Why Can’t I Receive VIGI App Notifications After Turning On Notifications?

If push notifications from your VIGI camera on your phone don’t work correctly, please refer to the following steps for inspection:

Step 1 Check your camera whether the Notifications is on your VIGI app.

Go to Me > Settings > Message Notification Settings and check if you have turned on the notifications.

Step 2 Check and confirm Notifications setting on your phone is enabled.

For iOS: Launch Settings > Notifications, ensure Show Previews is on Always, and the Allow Notifications for the VIGI App is on.

For Android: Launch Settings -> Notifications & Status bar > App notifications, locate the VIGI App and ensure the Show notifications option is on.

Step 2 Turn off Do Not Disturb

For iOS 14 or earlier: Go to Settings and tap Do Not Disturb, then tap on the toggle next to Do Not Disturb to turn it off.

For iOS 15 or later: Open Control Center, tap Focus, then tap the Focus that is on to turn it off.

For Android: Launch Settings > Sound & vibration > Do not disturb, locate the Do not disturb option is Off.

Step 3 Check and ensure the Wi-Fi and cellular connection on the phone is working properly.

Please contact TP-Link technical support with the following information if you still encounter push notification issues after the above suggestions.

1) Your TP-Link ID or cloud account;

2) The brand & model of your phone and its Android/iOS version;

3) Whether you have tried all the suggestions listed above or not. If yes, what are they?

TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 5

How to Create an Account in VIGI App

If you have a TP-Link account:

Open the VIGI app and enter your account information to log in.

If you don’t have a TP-Link account:

1. Open the VIGI app and tap Sign Up.

2. Enter a valid email address and create your own password. Then a verification email will be sent to your inbox and you need to finish the verification within an hour.

3. Open your mailbox and find the verification email. Click the Click to Finish Registration button in the email to activate the TP-Link account.

4. Once the account is activated, open the VIGI app and enter the account information just registered to log in.

How to Unbind the Account (TP-Link ID) with VIGI Devices in VIGI App

You can unbind the TP-Link account with devices by removing them via the VIGI app. After unbinding, you can re-register the VIGI devices to another account (TP-Link ID).

Method 1: Go to the Me page

On the Me page, you can tap on Unbind Device to unbind your VIGI devices from your TP-LINK ID.

Method 2: Go to the Device Settings page

1. On the My Devices page, tap on your three-dot icon on the model. Then tap on More Settings. Here we take VIGI C540W as an example.

2. Tap Remove Device at the bottom and confirm the removal. The device will be removed from your TP-Link account.

How to Update the Firmware of VIGI Devices in the VIGI App

The firmware on TP-Link VIGI cameras can be updated by using the TP-Link VIGI App. Please make sure you’ve downloaded this app before continuing.

Before you begin:

Please log into your TP-LINK ID and make sure you can control your VIGI devices.

How to create an account in VIGI app

Update the firmware for all VIGI devices

Here we take VIGI C540W as an example.

Step 1. Tap on your camera and go to the Live View page. Then, tap on More Settings.

Step 2. Tap on Firmware Update on the Device Settings page.

Step 3. On the Firmware Update page, VIGI app will automatically check the update for you. You can also tap on Check for Update to manually check the update of your camera.

How to Share Your VIGI Devices with Your Families and Employees

With the Device Sharing feature, you can invite your families to manage the VIGI devices together.

Note:

1. Make sure the firmware of VIGI device and VIGI App are both up to date.

2. Some devices do not support the sharing feature for the time being. And the APP will prompt that the sharing feature is not supported.

Step 1. On the Me page, tap Device Sharing and select the device you want to share.

Step 2. Tap Share. Enter the invitee’s TP-Link ID, then tap Next.

If the invitee is new to TP-Link, please refer to the link to register your TP-Link ID: What is TP-Link ID and how to create a TP-Link ID?

Step 3. Set the Permissions for the invitees. Note that there are two different permissions for your invitees. Watch Video will restrict their privilege to only watch live and playback. If you want to give permission to your invitee for control your VIGI devices, please assign Manage Device.

After selecting the permission for your invitee, click Share and Got It. Now the invitee can view the camera now.

Step 5. Let the invitee log in to the VIGI app, check the invitation under Notifications and tap Accept. After that, the invitee can watch/manage this shared VIGI device.

How to stop the device sharing

If you want to stop this Device Sharing, go to Me > Device Sharing > Shared Devices. Tap on the device that you want to stop sharing. Tap Delete and confirm your deletion.

How to get started with the TP-Link VIGI app

What is the TP-Link VIGI app?

The TP-Link VIGI app is designed for VIGI network cameras and NVRs that are dedicated to protecting your business. It allows you to easily add, configure, monitor, and control your connected devices. Simply create an account and add network cameras to it to enjoy real-time video, anytime, anywhere. Moreover, it also allows you to play back videos whenever you need. With the VIGI app, you can get instant notifications when motion is detected and know what happened.

In sum, you can use the VIGI app to

Note: Features available in VIGI devices may vary by model and software version.

Get started with the TP-Link VIGI app

Easily manage devices with the TP-Link VIGI app

After adding cameras to the VIGI app, on the Live View page, you can keep an eye on what’s important to you real time from anywhere with the VIGI app.

You can adjust the live view display on the Device Control page. You can tap More Settings on the My Devices page or tap the gear icon on the Live View page to enter the Device Settings page. On the Device Control page, you can change the camera settings of your camera to meet various needs.

Follow the app instructions to configure the settings. You can enable HLC, set LED status, change the video direction, configure WDR, disable the microphone or adjust the microphone volume (for certain cameras), adjust the speaker/alarm volume (for certain cameras), set the night vision and light brightness (for certain cameras).

Get instant notifications

On the VIGI app, enable motion detection, set custom activity areas, set boundaries, and more. Then, you can get instant notifications when the camera detects motion and receive alerts when someone crosses boundaries, enters an area, or blocks the camera. You can get instant alerts on your phone faster than email alerts.

