previous example, you can squeeze out 7.5days of recording. If you’re a Mac user, you might remember when Apple decided to relaunch its iWorks suite, replace its professional photo editing app (Aperture) with Photos, and replace Final Cut Pro with Final Cut Pro X. I’ve been selling enterprise software for over a decade, and anywhere I go, customers ask for integration with their existing solutions. Using four 8 TB drives in a RAID 5 configuration, the UNVR-4 can provide up to 30 days of 4k video storage for 15 cameras or Full HD video storage for 50 cameras. UniFi Protect supports all second-generation (G2) or later UniFi Video cameras. No, it doesn’t have feature parity with UniFi Video 3 yet. In our house, we rely on security cams only, without a monitoring service. As I explained in my review of workout headphones, the acronym IP stands for ingress protection and the numbers 6 and 7 indicate how well the device is protected from dust (6) and water (7). I currently have an older Honeywell hybrid system that is monitored. I first tried to complete the initial configuration of the NVR using Safari running on macOS 10.14 Beta. You can mix UniFi and third party networking devices, but a full UniFi topology managed by the UniFi Network Controller gets you centralized network management with all of the advanced UniFi features. The importance of the items on the “Not Supported” list ultimately depends on how you intend to use your UniFi Video equipment. That means you and someone else could have entirely different alert settings. Published: Feb 18, 2021Jun 28, 2019 The goods news is that both features are now available. To fix the problem, just clean it with a soft cloth. There is a new Unifi Protect NVR that fixes many of your complaints. Besides the improved image quality and 3x optical zoom, the G3 PRO also features an IP67 weather-resistance rating. The UNVR-4 unifies enterprise-class data protection and scalable storage with simple Plug and Play integration using the intuitive UniFi Protect software. Additionally, verify that you can access your NVR from the mobile app. Additionally, the UniFi NVR has a 2 TB hard drive that can store up to 700 hours of video at 1080p, and more if you use a lower resolution. Sound detection is a useful feature for indoor security cameras to detect things like breaking glass. The only thing to get me to upgrade to a Gen2 is if I need Protect. This does no good if you have a person running or a suspicious vehicle moving quickly across the FoV. Ubiquiti’s UniFi Video Camera platform offers professionals and prosumers a compelling alternative to consumer-grade home security camera systems. While UniFi Video does not support passive infrared motion detection, UniFi offers a ton of features to customize how motion detection works. UCK-G2-PLUS has a built-in 1 TB hard drive that you can upgrade to up to 5 TB*.From a controller and software perspective, the new CloudKey includes not only the UniFi SDN network management software but also the UniFi Protect Video surveillance software. But my experience with the NVR and cameras and switch and Cloud Key has been relatively bumpy. NVR HDMI port is not active ? Visit the Ubiquiti RMA portal to submit a warranty claim for your Ubiquiti device. Thanks Stefan, I just updated the article to reflect those improvements! Beyond what I already mentioned, below is an overview of the technical features of UniFi Protect, as of October 2019. The matrix below lists the features that each type of device enables in the UniFi Network Controller. Most of the configuration settings I have changed are camera-specific, but there are a few settings that I modified on all cameras, including: To meet my home security needs, I have decided to use different configuration settings for indoor and outdoor cameras. For indoor cameras, that’s often not a big deal. This is the easiest method to migrate your Unifi network to a new controller. Consumers usually don’t care as much about that, but I started appreciating the concept when I realized how well everything in the Apple ecosystem fits together. The indoor mounting options include: In addition to the numerous ways you can mount the camera, you can horizontally adjust the lens by 63 degrees and the swivel base by 60 degrees (vertically). There are two Dream Machine models: the UDM and the UDM-Pro. UniFi Protect is an exciting new platform with the potential to grow into a video surveillance station unlike anything that’s currently on the market. That comes down to 12hrs of motion detected recording for 5 days @ high quality & 24FPS. That means you can limit alerts to specific times of the day, or to when certain conditions are met. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I could connect directly to the IP address of the NVR, but I was not able to reach the appliance via the UniFi Video cloud. Another drawback that I can think of for Protect, is that you can’t install it on more powerful hardware. Where consumer-grade systems such as Arlo or Nest are better is in the area of bridging the gap between home security cameras and alarm systems. As of this writing, the UniFi Video cameras support only pixel-based motion detection. All of that pairs with a UniFI nanoHD Access Point that provides devices on the second floor with a signal. Initially, I didn’t see PoE as a significant advantage over battery-powered cameras. Thanks. The USG Pro is a beefed-up version that offers more powerful internal hardware designed for enterprise users, like businesses that have many cameras and users. I'd rather get the UNVR but unfortunately it won't fit in my rack so the Gen2 CloudKey+ is my only option. Ubiquiti does not make a hard drive image available, so you’re out of luck if the hard drive fails. FD50746 - Technical Note: Ubiquiti model loses CLI credentials FD50574 - Technical