Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and How-Tos

Yes. All Camius PoE NVRs support both connection methods. You can plug IP cameras directly into the built-in PoE ports on the NVR for power and data, or connect additional IP cameras across the same local area network (LAN) that the NVR is connected to. Cameras added over the LAN require separate power (via a PoE switch or injector). This hybrid setup allows you to combine both options in one system, as long as the total number of channels supported by the NVR is not exceeded.

For more details on how to add IP cameras to a PoE NVR, please see our guide: How to Add an IP Camera to a PoE NVR

For the best live viewing experience, we recommend using a monitor with HDMI input and 4K resolution (3840 × 2160). This ensures you get the highest video quality from your Camius NVR or DVR system. If your cameras support audio, select a monitor with built-in speakers to hear live sound as well.

If you ever experience display issues, they are usually caused by misconfigured HDMI settings rather than a hardware fault. Resetting the NVR/DVR to default settings often resolves this, and we have a detailed guide on that.

Lower-resolution monitors are also supported—your Camius network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder (DVR) will automatically adjust the video output to match the connected display. If you need to manually adjust the recorder’s resolution, please see our step-by-step guide here: How to Change NVR/DVR Monitor Resolution.

Most modern HDMI monitors or TVs will work. Plug the HDMI cable from the NVR or DVR recorder into the monitor, and it will display video. If the monitor doesn’t show video, you may need to adjust the NVR’s display resolution using this resolution adjustment guide.

Yes. To hear audio from cameras with built-in microphones, the monitor connected to the NVR must have built-in speakers. You can also access audio using the Camius View app, PC / Mac compatible Video Management Software, and a web browser.

All Camius PoE IP cameras are equipped with a built-in microphone, except BoltVM5R, which has an audio in and out to add an external microphone and speaker.

Yes, but two-way audio (talk and listen) works only through the Camius View mobile app. If you’re using just an HDMI monitor or TV connected to the NVR, two-way talk will not work—monitors and TVs do not have built-in microphones.

To use two-way audio, you’ll need to:

• Download the Camius View app on your phone
• An internet connection is required to download the app, but once it’s installed, you can use two-way audio on your local network without internet.

The following PoE cameras from Camius support two-way audio:

• SPOT828A-RB
• SCOUT4K4XPTZ
• Browse NVR camera systems with 2-way audio
• Camius 4K wireless camera systems also support two-way audio.

You can view the full guide here: [2-way audio security cameras guide]

If you’re using an older Camius NVR or hybrid DVR that you purchased 5 years ago or more, and adding a new Camius PoE IP camera, follow these steps to ensure a proper connection:

1- Use a short, known-good Cat5e cable

• This helps rule out power or signal issues during setup.

2- Add the camera manually

• Go to Menu Setup > Channel > IP Channels
• Click the pencil icon or Add
• Set Private Protocol to ONVIF
• Enter the camera password
• Use admin if the camera hasn’t been activated

3-  The status should turn green once the NVR detects the camera.

4- Still not connecting?
Try a different PoE port and cable. If using an external PoE switch, make sure the camera and NVR are on the same subnet.