Some countries known for producing electronic and security equipment include the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and several European countries. Keep in mind that the global supply chain is interconnected, and components from various countries may be used in the production of a single device.

Security Camera Manufacturers

Axis Communication

Origin: Sweden

Made in: China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hungary, Israel, Sweden

All Axis products are compliant with NDAA

Axis Communications AB is a Swedish manufacturer of network cameras. Axis primarily operates in physical security and video surveillance industries.

Axis referred to a statement confirming their “entire product portfolio” is NDAA-compliant. Axis added that past non-compliant products could still be available from resellers, saying: “Previously we used HiSilicon chipsets in a very small number of products (Companion hardware products). It’s possible that some of these products still can be purchased by some of our resellers, but today Axis only offers NDAA-compliant products.”

Best Selling Axis NDAA Products

See the list of Axis NDAA compliant products

Bosch

Origin: Germany

Made in: Germany, China, Vietnam, Israel, Belgium

US-Listed Bosch Products are compliant with NDAA

Bosch, is a German multinational engineering and technology company headquartered in Gerlingen, Germany.

Bosch referred to a statement confirming their US listed products portfolio is NDAA-compliant and moving forward, all products manufactured for the U.S. market will be NDAA compliant as well.

Bosch also shared a list of products that manufactured in Portugal and Mexico. Portugal and Mexico are countries that are included in the Trade Act Agreement. This means that the listed products are TAA compliant.

Best Selling Bosch NDAA Products

See the list of Bosch NDAA compliant products

Mobotix

Origin: Germany

Made in: Germany

All Mobotix products are compliant with NDAA

MOBOTIX is a leading manufacturer of premium-quality intelligent IP video systems. MOBOTIX was founded in 1999 and is based in Langmeil, Germany.

Mobotix referred to a statement confirming their “entire product portfolio” is 100 percent NDAA-compliant.

“MOBOTIX is fully committed to adhering to NDAA Sec 889 (a)(1)(B) guidelines. We are not allowing any substantial or essential component from a supplier that is named in this section. This includes any component necessary for the proper function or performance of a product or system.”

Best Selling Mobotix NDAA Products

See the list of Mobotix NDAA compliant products

Pelco

Origin: United States

Made in: United States

All Pelco products are compliant with NDAA

Pelco Incorporated is an American-based security and surveillance technologies company, founded in 1957 and headquartered in Fresno, California.

“Pelco product lines do not use or incorporate any essential components or critical technology including SoCs produced by NDAA banned component vendors, nor does Pelco OEM any product lines produced by NDAA banned manufacturers. Also, Pelco was acquired by Motorola and Motorola has declared its intention to also make Pelco products in the USA.”

However, Pelco shared list of 4 GFC Professional series products that non-compliant.

Best Selling Pelco NDAA Products

See the list of Pelco NDAA compliant products

Arecont Vision

Origin: United States

Made in: Taiwan

Arecont Vision has mixed of NDAA-Compliant and Non-Compliant Products

Arecont Vision Costar, LLC is a US-based company founded in 2018 to offer complete video surveillance solutions to customers around the world.

The entire MegaIP camera family, all of the Contera NVRs models include both NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act H. R. 2500) and ONVIF compliance. By the Q3/Q4 of 2021 most of the newer Contera line of cameras will be NDAA as well. Here the Arecont Vision Costar’s NDAA compl

Digital Watchdog

Origin: United States

Made in: Korea

Digital Watchdog products are mostly compliant with NDAA

DW is the industry leader in digital recorders, surveillance cameras and management software. Founded 1987 and engineered in the USA and Korea.

Digital Watchdog referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“The following Digital Watchdog cameras, encoders, network video recorders (NVRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs) which do not use or deploy critical components, nor include SoCs produced by NDAA banned component vendors, are compliant with the NDAA.

The products listed below are compliant with GSA Schedules and have been deemed TAA compliant as the final products have been manufactured and substantially transformed within the United States and South Korea, both approved signatory countries designated by the TAA.”

Best Selling Digital Watchdog NDAA Products

See the list of Digital Watchdog NDAA compliant products

Speco Technologies

Origin: United States

Made in: Korea

Speco has mixed of NDAA-Compliant and Non-Compliant Products

Speco Technologies is a manufacturer of video surveillance and audio surveillance products for more than 60 years

Speco Technologies referred to a statement confirming some of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“Speco is actively moving to exclude components from banned companies. Please find below a list of current active models from Speco Technologies that do not contain any components from (NDAA Section 889 Part B) banned companies”

Best Selling Speco NDAA Products

See the list of Speco Technologies NDAA compliant products

Ubiquiti

Origin: United States

Made in: Korea

Ubiquity products are mostly compliant with NDAA

Ubiquiti Inc. (formerly Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.) is an American manufacturer of wireless data communication and wired products and founded in San Jose, California, in 2003.

Ubiquity referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“As of the date hereof and to the best of Ubiquiti’s knowledge, the products listed below do not contain a substantial or essential component or use critical technology produced by Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company or Dahua Technology Company (or any known subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).”

Honeywell

Origin: United States

Made in: Korea

Honeywell has mixed of NDAA-Compliant and Non-Compliant Products

Honeywell International Inc. is an American publicly traded, multinational conglomerate headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Honeywell referred to a statement confirming some of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“The Honeywell 30 Series, 60 Series and Modum IP cameras are designed for use as part of video systems which comply with NDAA 2019, Section 889. In addition to the 30/60/Modum Series cameras, our MAXPRO® and Pro-Watch® VMS/NVR ranges, our 30 Series Embedded NVRs and our ADPRO iFT/iFT-E IP NVRs follow our extensive cyber testing process and do not contain components from any of the companies highlighted in NDAA 2019, Section 889. Together with the Series 30/60/Modum cameras they can be used to provide video systems compliant with NDAA 2019, Section 889”

Panasonic

Origin: Japan

Made in: Japan

Panasonic i-PRO products are mostly compliant with NDAA

In October 2019, i-PRO became independent from Panasonic to establish the Image Sensing Business.

Panasonic i-PRO didn’t share a a public statement on their website and didin’t provide a list of NDAA compliant (or non compliant) products. Here the statements they made in different channels.

“All Panasonic-branded cameras sold in the U.S. are engineered, manufactured and quality assured solely by Panasonic. As such, they are not impacted by the NDAA legislation (federal ban).

For those valued partners that attended our 2019 Partner Summit, we committed to you that, not only will our i-PRO line be 100% non-Hisilicon by the end of March 2021, but many of our products will also be TAA compliant.

The Advidia camera lineup is not fully NDAA compliant at this time. We are working with our 3rd-party manufacturers to ensure full NDAA compliance by March 2021″

Hanwha Vision (Samsung Techwin)

Origin: South Korea

Made in: South Korea

Hanwha Techwwin products are mostly compliant with NDAA

Hanwha Techwin founded 1938 as Samsung Techwin, is a surveillance and optoelectronics company. The company headquartered in South Korea.

Hanwha Techwin referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“Hanwha Techwin is committed to complying with all government and international trade regulations. Hanwha Techwin supports NDAA-compliance across its product lines and has a full suite of trade-compliant devices, with many currently used in government, defense and a range of commercial applications.

All Hanwha Techwin manufacturing facilities are located in Vietnam and South Korea, making them compliant with Trade Agreements Act (TAA) terms and qualifying Hanwha Techwin products for sale under GSA guidelines.”

Best Selling Axis NDAA Products

See the list of Hanwha Vision NDAA compliant products

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ACTİ

Origin: Taiwan

Made in: Taiwan

Acti products are mostly compliant with NDAA

ACTi, a leading Taiwan-based IP camera manufacturer, offers a wide range of IP camera models that contain SoC made in either Taiwan, Japan or the United States.

Acti referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“ACTi is providing more than 150 different camera models that contain SoC components from very respected and accepted global brands from Taiwan, Japan and the United States. As the technology research company, ACTi has also developed its own SoC, called A1, which can be found in the wide range of ACTi cameras today.”

Best Selling ACTi NDAA Products

See the list of Acti NDAA compliant products

GeoVision

Origin: Taiwan

Made in: Taiwan

GeoVision has mixed of NDAA-Compliant and Non-Compliant Products

GeoVision Inc. is a manufacturer of intelligent video surveillance systems founded in 1998 in Taiwan.

“GeoVision confirms that the listed products are not manufactured by nor utilize components from Hikvision, Dahua or contain HiSilicon SoCs. The NVR units listed below are manufactured in Irvi

Vivotek

Origin: Taiwan

Made in: Taiwan

Vivotek products are mostly compliant with NDAA

VIVOTEK Inc. was founded in February 2000. The Company markets VIVOTEK solutions worldwide, and has become a leading brand in global security surveillance.

Vivotek referred to a statement confirming most of their product portfolio is NDAA-compliant.

“The listed VIVOTEK cameras and network video recorders (NVRs), which do not use or deploy critical components including SoCs produced by NDAA banned component vendors, are compliant with the NDAA. These products will be included in VIVOTEK’s GSA contracts and are recommended for US Government applications that are subject to the NDAA.”

