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Ubiquiti has released a significant update to its UniFi Protect software, offering a host of new features and improvements. Of particular note is the introduction of support for third-party cameras using the ONVIF standard. This enhancement makes the platform more flexible and opens up new possibilities for users when choosing their security cameras.
Support for ONVIF cameras
The biggest innovation in version 5.0.20 is probably the support for cameras from other providers that use the ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) standard. ONVIF is an open standard that ensures interoperability between IP-based security devices from different manufacturers. With this support, UniFi Protect users can now integrate cameras from different brands and manufacturers into their existing UniFi system.
This is a crucial step that allows users to expand their existing surveillance systems without being tied to the UniFi camera ecosystem. This can reduce costs by continuing to use existing hardware while retaining the ability to access the comprehensive feature set of the UniFi Protect platform.
Further improvements and innovations
In addition to support for ONVIF cameras, the new version 5.0.20 of UniFi Protect brings a number of other improvements and new features:
- Improved user interface: The update introduces an optimized user interface that makes navigation and operation of the software even more intuitive. The new interface is more user-friendly and enables faster access to important functions and settings.
- Performance optimizations: Several backend improvements have been made to increase the overall stability and performance of the application. These optimizations ensure a smoother experience, especially in large installations with many cameras and devices.
- Extended device support: In addition to ONVIF cameras, UniFi Protect 5.0.20 now also supports additional models from its own product range. New firmware updates and drivers have been implemented to ensure improved compatibility and performance.
- Security improvements: Security updates and patches have been integrated to secure the platform against the latest threats. This is a critical addition, especially with regard to the protection of video surveillance data, which is important for all users.
For existing users, it is worth updating to the latest version to take full advantage of the new features and optimizations. New users will find UniFi Protect 5.0.20 an even more versatile and secure platform for video surveillance.
However, reboot loops of the Unifi Protect update have been reported on the Unifi Dream Machines, such as the Unifi Dream Machine Pro and Unifi Dream Machine Pro SE.
UniFi Protect Release 5.0.20 (EA) Changelog:
Improvements
- Added support for the integration of third-party cameras that use the ONVIF protocol.
An ONVIF-supported camera with the feature activated must be integrated into the network.
Go to the Protect settings and activate “Discover third-party cameras”. - Added the option to archive data in Dropbox.
- Added support for device tags.
- Powerful camera grouping function that works platform-wide.
- Memory manager added in the settings.
Choose how long high quality recordings should be stored.
Reducing the retention period for high-quality recordings frees up space for low-quality recordings, allowing you to choose a storage strategy that suits your use case. - Added support for pairing doorbells with multiple doorbells.
- Added ability to restore stacked backups to non-stacked consoles.
- Improved recording service.
More efficient recording engine with higher reliability.
This function reduces the system load and improves the reliability of the console. - Updated firmware for the bundled cameras to version 4.72.32.
Bug fixes
- Fixed an issue that could cause AI event settings to be lost after restoring backups.
- Fixed an issue where users with custom full access rights could not see the settings for paired doorbells.
- Fixed a problem that caused the UP-Sense battery level to always be displayed at 50%.
- Fixed an issue where smart detection events were triggered at the end of the event.
This improves the use of the Alarm Manager and fixes a problem with third-party integrations.
Known problems
- The memory overview in the memory manager may show inaccurate information.
- Impossibility to export/archive low quality recordings if no high quality recordings are available.
- Switching support for third-party cameras may result in your application no longer being available.
