# Security camera setup for beginners? **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/security-camera-setup-for-beginners/34531 **Category:** Questions **Tags:** please-eli5 **Created:** 2026-01-08T14:35:15Z **Posts:** 36 ## Post 1 by @pine — 2026-01-08T14:35:15Z In light of neighbours spotting a stranger with a flashlight looking into my windows in the middle of the night, I’ve unfortunately gained a sudden interest in security cameras. :smiling_face_with_tear: I’ve tried to read up on the topic of IP / security cameras, but despite the amount of relates threads, I have to admit that I’m a little overwhelmed. By my first impression, there appears to be no easy/”plug-and-play” _and_ privacy friendly solutions on the market - so, I turn to you all for advice. - _Are_ there any straightforward camera and monitoring solutions that I’ve missed as of January 2026? - If not, what are the most viable alternatives for someone with limited technical skills? (I’m also very sorry in advance if this should’ve been a reply in one of the related threads rather than a thread of its own!) ## My personal use case I’m unfortunately not very technically skilled, being unfamiliar with everything from self-hosting and home assistant, to NVRs and VLAN. I’ll give Linux a shot in the coming month, but so far, moving to GrapheneOS has been my crowning achievement. I’m definitely happy to learn (and _will_ have to improve my knowledge of routers regardless), but I think the observation of Flashlight Man is giving me an unhelpful sense of expediency that adds to the sense of overwhelmedness / not knowing where to start. It’s likely simpler than I’m making it out to be. My ideal wishlist looks quite similar to this reply by @Satoshi in a related thread: > [@What private and secure home security camera options exist, does one exist at all?](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/what-private-and-secure-home-security-camera-options-exist-does-one-exist-at-all/11565/12): > > I had the same question a while ago. My use case probably has similar criteria to yours which includes the following: > > 1. Local storage attached to the camera (optional) > 2. Accessible live stream via home network > 3. Accessible live stream via the internet outside of my home network > 4. E2EE cloud storage support > 5. Self-hosted cloud software with real-time upload > 6. All open-source software > 7. Relatively affordable > 8. Optional motion tracking alerts > > The use cases and threat models include: > > 1. No unauthorized access, including the manufacturer/developer, malicious actors, and LE/Gov. > 2. Real-time footage upload required in the event of a disaster, fire, or a burglary, otherwise the footage is lost. > 3. Accessing footage from wherever, in order to keep an eye on what is happening in and around my home. ## What I’ve looked into so far It seems to me that the best plug-and-play solution would be [Secluso](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/an-open-source-privacy-preserving-home-security-camera-using-end-to-end-encryption/31336), but as it has yet to release its prototype (and might at that time have a limited capacity), it doesn’t seem perfectly viable for now. I’ve also seen [Ubiquiti](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/best-home-security-cameras-expert-advice/30988/3) mentioned a few times - is their camera + NVR good to go on a guest network and/or fairly plug-and-play while being fairly privacy friendly? For DIY’ing, I have the sense that one approach could be to: - Purchase a compatible camera (ideally with a wired connection rather than wireless) - Isolate the camera on a VLAN - Access them with an NVR (Shinobi or Frigate, for instance) Before I journey into a new hobby, however, would this be a recommended approach for a beginner? Or would it make more sense to look into [Matter 15 and Home Assistant?](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/backdoors-in-vstarcam-cameras/34483/2) (And do you have any specific resources for said total beginners that might be a good place to start?) ## Related threads These threads have very relevant advice or discussions, but despite looking into them, I found it difficult to apply to myself: - [What private and secure home security camera options exist, does one exist at all?](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/what-private-and-secure-home-security-camera-options-exist-does-one-exist-at-all/11565) - [Best Home Security Cameras Expert Advice](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/best-home-security-cameras-expert-advice/30988) - [Indoor (maybe outdoor) camera for non-tech person](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/indoor-maybe-outdoor-camera-for-non-tech-person/31206) - [An open source privacy-preserving home security camera using end-to-end