Conclusion

The VIGI app is designed to be compatible with all VIGI devices. It lets you fully control your VIGI cameras and VIGI NVRs, all from one app. With simple device onboarding and cloud service, you can manage your security from the palm of your hand at any time, without relying on an additional monitor or computer. The TP-Link VIGI app provides real-time visibility into your business security from anywhere.

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How to avoid IP address conflicts in a surveillance system

An IP address conflict occurs when two or more devices on the same network are assigned the same IP address. In the surveillance system, IP address conflicts may cause many problems such as the failure of camera addition, frequent dropouts of the camera, unstable live view, and so on. Therefore, we should make sure there is no IP address conflicts in the network to ensure a stable surveillance system. This article tells you how to avoid IP address conflicts.

Common IP conflicts in a surveillance system

In a surveillance system, if two IP cameras have the same IP address, the live streaming source of one channel will switch between the two cameras.

In this situation, the monitoring screen sometimes will show ‘no network video’.

How to avoid IP address conflicts?

If you find a similar phenomenon above, you need to check whether there is IP address conflict.

VIGI NVR can detect the IP conflict between NVR and other devices in local network. When it is detected, you will get a prompt. You need to go to Settings > Network > Connection to change the IP address. Or you can find the device that has an IP conflict with NVR and change its IP.

When you first add VIGI cameras via VIGI NVR, VIGI security manager or VIGI App, they will automatically set unused static IP addresses for them. But if IP address conflicts occur after VIGI cameras are added, you need to change the IP address of devices with IP address conflicts.

You can refer to the link to change the IP address of VIGI cameras.

How to Avoid Noise When Monitoring the Sound from VIGI Camera

VIGI cameras are capable of not only monitoring video stream from the camera, but also monitoring sound collected by the built-in microphone on the cameras. You can turn on/off the sound feature like the monitor screen as below. But to increase or decrease the volume, you need to press the volume button on your phone.

Why is there noise?

Noise is a physical phenomenon and it’s inevitable. Basically, the IP cameras including other brands’ have background noise. And those cameras which seem to generate less noise probably have worse sound collecting performance. VIGI cameras are designed with a sensible sound collector which might take some noise in your monitor. Even though it is inevitable at present, we are still trying our best to make improvement and searching for better solutions.

How to reduce the noise

1. Please keep your mobile device away from the camera as much as possible. The VIGI camera is designed for remote access and monitoring via cloud service, local usage in close range may cause interference and noise between your mobile device and the camera.

2. Please reduce the output volume below 50% since a louder volume may enlarge noise decibel. The value between 40%-50% is suggested with not only good sound quality but also minimum noise decibel. As long keep focus on our cloud camera you will find our progress on new models.

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<p>The post TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 5 first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

How to reset the password of the VIGI camera?

If you forget the password of the VIGI camera, you can reset the password via VIGI Security Manager or VIGI NVR.

Method 1: Via VIGI Security Manager

Step 1. Click the Forget Password option.

If the camera is not added, go to Settings > Device > Device List > Discovered Devices, select the device and click the Set Password or + Add > Forget Password.

If the camera has been added, go to Settings > Device > Device List > My Devices > Settings icon of the camera > Basic Information > Device Security > Modify > Forget Password.

Step 2. Send the Verification Code to your Reset Password Email.

If the camera is connected to the internet, click the Send Code and you’ll receive a verification code sent to your Reset Password Email.

If the camera is not connected to the internet, please Download VIGI App in the App Store or Google Play. Scan the QR code with the app and you’ll receive a verification code sent to your Reset Password Email.

Step 3. Enter the verification code and click Next.

Step 4. Enter the new password.

Method 2: Via VIGI NVR

Step 1. Click the Forget Password option.

Right click to open Main Menu, go to Settings > Camera > Device Access > Add Device > Discovered Devices and you will see Forget Password option. If the camera has been added and is not certified, you need to remove the camera first.

Step 2. Send Verification Code to your Reset Password Email.

Step 3. Enter the verification code and click Verify.

Step 4. Enter the new password.

Note:

1. What’s the Reset Password Email?

When you first activate camera, it is asked to enter your Reset Password Email. It is only used to receive the verification code when you need to reset the password.

2. What should I do if I don’t receive the verification code?

TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 4

How to modify the IP address of the VIGI camera

You can use the VIGI Security Manager or VIGI NVR to modify the IP address of your VIGI camera.

Via: VIGI Security Manager

If the camera is not added, go to Settings > Device > Device List > Discovered Devices, select the device and click the Set Network.

If the camera has been added, go to Settings > Device > Device List > My Devices > Settings icon of the camera > Network Settings > Connection and modify the IP address.

Via: VIGI NVR

If the camera is not added, go to Settings > Camera > Device Access> Add device, select the device and click the Modify IP address.

If the camera has been added, you can modify the IP address via one-click networking option. Go to Settings > Network > Connection and click the one-click networking.

Select the device you want to change and NVR will assign unassigned IP. In this way, you can manually set the IP address. If you want to manually set the IP address, you need to remove the camera and change the IP address before it is added.

How to avoid the overexposure of image

The overexposure of surveillance images can be roughly divided into over-exposure during the day and overexposure at night. The overexposure in the daytime is basically caused by the backlight of the scene, while the overexposure at night is caused by the over-intensity of the infrared reflected light of the object.

Note: Please make sure the lens is clean.

Overexposure in the daytime

The light reflected from the counter is relatively strong, making the counter very bright and unclear

The camera will overexpose in the presence of bright light directed or reflected into the lens. Overexposure will lead to unclear details. During installation, we need to consider scenarios and avoid direct light or strong reflections. If it is unavoidable, we need to adjust the image parameters to alleviate the overexposure.

Step 1: We take the overexposure area as the exposure target and do backlight compensation (BLC), so that the IPC takes the overexposure area as the target to reduce the overall light input. The overexposure area in the figure is near the center, and we set BLC area to be center.

