1. Choosing a camera system
This category is the most important for new customers deciding what to buy. It contains key information for selecting the right technology and components.
- Which camera system technology to choose — AHD vs. IP
Compares the key camera-system technologies, their resolution and acquisition cost.
- What camera system resolution to choose
Explains why resolution is the most important camera-system property.
- How to choose a security camera
Advises how to pick the right camera by technology, night vision, resolution and form factor (BULLET, DOME).
- Security camera lenses — overview
Describes the difference between fixed and varifocal lenses and how to choose the right field of view.
- How to choose a video recorder for your camera system
Introduces recorders as the central brain of the system and helps you choose by channel count and resolution.
- How to choose hard drive capacity
Explains how to choose the right disk size for sufficient recording duration.
- How to back up the power of a camera system
Recommends a UPS in case of mains outage.
- Online camera system monitoring — costs and requirements
Information about internet-connection requirements for remote viewing.
2. Installing the camera system
Once you've bought the system you need to install it correctly. This category covers the entire installation process.
- Camera system installation guide
A comprehensive guide that walks the user through the full installation and configuration process.
- IP camera system installation
Detailed instructions for installing IP systems, including various wiring options.
- AHD camera system installation
Instructions for installing AHD systems, popular for DIY installation.
- Preparing cabling for the camera system
Explains which cables to use and where to route them for both AHD and IP systems.
- Where to place a security camera
Provides basic rules and tips for choosing the ideal camera location.
- IP camera system wiring options
Introduces various IP wiring schemes including PoE injector, PoE recorder and switch variants.
- Mounting a security camera on an insulated facade
Photo tutorial on installing a camera correctly on an insulated facade.
- What is a cable box and how to use it
Describes the use of a cable box for protecting cable connections.
- Installing the hard drive into the recorder
Instructions for inserting and formatting the hard drive in the recorder.
- Connecting the recorder to a TV or monitor
Explains how to connect the recorder to a display via HDMI or VGA.
- Configuration of an IP camera system with a PoE switch
How to do the basic configuration when IP cameras are separated from the recorder by a local LAN.
- Adding an IP camera to an NVR recorder without PoE
Video guide on configuring the connection between an IP camera and an NVR.
- Adding a microphone to the camera system
How to extend the system with an external microphone for audio recording.
- Reasons for proper camera-system grounding
Highlights the key role of grounding for safe and reliable operation.
3. Setup and online monitoring
After installation you need to configure the system correctly and enable remote access.
- How to access an IP camera's web interface via a PoE NVR recorder
Video guide for accessing the web interface of a camera connected to a PoE recorder.
- Connecting the camera system to the internet for remote monitoring
Describes how to connect the system using P2P, no public IP needed.
- Setting up a BitVision account and adding a device
Walk-through for creating a BitVision account for remote management and viewing.
- How to access the device web interface
How to access the recorder's and IP camera's settings via a web browser.
- PATRONUM NVR features and basic setup
Video guide to the menu and basic functions of NVR recorders.
- How to set up motion detection and AI events
Explains how to configure motion detection to save disk space and find events more easily.
- How to share a BitVision account
How to easily share device access with other users.
- Setting up push notifications on a mobile phone — BitVision
Steps to enable mobile push alerts on motion detection.
- Email notifications setup
Configuration of email alerts for alarm events.
- Controlling MOTORZOOM security cameras
How to operate motor-zoom cameras via the recorder menu.
- Google Drive storage setup
How to configure sending alarm snapshots to Google Drive.
- FTP server storage setup
How to configure sending alarm snapshots to an FTP server.
4. Features and technologies
This section describes specific features and technologies the system offers in detail.
- AI features — Area intrusion, Virtual line, Loitering, Crowding, Motion detection, Face detection, Region entry/exit
A series of articles describing advanced video-analytics features for smart detection of people and vehicles.
- Privacy masks
Describes the feature for covering sensitive areas in the camera's field of view.
- Securing streams from PATRONUM camera systems
Explains how data transmission is protected by encryption and P2P.
- What is real WDR?
Describes Wide Dynamic Range technology for improving image quality in high-contrast scenes.
- What are H.264 and H.265 codecs
Information about video codecs that save storage space and reduce internet-bandwidth requirements.
- What is ROI (Region of Interest)
Describes how to define areas of increased focus (e.g., higher resolution).
- SONY STARVIS image sensors
Information about high-quality image sensors that fundamentally affect image quality.
- What is PoE power?
Explains the benefits of Power over Ethernet.
- What is P2P connection?
Describes the technology that simplifies remote access without a public IP.
5. Operation, maintenance and troubleshooting (FAQ)
A category for existing users covering long-term operation and the most common issues.
- What to do when issues arise
Basic guide to the steps to take when the system is not working correctly.
- Device firmware updates
Instructions for updating the device's operating system to fix bugs and improve security.
- Backing up recordings from the recorder
Procedures for saving important video to a USB disk or computer.
- General information on camera-system operation (GDPR)
Important legal information related to operating camera systems.
- Using SSDs to record video from CCTV systems
Pros and cons of using SSDs in camera systems.
- The recorder works but the hard drive doesn't
Advice on what to do when the recorder doesn't detect the hard drive, with attention to potential power-supply issues.
- How to ask technical support
Recommendations on formulating questions to technical support for fast resolution.
- I forgot my device password
Solutions for losing the password to a recorder or IP camera.
- Camera system not working or working partially
Troubleshooting guide.
- Regular security camera maintenance and cabling maintenance
Tips on simple maintenance to ensure long life and reliability.
6. Integrations and service
Information for advanced users and service-related cases.
- How to add a PATRONUM IP camera to Synology Surveillance Station
Guide for owners of Synology NAS servers.
- How to add PATRONUM devices to LOXONE
Procedure for integrating into LOXONE smart home.
- Warranty service for PATRONUM products and post-warranty service for PATRONUM products
Information on service options and pricing.