encryption](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/an-open-source-privacy-preserving-home-security-camera-using-end-to-end-encryption/31336) - [Home security cameras](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/home-security-cameras/19417) - [Recommending Frigate, a "Privacy Focused" and Local NVR Open Source Platform to Build Your Own Security Cameras](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/recommending-frigate-a-privacy-focused-and-local-nvr-open-source-platform-to-build-your-own-security-cameras/34406) Thank you so much for taking the time to read this - and again, I’m very sorry if this is a poor thread! I know Privacy Guides isn’t a help desk, I’m just feeling a little lost. :confused: --- ## Post 2 by @kissu — 2026-01-08T20:08:13Z > [@pine](#): > > In light of neighbours spotting a stranger with a flashlight looking into my windows in the middle of the night, I’ve unfortunately gained a sudden interest in security cameras. :smiling_face_with_tear: Very sorry to read about this one. Had a good bittersweet laugh reading this one… :sweat_smile: > [@pine](#): > > By my first impression, there appears to be no easy/”plug-and-play” _and_ privacy friendly solutions on the market Also my conclusion unfortunately. :frowning: > [@pine](#): > > If not, what are the most viable alternatives for someone with limited technical skills? I’d say none given some research on HomeAssistant’s forums/reddit on my side. :unamused_face: You did a big fair share of research yourself from what we can see, hence I do think that you do know the answer or what to pick based on all the gathered resources already. :+1:t2: > [@pine](#): > > For DIY’ing, I have the sense that one approach could be to: Since you don’t have any tech knowledge and this might take a lot of time/money/learning to even begin getting into, it’s probably safer to buy something not too evil and change the firmware into something FOSS down the road once you can. Meaning that you make a cross on privacy at first, and will add it gradually. :+1:t2: Matter is not ready yet. But yes, Home Assistant will be your best friend once you start you DIY journey. Same for Docker, Frigate etc. Take it slow at first and consider the budget + urgency that you do currently have. I’d also check [this website](https://thingino.com/) for devices that could get their firmware wiped and see if you want to maybe invest into an All-in-One system ready with everything plug and play that could then be upgraded to a DIY approach. Also, as a quick and dirty (+ cheap) approach, maybe you could buy a few cameras and keep them offline with no Wifi/mobile app but insert an SD card into each of them, then check the footage every morning to see what’s on them. Realistically the shortest path to get a simple answer as of who is this handsome Flashlight Man without investing enormous resources into it. :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: It won’t be sending notifications, doing any AI or anything crazy but a simple nanny cam is just perfect for 50% of all the features with a very small entry fee[[1]](#footnote-132408-1). * * * > [@pine](#): > > Thank you so much for taking the time to read this - and again, I’m very sorry if this is a poor thread! I know Privacy Guides isn’t a help desk, I’m just feeling a little lost. :confused: Given your amount of research + situation, I think that people won’t be too angry. :light_blue_heart: It’s also understandable that you’re asking for help given what happened to you recently… :melting_face: * * * 1. because having a GPU + NAS + self-hosted VPN access + proper router config + … + … + … will be A LOT to get through [↩︎](#footnote-ref-132408-1) --- ## Post 3 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-08T20:23:47Z I don’t think there are any good privacy-respecting solutions given your needs and limitations. Reolink are generally recommended as the “best” cam in the home assistant community and they have a great integration there. They are a bit pricey though, but should last longer as you become more technical. I personally bought a eufy starter pack for around $300 which comes with 3 wifi cameras and a NVR-type “base” server. They’re cheap and also integrate with HA although not super well as you’d need a custom integrations. Eufy is a slightly sketchy Chinese company that has had some security incidents in the past, but I don’t care as I strictly point my cameras at publicly accessible/visible areas and never indoors. It’s definitely a compromise, but they have motion detection that works at night and could alarm you directly if they spot something when in “alarm” mode. --- ## Post 4 by @kissu — 2026-01-08T20:53:46Z > [@anon12918199](#): > > Reolink are generally recommended as the “best” cam in the home assistant community and they have a great