Subscriber Discussion

Which VMS Software To Use At Home?

Undisclosed End User #1

•Aug 18, 2017

I'm an end user, wanting to setup cameras at my home. I think I'll go with HikVision cameras and bought one 4MP Turret camera to start tinkering. I'm at IT guru with a bunch of server hardware at home.

I want to setup my own VMS in a Virtual environment, but don't know which software to use. I'd prefer open source and Linux as the OS, but don't mind paying a bit for something decent.

I'm seeing there's a tonne of software out there to choose from and I don't want to spend tonnes of time researching.

I started with Zoneminder and kind of figured it out but the video quality is abismal. I can't believe how bad it is. Choppy, blotchy, lines thru it.

Started tinkering with HikVision iVMS-4200 but it seems to be only a client. I installed the 4200 Storage Server but the client doesn't see the Storage Server so can't do anything with it.

I thought I'd find some good stuff here at IPVM for this subject but haven't found it yet.

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John Honovich

•Aug 18, 2017

IPVM

#1, we have a directory of free VMS software here.

Of them, if you are looking for more professional offerings, Milestone XProtect Essential+ is worth considering, since it's free for up to 8 cameras and is the same software (with channel and higher end functions disabled) as what they sell to larger corporations. They recently made that free (see our coverage: Milestone Kills Go, Slashes Express Pricing, Launches Enhanced Version Free). It is Windows based though.

In terms of open source VMS, take a look at Shinobi, it's from a younger developer who is actively building it, specifically in recognition of Zoneminder's many problems. We have not tested Shinobi yet so don't know how well it works but we have been following him for a little bit and he's definitely working hard at it.

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Jon Dillabaugh

•Aug 19, 2017

Pro Focus LLC

DW Spectrum (Nx Witness) is what I have at home. It isn't free, but it is worth the small price of admission. Licenses are perpetual and are never tied to a specific camera.

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