Best Selling Vivotek NDAA Products

See the list of Vivotek NDAA compliant products

Can I use security cameras that are not produced in China?

Yes, you can certainly choose security cameras that are not produced in China if you have concerns about the origin of the products. Many companies around the world manufacture security cameras, and you can find alternatives from various countries.

When selecting security cameras, it’s essential to consider factors beyond just the country of origin. Look for reputable brands and manufacturers that prioritize security, privacy, and quality. Consider reading reviews, checking certifications, and researching the specifications of the cameras to ensure they meet your requirements.

Some countries known for producing electronic and security equipment include the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and several European countries. Keep in mind that the global supply chain is interconnected, and components from various countries may be used in the production of a single device.

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Why add cameras to an NVR?​

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Before you start…​

Before anything, to be able to add your IP cameras, you need to make sure that:
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How to connect an IP camera to a Hikvision NVR 5

How to add your cameras using the V5 GUI…​

Step 1:​

Open a web browser and enter the IP address of your NVR in the address bar. If you are not sure what this is, use the SADP tool to find it.​

Step 2:​

Log in to the NVR using the “admin” username and password you have set on it.​

Step 3:​

Go to: Device Access > Device Configuration > PoE Settings​

​

If you are connecting your camera via the Plug-and-Play method, then make sure that Network Camera Plug-and-Play is enabled on the POE port you will be connecting the camera to on this page.​

​

For any camera with a cable run under 100m, leave the Network Cable Distance as Short Distance.​

​

If you are connecting your camera manually by IP address, disable the Network Camera Plug-and-Play option for the channel that you plan to add the camera to.​

Step 4:​

Go to: Device Access > Device > Video Device​

​

For any Plug-and-Play camera, just make sure that it is in its inactive default state and then connect it to the port you reserved in step 3. After 20 seconds or so, the camera Status should turn to Connecting and then Online (you may need to click on Refresh to see this).​

​

For Manually added cameras, if you can see the camera in the List of Online Devices section, then just tick the box for the camera and then click + Add to Device List, which will then automatically add it to one of the channels you disabled Plug-and-Play on in the last step.​

Alternatively…​

Click on +Add at the top of the page and fill out the fields as follows:​

​

IP Address: Enter the IP address of your camera, using the ‘Test’ button to verify there is a camera at that address. ​

Device Name: This can be anything you like, as it is the name the camera will show with on your NVR. ​

Protocol: Select the camera’s manufacturer from this list, or failing that, use the ONVIF protocol (your camera will need to have ONVIF enabled for this to work). ​

Management Port: Enter the Server port set on the camera, which you can find in the SADP tool or in Network>Basic Settings>Port in the camera’s web browser interface. If you haven’t changed this, it is usually 8000 by default. ​

User Name: “admin” or the username of any other users set up on that camera. ​

Password: The password set with that user on the camera – if this is the same as the ‘Default Activation Password‘ you have set on the NVR, then you can tick this box instead. ​

Transfer Protocol: ‘Auto’ is normally best. ​

​

When these are completed, click OK.​

​

Your camera should then appear in the list of devices with an assigned channel, and an Online status, meaning it has been successfully added.​

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Extra tips…​

How do I reset my Hikvision device to factory settings?

In some cases, you’ll need to reset your Hikvision device to its inactive factory state. This could be if you’re passing the system on to somebody else; if you’ve forgotten your password; or simply if something has gone wrong during the configuration, meaning you need to start afresh.

There are a couple of ways of doing this, the method you’ll use depends on whether you have a password to log into the device.

Please see the simple steps for doing each below:

Via the device’s backend in a web browser or iVMS-4200:

If you are able to log into your device’s configuration menu in iVMS-4200 or the web browser interface, then the easiest way to reset it is on the Upgrade & Maintenance page here. The steps below show you how to find this page in both interfaces.

Step 1:

iVMS-4200:

In a web browser:

Step 2:

In both iVMS-4200 and a web browser:

Factory reset by using the device’s pushbutton:

On the majority of Hikvision’s newer camera models, there will be a pushbutton on the camera which will allow to carry out a hard reset without needing to log into it. This is most useful when you have forgotten your password, as it allows you to set a new password on the camera while avoiding much of the faff involved in doing this through the SADP tool.

Step 1:

​

Step 2:

1. Disconnect the camera’s power supply.
2. Press the reset button and keep it held down.
3. Restore the power supply while continuing to hold down the button.
4. Keep the button pressed for a further 10 seconds.
5. Release the button and wait for the camera to reboot.

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I’ve wanted to make this list for a while, and hopefully it will help answer some simple questions or guide newcomers on their IP video quest. Feel free to add, change, or refine this!

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Most Popular Camera Manufactures (on this forum):

ACTi (http://www.acti.com) – Midrange camera – good price – free software.

Avtech (http://www.avtech.com.tw) – Has good ‘push’ support for events to mobile devices.

Avigilon (http://www.avigilon.com) – Similar to Axis cost – must buy through dealer – good software/support.

Axis (http://www.axis.com) – Popular choice – higher end cameras get expensive – easy to find online for sale – free + paid software options.

Dahua (http://www.dahuasecurity.com‎) – Re-branded as Q-See – low price – difficult to find updates/support.

Geovision (http://www.geovision.com.tw‎) – Midrange – have some LPR cameras.

Grandstream (http://www.grandstream.com) – Low cost – have some unique features.

Hikvision (http://www.hikvision.com‎) – Becoming more popular – re-branded as Lorex/Swann systems from Costco.

IQinVision (http://www.iqeye.com) Midrange pricing.

Mobotix (http://www.mobotix.com) – Cameras made in Germany – reliable but expensive – no moving parts to fail in their cameras.

Vivotek (http://www.vivotek.com) – Midrange pricing.

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Other Camera Manufactures:

Arecont (http://www.arecontvision.com/‎)

Brickcom (http://www.brickcom.com/)

Bosch (http://www.boschsecurity.us/en-us/ProductInformation/Cameras/NetworkCameras/)

Canon (http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/security_video_solutions/network_cameras)

GE (Unknown Website Address)

Honeywell (http://www.honeywellvideo.com/products/cameras/ip/index.html)

JVC (http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/category.jsp?productId=PRO5.2)

Panasonic (http://www.panasonic.com/business/psna/products-surveillance-monitoring/index.aspx)

Pelco (http://www.pelco.com/sites/global/en/home.page)

Samsung (https://www.samsung-security.com/)

Sony (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/mkt-security/)

Toshiba (http://www.toshibasecurity.com/)

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IR Illuminators:

Raytec (http://www.rayteccctv.com/)

Axton (http://www.axtontech.com/)

Iluminar (http://www.iluminarinc.com/)

+Other Generic Brands

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Accessories:

PoE Switch (Unmanaged, or Managed which allows remote powering on/off of specific ports) (TRENDnet, Netgear, D-Link, Cisco, Axis, etc.)

Ethernet Cable (Regular/Burial Grade)

Lenses (C/CS/S/D Mounts)

IR Illuminators (Discussed Above)

Enclosures (Pelco, Videolarm, Axis, Generic Brand, etc.)

PIR Sensor (Optex, Bosch, etc)

UPS Battery Backup System

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Popular Places To Buy:

[Redacted – do a search on the forum for general ideas ]

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Video Recording Software:

ACTi VMS (Free) – Only supports ACTi Cameras.

Avigilon (Per channel: Core ~$100, Standard ~$200, Enterprise ~$350) – Purchase through authorized dealers.

Axis Camera Companion (Free) – Only supports certain (newer) Axis Cameras. 16 cameras max.

Axis Camera Station (~$90/license)

Axxon Next (Free for 16 channels) (http://www.axxonsoft.com/products/axxon_next/)

BlueIris ($29.95 – $49.95) (http://blueirissoftware.com/) – Supports a large variety of network cameras.

exacqVision ($50 – $150/license + $25 yearly for optional updates)

Genetec (Expensive)

Geovision (Free)

Luxriot ($99 – $1000+)

Milestone XProtect (Free – $1000+)

Mobotix Control Center (Free) – Supports other cameras for viewing. May be able to record with MXServer.

OnSSI (Unknown)

Vitamin D (Free/$49/$199) (http://www.vitamindinc.com/index.php) – PC + Mac Compatible

Zoneminder (Free) – Open source Linux software.

…Etc, Most Manufactures Provide Their Own Software.

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Network Video Recorders (NVR’s)/NAS Stations:

Synology (1 License Included – ~$50 /per additional license)

Dahua

QNAP

Luxriot

NUUO

Hikvision

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iPhone Viewing Apps:

Netcam Viewer (Free/$5.99) (http://bit.ly/18UfXMs)

Live Cams Pro ($1.99) (http://bit.ly/19RAleQ)

QCamPro ($7.99) (http://bit.ly/14iCWxR)

Official Mobotix (Free) (http://bit.ly/15XNtmo)

IP Cam Viewer Pro ($3.99) (http://bit.ly/10QAwYn)

Dahua iDMSS Lite (Free) (http://bit.ly/110ZjmV)

Dahua iDMSS Plus ($4.99) (http://bit.ly/12FyWpw)

+Specific Manufacturer’s Apps (Q-See, Hikvision, etc) (Search Manually) – Typically better integrated then 3rd party apps.

