Mastering BlueIris and Deepstack - Part 1

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Part One: Installation and Configuration of Blue Iris NVR
   • 2.1 Hardware Requirements
   • 2.2 Downloading Required Software
   • 2.3 Installing Blue Iris
   • 2.4 Installing Deep Stack
   • 2.5 Installing Nvidia Cuda Toolkit
3. Part Two: Adding Cameras and Basic Configuration
   • 3.1 Configuring Storage Locations
   • 3.2 Setting Up Alerts and Notifications
   • 3.3 Configuring System Startup
   • 3.4 Configuring AI Options
4. Part Three: Home Assistant Integration and Automations
   • 4.1 Integrating Blue Iris with Home Assistant
   • 4.2 Creating Automations and Notifications
5. Hardware Recommendations for Blue Iris NVR
6. Conclusion

Installation and Configuration of Blue Iris NVR

Blue Iris is a reliable Network Video Recorder (NVR) that works with almost any RTSP or ONVIF IP video camera. It offers real-time object detection and the ability to send notifications when objects or people are detected. In this three-part series, we will cover the installation and configuration of Blue Iris NVR, along with deep stack object detection. Part one will focus on the hardware requirements, software installation, and basic configuration.

Part One: Installation and Configuration of Blue Iris NVR

2.1 Hardware Requirements

To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to have a hardware setup that can handle the processing requirements of Blue Iris and deep stack object detection. A system with an Intel processor and an Nvidia GPU is ideal. The author recommends an Intel i7 12700k processor, 64GB of DDR4 RAM, and an Nvidia 3060 GPU. However, the hardware specifications can vary depending on the number of cameras and their resolutions.

2.2 Downloading Required Software

Before starting the installation, it is essential to download the necessary software. This includes Blue Iris, deep stack GPU for Windows, Nvidia Cuda Toolkit, and Nvidia CU DNN. These can be downloaded from their respective websites, and the author provides links in the video description.

2.3 Installing Blue Iris

Once the software is downloaded, begin the installation of Blue Iris. The installation wizard will guide You through the process, and any required prerequisites will be automatically installed if not found on your system. It is recommended to choose the default options unless you have specific preferences.

2.4 Installing Deep Stack

After installing Blue Iris, proceed with the installation of deep stack. Run the deep stack installer GPU and follow the instructions.

2.5 Installing Nvidia Cuda Toolkit

To utilize the GPU for deep stack offload, install the Nvidia Cuda Toolkit. Unzip the downloaded Cuda Toolkit and copy the Contents of the three folders into their respective locations in the Cuda toolkit directory. This step is necessary for GPU acceleration and offloading deep stack processing to the GPU.

Part Two: Adding Cameras and Basic Configuration

In part two of this series, we will cover the process of adding cameras to Blue Iris and performing basic configuration.

3.1 Configuring Storage Locations

Blue Iris allows you to configure different storage locations for various types of footage and notification files. It is recommended to have at least three drives: a fast system drive, a fast drive for live recordings, and a larger, cheaper drive for archived recordings. The configuration can be done in the storage settings of Blue Iris, specifying the paths for new footage, stored footage, and alerts directory.

3.2 Setting Up Alerts and Notifications

Blue Iris provides the ability to set up alerts and notifications when objects or people are detected. This can be configured in the alerts directory settings. JPEG files processed by deep stack will be stored in this directory, and notifications can be sent Based on these processed files.

3.3 Configuring System Startup

To ensure that Blue Iris starts automatically every time the system reboots, it is recommended to run it as a Windows service. This option can be enabled in the startup settings of Blue Iris. Additionally, provide the necessary credentials for the service to run smoothly.

3.4 Configuring AI Options

Blue Iris offers AI options for object detection, facial recognition, and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR). These options can be configured in the AI settings of Blue Iris. It is important to choose the appropriate object detection model based on your system's capabilities and the resolution of your cameras. Facial recognition is best suited for high-resolution cameras capturing front-facing images. ALPR requires signing up for an account and obtaining a token for API access.

Part Three: Home Assistant Integration and Automations

The final part of this series focuses on integrating Blue Iris with Home Assistant and creating automations and notifications. Home Assistant is a popular open-source home automation platform that allows for seamless integration with various devices and services.

4.1 Integrating Blue Iris with Home Assistant

Integrating Blue Iris with Home Assistant allows for centralized control and monitoring of the cameras. This can be achieved using the Blue Iris integration within Home Assistant. The process involves authentication and the configuration of camera entities.

4.2 Creating Automations and Notifications

Once the integration is set up, it becomes possible to Create automations and notifications based on camera events and object detections. This can be done using the automation capabilities of Home Assistant. Examples of automations include sending notifications when specific objects are detected, triggering actions based on camera events, or integrating with other smart home devices.

Hardware Recommendations for Blue Iris NVR

When setting up a Blue Iris NVR system, hardware selection plays a crucial role in achieving optimal performance. The recommended hardware specifications include an Intel processor and an Nvidia GPU. However, the requirements can vary depending on the number of cameras and their resolutions. It is important to consider factors such as processing power, memory, storage capacity, and GPU capabilities when selecting hardware for your Blue Iris NVR system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this three-part series covered the installation and configuration of Blue Iris NVR and deep stack object detection. Starting with the hardware requirements and the installation of required software, we proceeded to configure storage locations, alerts, system startup, and AI options. Finally, we discussed the integration of Blue Iris with Home Assistant and the creation of automations and notifications. By following these steps, you can set up a reliable and efficient Blue Iris NVR system for your security camera needs.

Highlights

• Blue Iris is a reliable NVR that works with almost any RTSP or ONVIF IP camera.
• Real-time object detection and notifications can be configured with Blue Iris.
• Hardware selection is crucial for optimal performance in a Blue Iris NVR system.
• Integration with Home Assistant allows for centralized control and automations.

FAQ:

Q: Can Blue Iris work with any IP camera? A: Blue Iris is compatible with almost any RTSP or ONVIF IP camera, ensuring a wide range of camera options.

Q: Can I receive notifications when objects or people are detected? A: Yes, Blue Iris offers the ability to send notifications based on object detection events, providing an extra layer of security and awareness.

Q: Is it possible to integrate Blue Iris with Home Assistant? A: Yes, Blue Iris can be seamlessly integrated with Home Assistant, enabling centralized control and automation capabilities.

Q: What hardware specifications are recommended for Blue Iris? A: The ideal hardware setup includes an Intel processor and an Nvidia GPU. However, the specific requirements may vary based on the number and resolution of the cameras.