Hi everyone,

Im just trying to understand the basics of how to install a new system without purchasing a subscription, or using a service that is compromised by a third-party.

Im going to provide my rough understanding, and hopefully something can fill in the holes for me, or at least tell me where to look for more info.

Id like to set up a 4 camera system, that stays entirely local (not sent to a third party). Im hoping to have (1) storage at home, (2) off site backup, (3) connect it to the network, (4) have key features like AI and motion detection, and (5) use an app to watch the videos in real time or the recorded ones. ideally id want cameras that dont need wires, but that’s something i can compromise on.

what has me confused is that a lot of people recommend an NVR. I dont know how an NVR differs from an NAS like synology. I also dont know how you connect the cameras to an NVR/NAS to allow you to view the footage on a phone app, without a third party server that stores the video.

so my understanding is, you can basically buy off the shelf cameras that dont have licenses, and then the NAS/NVR software helps identify the cameras and connects them to some software running on the NVR/NAS (ideally, this is pretty automatic) and then the NVR/NAS works like a webhost host and gives you an app or secure link through which to watch your videos on your phone.

some questions: (1) are the NAS/NVR softwares secure? how much risk is there usually just by the fact they are connected to a network? (2) is it hard to connect the NAS/NVR software to the cameras? are they typically easy to use? plug and play? or do they require a lot of upkeep and maintenance? is there a huge difference between wired and wireless in terms of difficulty of use? (3) are the apps part of the same NAS/NVR system, or do you add them on separately? are there major differences in capabilities between different brands, or is it basically just projecting the video to your phone?

please help me understand what im missing. if it’s just a matter of finding the right software to run everything, that seems straight forward to me. but im worried that im missing some steps and understanding of how everything connects and runs.

also, does anyone have any thoughts on good NVR/NAS/Softwares to use for storage, connecting cameras, and networking to the phones?

thanks,