Why local storage matters for security

Most consumer security cameras ship with a cloud subscription model: footage is uploaded to a vendor server, and you pay monthly for storage. When the subscription lapses, the camera stops recording. When the company changes its terms or goes out of business, your setup breaks. More practically: in an apartment with 50 Mbps upload, streaming four 2K cameras continuously to the cloud leaves almost nothing for other traffic.

A local NVR (network video recorder) or a simple NAS with Frigate running on it records everything on-premises. Alerts still work — they just go through your hub (Home Assistant, for example) rather than through a third-party server.

Smart electronic door lock with keypad

IP cameras with ONVIF

ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is an industry standard that lets cameras communicate with recorders and software from different manufacturers. Any camera advertising ONVIF Profile S support can connect to Home Assistant's camera integration, Frigate NVR, or Synology Surveillance Station.

What to look for when buying

  • ONVIF Profile S support — explicitly listed in specs, not just "smart home compatible"
  • RTSP stream — direct access to the video stream without going through an app
  • PoE (Power over Ethernet) — for outdoor/fixed indoor cameras; eliminates separate power cables
  • H.265 encoding — roughly half the storage footprint of H.264 at the same quality
  • No mandatory account requirement — some cameras refuse to function without cloud registration even when used locally
Brands that work well locally (2025): Reolink (ONVIF, RTSP, optional cloud), Amcrest, Dahua IPC series. Avoid: Amazon Ring (no RTSP, cloud-only), Wyze (blocks RTSP on cheaper models without subscription).

Local NVR: Frigate vs Synology

The two most common local recording setups for home users:

Option Hardware needed Cost estimate HA integration AI detection
Frigate NVR Any Linux server / RPi 5 + USB Coral TPU 3000–5000 CZK hardware Native add-on Persons, cars, animals
Synology Surveillance Station Synology NAS (DS223j+) 8000–12000 CZK Via ONVIF in HA With paid DeepStack
Blue Iris (Windows) Windows PC always-on 2000 CZK software + PC Via API Plugin-based

For most users, Frigate running as a Home Assistant add-on on a mini-PC (like an Intel N100 NUC-style box) is the most practical starting point. The Coral USB Accelerator (around 1500 CZK) enables real-time person detection at low CPU load.

Smart locks: what works in Czech door standards

Czech apartments commonly use euro-profile cylinders (DIN 18252), which is the standard for most of Western and Central Europe. Smart lock options for this profile:

  • Nuki Smart Lock Pro (4th gen) — fits over the existing cylinder inside the door, doesn't require replacing the lock. Z-Wave and Zigbee bridge available. Around 7000 CZK.
  • Danalock V3 Z-Wave — Z-Wave, works with HA directly. Replaceable cylinder version available. Around 4500 CZK.
  • Yale Linus Smart Lock — Matter support in newer firmware. Requires compatible cylinder.
Important for renters: The Nuki Smart Lock attaches to the interior knob without replacing the cylinder. It's completely reversible and doesn't require landlord permission in most cases. Danalock and Yale cylinder replacements require the landlord's approval.

Door and window sensors

Zigbee door/window sensors are the most cost-effective security component in any setup. At 200–400 CZK per sensor, you can cover every opening point in a two-bedroom apartment for under 3000 CZK.

The SONOS SNZB-04P (Zigbee, 350 CZK) and Aqara Door & Window Sensor D1 (Zigbee, 400 CZK) both pair directly with Home Assistant via ZHA and report open/close state within 300–500ms — fast enough to trigger an alarm sequence before a door is fully opened.

Sources & references