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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Purchasing a security camera system is a big decision, and we know you probably have plenty of questions.

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Lorex FAQ

Learn more about our brand and other general questions regarding our company.

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Products FAQ

Common questions about our security cameras, recorders, and accessories.

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Technology FAQ

Find answers about the kinds of technologies used within our security products.

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Apps FAQ

Answers regarding our apps or software for mobile devices or computers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lorex

What is Lorex known for?

Lorex has been selling security cameras for almost 25 years and is one of the most trusted names in the home security camera system industry. We are known worldwide for our top-quality security products, ease-of-installation, and affordable prices. Favorable customer reviews from our website and other retailers indicate that our security systems are both reliable and user-friendly. Our mobile-friendly website is also considered to be a leader in our category. It offers a vast array of individual products and accessories, as well as pre-assembled security camera systems.

Where is Lorex located?

Lorex has head offices in Markham, Ontario, Canada and in Linthicum, Maryland, USA. We also have product warehouses in Markham, Indiana and California.

Lorex Technology Inc.
250 Royal Crest Court
Markham, ON
L3R 3S1

Lorex Corporation
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway
Suite 300
Columbia, MD
21044

Where can I purchase Lorex products?

Lorex sells products through our website and through brick and mortar retail stores such as Costco, Sam's Club, and BestBuy. Lorex products are also sold in over 10,000 retail stores across North America, South America, and the UK.

Why choose Lorex Security Cameras?

Lorex security cameras use cutting-edge technology to ensure high-quality recordings and long-range night vision capabilities. They are also fully weatherproof and vandal-resistant for year-round protection. The vast majority of our cameras feature 4K image sensors, wide angle lenses, digital noise reduction, and WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) imaging to provide customers with useful evidence should an incident occur on your property. We also offer plenty of specialty security cameras like PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom), IK10 vandal-proof, and audio cameras to suit individual customer needs.

Where to install security cameras?

It is always a good idea to monitor the main entrances of your property. You may also want to monitor any side doors or large first floor windows that an intruder could gain access through. Other locations are up to you! These could include garages, basements, or any areas where objects of value are located, such as a safe. When installing security cameras, Lorex always recommends placing cameras up high. This provides a wider field of view and protects them from being easily tampered with.

How long does it take to receive my Lorex order?

The delivery time of our standard shipping process averages between 5 to 8 business days. Expedited options are available for a faster shipping time. All orders are shipped by UPS. "In stock" items will typically be shipped within one business day. Items on back order may take additional time to ship.

How much is shipping?

Lorex offers free shipping on orders over $100. For all expedited mail services, the cost will be calculated upon entering your country, city and postal / zip code.

Where can I find the model and serial numbers?

Every Lorex security camera and recorder will have a model number and a serial number. These are typically found on the reverse side of the recorder or security camera. DVR / NVR serial numbers will be displayed either above or below the barcode, starting with M/N:*****. Likewise, the model number of each security camera will be displayed as Model No:*****.

Do Lorex systems come with a warranty?

Every Lorex product can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Every product also includes a one-year warranty. This warranty covers both defective products and parts. If your product is deemed defective by us, you will be eligible to receive a replacement of the product (or a similar upgraded product).

What is Lorex’s response to the NDAA?

Lorex products are designed for consumer and business use only and not for US federal governments, federally-funded projects or contractors subject to NDAA.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lorex Products

What is the difference between NVR and DVRs?

Digital Video Recorders (DVR) are analog while Network Video Recorders (NVR) are digital. For the most part, DVRs and NVRs provide you with the same functions, such as recording, motion detection, data storage, and remote connectivity. But there are fundamental differences, as well. For instance, the way that security cameras are connected and how the recorders receive incoming video. DVRs, for example, receive footage from analog security cameras over RG59 siamese BNC cables. The DVR then encodes the footage and stores it to the hard drive. NVRs, on the other hand, receive footage that is already encoded and compressed by Digital IP security cameras over Cat5e Ethernet cables.

How many cameras can I connect to my DVR / NVR?

The amount of cameras you can connect to your DVR or NVR depends on the number of available channels. A 16 channel DVR can connect up to 16 cameras, for example. DVR models typically come in 4, 8, and 16 channel models, while NVR's typically come in 8, 16, and 32 channel models.

Is there a fee for the firmware update?