Step 2: After we enable BLC, the IPC reduces the overall light input, so the surroundings will become darker. We can increase the brightness of the surroundings by wide dynamic range (WDR).

Step 3: We can fine-tune brightness and contrast to display the best image.

The following picture shows the adjusted result. (BLC area in center + WDR + brightness 60, contrast 40.) As you can see, the area of counter is clearer. You can further adjust the parameters according to your own image quality.

Overexposure at night

Overexposure due to being next to the wall is quite obvious, as shown below.

When the camera is installed next to the wall, if the angle is too biased towards the wall, the infrared light reflected back from the wall will be too strong, and the wall will be overexposed. If the wall is overexposed, the camera will reduce the shutter exposure time to maintain the overall average brightness of the screen, so that the other part of the screen will be too dark.

Step 1. Adjust angle to reduce the area of overexposed objects in the picture.

Without affecting the monitoring, make the wall area in the picture as small as possible. Firstly, the effective monitoring area can be increased; secondly, if the overexposure area of the wall is reduced, the exposure time of the camera will be increased, and the monitoring image will be clearer.

Step 2. Set BLC area to make dark areas brighter

You can increase the exposure time of the camera by setting the BLC area of the camera. Although the wall or reflective obstacles may be brighter, the effective monitoring area can be seen more clearly.

Step 3. Enable WDR to balance the brightness

Increase WDR can strengthen the details in the dark, and monitoring effect in night vision is better.

Note: Too high WDR will increase the noise in the night vision picture. WDR should be properly increased.

How to upgrade the firmware of VIGI cameras

Method 1: Via the VIGI app

1. On the Live View page, tap the gear icon to enter the Device Settings page.

2. On the Device Settings page, tap on the Firmware Upgrade to check for update or update the firmware.

Method 2: Via the VIGI Security Manager (Windows only)

1. Open the VIGI Security Manager.

2. Go to the Settings page and go to Device > Device Upgrade to update the firmware.

What is the difference between 2.8 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm lens?

Lens focal length tells us the angle of view—how much of the scene will be captured—and the magnification—how large individual elements will be. The lager the focal length, the narrower the angle of view and the higher the magnification.

VIGI indoor cameras have a focal length of 2.8/4 mm and VIGI outdoor cameras have a focal length of 4/6 mm. The last digit of the model indicates the focal length of the lens.

For example:

VIGI C400HP-4: The focal length is 4 mm.

VIGI C300HP-6: The focal length is 6 mm.

How to select suitable lens?

The larger the focal length of the lens, the smaller the angle of view, and the farther the monitoring distance. So the camera lens with low focal length is suitable for observing small areas where need a wide angle. If you want to observe the objects closer with a big distance, you’d better select the cameras with a lager focal length lens.

How to rotate the image of my VIGI camera

You can rotate the image via VIGI App, VIGI Security Manager or VIGI NVR. VIGI Security Manager and VIGI NVR has more mirror option than VIGI App.

Here we take VIGI C400HP-4 as an example.

Method 1: Via VIGI App

1. On the Live View page, tap the gear icon to enter the Device Settings page.

2. On the Device Settings page, go to Device Control > Video Rotation.

3. On the Video Rotation page, you can select Upside Down to rotate the video image 180°.

Method 2: Via VIGI Security Manager

1. Go to Settings > Device > Device List > My Devices and click the settings icon of the camera.

2. Go to Image > Mirror and select Mirror option you want.

Method 3: Via VIGI NVR

Right click to open Main Menu, go to Settings > Camera > Display > Image > Advanced Settings, select Mirror option you want.

How to change the password and Reset Password Email of the VIGI camera

You can change the password and Reset Password Email of the VIGI camera via VIGI Security Manager or VIGI NVR. Reset Password Email is used to receive the verification code when you need to reset the password.

Method 1: Via VIGI Security Manager

Step 1. Go to Settings > Device > Device List > My Devices and click the settings icon of the camera.

Step 2. Go to Basic Information > Device Security and click Modify to change the password and Reset Password Email.

Note: If you forget the old password, please refer to the link to reset the password.

Method 2: Via VIGI NVR

Step 1. Right click to open Main Menu, go to Settings > Camera > Device Management > Password Management, select the camera and click edit icon.

Step 2. Enter your new password and Reset Password Email, click Save. You can also use Preset IPC Settings which you set on the VIGI NVR. If you want to change the preset IPC settings, you can refer to the link.

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<p>The post TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 4 first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

How to Mount Your VIGI Pan & Tilt Camera to a Wall or Pole

This article will show you how to mount your camera to the wall, and how to remove your camera from the camera base.

How to Mount Your Camera

1. Mark Position

Place the mounting template where you want the camera. For wall mounting, drill four holes through four circles on your mounting template.

2. Mount Base or Pole Mounting

Mount Base:

Affix the camera base using the screws.

For wall mounting, insert four anchors into the holes and use the self-tapping screws to affix the camera base over the anchors.
There are two ways to install your cameras by the mount base depending on your situation.

Method 1:

Method 2:

Pole Mounting:

Use the cable tie to attach and tighten your camera to the pole.

How to Uninstall Your Camera

If you mounted it on the wall

Remove the screws from the anchor. Then you can take your camera off the wall.

If you install it to a pole, remove the cable ties and you can uninstall it.

How to use VIGI cameras with other NVR brands or NAS

The VIGI cameras work with VIGI NVR as well as other NVR brands or NAS for easier batch access and management. It is recommended to use the VIGI cameras with the VIGI NVR. For other NVR brands, make sure they support ONVIF and RTSP protocols. Here we will show you how to use VIGI cameras with other NVR brands.

Step 1: Power on your cameras and connect them to the same network as your NVR.

Step 2: Activate the cameras using the VIGI Security Manager or VIGI App.

1. Download the VIGI Security Manager on your windows computer at https://www.tp-link.com/download-center/

2. Install the VIGI Security Manager and open it.

3. Go to Settings > Discovered Devices. Cameras on the same network as your computer can be automatically discovered.

4. Click + Add to activate your discovered cameras by setting passwords.

5. Follow the instructions to add your cameras.

Step 3: Refer to the NVR’s User Manual to add cameras.