Note: FortiGate Cloud Frequently Asked Questions FD50740 - Technical Tip: BGP distance modification on learned routes from neighbors FD44608 - Technical Tip: Configure FortiClient IPSEC dialup VPN with static IP and DHCP for different users Find more information about UniFi Protect in the Ubiquiti website. Ubiquiti goes a different route with its UniFi Video solution by offering local video storage combined with secure, cloud-based remote access. In other words, the new CK has inherited the capabilities the NVR used to provide. However, unique features — such as support for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), on-premise video storage, and flexible multi-user support — make UniFi Video a favorite among tech-savvy users. The release notes for beta version 5.53.1 claim that Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and stability under load is improved, so my first test was to compare them. What makes the G3 Micro particularly flexible indoors is its magnetic base that you can connect to a variety of mounting options. Plus, I’ll share with you how I migrated from UV3 to UP, and what the differences are between these two video surveillance platforms. Cloud Key Gen1 and Gen2 (UC-CK and UCK-G2): Host the UniFi Network Controller, eliminating the need of a dedicated server or computer for this. UniFi by Ubiquiti is an integrated networking, surveillance, VoIP and access control device ecosystem geared towards enterprise users. – scheduling for alarms, https://community.ui.com/releases/RELEASE-UniFi-Protect-v1-10-0/86116372-7b67-4db5-80c8-6e5c297de9a0, https://community.ui.com/releases/UniFi-Protect-1-12-0/58961a69-ca7c-4048-851f-da5b542f2e8e, IMO, there’s no need to go for Unifi Video any more, except you are on >10 cams or something like this, because Unifi Protect is still only available on their Cloud KeyGen2 hardware…. Thanks a lot. That can be the Cloud Key Gen2 or maybe the UDM-Pro, but also a docker image or a new Raspberry Pi. I have been using and testing other security camera systems, such as the ones from Arlo, and they usually record only if the camera detects motion. There will be motion when he/she is working with the register, but while entering the order on a keyboard, there isn’t enough motion to trip the sensitivity. Use Case: helps eliminate false positives like dust, bugs, etc. UniFi Video has delivered on my expectations by seamlessly integrating into my network infrastructure and by providing excellent video surveillance technology for my home. Ubiquiti has achieved this significantly improved low-light performance, compared to other UniFi cameras, by adding high-power infrared LEDs, a larger image sensor, and larger lens aperture. Compared to the previous generation, the new CloudKey G2 Plus is an entirely different animal. The UniFi Protect Controller allows for a seamless remote management of your UniFi cameras and can be hosted on a UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 Plus or a UniFi Dream Machine Pro. In case you’re wondering, an attic without air conditioning usually is too hot for electronics, but we have a stairwell leading up to the attic. Use Case: You may want to hear the conversation that is taking place prior to motion within the video frame or in instances where there is sudden and brief motion. I have used the NVR product for few years now and have deployed to few clients, I have also tried UniFi Video on a Virtual Machine and skipped the NVR hardware. Objects of similar temperature but different surface characteristics may also have a different infrared emission pattern, and thus moving them with respect to the background may trigger the detector as well. The sensor converts the resulting change in the incoming infrared radiation into a change in the output voltage, and this triggers the detection. You can operate both platforms on your network. I got the Gen2 because it includes a 1TB hard drive that allows me to store my security video locally. The disadvantage of the UVC-G3-AF is its relatively narrow field of view, which is 85 degrees (horizontally). If you have experience with UniFi Video or UniFi Protect, or have any questions about these products, let me know by leaving a comment below! The UDM provides an integrated Wi-Fi access point, while the UDM-Pro can host the UniFi Protect controller and manage your UniFi surveillance network. For G2 through G4 cameras, the answer is yes. Do I need the key or udm Pro? Remove cameras from the old UniFi Video recorder (NVR). That means the camera can draw power from a regular ethernet cable, as long as you connect the cable to a PoE-enabled switch. The UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro) hosts the following applications: The UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 Plus (UCK G2 Plus) hosts the following applications: The UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) hosts UniFi Network. This is big for me because I want 8MP cameras & 264 encoding w/ a max of 5TB doesn’t get you very far. I am confused as to integration of my existing system with the Ubiquity system. With the upgrade to UniFi Protect, Ubiquiti provided me with the following hardware additions: I started out with a single UniFi switch but decided to purchase a second one. The UniFi AP family is a line of high performance wireless access points designed for both regular and high-density environments. Site-to-site VPN (Manual IPsec and OpenVPN), Hosts the UniFi Network Controller and the UniFi Protect Controller, eliminating the need for a dedicated server or computer, a local or remote computer or server running Linux, macOS or Microsoft Windows, the UniFi Cloud Key Gen2, which hosts the UniFi Network Controller, the UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 Plus, which hosts both the Network and Protect controllers. As of this writing, UniFi Protect only works in combination with the UniFi CloudKey Gen2 Plus, which doubles as an NVR and comes with a built-in hard disk. Ubiquiti's Vintage and Obsolete Products. But if you’re into technology and know a bit about networking, you’ll appreciate the flexibility and advanced features that UniFi Video brings to the table. 