vc1234 said:I have a mixture of Hikvision and Dahua cameras (PTZ) as well as a cheap $40 SV3C (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G1U4MVA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). The Hikvision/Dahua cameras seem to be reliable -- I've used them for about 3 years outdoors without any issues. The SV3C has been used for about half a year without any issues so far except that the image quality is noticeably worth than that of Dahua's and Hik's.
I tried to use BlueIris as a recorder, but I had issues with the small dedicated PC running at about 90% CPU and losing frames. Then, I stumbled over Xprotect Essential (https://www.milestonesys.com/solutions/platform/video-management-software/xprotect-essential/) that has a free version for up to 8 cameras. Xprotect running on the same box records video streams from the same cameras and uses about 10-15% CPU only. Another advantage is that there's an iPhone app that connects to the Xprotect software which streams optimized (for a lower badwidth WAN) data to your mobile device. The mobile app can do the Live as well as Playback modes. My only minor regret is that there's no Xprotect Linux version.
Xprotect has drivers for both Hikvision and Dahua. The SV3C is accommodated through ONVIF. Not sure about Foscam.
Interestingly, IVMS recognizes both the Hiks (natch) and the SV3C, but not the Dahua.
If you want, you can access cameras simultaneously from IVMS directly and via Xprotect, but I noticed that Xprotect playback/live is much better in using bandwidth which is important for remote access.
Remotely, I connect through VPN, so there's no difference whether I access the cameras remotely or locally.
P.S. Forgot to mention that the mobile app is free.
Xprotect looks very interesting and I see that the company has a free download of Xprotect Essentials. Do you know if that is a trial version?