integration there Reolink might be the least evil yes, but definitely not a snowflake-white perfect company without shady practices either. There is none currently on the market anyway…quite sad huh. But it is part of the [certified works with HA](https://works-with.home-assistant.io/certified-products/) products and can work [with Frigate](https://docs.frigate.video/frigate/hardware/) yes. :+1:t2: > [@anon12918199](#): > > Eufy is a slightly sketchy Very sketchy yes, not sure I’ll pull the trigger on such company especially if you need to allow access to some ports, or run some proprietary software. :sweat_smile: It’s pragmatic and get’s the job done at least. * * * I’d honestly maybe also consider buying/setting up a PoE-only solution, hence not sure if there are cameras that could work with just HA + wire from camera to the router. Might be messy, but I’d chose that over wireless + installing any kind of apps (even if they point outdoors). * * * > **My personal condition** > > something as sensitive as a camera should not be wireless[[1]](#footnote-132418-1) nor use a proprietary mobile app/server base. * * * 1. if it was me, I’d also add extra complexity by forbidding myself to buy from a company with a shady firmware unless I’m 200% sure that wiping the firmware is safe enough, hardcore mode to then build it from scratch but that is again, only a challenge that I want to have for myself :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes: [↩︎](#footnote-ref-132418-1) --- ## Post 5 by @pine — 2026-01-08T21:59:11Z First of all, thank you so much for not just taking the time to reply thoroughly, but to do it so kindly as well. I really, truly appreciate it! > [@kissu](#): > > Very sorry to read about this one. Had a good bittersweet laugh reading this one… :sweat_smile: Haha, I’m glad I can at least provide a bit of amusement. :ghost: “This handsome Flashlight Man” had me laughing back. > [@kissu](#): > > Since you don’t have any tech knowledge and this might take a lot of time/money/learning to even begin getting into, it’s probably safer to buy something not too evil and change the firmware into something FOSS down the road once you can. > > Meaning that you make a cross on privacy at first, and will add it gradually. :+1:t2: I feared as much, and I think this might be my way to go. Thank you for reminding me that it can be incremental - and that starting with something ‘upgradeable’ could pay off down the line. Your quick’n’dirty(‘n’cheap) suggestion is an excellent idea, too! > [@anon12918199](#): > > Reolink are generally recommended as the “best” cam in the home assistant community and they have a great integration there. They are a bit pricey though, but should last longer as you become more technical. Thanks for pointing out Reolink, too! On the scale of ‘least shady/invasive available’, are they and Ubiquiti comparable? > [@kissu](#): > > I’d honestly maybe also consider buying/setting up a PoE-only solution (Just for my understanding if you don’t mind elaborating, what does PoE refer to?) --- ## Post 6 by @Labfox — 2026-01-08T22:58:02Z > [@pine](#): > > (Just for my understanding if you don’t mind elaborating, what does PoE refer to?) PoE means power over ethernet (basically using the internet cable to power the camera), which allows you to have only one cable. Most hardware doesn’t support PoE, so you’ll have to invest in a specialized switch (costs a few euros more than a “standard” switch in my experience). --- ## Post 7 by @securitybrahh — 2026-01-09T02:43:20Z > **[GitHub - securitybrahh/homesec: alarms, cameras, motion sensors](https://github.com/securitybrahh/homesec)** > > alarms, cameras, motion sensors --- ## Post 8 by @Tux — 2026-01-09T04:15:26Z I’d suggest using generic RTSP PoE IP cameras to avoid vendor lock-in. These work with all NVR and media players. As a first step, you can connect them to a PoE switch, then to your router, and view the video stream from your LAN using VLC. Remotely accessing your LAN is something you need to figure out separately. The second step is to add an NVR, Frigate is what is normally used in the Home Assistant community because it is FOSS. --- ## Post 9 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-09T04:33:32Z This is the ideal setup. However, it’s expensive and requires advanced technical skills + research to set up. OP started that he’s a beginner who just installed GOS and wants to learn Linux next. Asking him to start self hosting HA + Frigate, buy the right cameras + NVR + AI accelerator + PoE, run the cables + install stuff, figure out networking (honestly just use cloudflared), fine tune Frigate models, etc… is a BIG ask. --- ## Post 10 by @ardalan — 2026-01-09T08:34:07Z Sorry to hear about your incident. I’m one of the Secluso project cofounders. You are correct that our plug-and-play camera is not