Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You may place an order by phone during our normal business hours. Our team can answer product questions, verify compatibility, recommend appropriate equipment for your project, and assist you with completing your order.

Absolutely. We encourage customers with larger projects or specialized requirements to request a quotation before ordering. Our team can review your project, recommend compatible equipment, and provide a customized quotation based on your application, budget, and project requirements.

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Yes. Volume pricing may be available for qualified commercial, government, educational, contractor, dealer, and reseller purchases. Please contact NSI Security with your project details so we can prepare a customized quotation.

No. Product availability varies by item. Many popular products are stocked in our warehouse or through our distribution network, while certain enterprise systems, specialty equipment, and custom-configured products may be available by special order only.

Inventory availability and lead times are subject to change without notice. If you need equipment by a specific date, we recommend contacting NSI Security before placing your order.

Orders may only be canceled before they have entered processing, fulfillment, or shipment.

Once an order has shipped, it cannot be canceled and will be subject to our Return & Refund Policy.

Special-order, custom-configured, and manufacturer-direct products cannot be canceled once the order has been placed.

If you need to request an order cancellation, please contact NSI Security immediately. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request when possible.

Yes. NSI Security can help you select the right equipment based on your project requirements.

Whether you are protecting a home, business, warehouse, apartment complex, office, retail store, school, or industrial facility, we can recommend compatible cameras, network video recorders (NVRs), hard drives, PoE switches, wireless bridges, mounts, accessories, and other components.

To receive the most accurate recommendation, please provide as much information as possible, including:

• Project type and location
• Number of cameras required
• Indoor and/or outdoor installation
• Approximate viewing distances
• Desired recording retention period
• Existing equipment or network, if applicable
• Special requirements such as AI analytics, License Plate Recognition (LPR), facial recognition, or full-color night vision

Our goal is to recommend a solution that best fits your operational needs, budget, and future expansion plans.

If you are unsure whether a product is suitable for your application, please contact NSI Security before placing your order. Our team can review your project requirements and help determine whether the product meets your needs.

Because every installation environment is different, factors such as mounting location, lighting conditions, viewing distance, network infrastructure, recording requirements, and environmental conditions should all be considered when selecting surveillance equipment.

Currently, NSI Security ships to addresses within the United States. If you are located outside the U.S. and are interested in our products, please contact us before placing your order to discuss available options.

If you are upgrading or expanding an existing surveillance system, please provide the manufacturer, model numbers, firmware versions when available, and other relevant system information. Our team can help evaluate compatibility and recommend suitable products.

Compatibility cannot be guaranteed in every third-party environment because functionality may depend on ONVIF support, firmware, codecs, resolution, frame rate, stream settings, network configuration, and the capabilities of the existing recorder or camera.

Yes. NSI Security welcomes contractors, installers, system integrators, dealers, IT professionals, and commercial customers. We offer professional-grade security, surveillance, and networking products for projects of all sizes. Volume pricing may be available for qualifying purchases.

Yes. Many accessories, including junction boxes, wall mounts, pole mounts, hard drives, power supplies, and other compatible components, are available separately. If you are unsure which accessory fits your equipment, please contact NSI Security before placing your order.

Not always. Package contents vary by manufacturer and product model. While many products include basic mounting hardware, additional items such as junction boxes, wall mounts, pole mounts, network cables, hard drives, PoE switches, power supplies, or other accessories may be required depending on your installation.

Please review the product description carefully or contact NSI Security if you need assistance selecting compatible accessories.

Yes. Many customers purchase equipment in advance for future projects. Please note that the applicable warranty period begins on the date the product is delivered by the shipping carrier, not the installation date. We recommend inspecting and testing your equipment promptly after delivery to confirm that everything is functioning properly.

The right camera depends on the area you want to cover, lighting condition, mounting height, distance, viewing angle, and whether you need audio, AI detection, license plate recognition, or full-color night vision. For general coverage, a fixed 2.8mm turret or bullet camera is common. For longer distance or adjustable views, a motorized varifocal camera may be better.

Turret cameras are popular for general indoor and outdoor use because they are easy to aim and usually reduce IR reflection. Dome cameras provide a cleaner low-profile appearance and are often used indoors or in areas where vandal resistance is important. Bullet cameras are easy to point and are often used for outdoor walls, driveways, gates, parking areas, and long-distance views.