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Android Viewing Apps:

IP Cam Viewer Pro ($3.99) (http://bit.ly/TG6OyB)

Dahua gDMSS Lite (Free) (http://bit.ly/12zjvAs)

Dahua gDMSS Plus ($5.00) (http://bit.ly/12FzfAA)

+Specific Manufacturer’s Apps (Q-See, Hikvision, etc) (Search Manually) – Typically better integrated then 3rd party apps.

The Ultimate IP Camera Guide v3.

Review Sites/Sample Videos:

Network Camera Critic (http://www.networkcameracritic.com/)

Mateusz CCTVnerd (http://www.youtube.com/user/mateuszfen)

Megapixel Cameras – Images and Demos (viewtopic.php?f=19&t=11322)

Plazor (http://www.plazor.com)

Axis YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/AxisCommunications)

Avigilon YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/Avigilon)

MXInstaller (http://www.mxinstaller.com/)

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Companies That Rebrand/Resell:

Swann (Rebrands Hikvision Equipment)

Lorex (Rebrands Hikvision Equipment)

Q-See (Rebrands Dahua Equipment)

Toshiba (Appears To Rebrand Vivotek)

Cisco (Sometimes Rebrands Pelco)

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Other Helpful Links:

CCTV Lens Calculator (http://www.jvsg.com/online/#)

Identification And Recognition Guide (http://www.axis.com/academy/identification/index.htm) – Make sure you have the correct resolution for your application.

Security Today – IP Cameras (http://security-today.com/directory/list/ip-video.aspx)

CCTV Frame Rates Comparison (

) – Recordings don’t necessarily have to be 30fps for desired results.

IP Video 101 Training (http://ipvm.com/report/ip_video_training_course_101)

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Live Demo Cameras:

Mobotix Cameras (http://www.mobotix.ro/live-ro-p-3.html) or (http://comsurv.com/live-video-cameras/)

Axis Cameras (http://www.axis.com/camerademo/) or (http://ipcameralive.com/)

Mixture (http://camelive.info)

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Terminology:

CBR: “Constant bit rate [encoding] means that the rate at which a codec’s output data should be consumed is constant.” (i.e. the amount of data flowing from camera to user/nvr is always constant – even during movement or lack thereof. [See also VBR])

DSD: (http://www.dsdcctv.com/)

DVR: “a consumer electronics device or application software that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other local or networked mass storage device.”

Edge Recording: “The concept of taking audio/video from a camera, and storing it at the edge of the Ethernet network instead of transporting it across the network to a centralized recording facility such as a Network Video Recorder.” (Most cameras have this ability now.)

IR/IR Illuminator: LED’s (often a separate device) which provide illumination for cameras in near to total darkness. The light produced cannot be seen by the human eye. The camera must be sensitive to IR for this to be useful (some cameras have ‘fixed’ IR cut filters). ‘White light’ illuminators are also available. These produce light visible to the human eye and to a camera with or without an IR cut filter.

LPR/ANPR/AVI/CPR/LAPI: “A mass surveillance method that uses optical character recognition on images to read vehicle registration plates.”

NAS: Basically a box filled with hard drives for storage of data. Some cameras have the ability to record directly to these networked boxes without the need for an always on or dedicated computer.

NVR: “A software program that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other mass storage device.”

ONVIF: “Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) is a global and open industry forum with the goal to facilitate the development and use of a global open standard for the interface of physical IP-based security products.”

PIR: Passive Infrared “is an electronic sensor that measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of view. They are most often used in PIR-based motion detectors.”

PoE: “A system to safely pass electrical power, along with data, on Ethernet cabling.”

UPS: “uninterruptible power supply…is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source, typically mains power, fails.”

VBR: “Variable bit rate files vary the amount of output data per time segment.” (i.e. Less data during still scenes, more data during high movement periods.)

WDR: “‘Wide dynamic range’ describes an attribute of an imaging system which can capture greater scene details from shadows to highlights than normal.”

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Commonly Asked Questions:

Q: “Which brand or manufacturer should I buy?”

A: Each brand has its strengths and weakness, whether it be price, size, low light capabilities, resolution, frame rate, support, software, compatibility, etc. There really isn’t one magical brand or camera. Each security scenario is different and requires a unique solution.

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Q: “Where can I buy an IP HD PTZ Outdoor Camera for $200?”

A: Probably not going to happen. PTZ cameras are expensive because of all the motors, belts, gears, and such. Perhaps instead consider using several fixed multi-megapixel HD cameras instead for coverage.

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Q: “How do I embed/add video from a camera to a website?”

A: See: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=1290 or http://bit.ly/10rC8WV

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Q: “How do I view my cameras on my TV/Monitor?

A: Consider using an Android powered HDMI dongle. These mini computers are powerful and compact enough to be attached to a TV or monitor for camera viewing using an Android app. Also see: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=1049

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Q: “Should I buy a Foscam?”

A: These cameras are not typically discussed here because of their poor reliability and feature set. They are often cloned and copied making firmware updates and support hard to come by. So in short, probably not. However if you are just starting with IP cameras, many members have since upgraded from these over time to bigger and better.

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Q: “How do I view my camera(s) from the internet?”

A: You need to setup your router for port forwarding. Here are several guides to assist you. See: http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=124 or http://bit.ly/184DTvf

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Q: “What shutter speed should I use during low light/night?”

A: “Typically 1/30 of a second is as low as you would want to have it set. Any longer and moving objects will be blurry making the footage less then useful.

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Q: “Should I use a wireless camera for my application?”

A: Wifi signals, especially at long distances, can drop or become unreliable. They also become targets of hacking “resulting in free access to your personal cameras (EXTREMLY DANGEROUS) or blocked cameras, ones that will not record anything.” It is best to use a hardwired connection via cable for installations. PoE installation can supply signal and power over one cable for easy installation. If a cable is not an option consider using a dedicated wifi access point, like the type made by Ubiquiti Networks.

Technical Guide to IP Cameras– Overview, Types, Applications

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An IP camera (Internet Protocol Camera) is a type of security camera that receives video data and sends video footage via an IP network. It is also known as network camera or IP security camera, often used as remote monitoring and management tools in many sectors and environments to protect the property or monitor home, business, or public security. Connected with other devices such as network video recorders and displays via a network, IP cameras allow you to monitor specific areas from any remote location, bringing much convenience to our daily lives.

How Does An IP Camera Work?

IP cameras work the same way as digital cameras to capture high-quality images. What sets them apart is the capability of IP cameras to compress those files and automatically transmit them to a network video recorder (NVR) via a network. Usually, IP cameras are connected to the network via ethernet cable with a broadband modem or router, or wirelessly via a Wi-Fi router.

In a building that has already been equipped with a network, all you have to do is to connect the IP surveillance cameras and other devices into your network system, just the same way that you would do when you connect your laptop or cell phone to your Wi-Fi.

After everything is well connected, the cameras can start working, capturing and sending video footage to the network video recorder.

Four Common Types of IP Camera

There are various video surveillance solutions, in which many different types of security cameras are adopted. Among those surveillance cameras, there are four most commonly used ones, dome cameras, bullet cameras, and turret cameras. Knowing more about the differences among dome vs bullet vs turret vs fisheye cameras will help you find out the one that fits you most.

Four Important Specifications of IP Cameras

When looking for a security camera, not only should you decide on the type of it, but also you need to notice that the specifications can make a huge difference. There are four of the most essential specifications.

Resolution

The resolution of IP cameras is the total number of pixels that make up an image, which is usually measured by the width and height of the image. The most common resolutions of security cameras are 720p, 1080p, 5MP, 4K and 8MP. Usually, higher resolutions mean that there are more pixels per inch (PPI), resulting in a high-quality, crisp image.

Field of View

The lens of an IP camera allows you to frame an area that you want to spot. Different lens systems come with different fields of view, which determines how wide an area you can see. A wider field of view will allow the camera to spot a larger area. Typically, for a large parking lot and a small room, you will need lenses with different viewing angles.

Focal Length

The focal length of a lens, which is measured in “mm”, determines the angle of view and how far the camera can see. There are two types of lens, fixed lens and varifocal lens. The most common fixed focal length is 3.6mm, which leads to a 90° view angle and a distance of 20 feet. There is also 8mm lens with a 40° view angle and identification distance of 40 feet. For varifocal lenses, the most common ones are 2.8-12mm lenses.

At 2.8mm you get around 100° view angle, with only around 10-feet identification distance. At 12mm you will achieve around a 30° angle of view and identification at around 50 feet. The wider the focal length, the further away it can focus and the narrower the field of view.

Low Light Sensitivity

Low-light sensitivity, usually measured in Lux(lx), refers to the ability of a camera to provide high-quality images even in low-light conditions by presenting details and reducing noise in the output images. There are few factors contributing to the low light performance of a camera, including pixel size, signal-to-noise ratio, lens aperture, etc. A lower Lux has the ability to present high-quality images in darker areas. For example, cameras with 100-1,000lx are applied to record under work-space light, while cameras with 0.0001lx are usually adopted for moonless nights or overcast nights.