No, all firmware updates are free of charge.

How do I update the firmware on my DVR/NVR?

You will be required to update your DVR or NVR to the latest available firmware upon system start-up. This is required to enable remote viewing of your system (you will also need to upgrade your client software or mobile apps). When notified after start-up, you will be prompted to upgrade the firmware. Click OK, and enter your system user name (default: admin) and password (default: 000000). The system will then restart once the upgrade has been installed. After this initial set-up, firmware upgrades will automatically be installed as long as your DVR or NVR is connected to the internet.

Can I connect a Lorex System to my TV or Monitor?

Yes. All of our DVRs and NVRs come with both VGA and HDMI video outputs. This allows you to connect your system to your HD TV or virtually any other type of monitor. You can also use both of these outputs simultaneously to view your cameras on two different monitors or TVs.

What are the differences between MPX and IP cameras?

The foremost difference between MPX and IP cameras can be found in the way that they compress video data. MPX cameras capture the raw video data, convert it to digital for processing, then convert it back to analog to send it over BNC coaxial cables to the DVR. The DVR will then compress the data before storing it to the hard drive. Digital IP cameras, on the other hand, are more like little computers themselves. They will first convert the original analog video data to digital for processing. They will then encode the footage themselves (using H.264 or H.265 encoding) and ultimately send the data over Cat5e Ethernet cables back to the NVR for storage.

Are Lorex cameras weatherproof?

The vast majority of Lorex security cameras come with either an IP66 or IP67 weatherproof rating. This IP (Ingress Protection) rating uses a two-digit code to indicates how resistant the equipment is to dust and liquids. Lorex cameras with these ratings are completely protected from dust and can withstand low pressure jets of water from all directions. This ensures safe outdoor use in virtually all climates and atmospheres.

Are Lorex security cameras vandal proof?

Yes, and no. Some Lorex cameras come with an IK10 vandal proof rating, which ensures they can withstand violent impacts. These cameras usually come with heavy-duty metal exteriors and are ideal for lower "within-reach" installations. The majority of Lorex cameras do not come with this rating, however. This is not to say that are totally vulnerable to vandalism though. They all come with durable exteriors and use vandal-resistant designs to protect their cables.

Do Lorex cameras have audio capabilities?

Select camera models include a built-in microphone that will capture the sounds around the camera. This can be a very handy feature that can add additional evidence (such as voices) and a greater ability to detect and interpret events, even if they occur off-screen. Audio monitoring is not always legal in all areas, so before committing to an audio camera, please ensure you are not breaking any local privacy laws. Lorex assumes no liability for use of its products that does not conform with local laws.

How do I power security cameras?

MPX, IP, wireless, and wire-free security cameras are all powered in different ways. All Lorex MPX security cameras include a Siamese RG59 BNC cable. This cable splits into two ends, one for video and one for power. This allows you to plug the camera in near the DVR, rather than an outlet near the camera itself. IP cameras do not need to be plugged in close to the camera either. They receive their power over the Ethernet cable that is connected to the NVR. This is thanks to Power-over-Ethernet technology. Wireless cameras, on the other hand, are required to be plugged into a nearby power outlet (the wireless aspect of wireless cameras takes place between the camera and DVR). Wire-Free cameras are simply powered by rechargeable battery Power Packs. Wire-Free cameras can also be plugged in to ensure constant power.

Are the provided cables in-wall rated?

Yes. The RG59 siamese BNC cables and Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables that Lorex provides are both in-wall rated and fire resistant. Some of our cables also meet the standards for CMR (Riser) cabling. This means that they can be used between floors, so long as these areas do not circulate environmental air for heating or conditioning systems. Our cables also pass a vertical burn test that ensures flames will not travel along the cable in the case of a fire.

Are Lorex wireless cameras secure?

Yes. Each wireless camera sold by Lorex will include a specific wireless receiver. This ensures a secure pairing that only you can access. They also use FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) or DSSS (Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum) technology to generate a channel hopping sequence created by the receiver that only the camera can follow through the "pairing" function.

What is the difference between wireless and wire-free?