We will show you some basic parameters that it may require to connect the VIGI camera to your NVR.

1. The IP address of the camera.

Open VIGI Security Manger and go to Settings > Device > Device List > My Devices > Settings icon of the camera > Network Settings > Connection.

For some NVRs, you’ll need to modify the IP address of the VIGI camera to the same network segment as the NVR for successful adding.

2. The ports for standard ONVIF and RTSP protocols.

Please select Onvif protocols to add VIGI cameras.

ONVIF Service Port: 2020

RTSP Service Port: 554

3. The username/password of the camera.

Username: admin

Password: It is set when you activated the camera. If you forget it, please refer to the link to reset the password.

What should I do if VIGI camera is not found?

This article is to solve the problem that VIGI camera is not found. Please check the steps below:

Step 1. Confirm that the camera is powered up.

The camera should be powered up via 12V DC adapter or PoE (802.3af/at). The IR LED will turn on for 20 seconds once the camera is powered on.

Step 2. Confirm that the camera is connected to your network properly.

The camera should be connected to network devices via Ethernet cable.

Step 3. Make sure your device is on the same network as the camera.

Step 4. Reboot your network devices including router and refresh to discover your cameras again.

Step 5. Try other methods to discover devices.

You can try to discover devices via VIGI Security Manager, VIGI NVR or VIGI App.

How to Verify Fake Micro SD Cards When Using with VIGI Cameras

Note:

A security camera that works with a standalone microSD card is primarily designed to store motion-activated recordings or short video clips of movements with local storage, which offers a cost-effective alternative to the subscription-based cloud storage. However, users may run into issues like the camera is unable to overwrite recordings, the SD card becomes full and stops recording or the SD card cannot be formatted by the camera App, etc. These kinds of problems might be caused by the fake SD card.

Micro SD Card and fake SD Card

An SD Card is a small electronic storage medium used by a plethora of storage devices including smartphones, games devices, camcorders, and cameras. Most of the smartphones and security cameras are using the microSD card.

The TP-Link camera supports a microSD card with up to 512GB capacity. If the remaining space of an SD card is less than 500MB or 5% of the total capacity before the first insertion of the camera, it would be impossible to record. There are different speed specifications for microSD cards and it is recommended to use a card with Class 10 or UHS 1 speed rating, which requires a minimum writing speed of 10MB/s.

The most common fake microSD card is the fake capacity expanded card, which uses illegal means and tools to make the cards with a small capacity appear larger. For example, a 32GB card is displayed as 128GB on your computer or other devices. This kind of card is usually having a lower price than the official quality goods. Since the capacity is Manual deceived by the illegal means and tools so that the space beyond the original capacity cannot be used normally.

If the stored file exceeds the actual capacity, the file will be unavailable. Our camera recognizes the microSD card and will format it in Fat32 format and creates index files to save your video data. This process reads and writes the entire space of the SD card and checks whether it is valid. If your SD card is an expanded card, it will not be formatted successfully and will not work properly on our camera.

We do not support the card due to the particularity of the monitoring camera; we need to ensure that the SD card can work stably for a long time. And since camera data is relatively important, data loss or failure to write data can have a significant impact.

Note: For VIGI cameras, it is required to format the SD card on the VIGI app for local recording.

Comparison of SD card Speed Class ratings

Types of Fake SD cards

When it comes to counterfeit memory cards, you will find some different types of them like listed below:

1. Reduced Read / Write Speed: You buy an SD card that shows something like “maximum 95 MB/s read and 90 MB/s write speed” and a “V30” label that is supposed to guarantee a minimum writing speed of 30 MB/s. But when copying a file using a fast SD card reader, you might not even get more than 5-10 MB/s.

2. Reduced Capacity: The SD card might report a large capacity when inserted in your computer, camera, or storage device, while it contains only a very small part of the overall capacity. This happens because the microchip (a tiny part of the SD card that is responsible for reporting the total amount of storage available) within the card has been reprogrammed to report a different size to the host. Counterfeit SD cards with reduced capacities should be avoided the most because they will most certainly result in data loss.

3. Fake Brand: Some SD cards have big brand labels attached to them and sold at a premium price when they are made from cheap parts by some unknown manufacturer. Such products are often more difficult to identify and might require a call to the manufacturer to verify the serial number. You can also read the reviews posted by verified buyers on Amazon or other online stores.

4. Unrealistic Capacity: There are memory cards that advertise completely unrealistic storage sizes. For example, if you search online for microSD cards, you may find cards with capacities as large as 2TB, however, such capacities do not yet exist.

5. Bogus / Non-Working: Some SD cards are sold at incredibly low prices by unknown sellers and may just don’t work.

Fake SD Card Issues

As you can see from the earlier section, the issues can range from getting very slow speeds to data loss and unusable SD cards. The problem with fake SD cards with reduced capacity is that when users go over a certain capacity, all data from that point on will be corrupted. Everything appears to be working great at first, but troubles may show up in later usage.

How to Identify a Fake SD Card

If you have already purchased an SD card, there are a few things you can inspect and basic tests you can run to identify a fake SD card.

1. Inspect Product Packaging: Make sure the package contains necessary information about the product such as its specifications and card speed, as well as all the appropriate labels, warranty info, and a proper UPC. Users may also verify with SD card manufacturer directly.

2. Test the SD card with third-party software: Make sure you format the SD card before you start this step. For example, you could verify if you can write files to the advertised capacity for your SD card with software H2testw. Install the H2testw on your Windows computer (you can also run a similar tool called “F3” on Mac OS, and an app called SD Insight on Android device) and run the test, it will show you the real capacity of your SD card.

If the SD card you are using is fake, it will report errors and show how much actual data was written and read from the card.

Memory Card Buying Tips

Sum up the article with the below memory card buying tips:

· Always make sure to buy from an authorized seller.