Most Popular IP Camera Applications

Home Use

For those looking for tools to get close with their families, monitor family security or protect family property, IP cameras are always a go-for item. Many homeowners equip their families with a video surveillance system to make themselves and their families feel safer.

The IP cameras installed in home security systems have been used to serve a number of purposes. For example, they can be installed near the front door to capture the image of each one who steps into or sneaks around the house, or installed in the backyard to catch a view of their families’ happy moments, or installed inside the room, to make sure their baby is being well taken care of, etc.

Business Use

Commercial security cameras are often used in business buildings, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, etc. For business owners, security cameras can not only protect their property to ensure normal operations and prevent criminal acts with real-time monitoring, but also can keep them connected with daily operations and employee safety.

Outdoor perimeter security can also be maintained with video surveillance solutions to monitor the surroundings. Compared to traditional systems, commercial IP video surveillance systems offer greater reliability and security with built-in encryption, data compression, network connection, and cybersecurity measures.

Public Safety

Surveillance cameras play an important role in managing public rules, protecting public safety and property. It’s not difficult to find that there are plenty of monitoring cameras along the traffic roads, parking lots and around the governments or hospitals. Moreover, there are lots of public areas deployed with security cameras, including schools, parks, communities, neighborhoods, etc.

Conclusion

IP cameras have become a dispensable part of home, business or public surveillance systems. With the proper video management software, the video recorded by IP cameras can be viewed from anywhere worldwide via the network, whether using a laptop or a mobile phone. In many cases, IP cameras can also be controlled remotely, adding much convenience to our lives.

There are various types of security cameras that are designed for specific applications, and that’s why you need to take several factors into consideration when purchasing IP cameras for your security system. Before the next step, it would be better to figure out your budget and your requirements first.

Guide to Understanding IP Cameras

Welcome to a venture into the captivating digital world of Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. Whether you’re considering investing in this game-changing technology or you’re simply eager to boost your tech acumen, we’ve got your covered. Untangling complex technical jargon and translating it into simple language, this blog post will chart your course through the depths of understanding IP cameras.

What is an IP Camera?

An IP camera , also known as a network camera, is a digital video tool that sends and receives data via the internet. Unlike its analogue predecessor, the CCTV (Closed Circuit TV), it offers the functionality to view live or recorded footage from anywhere, anytime using a web-based platform or mobile application. Think of IP camera as the digital evolution.

Advantages of the IP Camera

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Understanding IP Camera Operation

Let’s dive deeper into how these fantastic little devices work.

Capturing Images

The essence of an IP security camera is in its lens, sensor, and processor. The lens focuses on the light emanating from the surroundings, which then hits a digital sensor. This sensor transforms the received light into an electronic signal that the processor can turn into a digital video stream.

Sending Images

The key difference between an IP camera and previous systems lies in its ingenious use of the Internet Protocol. Instead of sending unprocessed data to a recorder, IP cameras encode and process the signal on the device before transmitting it to be stored or viewed over the network. This reduces the workload for the recorder, enhancing the system’s efficiency.

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Most Popular Types of IP Cameras

Not all IP cameras are created equal, of course. Different styles suit different needs. Here’s a quick classification of the most commonly used types:

Bullet Cameras

These are named for their cylindrical shape, resembling a bullet. Bullet cameras are great for monitoring both wide focused areas such as entrances or small rooms.

Dome Cameras

Identified by their dome shape, these cameras provide a wider viewing angle ideal for bigger spaces like living rooms or stores.  Some come with adjustable lenses to hone in on important areas.

PTZ Cameras

PTZ stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom. A PTZ IP camera provides the functionality to remotely control the movement and zoom of the camera, making it perfect for large, open spaces.

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IP Camera Installation: Tips and Tricks

Installing an IP camera isn’t rocket science. Here are some friendly tips to ensure you obtain the best surveillance results:

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Securing Your IP Camera

In an increasingly digital world, security is paramount. Here are a few guidelines to secure your IP camera system:

Change the Default Password

On purchase, devices often come with generic login credentials. It’s essential to change these immediately to a unique and complex password.

Regular Firmware Updates

Stay up-to-date with the latest firmware version provided by the manufacturer. This ensures your device is protected from any known loopholes.

Effective Network Security

Ensure your home or business network security is robust. Use established security measures such as firewalls and secure Wi-Fi protocols.

The captivating world of IP cameras offers the potential for superior surveillance solutions. The charm of hands-on control combined with the convenience of remote access can revolutionize how we approach security. Yet, it is crucial to remember that with great power comes great responsibility. In this digital age, securing our devices should always be a priority. Embrace the technology but don’t forget to keep it secure. Welcome to the future of surveillance.

editor’s note: The application supports many brands and models. The main models are included in the article. We explained our guide through the Amcrest system.

Blue Iris User Manual

To download a full user manual for Blue Iris 5, click on the link provided below.

Blue Iris 5 User Manual

How To Upgrade Blue Iris Demo Software With An Amcrest License Without Losing Settings

If you are currently using a demo version of the Amcrest Blue Iris software upgrading your account will not reset your settings. All settings will be retained on the software after the upgrade is complete. For more information on how to upgrade your demo version of Blue Iris to paid version, please follow the steps provided below.

Step 1: Open your Blue Iris software and click on the Settings option (  ) in the upper left corner of the interface and click on Settings/info.

Step 2: In the About tab, click on the Register now option.

Step 3: In the Activation screen, click Next

Step 4: Enter the Amcrest license number or key you have purchased into the activation box. Click Next to continue.

Step 5: Click Finish once the code has been activated.

Step 5: The new license key has now been applied to your Blue Iris software. The information can be viewed in the License Key section of the menu. Click OK to continue.

The “Evaluation Copy” overlay will be removed from the live view screen and your previous settings will be accessible throughout the software.

Blue Iris 5 Compatibility

To install the Blue Iris 5 software onto your computer, go to the Blue Iris website and download the installation file .

Minimum Requirements

Recommendations When Using Many and/or HD Cameras

Compatible with the Following Brands:

Amcrest, 4XEM, ACTT, Airlink101, AIRLive, Allnet, Apexis, Arecont, Astak, AVTech, Avlosys, Axis, Bosch, Canon, Cisco, Coolcam, Dericam, Di4-Lan, DLink, EasyN, Edimax, Evocam, Foscam, Gadspot, Ganz, Gandstream, Hawking, HIKVision, HooToo, Intellinet, JVC, Linksys, Logitech, Lorex, Microseven, Mobotix, Panasonic, Pelco, Planet, Sanyo, Sharx, Siemens, Sony, Stardot, Swann, Toshiba, Tenvis, TO-LINK, Trendnet, Vivotel, Wansview, Y-Cam, Zavio, Zonet and many more.

For more information on how to install the Blue Iris 5 software, click here.

Blue Iris UI3 update Issue

If you are attempting to update to a new version of the Blue Iris software and receive an error such as:

this is not a result of a bug or issue with the software itself but is a result of an update made to Visual Studio C++ compiler which is the software used to build Blue Iris. To resolve the issue, a simple reinstall of the software will fix the problem, however, if you wish to resolve the issue without reinstalling the software, please refer to the information below.

A resolution will be based on the which version of Windows you are running. For instance, if you are operating on a 64-bit version of Windows you will need to search and run the VCREDIST_X64.exe to resolve the issue. If you have a 32 bit system you will run the VCREDIST_X32.exe.

If this file is not found on your computer you may run it from the following URL blueirissoftware.com/VCREDIST_X64.exe (or VCREDIST_X32.exe for 32 bit).

Step 1: Load the VCREDIST .exe file and click Run

Step 2: Click on Install.

Step 3: A restart of your computer will be required to complete the install. Click on Restart to restart your computer.

After your computer has finished restarting please load the Blue Iris software and run the update as normal. If this does not fix the issue a full re-install of the software may be required. To re-install the Blue Iris software on your computer, access the Control Panel and click on “Uninstall a program”.

Locate the Blue Iris Software from the Programs and Features list and click Uninstall. Select “Yes” to remove Blue Iris from your computer. For more information on how to install Blue Iris on your computer click

Note: It is recommended to not delete any registry entries or license activations during this process.

Click Finish, to restart your computer and complete the uninstall.

For more information on how to install the Blue Iris software on your computer, click here.

Blue Iris Not Automatically Starting up After a Crash?

If your Blue Iris software crashes or becomes unresponsive and the software does not restart automatically with its last settings displayed then the software may need to be ran as a Windows service. By default, Blue Iris 5 is not set to run as a Windows service so therefore would have to be implemented manually. For more information on how to set Blue Iris as a Windows service, refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Open Blue Iris 5 and click on the settings menu located in the upper left corner of the screen.

Step 2: In the Settings menu, click on the Startup tab.

Inside the Startup tab, make sure the “Use last window position” option is selected in the Window field then click on the “Run as a Windows service (no UI, run again for console)” checkbox. This will enable your software to run as a Windows service. Click OK to continue.

Step 3: The service will install automatically. Click OK to reboot or restart the Blue Iris software.

