Looking for AI-enabled NVR options to upgrade my Reolink Duo 3… any suggestions?

Buying Advice Topics
1

I’m not too happy with my Reolink RLN8-410 NVR. I use Linux, and there’s no native client, so I’m stuck using the web version, which is pretty limited. The Android app isn’t much better, and motion detection is not great.

Is there an NVR, either something I can buy or build using a spare PC, that will work with the Duo 3 and run its own motion detection algorithms? It has to have a good web client and send detailed mobile notifications.

I don’t mind paying a monthly fee if it gets me a fully functional system with 24/7 recording and accurate motion detection. Bonus points if it can read license plates. I’m not set on keeping the Duo 3 and would consider switching to something like a PTZ camera with auto-tracking and zoom if it works better.

2

Blue Iris and Frigate are solid options, but I don’t think they work well with the Duo 3. I tried setting up a Duo 3 after the last Prime Day sale, and it was really choppy. But I could have set it up wrong, so maybe it’s worth another look.

3

@Maya
That’s too bad, Frigate looks awesome. I’d consider switching cameras just to use it.

4

andywilsonn21 said:
@Maya
That’s too bad, Frigate looks awesome. I’d consider switching cameras just to use it.

I haven’t tried Frigate myself yet, but I’ve heard nothing but good things.

5

If you want to reliably read license plates, Rekor Scout ($10/month) is one option, but you’ll also need a camera that can zoom in enough. Reolink Duo isn’t usually close enough unless you’re working with very short distances. I’d recommend checking out ipcamtalk for advice on dedicated license plate cameras.

Frigate’s motion detection is solid, especially if you pair it with a Google Coral for faster AI. You can also customize it if you go for Frigate+.

6

@Gracie
Frigate+ with the training ability sounds really tempting!

I’ve seen some deep learning models that detect car make and model. If I can hook that up, I might not even need LPR.

Thanks for the tips! I’ll check out that forum for more advice on LPR cameras.

7

One thing I’m worried about with the Duo 3 and another NVR is the weird aspect ratio and distortion. It might mess up the detection algorithms. I love the Duo 3’s coverage, but maybe I’d be better off with a more standard camera or even multiple cameras.