· Be careful about cheap SD cards.

· Always inspect and test each card to make sure that it is genuine.

· Do not buy used or refurbished SD cards.

· Replace SD cards once every few years to reduce potential failure.

A list of microSD card we have tested:

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How to Waterproof VIGI Outdoor Security Cameras

When the camera is installed outdoors, please install waterproof items to waterproof your VIGI outdoor security cameras. Make sure each part is securely attached and the water-proofing rings are flush to keep out water.

Step 1: Install Waterproof Cable Attachments

Install the waterproof cable attachments for the network interface when the camera is installed outdoors.

Done! The network interface is now waterproof.

Step 2: Install Waterproof Seal for Power Connectors

Install the waterproof seal for the power connectors when the camera is installed outdoors.

What to do when the image of VIGI Camera is misty and hazy on the Night Vision

This article aims to optimize the image quality when it looks misty and hazy in night vision mode.

As shown in the above image, sometimes we may notice that the camera display appears to be covered with a layer of silk, or like fingerprints on the lens, making it particularly blurry and difficult to see anything in night vision mode.

Generally speaking, there are several reasons that can cause abnormal image:

To optimize the camera performance and ensure clear image quality:

By following these steps, you can improve the clarity of the camera’s display and ensure better surveillance performance.

How to configure VIGI camera’s exposure parameters

This article discusses how to adjust the exposure parameters of VIGI Cameras using the web interface or VIGI Security Manager to achieve better image quality in different environments.

Exposure refers to the amount of light entering the camera. Overexposure in surveillance images results in a too bright image, while underexposure leads to a dark image that lacks clarity.

Overexposure can generally be divided into overexposure during the day and overexposure at night. Overexposure during the day is mainly caused by backlighting in the scene, while overexposure at night is caused by excessive infrared reflection from objects.

Underexposure, on the other hand, is primarily due to low ambient brightness, resulting in insufficient light entering the camera.

To address the above issues, we can make adjustments through Exposure setting, Prevent Overexposure setting, as well as BLC (Backlight Compensation) and WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) settings to obtain more suitable image effects for specific scenes.

Exposure settings include exposure gain and shutter speed. Higher gain and slower shutter speed allow more light to enter the camera within the same time frame, resulting in a brighter image, and vice versa for a darker image.

Prevent overexposure, the brightness of the infrared illuminator can be adjusted to avoid excessive infrared reflection at night.

In addition, there are WDR settings and BLC settings. WDR processes the dark and bright areas of the image to make the dark areas brighter and the bright areas darker, thus achieving better image quality in environments with high contrast between highlights and shadows. BLC targets specific backlight areas and adjusts the light entering the camera accordingly to achieve the desired image effect.

Next, we will explain how to adjust these parameters through VIGI Security Manager and the camera’s web interface.

Configuring through VIGI Security Manager:

Configuring through the web interface:

General questions about halos on the VIGI Camera’s screen

Have you ever noticed large, irregular halos on your device’s screen, especially after rain or in damp weather? These can significantly disrupt your viewing experience. This article will explain why this happens and how to fix it. By understanding these common screen distortions, you can take the necessary steps to maintain the quality of your device’s.

Q1: What causes the appearance of large, irregular halos on my screen as below picture?

A: This issue is typically caused by dirt or contamination on the lens or casing of your device. Common culprits include fingerprints or condensation, which can lead to irregular reflections. These reflections then manifest as large, irregular halos on your screen.

Q2: How can I resolve this issue?

A: To rectify this, it’s important to regularly check the condition of your device’s lens and casing. Wiping the lens with a dry cloth can help keep it clean, reducing the likelihood of these halos appearing.

In the course of normal device usage, you might also notice glare or ghosting effects on your screen as below. The following section will explain these phenomena.

Q3: What are glare and ghosting effects?

A: Glare is a phenomenon that occurs around a light source, taking a shape similar to the light source, complete with a halo and radiating light beams. Ghosting, on the other hand, forms a light cluster at a different location that resembles the light source.

Q4: Why do these phenomena occur?

A: Both glare and ghosting occur when the point light source is too strong, causing light reflected from the lens surface to repeatedly reflect within the camera. These reflected lights cover the screen, reducing contrast and causing local obstruction, ultimately presenting as halos on the screen.

Q5: How can I resolve this issue?

A: To avoid these issues, consider the following methods:

1. Keep the lens clean. Dust or oily fingerprints on the lens can intensify ghosting and glare.

2. Use a lens hood.

3. Change the light source or shooting location.

4. Try to avoid shooting directly into the sun.

<p>The post TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 3 first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

How Can I View 24-hour Recordings of VIGI Cameras?

Note: A microSD card is needed for 24-hour recording. Insert the microSD card and initiate it using the VIGI App. Only for certain models.

Here we take VIGI C540W as an example.

On your VIGI App:

Step 1. On the home page, tap on your camera model to go to Live View page. Click More Settings.

Step 2. Tap on Record on SD Card and toggle Record on SD Card on. Then tap on SD card to format your microSD card and toggle Loop Recording on.

Step 3. After your enable Record on SD Card, you can see the option Recording Schedule now and tap on it. Set the recording as 24/7 Continuous Recording. Now your camera is set to recording 24-hour.

Step 4. Now you can go back to Live View page and check the recordings.

On your NVR/Security Manager:

Step 1. Click Playback on your VIGI interface.

Step 2. Choose the day and view the recordings of that day.

Step 3. Use your mouse and drag it for recordings you have.

TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 2

How Can I Connect My VIGI Camera to a NAS?

Note: Your Username and Password may be changed when you first set up the camera. Default Username and Password are admin/admin.

The VIGI camera supports the standard ONVIF protocol (Profile S) as well as RTSP protocol, so it can work with third-party NVR or NAS devices that also support the standard ONVIF protocol.