Most cameras include basic mounting screws, but junction boxes, wall mounts, pole mounts, corner mounts, and pendant mounts are usually sold separately. Always confirm the correct accessory model before ordering because compatibility can vary by camera model and production version.

Yes. You can send your camera count, project type, existing equipment, desired recording days, and installation environment. NSI Security can help recommend cameras, NVRs, hard drives, PoE switches, mounts, junction boxes, and accessories based on your project needs.

Many third-party IP cameras may work through ONVIF or RTSP, but they may not work plug-and-play. Some features such as smart analytics, audio, motion events, two-way audio, LPR, and advanced settings may not fully work unless the camera and recorder are compatible. Extra configuration may be required.

In many cases, UNV IP cameras work plug-and-play with compatible UNV PoE NVRs. The camera can often be detected and added automatically when connected to the built-in PoE ports. Compatibility still depends on firmware, model, camera type, and recorder capacity.

Yes, but you need the correct recorder. A DVR / XVR is used for analog coax cameras and may also support some IP channels. A standard NVR is used for IP cameras. If you are mixing analog and IP cameras, confirm the recorder model, BNC channel count, IP channel support, resolution limits, and storage capacity before ordering.

ONVIF is a compatibility standard that allows many IP cameras and recorders from different brands to communicate. However, ONVIF does not guarantee every advanced feature will work. Basic live view and recording may work, while smart events, audio, PTZ, or special analytics may need extra configuration or may not be supported.

Choose the NVR based on your camera count, resolution, storage needs, AI requirements, PoE requirements, bandwidth, and future expansion. Common recorder sizes include 8-channel, 16-channel, 32-channel, 64-channel, 128-channel, and larger enterprise models. It is usually better to leave extra channels available for future cameras.

A PoE NVR has built-in PoE ports that can power compatible IP cameras directly from the recorder. A non-PoE NVR does not power cameras directly and requires an external PoE switch or injector. Non-PoE NVRs are often used for larger or more flexible network designs.

Storage depends on camera count, resolution, bitrate, frame rate, recording schedule, compression, scene activity, and desired retention days. For a rough estimate, use the NSI Storage Calculator page. Always add extra storage headroom because actual recording time can vary.

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Recording time may be shorter if the cameras use higher bitrate, higher frame rate, higher resolution, constant recording, high-motion scenes, or less efficient compression. Some usable HDD capacity is also lower than the advertised drive size. Adjusting bitrate, using H.265 / Ultra 265, or using event recording may improve retention.

Time mismatch can happen because of wrong time zone, daylight saving time setting, NTP server issue, manually added IP cameras, or camera time not syncing with the recorder. For best results, set the correct time zone, enable DST if needed, use a reliable NTP server such as pool.ntp.org, and confirm UDP port 123 is allowed. Accurate time is important for live view, playback, evidence, and event search.

For many UNV / Uniview systems, the EZView mobile app is used for remote viewing. Setup may require the recorder to be connected to the internet, correct network settings, and EZCloud/P2P enabled on the recorder.

EZCloud offline can be caused by no internet connection, wrong gateway, DNS issue, firewall/router restriction, disabled P2P/EZCloud setting, bad Ethernet cable, or incorrect network configuration. If cameras are connected but channels show wrong password or offline, the recorder may also need the correct camera password or channel settings updated.

Not always. Many systems can use cloud/P2P remote viewing without a static IP. A static IP may be helpful for certain professional setups, direct remote access, port forwarding, VPN, or business network requirements.

Check the internet upload speed at the camera/NVR location, mobile signal, number of cameras being viewed, main stream/sub-stream settings, bitrate, recorder bandwidth, router/firewall settings, and network stability. Using sub-stream for mobile viewing can help improve performance.

Yes. NSI Security provides product guidance and basic remote technical support for equipment purchased from NSI Security. For support, call 856-317-0600 during normal business hours. Basic troubleshooting may be handled by our office team, while advanced issues may require additional review or manufacturer assistance.

No. NSI Security is a professional security, surveillance, and networking technology distributor. We do not provide installation services.