Wireless cameras are not completely wireless. They still require a power source, which means that they must be plugged in. The wireless aspect takes place between the wireless receiver attached to the DVR and the camera itself. Wire-free security cameras, on the other hand, run on batteries (or solar power), which means they do not need to be plugged in. These cameras typically only turn on if motion is detected. Without a constant power supply, however, wire-free cameras will not provide 24/7 surveillance and will have trouble in high traffic areas since the constant motion will quickly drain the batteries.

How do I connect wireless security cameras?

Wireless security cameras include a wireless adapter that attaches to the BNC ports on the reverse side of the DVR. Once both the wireless camera and the receiver are powered up, press the "pair" button on the receiver. Then press the "pair" button on the camera within 30 seconds. The video from the wireless camera should then appear for you to monitor. Some wireless cameras also include a weatherproof wireless adapter. This means that you can run a 60ft BNC cable to the wireless receiver, which can be installed on the exterior of your house. This will mean the wireless signal will bypass cement walls and other materials that can diminish the signal and will ultimately extend the maximum distance of your wireless camera.

How are Lorex wireless cameras powered?

Wireless security cameras from Lorex will need to be plugged in to an electrical socket for power. Of course, this means that wireless cameras are not fully wireless. The wireless part of our wireless cameras takes place between the camera and the wireless receiver attached to the DVR.

Do wireless cameras have night vision?

Yes. The night vision ranges of Lorex wireless cameras are similar to our wired cameras. This is because our wireless cameras receive enough power to operate the infrared lights.

What are the best locations for wireless cameras?

Wireless security cameras are ideal for locations that it might otherwise be difficult to run cables too, such as detached buildings, high-up placements, or a distant area of your property. Wireless cameras can also be an easy indoor solution to monitor your important entrances or your home office.

How far away can I install a wireless security camera?

Wireless security cameras from Lorex use high gain antennas that can transmit video to a receiver up to 500ft / 137m away with a clear line-of-site. The indoor range is usually much shorter (usually around 165ft / 50m), since the wireless signal will most likely have to pass through walls and other building materials to reach the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lorex Technology

How do I install security cameras?

Installation depends on what type of security camera system it is. Lorex offers four different types of systems - Digital IP, Analog MPX, Wireless, and Wire-Free. Digital IP security systems use a single Cat5e Ethernet cable to connect the NVR (Network Video Recorder) and security camera up to 300ft. This cable provides video transmission and power to the camera thanks to Power-over-Ethernet technology. MPX systems, on the other hand, use RG59 Siamese BNC cables. This type of cable splits into two ends, one for video and one for power. To connect this cable, you will have to connect one end of the cable to the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and the other to the included power adapter (which can be plugged in beside the DVR). You can then run the single Siamese cable to the MPX security camera. Wireless cameras also use a DVR. They are installed by attaching the wireless transmitter to the BNC ports on the back of the DVR. Wire-Free cameras typically come pre-paired with the DVR. If not, you will have to pair the camera through the mobile app.

How far away can I install security cameras?

The distance that a security camera can be installed from the DVR or NVR varies. The Siamese BNC cables used with analog DVR systems can be used up to 300ft. This set-up allows you to plug your MPX cameras in close to the DVR, since power for the camera is carried over the Siamese cable. For cameras over that distance, you can still run a BNC cable up to 800ft, but the camera will need to be plugged in near the camera. It is possible to extend this video range further, but you may start to encounter some signal degradation. Similarly, IP cameras can be installed up to 300ft away from the NVR. For more distance, you will need to purchase a PoE switch, which can extend the range another 300ft. The distance for wireless security cameras and their DVR or wireless transmitter isn't as strict as MPX and IP cameras. Factors such as building materials and the amount of other devices using the same wireless frequency (WiFi routers, cordless phone systems, etc.) can affect the strength of the signal significantly. As a general guideline, we state that in ideal conditions (outdoors, with a clear line-of-site) the maximum wireless range of wireless security cameras is 500ft. Indoors, on the other hand, is much less (around 165ft), since the signal will have to pass through walls and other materials. If more distance is needed (especially outdoors) Lorex offers range extending antennas that can boost the signal up to 800ft.

What does PTZ stand for?

PTZ stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom. PTZ cameras come with the ability to look in virtually any direction and zoom in or out. These cameras typically have a 355° rotation, 90° tilt range, and rapid 100° per second panning speed. An important feature of PTZ cameras is the ability to be programmed with extensive monitoring tours. This means that you can manually program the camera to automatically cycle between one important area to another, including zooms. Some models even come with already programmed preset tours that will continuously move from location to location for maximum coverage. You can also manually adjust the field of view of PTZ cameras at any time from any connected smart device or the DVR / NVR PTZ settings.

