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HomeKit Secure Video Setup

Koushik Dutta edited this page Jul 5, 2023 · 18 revisions
  1. Install Scrypted and go to the dashboard at https://localhost:10443/ (substitute localhost as appropriate for a remote server).
  2. Install the appropriate plugin for your camera. Using the manufacturer branded plugin is recommended. Many manufacturers also white label their products under different brands. For example, Dahua and Amcrest are the same manufacturer, and you can use the Amcrest plugin for both cameras. Many cameras also implement the ONVIF standard, and the ONVIF plugin may be compatible.
    • HKSV requires cameras with motion alerts, and branded (or ONVIF) plugins provide motion alerts. Ensure that motion sensor is enabled on the camera's admin page. It is often off by default.
    • If there's no plugin for your camera, but it supports motion alerts using mail, use the generic RTSP, SMTP plugin, and Dummy Switch plugin to create a motion sensor. Then in camera's Settings, enable the Custom Motion Sensor Extension and select the dummy switch motion sensor.
    • If there's no plugin or mail support for your camera, you can install the generic RTSP Plugin, Video Analysis Plugin and a motion detection plugin. This will use the processing power on your server to detect camera motion. The following motion detection plugins are available:
      • OpenCV (Higher memory and CPU usage, better results)
      • PAM Diff
  3. Add your camera in the appropriate plugin. If the camera is behind an NVR, connect directly to the camera if possible.
  4. Configure the Camera Codecs in the manufacturer web portal or app.
    • Some cameras, like cloud cameras, do not allow configuring their codecs. If so, skip this step.
  5. Install the HomeKit Plugin.
  6. In the Camera's Scrypted settings, scan the QR code in the HomeKit app on iOS or Mac.
    • Do not use the QR code in the the HomeKit Plugin, this plugin is a bridge for bridging non-camera devices like switches, thermostats, etc. Cameras are run in standalone accessory mode by default, and are not bridged.
  7. Enable recording on the cameras in the HomeKit app.