GeoVision 140-IPDECO-001 GV-IP 64-Channel IP Video Decoder Box Optimal

Great product, misleading power requirements

Overall: The GeoVision IP Decoder Box Ultra works as advertised and after getting things powered (took a week) and configured (not easy) this device works as an acceptable alternative to a Unifi ViewPort PoE (which has been out of stock for the most part for the past year and a half or so). Additionally as this device works on OnVIF as well as RTSP streams for hundreds of camera types (including, believe it or not, Unifi cameras), it provides additional functionality over and above the Unifi ViewPort PoE. Setup woes: After a week of unsuccessful attempts at powering the device via PoE (TP-Link TL-SG1005P v4) and PoE+ switches (Netgear GS308EP), I finally ordered a 35W 12v 3a power supply which was able to power the device. Suggestion to manufacturer: throw in a $20 power adapter and save us all the hassle. Flaky configuration: Setup is flaky as the camera configuration screen times out in something between 30 and 60 seconds so you have to be on your toes to input the configuration information into the device via the onboard interface. While there is also a Windows based configuration application, it does not provide identical input fields to those shown within the onboard interface and synchronization between the Windows application and the onboard application is inconsistent. I ended up using the onboard interface to input my cameras as they are all on the same IP address with different RTSP addresses and inputting these into the Windows application is not possible as the Windows application does not allow for providing an arbitrary camera number (providing uniqueness to each camera entry on the same IP address). End results and future plans: The final results are pretty good. My setup is currently displaying 4 Unifi G4 Bullet and 5 Unifi G3 Flex Cameras via RTSP via UDP from my Unifi Dream Machine Pro and I am working on adding cameras from three other properties that use various other types of cameras (HikVision, Axis protocol). Recommendation: If you are sick and tired checking on the availability of the Unifi ViewPort PoE on a daily basis (and no doubt tired of the dissappointment), this device is a viable option. Do yourself a favor and order a power adapter (see above for specs) so you don't go through the hassle that I did in troubleshooting the PoE issue. Once you are connected and doing the configuration, use a tool such as an OnVIF configurator (I am using IP Cams on my Mac; and OnVIF Device Manager on my virtual Windows machine) to get the configurations for each camera nailed down, then use the onboard configuration tool to input each camera and configure the video layout. Once this is up and running, you likely won't have to mess with anything on the system until you add, modify, or remove devices from your security infrastructure. Good luck and be patient.