The software is now running as a Windows service which allows the software to reboot with last settings in tact after a crash or service interruption.

How to Add a Camera Into Blue Iris

The camera and the computer you are using must be on the same network during setup. Please make sure you are running the most current version of Blue Iris during setup. The latest version of Blue Iris can be downloaded here.

There are 2 ways to add a camera into Blue Iris. You can right click on the main menu, or click on the settings menu (  )in the top-left corner of the interface.

Adding a Camera

To begin, right-click on the main interface or click on the settings menu () to access the “New camera” menu.

In the new camera menu, give your camera a name, a short name (for URLs and filenames), choose a type, which in this case will be a Network IP, and enable any options such as, enabling audio, motion detection, etc. Click OK to continue.

This will open two windows. The top window will be Network IP Camera Configuration. Enter the address of your camera (IP Domain or DDNS as well as RTSP address) and click on the Find/Inspect… button on the right to confirm. Enter the username and password, select the make as Amcrest, select the model of your device (ProHD and HDseries cameras as “ProHD 1080p RTSP/HTTP”), and specify the RTSP and ONVIF ports.

Note: If you choose the other option profile, “ProHD/IP2/3/4/4M Mainstream RTSP” features such as PTZ or other related features may not be accessible. Please use ProHD 1080P RTSP/HTTP in the Model field.

After filling in the information required, click OK. The second window will appear titled New Camera. Here you can make many adjustments to the way you want Blue Iris to configure your camera.

The page is defaulted to the Video tab. The options available for adjustment are Image Format and Frame Rate, PTZ Controls, Recording through Blue Iris, Alerts through Blue Iris, and other features. Once you have finished adjusting any necessary settings, click on OK to add the camera. The live view screen of your camera will show in the interface.

How to Renew a Key in Blue Iris 5

Any expired keys in the Blue Iris 5 software will cause the software not to work with any connected cameras and may cause them to be inaccessible. Keys in the Blue Iris software provide up to one year of service from the initial start date of your license and will need to be renewed before they expire.

Note: Please ensure you are using the most up to date version of Blue Iris. To download the most up to date version of Blue Iris, click here.

For more information on how to renew your Blue Iris key, please refer to the steps provided below.

Step 1: Click on the settings menu (  ) located in the top-left corner of the interface and select “Settings”.

Step 2: In the bottom left corner of the Blue Iris Settings menu, click on the Upgrade/renew button to renew the key for your license.

Note: The new expiration date will be displayed in the menu and will be good for one year of the initial start date.

When you have purchased or renewed your account you will receive a new code in your email. Once the new key provided is entered into the Activation menu, press the “OK” button.

How To Install Blue Iris 5

To install the Blue Iris 5 software onto your computer, go to the Blue Iris website and download the installation file .

Minimum Requirements

Recommendations When Using Many and/or HD Cameras

Compatible with the Following Brands:

Amcrest, 4XEM, ACTT, Airlink101, AIRLive, Allnet, Apexis, Arecont, Astak, AVTech, Avlosys, Axis, Bosch, Canon, Cisco, Coolcam, Dericam, Di4-Lan, DLink, EasyN, Edimax, Evocam, Foscam, Gadspot, Ganz, Gandstream, Hawking, HIKVision, HooToo, Intellinet, JVC, Linksys, Logitech, Lorex, Microseven, Mobotix, Panasonic, Pelco, Planet, Sanyo, Sharx, Siemens, Sony, Stardot, Swann, Toshiba, Tenvis, TO-LINK, Trendnet, Vivotel, Wansview, Y-Cam, Zavio, Zonet and many more.

Follow the on screen instructions to install the software. You can use the demo version or purchase a license. There is are options for a fill license (up to 64 cameras) for $69.95 or a Lite license for a single camera for $34.95.

Note:  Any Blue Iris keys that have expired support have to be renewed or upgraded for it to work in Blue Iris version 5. Additionally, if you are upgrading from version 4, please allow access and remove version 4 from your system. Please say NO to deleting any of your settings. Settings are automatically backed up to C:\Program Files\Blue Iris5\backup_upgrade_50.reg. Click OK to continue.

Now that you have your software installed, it’s time to start adding your cameras. Ensure that you have already installed your cameras and they are working correctly in a web browser. For more information on how to access your camera in a web browser (web UI), click here

If you have any PTZ cameras, go ahead and set the presets, if any, now through the web interface before adding them to Blue Iris. The Blue Iris interface is shown below:

For more information about adding a camera into the Blue Iris software click here

How to Enable Two Way Audio Using Blue Iris

If your camera supports two-way audio and you are using it in Blue Iris, two-way audio can be configured directly in the software. Please make sure a compatible microphone is set up and configured on your computer before enabling it in Blue Iris. For more information on how to enable two-way audio using Blue Iris please refer to the information provided below.

Step 1: Log into Blue Iris and access the device.

Step 2: Click on the Blue Iris software settings icon.

Step 3: Click on the Audio tab and enable the Enable audio capture hardware option.

Note: Make sure the proper microphone is selected in the Device dropdown menu.  Use the Gain slider to adjust and test the microphone audio.

Step 4: Select the proper output device for your computer in the Output (Device) dropdown menu and click OK.

Step 5: On the main interface click the speaker option to hear the audio from the device. Then click and hold the microphone icon and speak into the microphone.

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In scenarios where you already have a cable installed between the network and, say, your garage, where installing more cables is difficult, having to run a second cable is not ideal. However, we’ve discovered the Vigitron Netmux Vi00103 POE Multiplexer, a great gadget that combines two POE ports on your network side into one cable, and then splits them again at the camera-end, to solve this problem.

Below is some more important information on the specification and capabilities of the Vi00103, as well as our 6-step instructions for using it correctly.
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Connecting multiple IP Cameras together v1.

Instructions:​

Step 1:
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Connect the two RJ45 cables from the Vi00103RX combiner, labelled “Port 1” and “Port 2”, to two available POE ports on your POE switch or NVR.​

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NOTE – The cameras do not need to be activated with a password. If you are connecting them directly to an NVR, then the Plug & Play feature will still work and activate the cameras; If you are connecting them to a separate POE switch, you will be able to access them and activate them on your network later. Plug & Play setups will also work when cameras have already been activated, as long that these are set with the same password as the NVR and have DHCP enabled. ​

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Step 2:
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Connect your single Cat5/6 cable to the port on the Vi00103RX combiner, which is labelled as “Port 1 + Port 2”.​

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Step 3:
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Now, plug in the other end of the long single cable to the Vi00103TX splitter’s “Port 1 + Port 2” RJ45 port.​

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NOTE – this cable cannot be longer than 100m / 320 feet​

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Step 4:
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Connect your IEEE802.3af/at IP cameras or POE devices to each of the ports, labelled “Port 1” and “Port 2”, using another Cat5/6 cable for each.​

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NOTE – the length of these cables, and the long single cable between the Vi00103RX and Vi00103TX cannot exceed 100m / 320 feet in total, as this is the maximum standard range of POE. ​

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Step 5:
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Green lights should appear on the Vi00103TX to confirm that each of the ports is delivering POE to your devices. If they do not, check the power supply to your POE source and all of your Cat5/6 cables are secure.​

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Step 6:
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If you are connecting the cameras directly to an NVR as “Plug & Play”, then they will connect and appear automatically after a minute or two. Alternatively, if you are connecting them to a separate POE switch, then they should be discoverable on the network and allow you to adjust any network settings so you can add them to your CCTV system.​

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Key benefits:​

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Limitations & key points to consider:​

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Network topology diagram & dimensions:​

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Can I connect more than one camera via a POE switch to a single POE port on my Hikvision NVR?

In some scenarios, it can be useful to have several cameras connected to a POE switch but to keep that switch directly connected to your NVR rather than the local network.

If you are able to connect each camera to its own POE port on your NVR, then this is generally advisable, as using a Plug & Play setup is much simpler and avoids the need for extra hardware or power supplies.

However, if your NVR is closer to your POE switch than it is an available access point to your LAN, then it can make connecting the cameras simpler whilst avoiding the need to have an ethernet cable running from each camera back to the NVR.

One other benefit of keeping the cameras connected directly to your NVR this way, rather than connecting them across your LAN, is that the connection does not rely on your router being operational. Provided the NVR and POE switch are working, the cameras will remain connected and recording regardless of any problems that might occur with your local network.

These seven steps below explain how to connect multiple cameras on a POE switch to a single port on your NVR.
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Important things to note:​

How do I use a Hikvision NVR’s “Virtual Host” feature?

One of the most successful selling points of a Hikvision NVR to many small-setup customers is the “Plug and Play” functionality that simplifies the setup process of their surveillance system. However, plugging a camera directly into a port on the NVR, unfortunately, does not allow you to access the camera via its own internal LAN IP using a browser due to it being on the NVRs internal network, and this can significantly reduce the number of configuration options you have access to.

The NVR does allow you to configure many options for each connected camera, but some essential features are only accessible via connecting to the camera itself (such as audio codec options). This was of course a big problem previously.

