The Ubiquiti AirCam is a functional range of IP cameras suitable for home and corporate surveillance systems alike. The device itself has a strong build and can serve the purpose of security well. However, what makes the Ubiquiti AirCam series even better is the software that comes with the hardware. This article will focus on Ubiquiti AirCam software review from installation process and its features through user interface performance, compatibility, and advantages and disadvantages to several categories of users, novice and expert.
Introducing the Ubiquiti AirCam Software
The Ubiquiti AirCam software package aims to ease the operational task of managing all the AirCam devices manufactured by Ubiquiti. In recent years, Ubiquiti has updated its video surveillance software for the better, enabling users to be in control of the surveillance camera feeds and their management. Ubiquiti presents impenetrable yet simple, practical and expandable software that is why its use is widely embraced in residential video surveillance systems as well as in organization set ups.
Such software is multi-camera capable, high definition streaming is taken in its stride as well as advanced features, such as motion and event based recording, camera live view and control and interoperability with other Ubiquiti products.
Key Elements of the Software
Prior to looking into detail at the specific attributes, it will be useful to mention the main software elements which Ubiquiti provides for the purpose of the AirCam management. The core offerings comprise of:
AirVision/UniFi Video Software
UniFi Protect
Third Party Integration (ONVIF, RTSP Streaming)
Each software variant offers unique functional and customisation options to map to different user requirements from simplistic camera installation through to sophisticated monitoring and control.
1. Software for Video Surveillance and AirVision/UniFi Video
Originally, Ubiquiti AirCam was simply known as AirVision and came packaged with this software, although it was afterwards renamed UniFi Video. The latter proved very essential for many users of AirCam planning to surveil and manage their networks.
Installation and Setup
The installation of UniFi Video should be pretty easier especially to those who are accustomed to networked devices. The program runs on either Windows or Linux operating systems and can be employed on stand-alone machines or as a client on a host computer. For those searching to create a more complex architecture, UniFi Video could be put onto a Video Recording Network (NVR) which Ubiquiti is manufactures.
Installation process entails the following steps:
Clear the Ubiquiti website and obtain the required software.
Bear in mind the need to install the program onto the server or the local desktop.
The AirCam devices are then discovered and claimed into the UniFi Video system using the user-friendly interface.
Set up the camera for video quality and recording settings, as well as motion recording areas.
Features of UniFi Video
UniFi Video has a number of features that facilitate the administration and monitoring of AirCams:
Live View and Playback: Available are multiple views of the live feeds from the cameras in real time. The users can also view recorded videos with advanced features that allow them to go through several hours of video footage within a short time.
Motion Detection: Advanced motion detection is one of the features in the software that comes in quite handy. You can create motion zones in the view of the camera so that the alerts or video recording of motion is only in those zones.
Recording Schedules – Users of UniFi Video can set different recording modes like continuous recording, recording on motion detection, or custom schedules. This enables efficient use of the storage space depending on the use-case scenario.
Remote Access – Ubiquiti avails a service that grants users access to their cameras using a web-based interface or a cellphone application. This is an important aspect of the monitoring systems for the users who spend time away from their homes or businesses and need to be able to watch the fitness of the surveillance system at all times.
Multi-User Support – If you are running a team or a business, it is possible to create several accounts with different rights. This comes particularly handy to establishments which require permission levels from different users.
Cloud and Local Storage – The application can save the recordings on the hard drive or to the internet based on the installation made. For those who would like on-site solution, Ubiquiti has the NVR boxes, however, users are allowed to use their servers for greater configuration.
Performance of UniFi Video
UniFi Video software is recognized for its reliability and ease of operation. The program does not fall apart when one goes from managing a couple of cameras in a home to dozens of cameras in an enterprise as long as appropriate server specifications are met.
The central processing unit (CPU) and random access memory (RAM) are usually well utilized when processing even multiple 1080p streams, and the system does not require high-end hardware to operate, unless high demanding applications are running concurrently.
User Experience
UniFi Video is designed with a modern and user-friendly interface. In the case of Ubiquiti, this is a company that has remained true to its cause of providing ability even in the simplest design. The dashboard is well organized so that all connected devices can be viewed together with their relevant information such as system uptime, IP address and recording status.
Users can control their cameras, view recordings and change any settings such systems offer thanks to clear menus and options. For their favorable surprise, those users with little or no exposure in networking nor surveillance capture systems, would appreciate a relatively small inclination in use with the UniFi Video ordering system. The more advanced users on the other hand would have no otherwise but to venture deeper down the rabbit hole through a simpler configuration setting that allows a fair amount of modification.