If you want to manage and view the camera on a third-party NVR or NAS device, you are suggested to contact the NVR or NAS support or visit their official website to find the instructions to add the camera on your NVR or NAS devices (different NVR or NAS devices may have different configuration methods). This article will show you some basic parameters that it may require to connect the VIGI camera to your NVR or NAS device.

Step 1. The IP address of the camera.

The IP address of the camera is assigned by your host router and you can find it on your host router’s DHCP list or on the VIGI app (Tap your camera to go to Live View > More Settings (top right corner) > About This Device > IP Address). For detailed instructions, please refer to: How Can I Find the IP Address of My VIGI Camera?

Step 2. The ports for standard ONVIF and RTSP protocols.

ONVIF Service Port: 2020

RTSP Service Port: 554

How Can I Find the IP Address of My VIGI Camera?

There are two methods to find the IP address of the camera. Here we take VIGI C540W as an example.

Method 1: Via VIGI app

Step 1. On My Devices page, tap on your camera which you want to find its IP address.

Step 2. On the Live View page, tap the gear icon to enter the More Settings page.

Step 3. Tap About This Device and you can find your camera IP Address there.

Method 2: Via the web management page of your router

Here we take TP-Link router Archer C7 as an example. If you have a different brand router, please contact the manufacturer support for help.

1. Log in to the management page of your main router.

2. Go to Advanced > Network > DHCP Server and locate the DHCP Client List section to find the IP address of your camera.

Why Can’t I View the Live stream of the VIGI Camera Continuously?

Note: Always ensure the camera firmware is up-to-date and you are running the latest VIGI app on your phone.

In certain business scenarios, there may arise a need for customers to consistently access the live stream functionality of the VIGI camera. For instance, it could be crucial for business owners to monitor their parking lot or their shop while simultaneously attending to other responsibilities, such as checking the warehouse and inventory. However, it is imperative to ensure that both your monitoring device and the camera are connected to the same wireless network, while also verifying the strength and stability of the signal on both devices.

However, some customers may realize that they cannot watch the camera live stream continuously and they were prompted to continue the viewing after several minutes. Try to troubleshoot by following these steps:

Step 1. Confirm and ensure both your monitoring phone and the camera are connected to your home Wi-Fi. You can disable cellular data on the phone if necessary.

Step 2. Ensure there is no special setting on your routers, access point, or CPE, try to turn off 802.1Q VLAN (or Guest Network) and Access Control List (ACL) on the router that may block the local communication between the camera and your phone.

Step3. For IOS 14 devices, allow ‘Local Network’ permission for the VIGI app on IOS devices.

Why do I need to give local access permission to TP-Link apps in IOS 14?

Step 4. If your monitoring phone and the camera are connected to different Wi-Fi networks, which means you are viewing the camera remotely. In this circumstance, the camera live stream needs to be uploaded to the TP-Link Cloud server first and your phone then downloads and plays it as a live stream. Upon this point, continuous live streaming strains your network bandwidth, and it might cause data allowance overages, which is also inconsistent with the advocacy of energy conservation. And there will be a time limitation for the live streaming and you will be prompted to continue the viewing. To continue the stream, simply press YES/CONTINUE to continue the stream.

(As a product family of professional networking and business security camera, VIGI cameras do not support smart home assistants like Google Alexa to view live pictures or play back videos)

VIGI cameras don’t miss any action, even when you aren’t there to view the stream. Features like local recording with a microSD card or VIGI NVR, motion detection notifications, and alarms that all the action in your camera’s field of view is recorded. (Some features may vary depending on the model you have. Refer to the specs of your model.)

Where Can I Find Detection Recordings of VIGI Cameras?

Note:

Here we take VIGI C540W as an example.

1. Make sure the Motion Detection function is enabled. If not, tap on the camera Live View. On the top right corner, tap the Wheel icon. Make sure you enable corresponding detection.

2. Back to previous Live View page. Tap on Playback to view all the date and recordings. You can select the day and use the Filter to view the recordings you want.

What to Do If Firmware Update of My VIGI Camera Failed

Normally, the new firmware will include more features or improve the performance of the VIGI devices. Here are some suggestions to troubleshoot if you fail to update the firmware.

Step 1. Reboot the VIGI device.

Step 2. Move the VIGI device closer to the router to make sure it gets a good network connection.

Step 3. Disable the firewall or antivirus setting on the router if there is one.

Then you can try to update the firmware again.

In addition, if you are using VIGI Security Manager, you can also try to update your firmware with VIGI Security Manager.

(Note: It is required to log out your TL-LINK ID and add your device in your local network. And upgrade your device.)

Step 1. Access your VIGI Security Manager on your computer by launching it on the computer you have installed it.

Step 2. Go to Settings > Device > Firmware Update, and on this page, you can batch-update them with Auto Update. Or you can update your device individually.

(Optional) Step 3. If you have trouble updating automatically, you can try to upload the firmware to your camera manually.

Search and download the corresponding firmware from Download Center.

Note:

How to Use Motion Detection Function of My VIGI Camera in VIGI App

Note:

Here we take VIGI C540W as an example.

1. On the default page – My Devices, tap on three dots and click More Settings.

2. On the Device Settings page, you can see several options. (Note: Features may vary because of models you have). To enable Motion Detection, tap on this option.

3. On this page, you can set your parameters and features with Motion Detection. Toggle it and enable it. In Object Classification, you can enable Human to detect if any human is moving in the activity zone.

4. After enabling Motion Detection function, you can toggle on to turn on the Notifications function if needed.

You can also set Alarm to sound an alarm or flash light to warn the intruder. Meanwhile, you can set the Alarming Schedule.

5. Set Activity Zones and the camera will only detect motion in custom zones. Entire view is covered by default.

6. Adjust Sensitivity (Low/Medium/High) as needed. Increased sensitivity results in more recordings and notifications.

7. On the Live View page, tap Playback to view detection recordings if detected. Drag the time line and locate the orange sections. You can also use Filter function to find recordings that contain movement.

.

<p>The post TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 2 first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>

What Should I Do If I Cannot Control My VIGI Devices?