With the advent of newer firmware and models of NVR, Hikvision has introduced a feature called Virtual Host. Activating this feature turns your NVR into a “host” for the cameras allowing you to connect to them via a browser. Essentially, the NVR forwards all traffic received from your browser to the appropriate camera you’re trying to connect to, eliminating the biggest problem of plug and play functionality.
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Step 1:​

First of all, access your NVR via a web browser. If you do not know the LAN IP of your NVR, download Hikvision’s tool SADP tool, which scans your network for any Hikvision devices that are connected and allow you to see and change their network settings, including the IP address.​

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Download SADP for Windows ​

Download SADP for MacOS​

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Step 2:​

Once you’ve logged in, navigate to: ​

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Configuration → System → Camera Management​

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This screen displays all the connected cameras on your NVR. Notice that the final column labelled “Connect” is currently empty. We’ll be coming back here in a moment.​

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Step 3: ​

Now, navigate to:​

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Network → Advanced Settings → Other ​

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Turn on the Enable Virtual Host option.​

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Note – Your NVR will reboot when you click “Save”.​

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Step 4:​

Now, navigate back to the Camera Management window from earlier. You’ll notice that the previously empty connect tab now features links for each camera currently connected to your NVR.​

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Step 5:​

Click on any of these links to access the respective camera via your web browser:​

That’s it, you’re done!

This should be useful when you want to access options on your camera that your NVR doesn’t feature. If you have any further questions feel free to ask, we’re happy to help.

About this Document

Safety Instruction

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●Proper configuration of all passwords and other security settings is the responsibility of the installer and/or end-user.

●In the use of the product, you must be in strict compliance with the electrical safety regulations of the nation and region.

●Firmly connect the plug to the power socket. Do not connect several devices to one power adapter. Power off the device before connecting and disconnecting accessories and peripherals.

●Shock hazard! Disconnect all power sources before maintenance.

●The equipment must be connected to an earthed mains socket-outlet.

●The socket-outlet shall be installed near the device and shall be easily accessible.

●For the device with the sign  indicating hazardous live, the external wiring connected to the terminals requires installation by an instructed person.

●Never place the device in an unstable location. The device may fall, causing serious personal injury or death.

●Input voltage should meet the SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) and the LPS (Limited Power Source) according to the IEC62368.

●High touch current! Connect to earth before connecting to the power supply.

●If smoke, odor or noise rise from the device, turn off the power at once and unplug the power cable, and then please contact the service center.

●Use the device in conjunction with an UPS, and use factory recommended HDD if possible.

●This equipment is not suitable for use in locations where children are likely to be present.

●CAUTION: Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.

●Do not ingest battery. Chemical Burn Hazard!

●This product contains a coin/button cell battery. If the coin/button cell battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns in just 2 hours and can lead to death.

●Improper replacement of the battery with an incorrect type may defeat a safeguard (for example, in the case of some lithium battery types).

●Do not dispose of the battery into fire or a hot oven, or mechanically crush or cut the battery, which may result in an explosion.

●Do not leave the battery in an extremely high temperature surrounding environment, which may result in an explosion or the leakage of flammable liquid or gas.

●Do not subject the battery to extremely low air pressure, which may result in an explosion or the leakage of flammable liquid or gas.

●Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.

●Keep body parts away from fan blades and motors. Disconnect the power source during servicing.

●Keep body parts away from motors. Disconnect the power source during servicing.

●Use only power supplies same with the original model, or LPS power supplies with the same voltage and electric current.

Preventive and Cautionary Tips

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Before connecting and operating your device, please be advised of the following tips:

●The device is designed for indoor use only. Install it in a well-ventilated, dust-free environment without liquids.

●Ensure recorder is properly secured to a rack or shelf. Major shocks or jolts to the recorder as a result of dropping it may cause damage to the sensitive electronics within the recorder.

●The device shall not be exposed to water dripping or splashing, and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the device.

●No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the device.

●The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains. The openings shall never be blocked by placing the device on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

●For certain models, ensure correct wiring of the terminals for connection to an AC mains supply.

●For certain models, the equipment has been designed, when required, modified for connection to an IT power distribution system.

● identifies the battery holder itself and identifies the positioning of the cell(s) inside the battery holder.

● + identifies the positive terminal(s) of the device which is used with, or generates direct current, and – identifies the negative terminal(s) of the device which is used with, or generates direct current.

●If the device has been powered off or placed for a long time, its coin/button cell battery may run out power.

●When the coin/button cell battery runs out power, the system time would be incorrect, please contact the after-sales service to replace the battery.

●Keep a minimum 200 mm (7.87 inch) distance around the equipment for sufficient ventilation.

●For certain models, ensure correct wiring of the terminals for connection to an AC mains supply.

●Do not touch the sharp edges or corners.

●When the device is running above 45 °C (113 °F), or its HDD temperature in S.M.A.R.T. exceeds the stated value, please ensure the device is running in a cool environment, or replace HDD(s) to make the HDD temperature in S.M.A.R.T. below the stated value.

●Provide a surge suppressor at the inlet opening of the device under special conditions such as the mountain top, iron tower, and forest.

●Do not touch the bare components (such as the metal contacts of the inlets) and wait for at least 5 minutes, since electricity may still exist after the device is powered off.

●The USB port of the equipment is used for connecting to a mouse, keyboard, USB flash drive, or Wi-Fi dongle only. The current for the connected device shall be not more than 0.1 A.

●The serial port of the device is used for debugging only.

●If the power output port of the device does not comply with Limited Power Source, the connected device powered by this port shall be equipped with a fire enclosure.

●If a power adapter is provided in the device package, use the provided adapter only.

●For the device with sticker or , pay attention to the following cautions: CAUTION: Hot parts! Do not touch. Burned fingers when handling the parts. Wait one-half hour after switching off before handling the parts.

●If the device needs to be installed on the wall or ceiling,

1.Install the device according to the instructions in this manual.

2.To prevent injury, this device must be securely attached to the installation surface in accordance with the installation instructions.

●Under high working temperature (40 °C (104 °F) to 55 °C (131 °F)), the power of some power adapters may decrease.

●Make sure that the power has been disconnected before you wire, install, or disassemble the device.

●If the device needs to be wired by yourself, select the corresponding wire to supply power according to the electric parameters labeled on the device. Strip off wire with a standard wire stripper at corresponding position. To avoid serious consequences, the length of stripped wire shall be appropriate, and conductors shall not be exposed.

●If smoke, odor, or noise arises from the device, immediately turn off the power, unplug the power cable, and contact the service center.

Hikvision New GUI 5 User Guide

Content Convention

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In order to simplify description, please read the following conventions.

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Reason

Solution

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Note

If your video recorder notifies not support this function, you can log in to the camera, and adjust video parameters via web browser.

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Reason

The camera password is too weak.

Solution

Change the camera password.

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Warning

We highly recommend you create a strong password of your own choosing (Using a minimum of 8 characters, including at least three of the following categories: upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.) in order to increase the security of your product. And we recommend you reset your password regularly, especially in the high security system, resetting the password monthly or weekly can better protect your product.

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Reason

The camera encoding format mismatches with the video recorder.

If the camera is using H.265/MJPEG for encoding, but video recorder does not support H.265/ MJPEG, change the camera encoding format to the same as video recorder.

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Solution

Check if the encoding type at live view toolbar is H.265.

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Reason

The video recorder uses the same IP address as other devices.

Change the IP address of video recorder. Ensure it is not the same as other devices.

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Intelligent Operation – Smooth UI experience

Intuitive live view

• Check the real-time channel status clearly

• With customized views, live views can be more intuitive on one view layout and enable automatic switching to meet the needs of multi-screen timed switching

The conventional video searching methods usually are time-consuming. Right now, the Smart Search and the AcuSearch functions could help accelerate searching efficiency in minutes, even in seconds.

Smart Video Searching

The NVR 5.0 with converged functions provides support for video, audio, alarm, access control, and other application access. Creating intelligent applications for different scenarios and needs.

By downloading the firmware from this web page you are agreeing to Hikvision’s Software User License Agreement. Please be aware that Hikvision products are region-specific and regionally supported. If you have purchased your Hikvision products from an online source or unauthorized distributor, they may not be compatible with the North American region’s firmware and are considered to be “gray market” product. If your camera has “CH” in the serial number, you are most likely using a “gray market” product. 

Updating the firmware from this site can lead to several complications in those cameras, up to and including camera failure.  Restoring a “gray market” product to its original condition is a factory process and will result in a Chinese interface. As Hikvision warranty is void in this case, you must rely on the dealer for any service, support, and warranty of the “gray market” product. If you have any questions or concerns about the official status of your Hikvision distributor, please contact Hikvision USA Customer Service at cust.usa@hikvision.com.

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Upgrade Device Firmware

For a device added via IP/Domain, its new version can be detected by the Mobile Client. Once detected, you can upgrade the device to its latest version.

1.Enter the Device Information page.

• On the device list page, if the page is in the list mode, swipe the device name to the left and tap .

• On the device list page, If the page is in thumbnail mode, tap the device name or tap .

• On the Live View page. Tap  and then tap Settings.

