I use Blue Iris and Milestone XProtect Essential until many years…
. BI it’s a good software if you use-it as a standalone on just one computer.
. XProtect for me it’s the best one especially in a remote viewing.
Why I prefer XProtect versus Blue Iris :
Remote viewing on PC :
. Blue Iris have not a real client, you need to access-it via the web interface and it’s a very limited interface.
. When you viewing 4 cameras at the same time the resolution is very poor and for me it’s not acceptable.
. XProtect came with a real client with all the setting you need, in live view you can see all your cameras at their full resolution, the PTZ function is very intuitive and precise.
. The playback view is the best one and the more convivial I never seen on any other software.
Installation, configuration and maintenance :
Blue Iris is easy an rapid to install but the configuration it’s not very intuitive and the motion sensor is the worse one I never seen. This software is frequently upgraded and every time you upgrade you are at risk.
XProtect, the server side is longer to install but the configuration is straight forward. You need to registered-it once a year but in the mean time you simply forget-it. The installation of the client side is straight forward but you need more time to customize for your need.
Resource :
. Blue Iris require a powerful PC for the server side, in my case with 4 X 1080p cameras running at 30fp the CPU usage is BI 45% versus XProtect 3% .
. XProtect require a powerful PC for the client side all my camera at the same time in live view the CPU usage is 60% and for one camera is 20%. In playback view the CPU vary around 15% to 30%.
Conclusion :
A few year ago with my 4 UBNT camera at 720p Blue Iris was acceptable, but when I upgraded all my 4 cameras for a good quality 1080p this became another story… I have suggested many time on the unfortunately dead forum (Cam It!) to improve the web interface and I have also send many request by email to the developer but without result… So, why spend a few thousands $ in good quality cameras if you can’t benefit it at their full potential !!!
lgRich