Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

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djspot1975
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Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by djspot1975 »

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping someone can assist me with a technical challenge. I have an old analog DVR that is still reachable on my network and can be viewed via a mobile app and the Firefox browser. However, I'm looking to connect it to Blue Iris for enhanced management and control.

The issue is that I don't know the model of the DVR, and I need to input some parameters, particularly an internal address of which I'm not aware. The DVR was purchased many years ago, and since then, a lot has changed, including my transition to IP cameras.

I've attached some photos of the DVR in case anyone can recognize it or identify the model. Alternatively, if there's a methodology for integrating a generic DVR into Blue Iris, I would be grateful for any advice or assistance.

Thank you in advance for your help! This forum has been a fantastic resource, and I appreciate the assistance I've received in the past with my IP cameras. The creators of Blue Iris have developed exceptional software, and I hope to fully leverage its potential with my old DVR.

https://ibb.co/dDSKvyR
https://ibb.co/Ntb0WsK


Thanks and best regards!
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Thixotropic
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by Thixotropic »

I think your best bet will be to either scrap it or get an analog-to-digital converter to use with BI.
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Pogo
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by Pogo »

djspot1975 wrote: Fri Oct 20, 2023 9:56 am ....if there's a methodology for integrating a generic DVR into Blue Iris, I would be grateful for any advice or assistance.
Directly integrating a DVR or NVR with Blue Iris is usually a very simple and straightforward process given one main requirement, which is that it provides an RTSP stream across the network for the remote viewing..., which yours probably does even as old as it is. Worth a try.

You would add it to BI just like you would add a camera; by IP address via HTTP and the login credentials you use to access it with your browser. Then try 'Find/Inspect' for starters and see what happens. With any luck it will provide enough generic information for BI to successfully make some determinations similar to what is displayed in the example below, but with the default CH 1 being the camera number. If successful, simply repeat the process (or copy) as many times as you have cameras and just enter the appropriate channel number for the associated cameras.
Generic DVR.jpg
Generic DVR.jpg (133.63 KiB) Viewed 2081616 times
djspot1975
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by djspot1975 »

Thank you for your response. I've noticed that my Blue Iris screen, or the version I'm using, looks slightly different from the one you've attached a photo of. In particular, I've observed a variance in the stream profiles below. Could you kindly provide further details or suggestions on how to address this difference? I greatly appreciate your assistance
This is a screenshot. I've attached the link for your reference. : https://ibb.co/MMK201X
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Pogo
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by Pogo »

The difference is my example is from BI v.5 which is a very significant improvement over v.4, including the addition of sub streams.

That said, have you tried 'Find/Inspect' as suggested? The stream profiles returned from a successful 'Find/Inspect' are vendor or ONVIF specific and will vary accordingly. You will only have a single stream reported. The sub stream was not introduced until v.5. Those in my example are from an Amcrest product.
djspot1975
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by djspot1975 »

"Thank you for your response, and I apologize for getting back to you only now. I couldn't find the time earlier. I tried downloading the latest version of Blues, as you suggested, in the demo version with the intention of purchasing the full version. I attempted to locate the DVR by entering the ports configured on the DVR itself, but I couldn't find anything. I tried numerous brands, etc. I have no idea how to set it up; I'd really like to because I can view it perfectly from the Firefox browser, as well as from my smartphone through its application. So, it's clear that it should be visible on Blues Iris as well. However, I did manage to find the DVR instruction manual, which provides a code that only directs me back to the store where I bought it, in practice. Anyway, I'm posting some photos that might be helpful. Is there a DVR that can read old analog cameras and is automatically recognized and configured on Blues Iris without much effort? Thanks again for all the attention you've given. Here is the address where you can find the DVR manual: https://www.gbconline.it/it/prodotti/sc ... 67.3800.15
some screenshots :
https://ibb.co/sF2Dhvn
https://ibb.co/RChjnh2
https://ibb.co/qChjGJm
https://ibb.co/8sVXkvL
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Pogo
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by Pogo »

Did you try the approach I suggested above? It should have provided either some useful information to get you going or indicated it was unable to do so for any number of reasons, all of which are usually manageable for a successful process after some trial and error.

Just type the IP address of the DVR into the address box, enter your login credentials and hit 'Find/Inspect' without adding any port information.

What is the address format when you access the DVR with a browser?
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TimG
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by TimG »

Agreed. If you can view it in Firefox, what is the url ?
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djspot1975
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by djspot1975 »

As you mentioned, the DVR can be accessed through the following address: http://192.168.1.226/. I've noticed that it works even without specifying port 80, making the access process more convenient.

In addition, the relevant port information is as follows:

Web Port: 80
Media Port: 554
Mobile Port: 34567
I also tried inspecting the code in Firefox using the Network tab, and I found various "GET" methods, including "play.html" and "play.xml?action=get." I attempted to include these parameters in the video configuration under the "Stream Profile Main," but unfortunately, I'm still encountering a black screen with a "No Signal" message.

Once again, thank you for your valuable advice. If you have any further suggestions or insights regarding the issue, I would greatly appreciate it.
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TimG
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Re: Connecting an Old Analog DVR to Blue Iris - Need Guidance

Post by TimG »

I can't find anything helpful in the Italian manual, but Google translate isn't the best way to read things :lol:

There will be analogue DVR's that easily interface with BI5, and we can ask here if somebody can recommend one - or if someone has a second hand one you could buy.
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