Note:

For details about how to enter the Live View page, see Start and Stop Live View.

2.Tap  > Device Version to enter the Device Version page.

3.Tap Upgrade and then tap UPGRADE on the pop-up window.

The Mobile Client will download the upgrade file first and then start upgrading the device.

Note:

You can also enable the Mobile Client to automatically download the upgrade file in Wi-Fi networks once a new device version is detected. For details, see Auto-Download Upgrade File.

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UPDATING FIRMWARE

Hikvision regularly updates the firmware in our products to resolve potential issues and keep your system running smoothly. Below, you can find guidance on how to update your system accordingly.

Updating Hikvision IP Camera Firmware

To upgrade the firmware of a Hikvision IP camera, please follow the steps below:

Click here to see a video tutorial of the above steps.

Upgrading Hikvision DVR/NVR Firmware

To upgrade the firmware of a Hikvision DVR or NVR, please follow the steps below:

How do I get Firmware Updates for my Hikvision Gear?

Hikvision Australia’s website has firmware updates for available IP cameras.
https://www.hikvision.com/au-en/

Use the search bar to try and find your product. Firmware updates are usually available on the product page.

IF YOU BOUGHT EQUIPMENT FROM US:

You will need to contact us if you can’t find your camera listed or if you require firmware for your NVR / DVR.
You will need to also provide the full serial number of the device as well as your current firmware.
This is to ensure upgrades are done properly. In some instances middlle firmware is required before upgrading to the latest version.

We do not recommend doing intercom firmware upgrades. Please check with us if there is any doubt.

If you didn’t buy equipment from us, please contact the people who you bought the equipment from.

How to Upgrade Camera Firmware via Hikvision NVR

This Video shows you how to upgrade your Camera firmware from the NVR.

Hikvision Australia’s website has firmware updates for available IP cameras.
https://www.hikvision.com/au-en/Support/Downloads/Firmware/IPC

NOTE this is only for IPC.

You will need to contact us if you can’t find your camera listed or if you require firmware for your NVR / DVR.
You will need to also provide the full serial number of the device as well as your current firmware.
This is to ensure upgrades are done properly. In some instances middlle firmware is required before upgrading to the latest version.

We do not recommend doing intercom firmware upgrades. Please check with us if there is any doubt.

Lates Hikvision Firmwares 2024

How do I update Hikvision firmware remotely for my TetherX installation?

If your system was installed by one of our security installation partners please contact them to update your cameras. If you would like to update your Hikvision devices yourself please follow the guide below.
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The actual upgrade will take up to 10 minutes and the device will automatically reboot at the end of the upgrade process.
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This video from Hikvision Technical Support shows the upgrade process:

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Click here to see a video tutorial of the above steps.

00 Temperature Screening-2020-07-10

01 Density Control-2020-07-10

02 Mask Detection-2020-07-17

03 Front Ends-2020-12-02 

04 Back Ends-2023-03-15

Access Control & Video Intercom-2020-12-02

Accessaries-2021-12-01

Alarm-2023-06-21 

ANPR & Speed Radar Display-2023-07-10

Dell image-2022-12-12

Mobile-2023-07-03 

Paxton related materials-2023-05-26

Portable Series-2024-02-06 

Thermal-2023-07-07 

Transmission & Display-2022-12-16

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DVR-2023-08-11 

IPC-2021-11-04 

NVR-2021-11-26 

PTZ-2021-09-23 

fw and model list.xlsx10.27KB2019-04-09

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Hikvision Firmware Download –
Intelligent Traffic Products

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Hikvision Firmware Download –
Access Control Products

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Featuring an extensive and highly skilled R&D workforce, Hikvision manufactures a full suite of comprehensive products and solutions for a broad range of vertical markets. In addition to the security industry, Hikvision extends its reach to smart home tech, industrial automation, and automotive electronics industries to achieve its long-term vision. 

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Password Reset

This page will guide you in resetting passwords on your Hikvision devices.

For end users: 

We highly recommend “4 Ways of Self-service Password Reset” (you can see the Tutorial video here). Please note that not all Hikvision devices support all these methods. Go to the “Forget Password” page to check the various methods supported by your product.

For installers: 

You can easily reset a password using the Hik-Partner Pro mobile app. 

Check out the tutorials below to discover the quickest way to reset a password. If you have any questions during the process, please contact Hikvision (Find the contact of Hikvision technical support team) or see Troubleshooting Tips of Password Reset Failed Issue here.

Note: Also try the Password Hints function to help you recall your original password. This function is only available for NVRs (76Q-series, K-series, K-series with AcuSense) with firmware V4.75.000 and later. Learn more here.

Self-service password reset

Via account verification

Prerequisite:

The device has been added to the Hik-Connect or Hik-Partner Pro account.

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Prerequisite:

A reserved email address has been set up by the user.

Prerequisite:

Security questions have been set by the user.

Prerequisite:

The GUID file has been exported and saved by the user. 

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Password reset via XML file

Prerequisite:

The Hikvision devices can be detected on the same LAN.

Hikvision How to & FAQ

Also Read : Hikvision How-To Tutorials Part1

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How to Check Device Serial Number

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How to Find Device Firmware Version

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How to add IPC with POE function to NVR

Description

POE cameras could be added into NVR which supports POE function with both Manual mode and Plug-and-Play mode. When applying the Plug-and-Play mode, please kindly make sure the password of the camera is the same with the NVR, or you could set the password of the camera to 12345.

Note: Plug-and-Play mode could only be applied when the camera is added directly to the POE port of a NVR.

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How to Enable Hik-Connect Service in Device

Summary

Hik-Connect is a new service introduced by Hikvision which integrates the dynamic domain name service along with alarm push notification service. It provides an easy way for devices to connect to the Internet.

This manual is a guide for users to show them how to enable Hik-Connect service in device.

Discretion

User interface may not be identical to the instructions shown below depending on the product, firmware version. However, the information and settings required to setup Hik-Connect services are similar across all supporting products.

Preparation

Users need to upgrade device to proper firmware that supports Hik-Connect Service.

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How to Unbind Device from Hik-Connect Account

Description

One device can be added only by one Hik-Connect account, if the device was added by other account, you cannot add it again. You can follow steps below to unbind your device or check the video which can help you.

Youtube video link

How to Unbind Device via Hik-Connect APP

How to unbind device via SADP tool

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How to Solve Hik-Connect Offline Issue

Description

When our customer adds a device to the Hik-Connect account and the APP returns device is offline, we can follow steps below to solve the problem or locate the causes. 

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How to Configure Communication Mode of AX PRO

There are three types of Communication Mode via Communication > Cloud Service > Communication Mode:

Wired Network & Wi-Fi Priority

It means that Wired Network, Wi-Fi Network, Cellular Data are all supported, AX Pro will choose best network status and change connecting ways when network is not stable. It is recommended to use this mode when your device is with complex network environment, since it can help you select better way automatically. 

Wired & Wi-Fi 

It means that only Wired Network and Wi-Fi Network are supported, AX Pro can only connect with wired or Wi-Fi. It is recommended to use this mode when you want to save cellular data or do not want to use cellular at all.

Cellular Data Network 

It means that AX Pro only use cellular data network to connect. This mode is usually used in poor network environment, like wired and Wi-Fi network are hardly connected. Besides, it can help you save network detecting time.

Tips

When you set Communication Mode as Cellular Data Network, the followings can help you use cellular data successfully: 

1. Keep MTU as default 1400, Access number as default *99***1#

2. Test SIM in mobile, make sure that your SIM card can call, send message and connect to the internet

3. The AX PRO default dialing includes most SIM card APN but not all. If the network is not connected, you need to search the SIM card’s APN by Google or ask your mobile operator then set up the SIM card APN manually and then restart it.

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How to Download Multiple Recordings

Hikvision device support download/export multiple recording at the same time. This file will introduce three methods of multiple download recordings: local GUI, web page and iVMS-4200 software.

Method 1: local GUI 

On local GUI, we need turn to the button of File > Video. In this page, we could select search condition, time and camera channel which you want to download. After select, click “Start Search”.

After search, it will show all the recordings of the channel 1 default, and if we want to check other cameras recording, we need to select the Channel to switch to other channel. 

Then we could select the recordings and Export.

Method 2: Web page

Web page Log in the device via IP address on IE browser, turn to Playback page, select the camera which you want to check, click the download button in the lower right corner. It will pop up the download configuration page, in this page, we could select the camera/ type/ time, after search we could select the recording files and download.

Method 3: iVMS-4200 software

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How to Solve DVR Live View Noise Issue of Hik-Connect

If there is noise of DVR in Hik-Connect when remote live view or sliding channel (switch to next screen), you can try the following methods to solve the problem.

1. If you connect a coaxial audio camera to DVR, please turn on Noise Reduction function in Hik-Connect to solve it.

2. If it’s not a coaxial audio camera, please change to coaxial audio camera then connect to DVR.

3. If you don’t want to change camera, please change camera Stream Type from video & audio to video and set DVR audio resource as local to solve the problem.

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How to Solve IP Camera No Link Issue on PoE NVR

IP cameras could be added into PoE NVR with both Manual mode and Plug- and- Play mode.

