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Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select the tutorial-vps VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment. Keep sensitive server details hidden before capturing or sharing screenshots.
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AgentDVR
Infrastructure1024MB+ RAM
Self-hosted video surveillance for IP cameras, webcams, and ONVIF devices
infrastructuremonitoringagentdvropen-sourceself-hosteddocker
Deploy AgentDVR in 3 Steps
1
Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
2
Select AgentDVR
Choose from our template library
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Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy AgentDVR on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the AgentDVR template in Server Compass to deploy a self-hosted camera and surveillance web UI on your VPS, then verify the first-run screen.
About 10 minutesBrowser verified
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Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
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Step 3Search for AgentDVR
Use the template picker search to find AgentDVR in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the AgentDVR template
Choose the AgentDVR template. Server Compass fills the surveillance service, persistent config/media volumes, and public web port.
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Step 5Review the AgentDVR settings
Confirm the app name and compose service. In this run, the app was named agentdvr-demo and used host port 4251.
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Step 6Deploy AgentDVR
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the AgentDVR web port is available, and click Deploy.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the AgentDVR image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm AgentDVR is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the AgentDVR app is marked Running with its application URL available.
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Step 9Open AgentDVR in the browser
Open the application URL in a browser. The AgentDVR first-run or dashboard screen confirms the web UI is reachable.
After AgentDVR Opens
- Place AgentDVR behind reverse proxy authentication or a VPN before exposing it beyond trusted networks.
- Enable AgentDVR authentication before adding any cameras.
- Restrict access to trusted IP addresses because camera feeds and recordings are sensitive.
- Set retention/quota policies before recording to avoid filling the VPS disk.
- Back up the AgentDVR config volume because it can contain camera credentials.
- Use HTTPS before exposing camera management beyond a private network.
- Keep the AgentDVR image updated for dependency and security fixes.
Verified Result
The AgentDVR web interface loaded successfully from the deployed container.
AgentDVR deployment questions
What does the AgentDVR template deploy?
It deploys the AgentDVR web UI container with persistent config and media volumes.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 4251, which maps to the AgentDVR web UI on container port 8090.
Does AgentDVR need setup after deployment?
Yes. Complete the first-run setup and enable authentication before adding camera sources.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the AgentDVR template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
After Deployment
After deploying AgentDVR with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
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Open http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:{{PORT}} and complete the first-run wizard (set an admin account)
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Enable authentication under Settings -> Server -> Access (do this BEFORE adding any cameras)
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Add cameras under New -> Camera (RTSP, ONVIF, HTTP MJPEG, USB, etc.)
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Configure motion detection, schedules, and recording paths per camera
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Set up alerts (email, Telegram, webhook) and a retention policy to control disk usage
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
AgentDVR FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting AgentDVR
How do I deploy AgentDVR with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select AgentDVR from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for AgentDVR?
AgentDVR requires a minimum of 1024MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 2048MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing AgentDVR data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard AgentDVR backup and restore procedures.
How do I update AgentDVR to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest AgentDVR image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is AgentDVR free to self-host?
AgentDVR is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
Ready to Self-Host AgentDVR?
Download Server Compass and deploy AgentDVR to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
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