Our scope of business includes supplying professional security equipment, product recommendations, system design assistance, pre-build configuration services when available, and basic product technical support.

We do not perform:

• On-site equipment installation
• Low-voltage cable installation or wiring
• Camera mounting
• Router, firewall, or network programming
• Electrical work
• Construction, drilling, or trenching
• On-site system commissioning or maintenance

Customers are responsible for arranging installation with a qualified installer or contractor. We recommend working with a properly qualified or licensed professional in your local area when required.

Yes. For qualifying projects, NSI Security offers optional pre-build and system configuration services before your equipment ships.

Depending on your project requirements, these services may include:

• Installing and testing hard drives (HDDs)
• Updating firmware when applicable
• Adding cameras to the recorder
• Assigning camera names and basic IP addressing
• Configuring recording schedules and basic system settings
• Basic functional testing before shipment
• Equipment labeling and documentation

These services are performed before shipment and do not include on-site installation, wiring, mounting, router or firewall programming, or system commissioning at the customer’s location.

Pre-build and configuration services may not be available for every order. Please contact NSI Security before placing your order to discuss your project requirements.

Learn About Pre-Build Configuration →

No. NSI Security does not provide on-site technical support, field service, or repair visits.

We provide product guidance, system planning assistance, pre-sales support, pre-build configuration services when available, and basic remote technical support for products purchased from NSI Security.

If on-site troubleshooting, equipment replacement, cable repairs, network diagnostics, or installation services are required, customers should contact a qualified installer or service provider in their area.

TeamViewer may be used for remote computer support when requested by NSI Security. Do not provide remote access unless you are working directly with NSI Security support and understand what is being accessed.

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Standard Ethernet runs are typically limited to approximately 100 meters or 328 feet. Longer distances may require PoE extenders, intermediate switches, fiber-optic cabling, or a point-to-point wireless bridge depending on the site. Long-distance projects should be planned carefully before equipment is ordered.

Shipping time depends on product availability, warehouse location, order size, and shipping method. Some products may ship from U.S. warehouse stock, while special-order items may require additional lead time.

Return eligibility depends on NSI Security’s return policy, product condition, RMA approval, return window, and whether the item is special order, installed, modified, or opened. Some items cannot be canceled, returned, or refunded once the order is placed.

View Refund Policy →

Warranty coverage varies depending on the product. The applicable warranty period is listed in the product description on each product page.

The warranty period begins on the date the product is delivered to you by the shipping carrier, as confirmed by the carrier’s delivery records.

If you have questions about warranty coverage before placing your order, please contact NSI Security for assistance.

The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship that occur during normal use of the product. This includes products that become defective, malfunction, or stop operating properly under normal operating conditions without being caused by external factors or improper handling.

Example: A properly installed camera or NVR suddenly stops working, fails to power on, or begins operating abnormally during normal use without evidence of physical damage, misuse, power surge, lightning, water intrusion, or improper installation. In these situations, the product may qualify for warranty service, subject to the manufacturer’s warranty terms and inspection.

Warranty coverage does not include damage caused by improper installation, misuse, abuse, accidents, power surges, lightning, water damage, vandalism, unauthorized repairs or modifications, or other external causes.

The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover damage or product failures caused by improper installation, misuse, accidents, unauthorized modifications, environmental conditions, or other external factors. Warranty claims may be denied if inspection determines the failure was not caused by a manufacturing defect.

• Power-related damage: Damage caused by faulty electrical service, incorrect voltage, power surges, lightning strikes, or inadequate surge protection.
• Acts of God: Damage resulting from natural disasters or severe weather, including lightning, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fire, or other uncontrollable events.
• Accidental or intentional damage: Physical damage caused by dropping, impact, vandalism, theft, abuse, negligence, or other external causes.
• Improper installation: Damage caused by incorrect installation, improper weatherproofing, water intrusion, poor cable management, improperly terminated RJ45 connectors, bent or damaged Ethernet pins, corroded connectors, or failure to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.
• Customer misuse: Using products outside their intended application, such as installing an indoor camera outdoors, operating equipment outside specified environmental limits, or installing unauthorized or incorrect firmware that causes the product to malfunction or become inoperable.
• Unauthorized modifications: Altering the product by cutting connectors, drilling holes, modifying internal components, or making other physical changes not approved by the manufacturer. Cosmetic painting does not automatically void the warranty, provided it does not interfere with normal operation, cooling, or performance.