When applying the Plug- and- Play mode, please kindly make sure it is Hikvision brand camera, and the password of the camera is the same as the NVR. For “No Link” issue, please enter NVR.

Menu – Camera – IP Camera, click Status icon of camera to check the error message first.

Scenario 1:

The user name or the password is wrong.

Solution :

If the IP camera has hard reset button, please turn off the camera (cut off the power). Then keep holding the button for more than 30 seconds. Meanwhile, power on the camera while holding the button. The device would be back to the inactive status. PoE NVR will automatically active and connect the camera.

If the IP camera doesn’t have hard reset button, please use SADP tool to reset camera password first. You can operate according to below steps:

1. Download and install the latest SADP tool on your computer. You can download from below link: https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/tools/hitools/TS20200826033/

2. Connect your computer to one of PoE ports of NVR with network cable.

3. Running SADP tool to search camera.

4. Select the device, and click the “forgot password” button.

5. If it has an export button, you can click it to export a device’s xml file and send it to our regional support team to reset password. 

6. Get import file from support team, then import file to reset device password.

(Note: Please set the new password of camera to the same as NVR’s.)

7. PoE NVR will automatically connect the cameras with same password.

Scenario 2:

Network is Unreachable

Solution:

If the camera is connected to NVR PoE port. 

1. Please download and install the latest SADP tool on your computer. You can download from below link: https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/tools/hitools/TS20200826033/

2. Connect your computer to one of PoE ports of NVR with network cable .

3. Running SADP tool to search camera, check device IP address.

4. Please access camera via web browser as following picture.

5. Go to Configuration – Maintenance – Default, default camera to factory settings, PoE NVR will automatically active and connect camera.

If the camera is connected to the PoE switch, please connect switch to NVR LAN port. The IP address of the camera must be in the same network segment as the IPv4 address of NVR. Then enter NVR Menu- Camera- IP Camera, select camera and click Edit icon.

Select Adding mode to Manual, enter camera IP address and correct password, then click OK to add camera.

Scenario 3:

IP camera does not exist

Solution:

“IP camera does not exist” means NVR does not detect the camera input.

Please check whether the camera is properly connected to the POE port of the NVR. You can try to change a shorter cable, change a PoE port or connect a external power supply to IP camera to test.

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How to Solve Live View Error on iVMS-4200

This document displays how to solve common Live View Error on iVMS-4200. In order to get high performance, please kindly download and install the latest version of iVMS-4200 via the link: https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/download/software/ivms4200-series/

Case 1: HCNetSDK.dll[2] 

Case 2: Playctrl.dll[2]

Case 3: HCNetSDK.dll[5] 

Case 4: HCNetSDK.dll[91] 

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One Picture to Solve 6 Errors about Unbind

If the bound account can not login and you can not access the device via local GUI, you could try to unbind device from Hik-Connect App or SADP tool.

How to Unbind Device via Hik Connect APP 

How to Unbind Device via SADP tool 

When you unbind the device and meet errors, hope this picture could help you to solve it.

Scenario 1:

“102060” “102075” or “Unbinding failed. Not support by the device.” on App/SADP or “unlinking timeout” on local GUI

Solution:

1. We recommend you login the previous account to delete the device, then add it to the new account.

 2. If the previous account can not login, you could choose third party DDNS name to get remote live view. Please refer this guide: How to Use Third Party DDNS Services V3.0.pdf (hikvision.com)

3. If necessary, please kindly connect the local support team for better solve this issue. 

Scenario 2:

“Operation Failed 7” or “Error code: 99 Network Connection Failed” or “Hik-Connect service is offline”

Solution:

1. Enable Hik-Connect function in device and make device Hik-Connect status is online.

2. If device Hik-Connect status goes online and offline frequently, change to a stable network or upgrade firmware then try again.

3. If the problem persists, contact support to confirm connection status.

Scenario 3:

“Incorrect Device IP Address”

Solution:

1. Make sure your mobile/computer connect to the same LAN as device connect to.

2. Connect device and mobile/computer to primary routing network in topological map.

3. Enable UPNP function of the router, try to upgrade device firmware and reboot the device.

Scenario 4:

Only the device in the same area with the app can be unbound from its account.

Solution:

Please confirm the area which the bound account belongs first.

1. Via App: Use new account with the same registered area information to unbind.

2. Via SADP: Make sure the geographic location of the device is the same as the area to which the bound account belongs.

3. If you don’t know the area information of the bound account, please contact support team help you confirm or assign registered area information.

Scenario 5:

Operating failed: 153

This error caused by inputting wrong password too many times and the user was locked.

Solution:

1. Reboot the device.

2.  Modify the LAN IP of the PC or mobile phone and try again.

Scenario 6:

The device cannot unbound from any account for more times.

Solution:

1. This error means the device have been unbound too many times during one day, and you could try to unbind after 24h.

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Two Steps to Solve No Result of VCA Playback Search

If do VCA search on playback page of Hikvision device and there is no event result, please do the following 2 steps.

Notes: Before searching playback video, make sure you have configured recording schedule on Hikvision device. 

Step 1: Enable Dual-VCA on Web

(a) Login to web page of device as the below picture.

(a) Login to iVMS-4200 and click Setting button – Basic settings

(b) Go to Configuration –Video/Audio– Display Info. on Stream to tick the checkbox of Enable Dual-VCA then Save.

Notes: After above settings, do VCA search via web browser of the camera. If the device is DVR/NVR/HVR, except for configuration on web, we also need to do step 2.

Step 2:

If the device is DVR/NVR/HVR, login local GUI, click Configuration Button – Advanced – enable Save Camera VCA Data.

After above settings, search VCA playback as below:

(a) via web browser

(b) via local GUI on DVR/NVR/HVR

Notes: If search motion detection VCA playback, Enable Dynamic Analysis for Motion is necessary.

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What Can We do If NVR Cannot View via Chrome

It is recommended to download ivms-4200 on your computer instead of viewing via Chrome browser.

If you want to use Chrome browser to view, download Plug-In first, install it and restart the browser, then you can view via Chrome. 

If ‘Download Plug-In’ does not show, it usually means that your NVR does not support live view via Chrome, in this situation, there are mainly 5 ways to solve the issue:

1. Turn to Configuration > Local > Live View Parameters > Protocol. Switch protocol from TCP to UDP, or switch from UDP to TCP, save and view in chrome.

2 & 3. Some devices support to check network resource statistics. Turn to Configuration > Maintenance > Network Resource Statistics. If the previous value of Input Bandwidth is almost equals to the latter value, please reduce bitrate.

For those device which cannot check Network Resource Statistics, you can reduce bitrate and resolution directly for a try.

Turn to Configuration > Video/Audio > Video

Reduce Resolution and Max. Bitrate, save and view in Chrome. The reference value are as follows: 

Resolution —Max. Bitrate

1080P(2MP) — 4096 kbps

720P(1MP) — 2048 kbps

704*528（4CIF） —- 1024 kbps 

528*384 （2CIF） —- 512Kbps

Please set your NVR Video Encoding type as your camera supports, which means if your camera only support H.264 please switch NVR Video Encoding to H.264.

4. If your NVR supports multiple video output interfaces, it is recommended that 1 camera only set 1 output interface. Although the other interfaces you configured and didn’t use, NVR is decoding which will occupy the encoding ability and may cause the issue. 

5. Open Microsoft Edge on Windows 10.

Turn to Setting > Default browser > Internet Explorer compatibility Under the “Internet Explorer compatibility” section, turn on the “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” toggle switch.

Click the Restart button, then you can view via Edge browser.

If you have done all the above, the issue is still not solved, contact local support and provide the following information:

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So… let’s see. There are 3G hotspots that have ethernet ports on them. You can contact the company that provides you with your 3G modem, and tell you that you need a 3G modem with both WiFi and Ethernet. In fact… they have a sales department trained just for this. You tell them how you want to set up your home… and they will provide you with the proper equipment. Cool, right?

Otherwise… you’d have to use a computer as a middleman. The computer would need to have both wireless and ethernet…. like many laptops. You’d connect the laptop to the modem via Wireless, and you’d connect the DVR to the laptop via the ethernet, and then you’d enable Internet Connection Sharing in Windows, and designate the Wireless as the Source. Then, while you have the laptop on, your DVR would connect to the internet.

You could also purchase a WiFi extender, as most have ethernet ports. Then, you follow the instructions to set up the WiFi extender to the 3G modem, and you connect the DVR to the ethernet port on the WiFi extender.

You could do some research on what WiFi routers can also be used as range extenders when you replace the firmware with DD-WRT… the list isn’t all that long, but it means it is *possible* to take an old Wireless Router and turn it into a range extender. If you just happened to have one of those models, I guess that would save you from spending money.

But…. you definitely need some intermediate device between the internet connection and the DVR.

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To connect a DVR for CCTV to your PC sharing network, you can follow these general steps:

Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on the make and model of your DVR and the software it uses. It’s always a good idea to refer to the DVR’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for detailed instructions.

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Connecting a DVR for CCTV to your PC sharing network involves several steps. Here’s a general guide: