The forthcoming release of Home Assistant Core, version 2021.5, is set to launch next week, and it will feature a native integration with motionEye. Up until now, users had to rely on a custom component from the Home Assistant Community Store (HACS) to integrate motionEye. The new integration, however, will make the process much simpler, with setup achievable through the dashboard and no YAML code editing required. Nonetheless, advanced users may want to hold off for a few more months before making the switch, as not all features will be available at launch.
Discover motionEye, your potential CCTV and NVR solution
There's never been a better time to explore motionEye, an open-source frontend for the motion daemon, which can transform any computer or single-board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, into a state-of-the-art CCTV and NVR system. Its user-friendly web-based interface allows you to monitor and control cameras, manage motion detection settings, and access live and recorded footage with ease.
The Home Assistant community has wholeheartedly adopted motionEye, and it's available as a community add-on for users of Home Assistant OS. Its extensive user base and active community provide support while sharing new ideas and features.
The benefits of Home Assistant's motionEye integration
The native integration of motionEye with Home Assistant will enable automatic updates in Home Assistant when adding or removing cameras from motionEye. However, the current native integration offers limited functionality.
For those who want complete control over their cameras and access to advanced features such as motion detection and recording, the custom component remains the optimal choice. The development team plans to incorporate all custom component functions into the native integration by the year's end, but the timeline remains uncertain due to a backlog of code reviews for Home Assistant Core code submissions. You can monitor the current status of the integration on this kanban board.
What is motionEye, and how is it used?
Imagine transforming a humble single-board computer into a sophisticated video surveillance system. That's precisely what motionEye enables you to do. This versatile software can be installed natively on several Linux distributions, or as a Docker container. Alternatively, you can opt for motionEyeOS, a Linux distribution specifically designed for this purpose. Much like Home Assistant, motionEyeOS offers an all-in-one solution, installing both the operating system and the application simultaneously. You can find motionEyeOS images for popular devices like Raspberry Pi, Odroid and Tinkerboard.
One of motionEyeOS's most appealing features is its ability to connect a USB webcam to a single-board computer, transforming it into a security camera using the Fast Network Camera option. This capability allows you to create multiple DIY security cameras and manage them all from a single motionEye instance.
A self-hosted option for the privacy-conscious
For those who prefer not to store footage from their home security cameras in the cloud, motionEye offers a self-hosted alternative. There are various ways to use motionEye and motionEyeOS, including integration with Home Assistant, as well as dedicated Android and iOS apps.
Remember to respect local laws and customs
It's essential to be aware that CCTV camera placement is subject to various laws and regulations, which may differ depending on your location. These laws can cover aspects such as camera location, angle of view, and usage of the captured footage.
While we can offer guidance on installing and integrating CCTV systems with Home Assistant, it remains the user's responsibility to ensure compliance with any laws or regulations governing CCTV usage in their area.
Before installing CCTV cameras, take the time to research and understand any applicable laws and regulations that might impact their installation and use. This diligence helps avoid legal issues or violations and ensures that your CCTV system is used responsibly and ethically.