ready yet. But please join the wailing list as we are hoping to have some updates in a couple weeks. ([https://secluso.com](https://secluso.com/)) Also, note that Secluso is a great candidate for a DIY setup as well. We have detailed instructions on our github repo ([https://github.com/secluso/secluso](https://github.com/secluso/secluso)) on how you can use it with a Raspberry Pi or an IP camera. And we have some work in progress that will make it super easy to get Secluso up and running including its server and Raspberry Pi camera. Please join our newsletter as we will try to send an update on that in a couple of weeks as well. ([https://secluso.com](https://secluso.com/)) And, we (the project co-founders) are always happy to help you and others if you run into any issues configuring Secluso. Feel free to email us directly at [secluso@proton.me](mailto:secluso@proton.me). And I have a request for you and the broader privacy community. If you need a privacy-preserving security camera, please consider giving our solution a try. We’ve built Secluso precisely for the criteria mentioned in this post: end-to-end encryption, access via home network and via the Internet, completely open source and verifiable, motion alerts, and self-hostable. We’re hoping to build a community around this solution. The more users join our community, the better we can improve Secluso and build a solution that can hopefully serve many privacy-conscious users in the future. --- ## Post 11 by @kissu — 2026-01-09T10:35:21Z I think his recommendation is quite chill actually because it is very incremental and doesn’t need to be fully `on` or `off` kind of situation, there is an entire range in between. Wired PoE with no vendor lock-in is at least the way to go if willing to be serious about it yes. :+1:t2: Steps would be as following: - buying some basic PoE switch, no need to be fancy here mostly double-check the wattage + get it wired with a cable, PoE is nothing more than that (and I do not recommend wireless overall) - using some basic all-in-one ready to go NVR box that would record everything to some kind of HDD (like Ubiquiti has I think? :thinking:) - access it locally with either the software on the NVR or by directly using VLC with the local IP address yes, achievable with a bit of reading/tutorial on YT * * * Far down the line: - consider switching the proprietary NVR to something FOSS, with HomeAssistant + Frigate - making a better setup with the networking situation - so that you could also have the capability to access it remotely thanks to a self-hosted VPN + VLANs etc etc… - add AI to the mix with models to fine-tune etc - getting all the cool features like realtime notifications etc - most business or non-tech-savvy people just have them recorded locally in their network, which is actually quite safe + private given the **very small** learning curve - accessing it remotely, at all time, with detection, night vision etc etc…is very powerful yes, but adds a LOT of complexity and dangers if done wrong, hence might be overkill for your current needs * * * > [@ardalan](#): > > But please join the wailing list as we are hoping to have some updates in a couple weeks. I want to focus on something similar this year to what both you and @jkaczman are doing: create a nice and privacy-respectful product to fill this gap in easy + plug&play cameras. I won’t be doing it in the same approach, but I’ll be following closely to your releases since we’re kinda “competitors” now haha. :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes::sparkling_heart: > [@ardalan](#): > > If you need a privacy-preserving security camera, please consider giving our solution a try I do have a lengthy list of stuff to try for myself already but I think I can append Secluso! :folded_hands:t2: --- ## Post 12 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-09T18:09:40Z > [@kissu](#): > > I think his recommendation is quite chill actually because it is very incremental and doesn’t need to be fully `on` or `off` kind of situation, there is an entire range in between. The biggest problem with doing it the “proper” way is you lose a ton of functionality until you go all the way and do all the advanced steps too. You’ll also probably spend more time + money just for this initial setup compared to my shitty all-in-one wifi cam setup. You wouldn’t be able to view your feed remotely, automatically toggle between alarm/notifications on/off mode nor get alerts for detected movement. You’ll just have a local stream + recordings that you’ll need to manually view which I’m not sure is very helpful nor practical. Also why are we recommending VLC use in 2026? mpv is the king of video players imo, especially if you’re on Linux, although it is a bit more advanced. --- ## Post 13 by @jonah — 2026-01-09T19:09:04Z I really regret reading