Camera Direct FAQ
Camera Direct FAQ
2024-05-20
Version 2.0
Is Camera Direct a new Cloud-based VMS?
No, Camera Direct Complete is a direct-to-cloud solution that utilizes the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS and eliminates the need for a Bridge/CMVR. This means that there is essentially no training or education required and your certified technicians are already ready for their first Camera Direct installation.
I understand that Camera Direct is a direct-to-cloud solution, but why is it called Camera Direct Complete?
“Complete” is the way in which the cameras are purchased. Eagle Eye Complete allows you to pay a nominal setup fee per camera instead of buying it as a pure capital expenditure (CapEx). Instead of paying for the cameras as CapEx, they are purchased as a subscription. Pay monthly (or yearly or as a multiyear subscription) for the camera and receive a lifetime warranty and replacement as part of your complete subscription. See the pricing and billing section below to learn more about how this works.
What is the ideal target customer profile for Camera Direct Complete?
Customers with minimal video needs that are looking for 1-4 cameras per location and that do not have the appetite for a big investment. Additionally, customers that have many sites but a need for only a few cameras per location. Eliminating the Bridge/CMVR and paying for the camera as a subscription turns these lost opportunities into wins and additional recurring revenue while reducing unexpected future costs for end customers.
Can customers that require more than 4 cameras use Camera Direct Complete?
Not without a thorough review, discussion, and approval from your Sales Engineer. Eliminating the Bridge/CMVR means that bandwidth management is imperative with this solution. If you feel that you have adequate bandwidth and would like to discuss small camera counts above four, contact your Sales Engineering representative.
Can existing end user accounts use both the Bridge/CMVR option and Camera Direct at the same time?
Yes, Resellers and end users can use either Bridge/CMVR cameras or Camera Direct cameras and they can also mix and match them within the same account within the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS.
Which cameras are compatible with Camera Direct Complete?
The following cameras are currently supported with Eagle Eye Camera Direct Complete but please reference the website for the latest list of supported cameras.
Are Camera Direct Cameras proprietary? Do they need to be returned if I stop using Camera Direct Complete?
No, Eagle Eye Networks is an open platform and doesn’t believe in “Hostage as a Service.” Camera Direct Cameras are the same Eagle Eye cameras sold today for the Cloud VMS using a Bridge/CMVR. In the event that you’d like to stop using Camera Direct, the cameras are ONVIF compliant and can work with other video systems. Simply default the camera to factory settings and it will function as expected.
If a non-Camera Direct Complete camera is added to the VMS, what will happen?
The camera will not work and show as offline. Please note that you will not receive an error message when you add the camera so do not add unsupported cameras.
Any Cloud VMS limitations to be aware of?
Yes. LPR/VSP, 2-Way Audio, and Analytics (line crossing, people counting, etc.), and camera tunneling are not supported at present. However, motion detection and AI-driven functionality like Smart Video Search and Smart Layouts, along with the Brivo integration will still function as desired.
Can Camera Direct be added to an existing account which already has cameras connected to a Bridge/CMVR?
Yes, Camera Direct cameras can be added to an existing account within the VMS. You can mix and match Bridge/CMVR connected cameras and direct-to-cloud cameras within the Cloud VMS. More importantly, all of the cameras show up in the dashboard at the bottom with the other cameras in the “direct-to-cloud” section and can be added to existing Layouts if required.
Can I use Eagle Eye cameras from my existing inventory for Camera Direct Complete?
No, all Camera Direct Complete orders must go through the standard ordering process. If you’d like to discuss direct-to-cloud options with previously purchased cameras, please contact your Sales Representative to discuss further. Cameras purchased prior to April 11th may not include all product functionality.
Do Camera Direct cameras have the same level of encryption as those attached to a Bridge/CMVR?
Yes, with the rare exception of video that needs to be retrieved directly from the camera during the period of an internet outage.
Can I remotely connect and VPN tunnel into these cameras?
No, to access Camera Direct cameras, you need to be on the same local network as the camera and connect using the camera’s Web UI. To do this, you'll need the IP address and the credentials of the camera, which are available in the camera settings tab.
Do PTZ functions work with Camera Direct?
Yes, PTZ functions for a Camera Direct camera can be accessed from the live view of the camera and the controls are the same as those used for a Bridge/CMVR connected camera.
How much bandwidth does a Camera Direct camera use?