1x UniFi Cloud Key Gen 2 Plus (UCK) — replaced my Gen 1 Cloud Key. Below is a brief overview of how I have set up and configured my UniFi Video system. For a more detailed overview of the Dream Machine device line, see Ubiquiti website. 15+ cameras @ lower than 5MP usually doesn’t produce clear enough content in the event you need it for evidence in court either. The mobile app is available for iOS and Android-based devices. It also is itself a PoE client so I don't need to plug it into the wall. Here’s a screenshot of how I set the zone of my G3 Dome camera that I mounted above the garage. The mobile UniFi application has slightly fewer features than the web app, but it’s been working great on iOS 11 and iOS 12, and I have no complaints. – multi-user-geofencing (guess you already mentioned that) Plug in the new CloudKey via ethernet ports (or USB-C) and update its firmware to the latest version (I could do that during the initial setup wizard). If you’d like to support me, please use my links or buy me coffee. Once I had successfully set up and configured the NVR, it was time to connect my cameras. However, Ubiquiti built this new offering on what appears to be a solid foundation that can quickly grow into something more. – 1 x M.2 (KEY M, 2242/2260/2280) with PCIe x4 and SATA3 for SSD – 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x M.2 Key M, 1 x M.2 Key E, 1 x SATA3 – 1 x Realtek 1 Gigabit LAN, 1 x Realtek 2.5 Gigabit LAN (Support DASH) – Supports Quad display, 1 x HDMI 2.0a, 3 x DP 1.2a (2 from Type C) At this moment I am in the process of selecting a new security system for my 1200 sq ft ranch. That will give you a sense of what the differences are between Ubiquiti’s consumer-grade hardware, such as AmpliFi, and their commercial offering (UniFi). If those terms mean nothing to you, it won’t prevent you from installing UniFi products, but I would probably ask for assistance from someone who works with computer networks. Note that the G3 Micro is an indoor camera because it’s not weather-resistant. You can clone a working drive. Note that you don’t necessarily need UniFi networking infrastructure to use UniFi video cameras, but I think it makes the deployment a bit easier. I have installed several Unifi video systems over the past few years. The UniFi Network devices are managed by the UniFi Network Controller and include: UniFi Protect includes a diverse line of cameras and surveillance software. Initially, I could make sense of three of the four settings just based on their naming. Login to your controller over SSH. I have configured my indoor cameras to record only if they detect motion while we’re sleeping, which is between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Tech Newsletter #5: Do Your Homekit Devices Randomly Stop Working? Additionally, you could set each camera to always send notifications when it discovered movement, or to do so based on a schedule. With PoE, you can significantly reduce the ongoing camera maintenance. The UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 (UCK G2) hosts UniFi Network. In addition to the basic functionality, UniFi APs offer features like guest portals, access control, multi-hop and others. I’m using UniFi video cameras in my home, and so I wanted to give you an idea of why these features could be useful. Wir verwenden Cookies und ähnliche Tools, um Ihr Einkaufserlebnis zu verbessern, um unsere Dienste anzubieten, um zu verstehen, wie die Kunden unsere Dienste nutzen, damit wir Verbesserungen vornehmen können, und um Werbung anzuzeigen, einschließlich interessenbezogener Werbung. Do you have any insight about the combination of UBIQUITI Cams and SYNOLOGY NAS Server or grabbing the IP Stream of the Cameras for use with Homeserver Applications like DIVUS ? But Ubiquiti is continuously rolling out updates to get UniFi Protect closer to and beyond the feature set UniFi Video 3 provides. You can set this value higher so you record the whole transaction in a single motion event rather than missing something because of the cool-down. I used to shoot Nikon cameras and lenses, and the G4 reminds me of the super-fast 24-70mm f/2.8 lens I had back in the day. With Protect, Ubiquiti decided to rethink video surveillance entirely and rewrite the associated software (apps) and services. If you’re new to products from Ubiquiti, and especially their UniFi brand, I’d recommend taking a peek at my AmpliFi vs. UniFi comparison. Or is this dealt I herently due to the “on premises” recordings (rather than On Cloud)? Consumer-grade home security cameras deliver such capabilities already, thanks to machine learning and artificial intelligence. For more information, see this article: UniFi Access - Getting Started. With UniFi Protect, Ubiquiti’s goal was to deliver users the best-possible video viewing and reviewing experience. If you use the G3-Micro in a residential setting, I’d recommend disabling “System Sounds.” On one occasion, we noticed a recurring beep coming from an unidentified device in our family room. Besides privacy, the other benefit of storing all footage “on-premise” is that you don’t have to pay a subscription fee and you can expand the storage by plugging in an external hard drive to the NVR. But I wasn’t sure what “End Motion Event Delay” would do. Unfortunately, Ubiquiti doesn’t sell one for this model. So your existing UniFi Security Gateway (or UniFi Security Gateway Pro) and network switches, as well as VPN and other services, will continue to work as before.