Thanks for the reply. I found some Amcrest models that seem to fit my needs for everything but Alexa (which isn't a real need). Really crappy software though. :(
Still haven't tried using Blue Iris with Alexa, but it sounds promising.
Then I stand corrected. Alexa and others must allow for multiple bridges.
As to how they do it: UPnP. There's another faux bridge that is a Java applet to control legacy X10 systems.
Will have to try both now.
There's no doubt it would allow for more customization, but it also introduces a central point of failure for all cams. Also, would not respond to dry contact alarms.
I much prefer for cams to be responsible for sending their own emails. And if FTP was a common feature ten years ago, figure at...
Have a bunch of old Foscam cameras and they insist on using illegible stock email subject lines (SoundDetect, etc.) Would like my next cameras to allow customizing the subjects.
Would also like the option to request an HTTP resource on motion (or alarm). Have some that do FTP, but never seen...
Wait a tick, does Blue Iris imitate the Hue bridge? That would be a common hack, which can't be used if a real bridge is on the network. :(
Suppose developers do that as Hue doesn't require a Skill to be discovered.
True, but If I am nearby, I can come home and intercede. :) If not, then a recording may or may not help after the fact.
Almost always somebody home at my house anyway.
I have BI, but rarely use it. I looked for a Skill for BI, but did not find one. Perhaps I misunderstood your suggestion?
Alexa can bring up a requested feed on a Show or FireTV device. Latter can turn any TV into a camera monitor. Best I can do with Roku is to tell it to bring up the camera...