What determines video resolution?

The resolution of each camera is determined by the size of the image sensor. These sensors are classified by their number of megapixels (approximately one million pixels). For example, a 1080p security camera will typically use a 2MP image sensor (1920 x 1080 = 2 million pixels). 2K cameras are a little trickier. Since they are defined as having approximately 2000 horizontal pixels, 2K cameras can use either 3MP, 4MP, or 5MP image sensors. The video quality between a 3MP and 5MP image sensor is quite drastic though, even if they are both classified as 2K. Following suit, a 4K camera will have an 8MP image sensor at its core (3840 x 2160 = 8 million pixels).

What kind of lenses do security cameras use?

There is no standard lens for our security cameras. Some varieties of security cameras will use one type of lens, while another variety will use a completely different type. In general, lenses can be classified as either fixed or varifocal. Fixed lenses cannot change their field of view while varifocal lenses allow for field of view adjustments within a range. A further important distinction between different types of lenses is the focal length. The focal length (measured in mm) determines the field of view. A shorter focal length will have a wider field of view while a longer focal length will appear more narrow and zoomed in. For example, our ultra-wide security camera uses a 2.6mm fixed lens. On the other hand, our motorized varifocal cameras can adjust their field of view anywhere between 2.8mm (wide) and 12mm (narrow). This allows you to choose either a wide angle view, which will let you see most of the scene in front of the camera, or a narrow, zoomed in view of one area in particular (like a cash register).

What does HDR stand for?

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. The purpose of HDR technology is to compensate for high contrast lighting issues (i.e. really bright areas and really dark areas in the same scene). The difference between the brightest section and the darkest section of the scene is referred to as the dynamic range. Cameras with this feature use a special HDR software to help balance these differences. A typical example of when this technology is especially useful can be usually found when using a security camera indoors. On one hand, the inside of the building will be appropriately exposed, but on the other hand, a window in the background will be completely over-exposed (or vice-versa - the camera will be able to see slight details outside, but the interior will be too dark). The HDR feature will try to compensate for this to allow for some visual details outside without affecting the interior lighting. It does this by creating different exposures - over-exposed and under-exposed. It will then combine these exposures to balance the lighting in both areas.

What is Video Motion Detection?

Lorex DVRs (for MPX cameras) and IP cameras both come with advanced Video Motion Detection (VMD) abilities that can spot any movement caught by your security cameras. By constantly analyzing each and every pixel that is recorded, the DVR or IP camera will know the moment that a group of pixels is suddenly different than before. You can customize the sensitivity of the VMD to suit your needs, so you are only made aware of larger movements, like people, and not moving branches in the wind, for example. You can also set up custom smart grids, which allows you to pick sections of the screen that you want your recorder to watch for movement. If movement is detected, you can program your recorder to send push notifications (or email alerts) with video snapshots to notify you. Our recorders and mobile apps will also keep track of all of these motion events for easy reference.

What does pentaplex operation mean?

Lorex security recorders can do five things simultaneously. First and foremost, they will record footage. At the same time, you can view the live feeds, playback recorded footage, backup important files to a USB stick, and remotely control your system from your smartphone or tablet - all without affecting the live recordings.

How long are security recordings stored for?

The length of time that your recordings will be stored for depends on your system and your settings. The most important factor is the size of the hard drive. Since our recorders are designed to constantly replace the oldest footage with newest footage, the size of the hard drive greatly determines how long recordings will be stored for. Other settings, such as the number of cameras, resolution, and frames-per-second rate, as well as scheduled and motion-triggered recording options, can also extend your recording times.

Can I expand the DVR or NVR hard drive?

Yes. The hard drives within most of our newer DVRs and NVRs can usually be expanded in one way or another. The main things you need to know is how many hard drive bays your recorder has and the maximum amount of storage. This information can be found in the product documentation.

Are recorded videos compressed?

Yes, all of your security footage will be automatically compressed using either H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) or HEVC (H.265) High Efficiency Video Coding. This will save you massive amounts of data and extend your recording times, without losing any noticeable quality in the footage. There is a big difference between the way analog and IP systems will compress footage, however. In analog systems, the video is compressed in the DVR while IP cameras will compress the data themselves before sending the data to the NVR.