If you have finished the configuration on the VIGI app but you are unable to control the VIGI device with the app, you can refer to the following steps to troubleshoot.

Case 1: Unable to control the VIGI device in the local network.

Step 1. Ensure the router is working properly. You can connect your phone or laptop to the Wi-Fi network of your router, then confirm if the router is working or not.

Step 2. Make sure if there are any mac filtering, ACL, and firewall rules on the router. If yes, disable the rules and then reboot the VIGI device for a try.

Step 3. Move the VIGI device closer to the router/switch or check the Ethernet connection to your router/switch, in case the problem is caused by the bad signal or cable. It is recommended to use a 3ft cable during the troubleshoot to isolate the possible cause.

Step 4. Update the firmware of the VIGI device.

Case 2. Unable to control the VIGI device remotely.

Step 1. Ensure you can control the VIGI device in the local network. If you are unable to control the VIGI device in the local network, please refer to the Case 1 to troubleshoot.

Step 2. Upgrade your VIGI device to the latest firmware. On the VIGI app, find your model and view More Settings, then tap Firmware Update to update the firmware.

Step 3. Try to change the DNS server on your home router.

Step 4. Disable firewall settings if there is one on your home router/switch, then reboot the router/switch.

What is DORI?

DORI, standing for Detection, Observation, Recognition, and Identification, is a reference standard tailored for cameras, based on the IEC EN62676-4:2015 international standard, to assess their visual range. This measurement method is typically expressed in PPM (Pixels per Meter), defining the count of pixels within a one-meter width at a designated distance from the camera. By employing these PPM values, cameras can be objectively evaluated based on their sensor/lens combination, enabling an unbiased comparison of each camera’s long-distance magnification capability and verifying its ability to meet customer performance requirements.

The DORI standard encompasses four distinct levels: Detection, Observation, Recognition, and Identification.

The Detection level is set at 25 PPM, allowing for reliable and straightforward determination of the presence of a person or vehicle, though few details will be discernible.

The Observation level, set at 62 PPM, offers distinctive details of an individual, such as distinctive clothing or unique physical characteristics. This level also provides a broader perspective of the activities surrounding an incident, providing context and assisting in comprehensive incident analysis.

The Recognition level, established at 125 PPM, aims to ascertain, with a high degree of certainty, whether an individual appearing in the footage is identical to someone previously observed.

The Identification criterion, defined at a standard of 250 PPM, enables the unequivocal identification of an individual. This level of clarity is so precise that it allows for the confirmation of a person’s identity beyond any reasonable doubt, making it especially useful in high-security scenarios and investigations.

What Factors Will Affect DORI?

The focal length and resolution of a camera will significantly influence its DORI performance.

At the same level, longer lenses or smaller sensors result in a narrower field of view, while shorter lenses or larger sensors provide a wider view. Thus, a longer focal length allows for a greater distance to be seen, which means that an object of the same 1m size will achieve the same PPM at a greater distance with a camera having a longer focal length compared to a shorter one. Therefore, for a given DORI effect, a long-focal-length camera can see farther, but at the same time, its field of view is more constricted.

Additionally, another key factor influencing the performance of long-distance cameras is sensor resolution, which determines the level of detail captured within the camera’s field of view. For instance, a 2MP camera and an 8MP camera have a resolution difference of fourfold. This means that, at the same approximate distance of 1 meter, the 8MP camera, with four times as many pixels as the 2MP one, can depict the scene with greater clarity. Similarly, at the same PPM value, the 8MP camera can observe from a greater distance.

How to choose a suitable VIGI Camera?

When selecting a camera, it’s crucial to first establish the required DORI image quality based on the type and size of the surveillance scene.

For instance, when facial surveillance is required, to ensure clear images of faces are captured, it’s ideal to select the appropriate camera based on the Identification level. Similarly, in settings like parking lots where clear license plate information is needed, choosing a camera at the Identification level is similarly advisable.

When capturing general human and vehicle shapes at a store entrance or similar setting, opt for the Recognition level when selecting the Camera to ensure clear images of passing vehicles and pedestrians are captured.

When the surveillance area is expansive and only human or vehicle shapes need to be captured from a distance, the Observation level is suitable for selecting the appropriate Camera model.

Additionally, should additional functionalities be required, it is essential to consider the specific needs and elevate the DORI level of the Camera accordingly.

Lastly, based on individual usage preferences and the field of view needed for the surveillance area, determine the appropriate focal length range. Select the model that meets the requirements at that focal length.

Below is the DORI List for different VIGI cameras, we can refer to that list to filter the camera at first.

TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 1

How to connect alarm device/audio aevice to VIGI Camera

This article applies to VIGI network cameras equipped with alarm/audio interface.

External commonly used alarm and audio equipment:

In this article, we will describe how to connect the above external alarm/audio devices to the VIGI camera.

When adding an external alarm/audio device, first connect the provided terminal to the corresponding alarm/audio interface.

1. Connect the Audio In device (taking the microphone as an example)

Refer to the following diagram for the connection:

Some microphones have dedicated interfaces for power and audio, which are pre-made connectors. Refer to the following diagram for the connection:

2. Connect the Audio Out device (taking the speaker as an example)

Refer to the following diagram for the connection:

3. Connect the Alarm In device (taking the smoke sensor as an example)

When an external alarm device detects an abnormal situation, it sends a signal to notify the camera, which then immediately takes corresponding measures to deal with it. There are various types of commonly used external detectors, such as sound sensors, infrared sensors, smoke sensors, etc., which are connected to the Alarm IN port of the device. Taking the smoke sensor as an example, the connection diagram is as follows:

4. Connect the Alarm Out device (taking the buzzer as an example)

VIGI devices can trigger alarms through external alarm devices such as external alarm lights, sirens, buzzers, etc. These alarm devices are connected to the Alarm OUT port of the camera. Taking a buzzer as an example, the connection diagram is as follows:

How to use recovery mode to recover firmware for VIGI Camera and NVR

Scenario

If the VIGI NVR/Camera becomes unresponsive or stops working after a firmware upgrade due to disoperation or power supply interruption, it can be restored to normal using the firmware recovery function.