If you are unsure whether your issue may be covered under warranty, please contact NSI Security before returning your product.

Once your warranty product has been received by NSI Security, your RMA will typically be processed within 1–3 business days. Our technical support team will inspect and evaluate the product to determine whether it qualifies for warranty repair, replacement, or another resolution in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty policy.

If the warranty claim is approved, a repaired or replacement product will typically ship within one business day after processing.

If the same product is unavailable, discontinued, or out of stock, NSI Security reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to issue a full refund in lieu of a replacement.

Turnaround times may vary depending on product availability, manufacturer processing, shipping transit times, holidays, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Once your returned product has been received and inspected by NSI Security, refunds are typically processed within 1–3 business days. If the return is approved, your refund will be issued to the original payment method used for the purchase.

Your financial institution or credit card provider may require additional time to post the refund after it has been processed.

Refunds apply only to the purchase price of the returned product. Original shipping charges, expedited shipping fees, and other non-refundable service charges are not refundable unless the return is the result of an error by NSI Security or otherwise required by applicable law.

View Return & Refund Policy →

No. Special-order products are non-cancelable, non-returnable, and non-refundable once the order has been placed. These items are ordered specifically for your project from the manufacturer or supplier and are not regularly stocked by NSI Security.

Examples may include, but are not limited to, 128-channel NVRs, enterprise servers, large-capacity storage systems, custom-configured equipment, and other manufacturer special-order items.

If a special-order product is found to be defective, it may be eligible for repair or replacement under the applicable manufacturer’s warranty. Warranty coverage does not make the product eligible for a refund.

If you are unsure whether a product is considered a special-order item, please contact NSI Security before placing your order.

Yes. An RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number is required before returning any product to NSI Security.

Returns received without an authorized RMA number may be refused, delayed, or returned to the sender. Before shipping any product back, please contact NSI Security to obtain an RMA number and return instructions.

Please package your return securely and clearly write the assigned RMA number on the outside of the shipping carton. Do not write directly on the manufacturer’s retail packaging.

View Return & Refund Policy →

Yes. Products must have the original manufacturer’s serial number label intact, legible, and unaltered to qualify for warranty service.

Products with missing, removed, altered, defaced, or unreadable serial number labels may not be eligible for warranty coverage.

To help verify warranty eligibility and protect against fraudulent claims, NSI Security records the serial number of every product before shipment. The serial number on the returned product must match our shipping records.

If you have questions regarding your product’s warranty eligibility, please contact NSI Security before returning your product.

To help ensure your return is processed quickly and to prevent shipping damage, please follow these packaging guidelines:

• Use a sturdy outer shipping carton. Do not attach shipping labels or tape directly to the manufacturer’s retail box.
• Package the product securely using appropriate packing materials, such as bubble wrap or protective cushioning, to prevent damage during transit.
• Include all accessories, power supplies, mounting hardware, manuals, and other original components when requested or when returning a complete product.
• Remove or completely cover any old shipping labels or barcodes from the outside of the shipping carton.
• Clearly write the authorized RMA number on the outside of the shipping carton, if instructed by NSI Security.

Products damaged during return shipping due to insufficient or improper packaging may not qualify for a full refund or warranty replacement. Customers are responsible for ensuring returned products are packaged safely and securely for transit.

You may use any reputable shipping carrier that provides tracking. For high-value products, NSI Security strongly recommends purchasing shipping insurance and requesting signature confirmation for your protection.

Customers are responsible for all return shipping costs unless the return is the result of an error by NSI Security or is otherwise covered under our Return & Refund Policy.

The customer is responsible for the product until it has been delivered to and received by NSI Security. We are not responsible for packages that are lost, stolen, delayed, misdelivered, or damaged during return transit.

Please retain your tracking number and shipping receipt until your return has been fully processed.

Yes. Please keep your tracking number and shipping receipt until your return, warranty claim, or refund has been completed.

Your tracking information serves as proof that the package was shipped and delivered. If there is a shipping delay or carrier issue, NSI Security may request your tracking information to assist with locating your return.