Our "Common Questions" are divided into 3 columns for your convenience.
General User Information
What do I need?
Only two things; a camera (or cameras) and a broadband internet connection. That’s it!
How does this benefit me?
You’ll be able to monitor (in real time) the on-goings at as many different sites as you’d like, all at the same time and all on the same screen. Keep an eye on your family and pets while you’re away, see who is, or was at your front door, did someone grab mail from your mailbox, check on your elderly parents to make sure they’re OK or look in on your vacation home. The possibilities are endless. You’ll also be able to playback recorded video that allows you to see what happened while you weren’t watching as well as having the video evidence should something have occurred.
How many cameras can I have?
There is no limit on the quantity of cameras you can have. You must however be aware of the combined amount of bandwidth required to support the cameras.
What happens if my internet goes down?
In the event you lose your internet connection, video will not be able to be transmitted to our cloud. However, if you bought your camera from us it comes equipped with a Micro SD card installed which will act as a backup and record any video events onto the SD card. If you’re using your own camera, see if it has a Micro SD slot. If so, you can install one on your own.
How hard is it to install a Cloud9 camera?
It is very simple to handle the installation as each Cloud9 camera is delivered to you pre-configured. The only setup you’ll have to do is configure the WiFi setting (SSID and Password) from your WiFi router onto the cameras. And remember, one of our in-house customer care agents will be assigned to your account so they will be able to help you as well.
Can I use a camera other than yours?
Unlike some other providers, we take the quality of our video very seriously. For that reason we limit the brands that are compatible with the Cloud9 application. To learn more click here.
What are Favorites used for?
Favorites allow you to create and monitor any combination of cameras from any sites. This allows you to see different cameras at different sites at the same time on the same screen with one click.
How secure is Cloud9?
We provide the highest level of security and encryption possible by using the same methods that are used by banks to encrypt your data. Additionally, you will use a username and password to gain access to your account.
Is there a long term contract?
Only if you consider “month-to-month” long term. You not obligated for more than a month at a time, you can change your subscription or cancel whenever you want to.
What type of support is available?
We continue to make our system very easy to use, but realize there may be times when you need some help. Our website offers answers to a variety of Common Questions. We will be adding more information as well. And remember, you’ll have access to a Cloud9 representative too.
Technical Talk
How do I log in?
Click the “log-in” link on our home page, enter your user ID and password and click on the login button. You will now have full access to your cameras and locations.
I can't login, now what?
You’ll need to contact our customer support department.
What's the difference between IMAGES and VIDEO?
Many low quality cameras can only transmit one image at a time. These images are then strung together to create a video sequence. Often referred to as “picture book style” this type of imaging is not acceptable to Cloud 9. Think of “video” as a movie clip. It is a high resolution, high frame rate video clip that is very fluid and easy to watch.
Do I need a static IP address?
Nope. However, if you have one, as many businesses do, our representative can configure your account to utilize your static IP address.
Do I need to configure anything on my router?
Nope. The only configuring you’ll have to do is (if you’re using WiFi) set the SSID and password on the cameras. If you need help with this, we can walk you through it. It’s very simple and is the same process you would use to configure your laptop computer or printer so it works with your WiFi.Most importantly, you do not need to touch any of the settings on your router!
How much bandwidth do I need?
We recommend that you have a minimum of 512Kbps (kilobits per second) of upload bandwidth per camera.
Can I download recorded video?
Video can be downloaded by any user that has the authority level to do so.
Do I need to do any port-forwarding?
Port forwarding is never necessary when you use a Cloud9 camera.
Camera Details
How long is the warranty?
We provide a limited two-year warranty on cameras purchased through us.
What is POE?
PoE stands for Power Over Ethernet. It is a method to pass electrical power and data over on Ethernet cabling. To work properly the receiving device (IP camera) must be able to accept PoE, which is sent from a powering device (switch or router). All Cloud9 cameras are PoE ready.
How much configuration setup is required?
The is very little you’ll have to do to configure your cameras. If you’re going to use the WiFi features you’ll need to configure the SSID and password on the cameras. This is the same process you followed to configure your smart phone or laptop onto your WiFi router.
What's the difference between MJPEG and H.264?
Simply put, both are methods of video compression. MJPEG links together the individual snapshot images into a digital video sequence. You can think of this as picture book technology; the video is fairly jerky in it’s playback. H.264 is a much more advanced form of video encoding that allows for higher frame rates while requiring lower amounts of bandwidth. This results in higher quality video. Cloud9 utilizes H.264 on all of its cameras.
How much video will be stored on the SD card?
This is difficult to gauge exactly because the file size of each video is based on several factors of the video itself (color, lighting, movement, etc). Each camera has an 8GB SD card installed. Based on an “average” video event, the SD card should store approximately 10,000 video clips @ 15 seconds each.
How does motion detection work?
Motion detection is most often associated with a change in pixels, not actual movement itself. Many things such as light, reflection, glare, etc can cause a change in pixels, and thus a video event will be recorded. A better method is to combine Passive Infrared Detector (PIR) technology into the camera. This technology is not affected by pixel change but by true motion movement itself. Our Classic Cube incorporates PIR technology.
How would you rate the quality of the Cloud9 cameras against others?
Cloud9 cameras are designed, engineered and manufactured to exacting standards. They use high quality components and sensors. We feel they are the best.
Please …
Before you complete and send the CONNECT WITH TECHNICAL SUPPORT form on right, read our COMMON QUESTIONS thoroughly. Chances are your question can be answered there. But if not, send away … we’ll take care of you right away!