Phenomenon

1. The NVR cannot boot successfully, no image output on the connected monitor via HDMI or VGA, or it remains stuck on the logo screen.

2. The Camera doesn’t respond to any operations, such as device adding or video stream via RTSP.

How to recover

Step1: Find a PC and assign a static IP address to it. The IP address needs to be in the 192.168.0.1/24 subnet and cannot be 192.168.0.60 or 192.168.0.240.

For example:

IP address: 192.168.0.200

Subnet Mask:255.255.255.0

Step2: Power on the IPC or NVR.

Directly connect the Ethernet port of the PC to the Ethernet port of the IPC/NVR. Please note, do not use a switch between NVR/IPC and PC.

For NVR4032H, please use the LAN port 2.

Step3: Open a web browser and enter the IP address in the address bar, then press ‘enter’.

For VIGI NVR, use 192.168.0.240. For VIGI Camera, use 192.168.0.60.

This will take us to the firmware recovery page.

Step4: Upload the correct official firmware file and upgrade.

(You can obtain the official firmware from TP-Link Official Website or TP-Link Technical support team)

https://www.tp-link.com/en/vigi/

Step5: VIGI NVR/Camera will reboot and restore normal operation within a few minutes.

How to set up record and playback on the computer via VIGI Security Manager

If you don’t have a NVR, you can save recordings on the computer via VIGI Security Manager. Here will show you how to set up.

Step 1. Add VIGI cameras via VIGI Security Manager. In step 2 of Add Device, please enable the Record on Computer. Set the time schedule and other parameters as you want. After cameras are added, you can go to Settings > Storage > Storage Schedule to change recording settings.

Step 2. Go to Playback page, click the Virtual NVR and select the corresponding camera. Then you can watch local recordings.

Note: Only when VIGI Security Manager is running on your computer and your computer is connected to the same network as the camera, recordings can be saved on your computer in real time.

How to Reduce Motion Detections from Rain, Snow, or Insects, etc.

Using the motion detection feature on an outdoor camera, you may receive many unwanted notifications and recordings from rain, snow, or insects. This is more likely to happen when the camera is in night vision mode with the IR light on.

Motion detection, as its name implies, will detect most movements from all kinds of objects, not just the human body.

How does motion detection work?

Before trying to reduce unwanted detections, we need to know how camera motion detection works.

The basic camera’s detection mechanism is based on image changes between different frames. The frame is one of the many still images which compose the complete moving picture. If there is a difference between the frames, the camera will recognize it as a motion detected.

When it rains, the raindrops will cause a significant change in the image, therefore this kind of detection cannot be avoided.

Tips to reduce other detections：

1. Enable Object Classification.

You can turn on Object Classification under Motion Detection. Go to My Devices page and enter the Device Settings page, there you can find Motion Detection. Tap on it and you can see more parameters. In Object Classification, you can enable object classification to trigger the notification you want.

2. Adjust activity zone and sensitivity

Based on your use conditions, adjusting the detection zone and sensitivity may help reduce too many detections.

(1) Set Activity Zone allows you to define a specific area that you want your camera to detect, everything outside of the zone will be ignored.

NOTE: Exclude the areas which have objects or small movements like trees, bushes, leaves waving in the wind; light changes like sunset or sunrise, car light of passing vehicles, tree shadow, reflections; public areas like busy streets, sidewalks, etc.

(2) Setting the detection Sensitivity to a lower level can also help reduce the detections, but it may defeat the purpose of true motion detection. You may find that you’re missing alerts when there is a real person or animal in the camera’s view.

3. Adjust the angle and location of the camera

You may also adjust the installation angle to be away from the false alerts trigger. Try to avoid pointing the camera at busy public areas like busy streets, sidewalks, etc.

How to View VIGI Camera on PC Through RTSP Stream

The VIGI camera supports the RTSP protocol, so it can work with third-party NVR or NAS devices that also support the RTSP protocol. If a user wants to view the live stream of the camera with a third-party app like VLC Player, he will just need to input the URL of the RTSP stream on the VLC Player app.

The URL of the RTSP live stream for the VIGI cameras will be:

For high quality stream1: rtsp://IP Address/stream1

For low quality stream2: rtsp:// IP Address/stream2

Notes:

1. The username/password is the camera account that you created via the VIGI app.

2. The IP address is the camera’s IP address assigned by your host router. You can find it on your host router’s DHCP list or in the VIGI app (Go to Camera Settings and navigate to the camera details page).

3. If you want to view the live stream of the VIGI camera with a third-party app remotely, you will need to open port 554 for the camera on your host router first.

4. You could also use ONVIF standards to add the VIGI camera with its username/password and IP address.

Apart from the VIGI app, VIGI cameras can work with other third-party software to use and manage your VIGI camera.

Note: Before you start, make sure the computer and your camera are connecting to the same network.

Step 1: Confirm your access to the camera

Make sure that you have access to your camera by Username and Password which you created at the very beginning of the setup.

Step 2: Add your VIGI camera on iSpy

1. Run the iSpy software on your computer.

2. Click Add on the top left menu and select ONVIF Camera.

3. Enter the Username and Password that you set for your camera on the pop-up window, select Network Address, and click Next. You can customize other parameters if needed.

4. Choose the video resolution and click OK.

5. Customize the camera settings as needed, including Microphone, Talk, Motion Detection, Alerts, Recording, Images, Scheduling, and Storage. You can also change all the settings later. Click Finish to complete adding your camera to iSpy.

6. After adding your VIGI camera to iSpy, you can monitor and manage it using the app. View the live, customize motion detection, check the recordings when motion detected, set recording schedules, record videos and more.

<p>The post TP-Link VIGI Cameras Ultimate Guide Part 1 first appeared on NVR IPCAMERA SECURITY.</p>