the Reolink advice on the internet and have finally replaced almost all my Reolink cameras FWIW, they are just very mediocre cameras. --- ## Post 14 by @pine — 2026-01-09T19:32:40Z If I may ask, I noted that you linked to a set of Ubiquiti solutions [in a previous thread](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/best-home-security-cameras-expert-advice/30988/3). Would that be a better alternative to Reolink, in your mind? (And are there any comparisons to be made between that and a project like Secluso, as mentioned further up?) --- ## Post 15 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-09T19:38:11Z I haven’t done the research yet. Can you expand on how you came to that conclusion? They do have the absolute top tier HA integration which is super important for me. --- ## Post 16 by @anon63378630 — 2026-01-09T19:40:19Z > [@pine](#): > > better alternative to Reolink If you have money to ~~burn~~ spare, Axis has some _really_ good cameras and support. Otherwise, Amcrest and Hikvision are good contenders, B&H is also a solid source to get the latter. > [@anon12918199](#): > > absolute top tier HA integration I’ll say this again and again, you shouldn’t be having any direct interactions with cameras to other devices, HA included. Have that all proxied through your trusted NVR. Also if anyone needs a POE switch, I still recommend the ICX7250, it can do 48 ports of 15w or 24 ports of 30w, or a mix, and has 8x 10g ports. They’re like $120 on eBay. --- ## Post 17 by @kissu — 2026-01-09T19:48:36Z For some people, all the advanced features might not be needed. :smiley: It is always easier, faster and cheaper to give your soul to some random shady company. Depending on what you film/care about, might be a hard no. I can understand why you might be fine with your current setup. > [@anon12918199](#): > > Also why are we recommending VLC use in 2026? mpv is the king of video players imo, especially if you’re on Linux, although it is a bit more advanced. I agree that VLC is quite lame overall but it is feature rich, easy to install and does the job. MPV is good for higher bitrate videos but also not really a must for a basic need like OP’s. > [@jonah](#): > > they are just very mediocre cameras. Video quality wise or some other aspect? I guess they are the least bad, rather than the _best_. :joy: > [@pine](#): > > If I may ask, I noted that you linked to a set of Ubiquiti solutions [in a previous thread](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/best-home-security-cameras-expert-advice/30988/3). Would that be a better alternative to Reolink, in your mind? I guess that depending on what you need, the fastest way to get an actual opinion is to check some specific detailed reviews of the given cameras on YT. :slight_smile: > [@pine](#): > > And are there any comparisons to be made between that and a project like Secluso Secluso is more DIY than the Reolink because you pick your own hardware and install the software on it, hence the quality can vary depending if you buy a RaspberryPi camera module or something more expensive/powerful. > [@anon12918199](#): > > They do have the absolute top tier HA integration which is super important for me. I guess they just wanted to get some visibility from the community and pulled some effort to achieve that label from HA. Doesn’t mean there are an amazing solution in the absolute. I’ve heard quite some people not enjoying them on HA’s forum. --- ## Post 18 by @anon63378630 — 2026-01-09T19:50:52Z > VLC I don’t understand why this is even being mentioned in this thread by anyone. Checking cameras manually with a viewer is absolutely useless. You need to be able to at a minimum have motion detection and recording, and preferably have alerts/notifications. --- ## Post 19 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-09T19:56:04Z > [@anon63378630](#): > > I’ll say this again and again, you shouldn’t be having any direct interactions with cameras to other devices, HA included. > Have that all proxied through your trusted NVR. I’m not super advanced with camera integration stuff. Is the concern that HA can somehow get compromised and then someone can take over your cameras which is game over? Do you have any links detailing such attacks on HA? > [@anon63378630](#): > > Checking cameras manually with a viewer is absolutely useless. I wouldn’t say absolutely useless. I check my cameras sometimes to see what’s going on outside when I’m too lazy to get up. :stuck_out_tongue: --- ## Post 20 by @jonah — 2026-01-09T20:04:07Z > [@anon12918199](#): > > They do have the absolute top tier HA integration which is super important for me. The HA integration of the cameras themselves is irrelevant, because your cameras should **only** connect to your NVR (which is what @anon63378630 is saying), and _that NVR_ is what should connect