Blue Iris 6 transforms your Windows PC into a professional-grade video security system, offering granular control over your surveillance network without the recurring monthly fees of cloud-based alternatives. This video management software (VMS) serves as a central hub for up to 128 cameras, compatible with thousands of IP camera models, webcams, and even analog capture cards. With the release of version 6 in December 2025, the developer has integrated native AI processing directly into the core application, eliminating the need for third-party tools to distinguish between people, vehicles, and pets.
Key Features
- Integral AI Services: The latest v6 engine processes alerts locally using built-in computer vision to accurately identify people, cars, and wildlife, significantly reducing false alarms caused by wind or shadows without requiring external plugins.
- Remote Access (UI3): A built-in web server provides a sophisticated interface for viewing live feeds and recordings from any web browser on any device, now secured with native HTTPS/SSL support for encrypted connections.
- High-Performance Recording: Blue Iris utilizes Direct-to-Disc technology and hardware acceleration (Intel QuickSync and NVIDIA NVENC) to record high-resolution footage efficiently while minimizing CPU usage.
- Advanced Alerting System: Users can configure complex trigger rules that send instant notifications via push messages, email, SMS, or automated voice calls when specific motion or audio events occur.
- Expanded Camera Support: The software now handles up to 128 simultaneous camera streams, making it scalable for larger properties or businesses that need extensive coverage.
- Timeline Playback: A visual timeline allows you to scrub through hours of footage instantly, with color-coded markers highlighting triggered events for rapid review.
Use Cases
This solution is ideal for privacy-conscious homeowners who prefer storing footage locally on their own hard drives rather than in the cloud. It also suits small to medium-sized business owners who need a cost-effective, scalable Network Video Recorder (NVR) capable of managing dozens of mixed-brand cameras from a single Windows 11 interface.
Blue Iris remains the gold standard for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike who demand total ownership of their security data and professional-level customization tools.
Version 6.0.0.1 — December 2025
Added:
- Native HTTPS/SSL support built-in (replaces Stunnel dependency)
- Support for up to 128 cameras (increased from 64)
- Support for Sonoff (eWeLink) DIY switches for home automation control
- Native H.264 streaming support between linked Blue Iris systems
- Digest authentication option for enhanced security
- Support for SysLog log output
Improved:
- User Interface updated with 'dark mode' aesthetic and Windows 11 font rendering
- Database format updated to Version 6 for better robustness and backup efficiency
- Camera auto-cycle algorithm optimized for smoother viewing
- Hardware assisted video decoding/encoding (Intel QVS/OneVPL, Nvidia NVENC) moved out of beta
