Questions & Answers

Q: QuestionHow many cameras are included in the system?

• A:Answer This system includes eight cameras.

Q: QuestionWhat is the storage type for the recordings?

• A:Answer The recordings are stored on the recorder’s hard drive.

Q: QuestionDoes the system support recording audio?

• A:Answer This security system records audio.

Q: QuestionAre there any subscription fees for using the mobile app?

• A:Answer This system is a one-time purchase and there are no hidden costs.

Q: QuestionCan the system be set up without connecting a TV or monitor?

• A:Answer This system offers secure app-based Bluetooth setup, so there is no need to connect a TV or monitor for setup or viewing.

Q: QuestionHow large is the local hard drive? Does the content just keep recording over itself once it's full? With 8 cameras, what is the timeframe max recording the hard rive can handle before it loops back over and starts recording fresh content?

Asked 1 year ago by Jeremy.

• A:Answer Thank you for the question and happy to help. This system includes a 2TB HD for local recording. There is not an easy way to estimate max recording as you have the ability to record 24/7 or via event based recording. As a guideline though, if all were recording at all times you could assume at least 5 days of full recording before prior footage would be over-written. Once a clip has been identified you also can remove via USB drive to store safely for future use. We also offer 4TB solutions should longer duration be of value to you. Thanks, Night Owl SP Digital Support Team

  Answered 1 year ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionCan I use my existing older night owl camera cables with this newer system or are they different?

Asked 4 months ago by MarkD.

• A:Answer Yes—as long as they are Ethernet (Cat5e or Cat6) cables. PoE NVR systems use Ethernet cables only to carry both power and video. Older BNC/coax cables will not work with a PoE NVR.

  Answered 3 months ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionDoes this system work with Google and Alexa for remote viewing

Asked 6 months ago by Narcisse.

• A:Answer Thanks for checking out this system. Our Night Owl NVR systems do not integrate with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for remote viewing. To view your cameras remotely, you’ll use the Night Owl app, which provides secure access to your system from your phone or tablet. If you have any questions about compatibility or setup, we’re happy to help. Night Owl SP Digital Support Team

  Answered 5 months ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionTo network the DVR, can you use wifi or does that have to be wired also like the cameras?

Asked 6 months ago by LS.

• A:Answer This recorder must be hard-wired to your router with an Ethernet cable for network access. The cameras are wired back to the NVR, and the NVR itself cannot connect over Wi-Fi. Once it is connected to your router with a cable, you’ll be able to view your system remotely through the app. — Night Owl SP Digital Support Team

  Answered 5 months ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionWhat is the software like ads far as looking back, fast forward/backward etc Is there a place I could see how it works?

Asked 1 year ago by NAILDR.

• A:Answer Thanks for asking! While we don’t have a demo site available, the system lets you easily rewind, fast forward, pause, and jump to specific dates and times right from the NVR or the Night Owl Protect app. It’s designed to be user-friendly whether you're viewing footage on a connected monitor or from your phone.

  Answered 1 year ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionI have purchased a Night Owl 12-channel, 8-camera, 2TB, NVR system (BNVR8-122-8L). Could you please recommend additional cameras i could add to the 4 available channels and any related technical guidance? Also, is there a 4TB version of this system?

Asked 1 week ago by Paul.

Q: QuestionDoes this record in color

Asked 1 month ago by BarbL.

• A:Answer Yes — this system does record in color. The Best Buy listing for the Night Owl 12-Channel, 8-Camera Indoor/Outdoor Wired IP 4K 2TB NVR Security System confirms it includes full-color day viewing and full-color night vision up to 100 ft, so your recordings should capture color footage both during the day and at night (as long as there’s enough ambient light / spotlight support available).

  Answered 1 month ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionAre these cameras RTSP (real time streaming protocol) compatible? We are wanting to hook them into another system and use a different software with them.

Asked 3 months ago by Robert.

• A:Answer Thank you for your question. Night Owl systems are designed to work within the Night Owl ecosystem using our recorders and mobile apps. RTSP compatibility and integration with third-party software are not supported. If you have additional questions about your system’s features or setup, our Technical Support team would be happy to help at 866-390-1303.

  Answered 2 months ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionThis has 4 additional spots for wireless cameras, which are compatible with the system, and also need to be solar powered.

Asked 3 months ago by Pumpboss.

• A:Answer Hi there, This system supports up to 4 additional compatible Night Owl Wi-Fi cameras. Compatibility depends on the exact NVR model, so we recommend checking your model number on our Support Site to confirm the correct add-on cameras. If you’re looking for solar power, select compatible Wire Free Night Owl cameras can be paired with a Night Owl Solar Panel (sold separately). For help confirming the right cameras for your system, please call our Technical Support team at 866-390-1303 (8am–8pm EST, 7 days a week). We’re happy to assist!

  Answered 3 months ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionCan I connect 4 cameras to a network switch and run one Ethernet cable to the Nvr in another bldg 50’ away?

Asked 3 months ago by Herb.

• A:Answer Hi there, For the best performance and reliability, we recommend connecting each wired IP camera directly to the NVR using its own Ethernet cable. Running multiple cameras into a network switch and then sending a single cable to the NVR is not a supported setup for this system, as it may cause power or connection issues. For help planning your installation, our Technical Support team is happy to assist at 866-390-1303 (8am–8pm EST, 7 days a week).

  Answered 3 months ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionCan the spot light function be turned off?

Asked 5 months ago by Spectre3.

• A:Answer Absolutely — yes, the spotlight can be turned off on those cameras! You have full control over the spotlight in the camera settings. You can: • Turn the spotlight off completely • Set it to activate only when motion is detected • Adjust sensitivity, schedules, and other deterrence settings All of this is managed through the Night Owl Protect app or directly through the NVR’s camera settings menu. If you need the exact steps, I can provide them too. — Night Owl SP Digital Support Team

  Answered 5 months ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionCan the wiring be extended more than 60’?

Asked 9 months ago by Mike.

• A:Answer Yes. The included Ethernet cables are 60 ft., but you can extend them if needed. Night Owl wired IP systems support cable runs up to 300 ft. using Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable without loss of video quality or features like audio and power over Ethernet. If you have any other setup questions, support team can help at 1-866-390-1303.

  Answered 8 months ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionIs this system 2 ways communication?

Asked 1 year ago by Anonymous.

• A:Answer Hi there, great question! Yes, this system features 2-way audio communication. This means you can both listen to audio from the camera's location and speak through the camera using the Night Owl app—a convenient feature for real-time interaction. If you have any questions about setup or using 2-way audio, our support team is here to help at support.nightowlsp.com. Best regards, Night Owl SP Digital Support Team

  Answered 1 year ago by Night Owl

  
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Q: QuestionDoes this system record 24/7 ?

Asked 1 year ago by James.

• A:Answer Thank you for the question and happy to help. You have several advanced options with our security systems. You can setup for continuous recording or for event based recording. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks, Night Owl SP Digital Support Team

  Answered 1 year ago by Night Owl

  
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