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Welcome to Clone 📹

Clone is a professional camera management platform designed specifically for home lab enthusiasts who already have an NVR (Network Video Recorder) system like Frigate or Shinobi.

🎯 What is Clone?

Clone bridges the gap between your NVR system and your cameras by providing:

  • Centralized Camera Configuration Management - Manage all your camera settings from one place
  • Configuration Drift Detection - Automatically detect when camera settings change
  • Bulk Configuration Changes - Apply settings to multiple cameras simultaneously
  • Brand-Aware Connectors - Native support for Dahua cameras with ONVIF fallback
  • Real-Time Synchronization - Keep your cameras in sync with your desired configuration

✨ Key Features

🔧 Comprehensive Configuration Management

  • Video Settings: Resolution, frame rate, bitrate, codec settings
  • Audio Configuration: Audio codecs, sampling rates, and audio channels
  • Image Quality: Brightness, contrast, saturation, and exposure settings
  • Network Settings: Stream configurations and connectivity options

🎛️ Advanced Camera Control

  • Day/Night Settings: Automatic switching between day and night profiles
  • Exposure Control: Manual and automatic exposure management
  • White Balance: Precise color temperature adjustment
  • Motion Detection: Configure detection zones and sensitivity

🔍 Smart Monitoring & Diagnostics

  • Health Monitoring: Track camera connectivity and performance
  • Configuration Drift: Detect unauthorized changes to camera settings
  • Detailed Logging: Comprehensive logs for troubleshooting
  • Performance Metrics: Monitor camera response times and reliability

🌐 Modern Web Interface

  • Responsive Design: Works seamlessly on desktop, tablet, and mobile
  • Dark Mode Support: Easy on the eyes during late-night monitoring
  • Real-Time Updates: Live status updates via WebSocket connections
  • Intuitive Navigation: User-friendly interface designed for efficiency

🏠 Perfect for Home Labs

Clone is specifically designed for the home lab community:

Works with Your Existing NVR

  • Frigate Integration: Perfect companion to Frigate installations
  • Shinobi Compatible: Works alongside Shinobi setups
  • Generic NVR Support: Compatible with most NVR systems
  • Non-Intrusive: Doesn't interfere with your existing recording setup

Homelab-Friendly Architecture

  • Docker-First: Easy deployment with Docker Compose
  • Lightweight: Minimal resource requirements
  • Self-Hosted: Complete control over your data and privacy
  • SQLite Database: No complex database setup required

Community-Driven Development

  • Open Source: Fully open source with active community involvement
  • Extensible: Plugin architecture for custom camera connectors
  • Well-Documented: Comprehensive documentation and examples
  • Active Support: Community forums and GitHub discussions

🚀 Quick Start

Ready to get started? Here's your path to success:

  1. 📦 Installation - Get Clone up and running in minutes
  2. 🎯 Quick Start Tutorial - Your first camera configuration sync
  3. 📹 Camera Management - Add and configure your cameras
  4. 🔧 Configuration - Advanced configuration options

🤝 Who Uses Clone?

Clone is trusted by home lab enthusiasts who value:

  • Privacy & Control: Keep your camera management completely local
  • Professional Features: Enterprise-grade camera management for home use
  • Reliability: Stable, well-tested platform for critical surveillance needs
  • Flexibility: Customize and extend to meet your specific requirements

Common Use Cases

  • Home Security Systems: Manage security cameras for residential monitoring
  • Small Business Surveillance: Professional camera management for small offices
  • Hobby Projects: Experiment with IP cameras and surveillance technology
  • Development & Testing: Test camera integrations and surveillance workflows

💡 Why Choose Clone?

vs. Built-in Camera Web Interfaces

  • Bulk Operations: Configure multiple cameras simultaneously
  • Consistency: Ensure identical settings across all cameras
  • Drift Detection: Automatically detect configuration changes
  • Modern Interface: Clean, responsive web interface vs. dated camera UIs

vs. Camera Manufacturer Software

  • Cross-Platform: Works with multiple camera brands
  • Self-Hosted: No cloud dependencies or privacy concerns
  • Open Source: Full transparency and community contributions
  • NVR Integration: Designed to work alongside existing NVR systems

vs. Enterprise Camera Management Systems

  • Cost-Effective: Free and open source
  • Home Lab Focused: Designed for home lab scale and requirements
  • Simple Deployment: Docker-based installation in minutes
  • Community Support: Active home lab community involvement

🛡️ Security & Privacy

Clone is built with security and privacy as core principles:

  • Local-Only: All data stays on your network
  • No Cloud Dependencies: Complete offline operation
  • Secure Communications: Encrypted connections to cameras
  • Authentication Required: Built-in user authentication system
  • Audit Logging: Track all configuration changes

📋 Requirements

Minimum System Requirements:

  • OS: Linux, macOS, or Windows with Docker support
  • Memory: 512MB RAM (1GB recommended)
  • Storage: 1GB for application and database
  • Network: Ethernet connection to camera network

Supported Cameras:

  • Dahua: Native CGI and SDK support
  • ONVIF Compatible: Any ONVIF Profile S/T camera
  • Generic IP Cameras: HTTP-based configuration APIs

🎓 Learning Resources

🌟 Ready to Get Started?

Transform your camera management experience today:


Need help? Check out our troubleshooting guide or join the community discussions.

Clone is proudly developed by the home lab community, for the home lab community.