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The original was posted on /r/homeassistant by /u/NigoDuppy on 2024-04-02 16:50:49.

Original Title: I live in Egypt and crime is getting worse due to economic collapse. Currently have 8 cheap IP cameras connected to an NVR which has awful software. How do I upgrade this setup to get good intruder detection and phone notifications? I also have a spare 2012 MacBookPro lying around. Would that help?

A few years ago we caught a burglar in our home. After that incident, we made a panic buy and a friend of a friend basically bought and installed everything for us and we just paid them for their service. He got us 8 IP cameras along with a 16 channel NVR all from the same no-name brand. For some reason, the NVR allows only 2 of those cameras to use the “smart” feature where I draw a perimeter line and the NVR will make a beep if someone crosses it. However, that feature barely works, and almost always gives a false alarm for cars passing by due to their headlights. Detecting humans though? Forget about it. Seriously, this software is outdated and borderline useless.

Anyways, I was wondering if I could use some other better software on the NVR or even my spare macbook that would work with my cameras? My main concern is if my 8 IP cameras would work with the software, considering they’re a no name brand. To be fair to them they’ve worked quite well for a few years now and haven’t broken down. But that’s besides the point.

I am essentially wondering if I can take my current 8 ip cameras and combine it with better software (either through my current NVR or my spare MacBook, whatever possible) that will have great detection features for all 8 cameras and would send me mobile notifications when Im away. I’d prefer it to only use the internet when it’s sending me a notification with the footage, because internet over here is limited.