What is the difference between H.264 and H.265?

H.264 Advanced Video Coding was a big part in making HD content accessible for television and streaming. It promised identical video quality but at half the bitrate (the amount of data required to encode the video). The main method of H.264 video encoding is called interframe compression. This essentially involves a comparison between previous and future frames to the current frame. If most pixels are virtually the same, then the data from the original frame is intercoded to the new frame. This means that only the pixels that have changed will be stored in the data. H.265 High Efficiency Video Encoding takes the process further by looking within the same frame for similarities (intraframe compression). It also uses more motion prediction modes and a greater intrerframe compression techniques to keep file sizes smaller without losing video quality. In the end, H.265 encoding attempts to do the same thing for 4K and 8K resolutions as H.264 encoding did for 1080p HD - identical video quality but at half the bitrate.

How do I download recorded videos?

You can download video footage to a portable USB drive or an external USB hard drive. After inserting your USB media into the USB port on the DVR or NVR, right click on the live view to bring up the main menu (you may have to log-in at this point). Next, click on the "Backup" menu option. From there, select the channel and start / end time that you would like to backup. A list of files should then appear. Click the files you would like to backup and click start. Your clip(s) will then begin to download onto your USB media.

What files types are video files?

You can choose to save files as either .DAV or .ASF files or .MP4. To view .DAV files, please download the Video Player from www.lorextechnology.com/support. To view .ASF files, please download the free VLC Media Player (not supported by Lorex) from www.videolan.org.

Can I change DVR / NVR recording settings?

Absolutely. There are plenty of customizable options on both DVRs and NVRs. Configure general system options, scheduled and motion recording, network settings, display settings, and motion settings. You can also configure recording settings such as resolution and frames-per-second.

How do security cameras see at night?

Lorex security cameras typically use "Active" night vision technology. This type of night vision works by illuminating the area in front of the camera in invisible infrared light. The infrared light is provided by small infrared LEDs, usually found around the lens of the security camera. The camera, built to be receptive to this IR light, will then see the intensity of the reflected light on the scenery and convert it to a video signal.

What does lux mean?

Lux is a unit of measurement that gages the amount of light that falls on an object. In general, one Lux is equal to the light produced by one candle (one meter away). Most of our security cameras are 0 Lux, which means that they are capable of producing a visible image in total darkness with the help of their infrared LEDs. Without the infrared LEDs, Lorex cameras will still typically be able to produce decent video footage without the help of the infrared LEDs with just 0.1 Lux.

Why is night vision black and white?

Infrared light falls just outside of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is within this visible portion that we see color. Infrared light has a longer wavelength, falling just outside of the visible spectrum (which is also why infrared light is invisible to the human eye). So in low-light situations, the camera cannot detect the visible light wavelength. Rather, it detects the infrared light wavelength, which is not part of the visible spectrum and is thus black and white.

Why is my Color Night Vision in Black and White?

Color night vision cameras need ambient light to produce full color images in the dark. CNV cameras use espeically powerful image sensors that are more sensitive to light. This means that the image sensor can absorb more light, which is how it is able to continue to see color at night. Without any ambient light (under 1 Lux), the security camera will rely entirely on its infrared LEDs, which will turn the footage to black and white.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lorex Apps & Software

Is there a fee for Lorex apps, software or firmware updates?

No, all Lorex apps, software firmware updates are free of charge.

What does Remote Viewing mean?

Remote viewing simply means to watch the live views (or recorded playback) of your security camera system while you are away from your home or place of business. This is typically done by connecting your recorder or camera to one of our innovative apps through a smart phone or tablet. You can also set up remote viewing on your PC or Mac computers.

What security camera systems can I view remotely?

All Lorex security camera systems are designed to allow for quick and easy remote viewing through smart devices or personal computers.

How do I connect my Lorex Security Camera system to mobile app?

Connecting your security camera system to one of our mobile apps is easy. Simply download the app to your smart device, scan the barcode on the top of the DVR / NVR / Device and follow the in-app directions.

What apps are compatible with Lorex security systems?

The app that is compatible with your system depends on the type of system. Please visit our Lorex Apps page or see your product documentation for more details .