to HA. So what you should ideally be looking for is _NVRs_ that have top tier HA integration. Unless you’re not recording at all, I suppose. > [@kissu](#): > > Video quality wise or some other aspect? Both. Quality, value per $, features --- ## Post 21 by @Tux — 2026-01-09T20:05:42Z > [@anon12918199](#): > > Also why are we recommending VLC use in 2026? It’s simple and gets the job done. > [@anon12918199](#): > > You’ll also probably spend more time + money just for this initial setup compared to my shitty all-in-one wifi cam setup. You wouldn’t be able to view your feed remotely The issue is that the “easy” solutions are not private, and often not secure either. If you aren’t going to set up your own cloud, you will have to use someone else’s, and will lose control and privacy as a result. I would rather not have security cameras at all in that case. > [@anon63378630](#): > > Amcrest and Hikvision are good contenders Yes > [@anon63378630](#): > > You need to be able to at a minimum have motion detection and recording, and preferably have alerts/notifications. I disagree. I don’t run AI on my camera feed and don’t it. It’s there to be reviewed and/or used for insurance purposes should something of interest happen. In any case this isn’t particularly difficult to add to Frigate. --- ## Post 22 by @privacyforall — 2026-01-09T20:34:25Z This is the an awesome “question” post. Thank you for sharing so many resources, asking these questions while also walking us through your process. This helps others such as myself who know even less about DYI security camera solutions than you! --- ## Post 23 by @pine — 2026-01-09T20:47:40Z Oh, that makes me so very happy to hear! Thank you so much in turn for making this reply, put a big smile on my face. :blush: And speaking of, I want to say an additional huge ‘thank you’ as well to everyone in this thread for your suggestions, advice and resources! All the context and elaborations for your thoughts are a big help, and I’m so grateful you’ve taken the time. --- ## Post 24 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-09T21:32:23Z I think we’re going way too deep on this eli5 thread, but whatever. > [@Tux](#): > > If you aren’t going to set up your own cloud, you will have to use someone else’s, and will lose control and privacy as a result. This is not true. I use the shitty “eufy security 2C 2-Cam Kit” which is absurdly popular on Amazon (Canada) and integrates ok with HA via custom HACS integrations. This is a hard requirement for me as I don’t use FCM, so I need to proxy my push notifications through HA automations → ntfy. Yes, eufy had some recent security/privacy blowups over storing camera feed snapshots in publicly accessible places. I’m absolute not here to promote for anyone to buy eufy cams! > [@Tux](#): > > I disagree. I don’t run AI on my camera feed and don’t it. It’s there to be reviewed and/or used for insurance purposes should something of interest happen. I think your use case is super niche then. Most people, including me and OP from the sounds of it, need some sort of motion detection. Personally I have HA automations to turn on alarm mode at night or when me and my wife leave home. In alarm mode I get notifications whenever motion is detected by my patio + porch. Detected motion also triggers the lights to turn if it’s dark out. > [@jonah](#): > > The HA integration of the cameras themselves is irrelevant, because your cameras should **only** connect to your NVR (which is what @anon63378630 is saying), and _that NVR_ is what should connect to HA. You’re repeating what @anon63378630 is writing, but I’m looking to understand the reasoning. I just read over [Reolink - Home Assistant](https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/reolink/) and it reads that you can put an SD card into your reolink cameras to record the video should you need to access it later. You’re now essentially cutting out the NVR entirely and saving yourself a bunch of money. You can then integrate those cameras with your HA via the integration to allow you to control them. You can install Frigate, which it sounds like is just a process that runs on top of HA, that can continuously watch your RSTP camera feed (need AI accelerator hardware here) for you to send events to your HA that you can act on via HA automations. I personally would need these automations to be able to send push notifications to myself via ntfy (this is for UnifiedPush which is a push notification replacement for degoogled users). Reolink cameras don’t need internet access according to the integration docs. What’s the problem with this kind of setup? --- ## Post 25 by @anon63378630 — 2026-01-09T21:37:27Z > [@anon12918199](#): > > it reads that you can put an SD card into your cameras please, please, please nobody rely on this. your SD card _will_ fail, you will