Drawbacks of UniFi Video
In spite of the merits that UniFi Video has, it is not without its weaknesses:
EOL (End of Life): Ubiquiti has declaratively stopped the progress of UniFi Video as they have transitioned to their latest offering called UniFi Protect. UniFi Video may still be utilized, features and upgrades will not be added, due to this effect of time it makes this option less appealing.
AI Functionality is Limited: Looking at other contemporary video surveillance systems, UniFi Video is devoid of significant AI capabilities, such as face detection, identification, and even object intelligent learning systems. Such users may need to use external systems as this functionality might be lacking.
2. UniFi Protect
Developed to replace UniFi Video, UniFi Protect is Ubiquiti’s latest free software to manage AirCam and other video products manufactured by this company. This package is included into the boxes of a UniFi NVR systems and provides better quality and usability.
Most Important Advantages of UniFi Protect
Revamped Interface: When compared to UniFi Video, UniFi Protect has a mobile-friendly and more up to date interface. The home screen is easy to navigate along with more advanced features being tucked for those who wish to have extra functionalities.
Mobile App Improvement: There is an enhancement in mobile app section as well for UniFi Protect where remote access as well as received alerts about motion and monitoring of live feed without much lags is less challenging.
Intelligent detection: Smart detection capabilities is perhaps the most notable enhancement brought in quite recently into UniFi Protect. This contains human and vehicle motion detection, which in turn minimizes any irrelevant motion detection alerts bouncing off especially in situations where the encounters are caused by wind and even small animals.
Flexibility: Deployments of UniFi Protect span easily across large deployment footprints. This being the aspects of its cloud connected features and focused on Aki’s Protect NVR also enables it to have residential and professional usage.
Cloud Number Usage: UniFi Protect is cloud-based and highly mobile, enabling users to view and control their cameras from virtually anywhere at any time. And that includes log on through the web or use of mobile apps which is better for monitoring purposes since it goes around the geographical restrictions.
Performance of UniFi Protect
UniFi Protect has been modified to run better than UniFi Video with quicker response times and better management of multiple streams. Additionally, it alleviates system overhead, which is beneficial to users who demand utmost high availability and dependability.
Limitations of UniFi Protect
Dependence on Hardware: Unlike UniFi Video, UniFi Protect is built to be operated exclusively with Ubiquiti’s NVR appliances. Thus, it compels a user to acquire a hardware device compatible with UniFi Protect which for users who have an established server base, seems to be a negative aspect.
Missing ONVIF Support: While UniFi Protect is great for Ubiquiti cameras, it features no ONVIF support, for that reason, it does not play well with any camera that is not Ubiquiti’s.
3. Incorporation by The Third Part
One of the strengths of Ubiquiti AirCam is its capability of being used within third party video management software, courtesy of ONVIF compatibility and RTSP streaming functionality.
ONVIF Explained
The global standard of IP based security products is known as ONVIF and the Ubiquiti AirCam’s construction follows this standard therefore it can work with numerous third party VMS systems. For this reason, the AirCam is ideal for people who have this other equipment already or plan to purchase an NVR, but not one manufactured by Ubiquiti.
RTSP Video Sharing
Real Time Streaming Protocol enables a user to access live feeds from Ubiquiti AirCams and stream it on a Real Time Streaming compatible media or software player. This is mainly useful in bespoke systems where users may wish to make use of the video streams in a home automation system, security UI, or mobile application.
Performance of Third-Party Software
In the case of including Ubiquiti AirCams into other manufacturer’s VMS systems, the performance is more related to the VMS grade. This is true for all the ulterior systems for example Milestone or Blue Iris, which offer good performance with Ubiquiti cameras with no difficulties in video streaming and events management.
Nevertheless, complex capabilities like motion detection or cloud capabilities of Ubiquiti may not be possible in the third party solutions. The users will have to consider what VMS system functions afford their specific needs.
Conclusion
The Ubiquiti AirCam software set incorporating UniFi Video and Today’s UniFi Protect on the other hand offers a for both home and large scale enterprise use a robust high rated management of surveillance systems. While Ubiquiti Protect is the largest most advanced and cloud based solution offered by the company, Ubiquiti Video caters for users who want more old fashioned ways and configurations of servers.
The two systems are easy to adopt, they have high flexibility and reliability, but many power users will feel that the absence of certain features such as deep AI analytics or full ONVIF will be a disadvantage. However, with Ubiquiti’s focus on value for money and adaptability, AirCam software remains among the most efficient and easy to organize video surveillance solutions.
Whether you want to create a simple configuration of a home video surveillance system, or whether you want to implement a cutting-edge enterprise-grade solution, Ubiquiti’s AirCam software is a complete and reliable platform for your monitoring activities.