Camera Direct cameras always stream full-resolution video to the cloud and need high bandwidth, the amount of bandwidth needed depends on the resolution and bitrate that have been set within the camera settings. For example, for 1080p you have values (these values are different for each resolution).
- 768 kb
- 1536 kb
- 3072 kb
This is the maximum upload bandwidth the camera would need and is the recommended upload bandwidth for each camera. So if you want to install 3 cameras in a location at a 1080P at 1536 bitrate kbps, you would need an upload bandwidth of 1536x3 = 4608 kbps (4.5 Mbps). Contact your Sales Engineer to discuss further if assistance is required.
Do I need to open ports or get behind firewalls for Camera Direct?
All connections are outbound-only, meaning that connections are outbound and never accept inbound connections (so you do NOT need to set up e.g. NAT rules as a general rule).
Eagle Eye Camera Direct TCP Ports
- TCP 80: Used to discover video termination endpoints in the cloud
- TCP 443: Used to discover video termination endpoints in the cloud
- TCP 8181: Used to transfer video to the cloud
- Dispatch1v1.cameramanager.com
- dispatch1v1.eagleeyenetworks.com
- dispatch2v1.cameramanager.com
- dispatch2v1.eagleeyenetworks.com
- 192.40.4.124
- 192.40.5.26
Eagle Eye Camera Direct Subnets
Apart from the requirements above the IP’s which are used by “Outbound IPs for the Eagle Eye Bridge”, also need to be whitelisted. Details can be found at https://support.een.com/portal/en/kb/articles/firewall-configuration-for-secure-networks.
If the internet is down and video is needed due to an incident that occurred during the downtime, can video be retrieved?
Yes, In this example, video will be retained locally if you are using an SD card inserted in the camera for local storage. To retrieve video, login to the camera’s Web user interface from the local network to access the video.
How is SD card recording implemented?
Insert the SD card in the camera and format the SD card using the camera Web user interface as shown below. Once configured, the camera will start recording to the SD card automatically.
Is the SD card recording encrypted?
SD card recordings are not encrypted at present.
Are SD cards included with Camera Direct Complete Cameras?
No, Eagle Eye recommends you procure the SD card of your choice for use with Camera Direct Cameras.
Are there any limitations on the storage size or types of SD cards supported?
There are not any limitations on storage size but the cameras currently supported at launch have a max storage limit of 256 GB.
I was a public beta customer and didn’t have Edge storage during the beta. How do I request it now?
Contact Technical Support and inform them that you were a beta customer with Camera Direct Complete cameras that require the latest FW. As a reminder, to update the FW, you’ll need to be on the camera’s local network.
How does Camera Direct Complete get quoted and invoiced?
Simply tell us which camera models and the quantity needed and they will be quoted at $0. There is a nominal setup fee per camera that will be charged upon shipment and your retention/resolution subscription charges will not commence until installation and configuration takes place, consistent with the way the camera subscription billing for the VMS works today.
If cameras are paid for as a subscription, how does Billing work for Complete?
See above for details related to camera subscription charges. In terms of “Complete” billing, the first subscription charges for Complete (paying for the camera as a subscription) will commence 30 days after the ship date or upon installation and configuration, whichever comes first. Contact your Sales Representative with any questions or concerns around the timing of Complete billing.
Can cameras be paid for as standard CapEx as customers are used to?
No, cameras offered with Camera Direct Complete are only sold “as a service.” If you would like to discuss using Camera Direct without adopting the Complete billing methodology, please contact your Sales Representative to discuss further.
Do I need to purchase a camera subscription to use Camera Direct Complete?
Yes, a camera resolution/retention subscription is required in addition to the Complete subscription for the camera. Options for camera subscriptions are the same as for the Cloud VMS.
What is the warranty on Camera Direct Complete cameras?
Camera Direct Complete cameras carry a lifetime warranty and as long as the account is current, cameras can be replaced (S&H must be paid) as part of the subscription.
The camera shows offline. What steps should be taken to resolve the issue?
First, check to see if the camera is accessible locally and has a stable internet connection. If it does, please contact our technical support team at support@een.com.
How can feedback and suggestions about Camera Direct be shared?
Please send all product related feedback and recommendations to the Product Management team at pm_team@een.com.
For support please email: support@een.com
or give us a call at: 512-473-0501
US: +1-512-473-0501
EU: 31 (0) 20 26 10 461
ASIA PACIFIC: +81-(3)-6869-5477
#1 In Cloud Media Video Surveillance Worldwide
Copyright Eagle Eye Networks. All rights reserved.
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