likely not notice it, when you _need_ the recording, the chance it won’t exist is too high > [@anon12918199](#): > > Frigate, which it sounds like is just a process that runs on top of HA they are entirely distinct. I use Frigate, but I do _not_ use HA at all. Frigate supports [Web Push](https://web.dev/articles/push-notifications-web-push-protocol) as long as you have a secure origin (ie. HTTPS) available --- ## Post 26 by @kissu — 2026-01-09T21:46:16Z > [@anon63378630](#): > > your SD card _will_ fail, you will likely not notice it, when you _need_ the recording, the chance it won’t exist is too high Yes, likely. But a decent brand + 2TB one should last you long enough in the meantime of you figuring out something better down the road. Just don’t overflow it with small constant metadata files and you should be good. Not everybody can pull out an 8 HDD RAID setup with remote redundancy. :sweat_smile: Everybody have their own knowledge/needs/budget. --- ## Post 27 by @anon63378630 — 2026-01-09T21:47:42Z > [@kissu](#): > > But a decent brand + 2TB one should I’m sorry, what? Waste $200-300 on an SD card instead of investing in a good NVR setup? If for whatever reason someone wants to go this route, you can get 128GB/256GB “industrial” class cards for like 2x normal price. (eg. $40) > [@kissu](#): > > 8 HDD RAID setup One or two 2TB drives is more than enough for a basic setup. --- ## Post 28 by @kissu — 2026-01-09T22:03:32Z > [@anon63378630](#): > > Waste $200-300 on an SD card instead of investing in a good NVR setup? Lol, very much nvm yeah: not sure why I thought that an SD card of 2TB would cost around 50€. Long time I haven’t checked the prices of those I guess. I do hence very much agree with you. :joy: But a smaller one can also be fine if you encode into H265 or in 720p too. :+1: --- ## Post 29 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-09T22:03:41Z > [@anon63378630](#): > > your SD card _will_ fail, you will likely not notice it, when you _need_ the recording, the chance it won’t exist is too high I would hope that the HA integration could catch such hardware failures, but I could be wrong. The selling point is one could spend $20 for 128GB SD card for each camera or $200+ for an NVR setup. I would also not like to keep a bunch of hardware “boxes” sitting around if I don’t have to. > [@anon63378630](#): > > I use Frigate, but I do _not_ use HA at all. I’m sure they can be separate. I was referring to how the HA integration would behave in which case I would assume (dunno for sure) that they would run together on the same hardware. > [@anon63378630](#): > > Frigate supports [Web Push](https://web.dev/articles/push-notifications-web-push-protocol) as long as you have a secure origin (ie. HTTPS) available This is cool to know, but it doesn’t help for degoogled users like myself. Web push is not compatible with UnifiedPush, so you’d need some translation proxy to tie the two implementations together. --- ## Post 30 by @anon63378630 — 2026-01-09T22:05:06Z > [@anon12918199](#): > > Web push is not compatible with UnifiedPush Fennec F-Droid has UnifiedPush support. edit: and IronFox too! It should just work as expected. --- ## Post 31 by @kissu — 2026-01-09T22:07:03Z Moreover, looks quite compatible: [Question: does this project can handle web push notification for any web application ? · Issue #70 · UnifiedPush/common-proxies · GitHub](https://github.com/UnifiedPush/common-proxies/issues/70#issuecomment-2216942136) I think that there are a bizillion of ways to send a notification when it comes down to owning the hardware and getting around with some coding skills (isn’t MQTT used for that purpose? :thinking:). Links for above: [Apps using UnifiedPush | UnifiedPush](https://unifiedpush.org/users/apps/) --- ## Post 32 by @jonah — 2026-01-09T22:14:53Z > [@anon12918199](#): > > You’re now essentially cutting out the NVR entirely and saving yourself a bunch of money. Like I said I’m only talking about the case where you _do_ have a central NVR, but I do also think having a central NVR is the proper way to go about things. --- ## Post 33 by @dreadvimfantail — 2026-01-09T22:16:43Z I haven’t look too deeply into this, but a friend was telling me about [Zoneminder](https://zoneminder.com/). Could be helpful! --- ## Post 34 by @dreadvimfantail — 2026-01-09T22:39:25Z @anon63378630 why the grimace? --- ## Post 35 by @anon12918199 — 2026-01-09T22:41:53Z This was rocket science for me to understand exactly how it would work, but it sounds like you’re correct and you can tie your UnifiedPush-based notifications to Frigate’s web push implementation by subscribing with one of those two browsers. TIL! --- ## Post 36 by @anon63378630 — 2026-01-09T22:42:52Z > [@dreadvimfantail](#): > > why Zoneminder isn’t bad or anything, but it also just doesn’t provide modern expectations imo.