Now I feel like the hope is back.
I definitely like to get my hands dirty.
I believe I already have the TTL to USB converter, but will need to get the JST ZH connector. Will get back to you when I have it. In the meantime, will get myself familiar with the software tools you mentioned earlier...
Is your camera DS-2CD3335D-I?
If so it may be in the same series as mine, because DS-2CD3345-I and DS-2CD3345D-I appear to be the same camera.
海康威视是全球领先的以视频为核心的物联网解决方案提供商
NVR firmware is 3.4.92. I've tried previously connecting it as ONVIF, no luck.
Sorry for hijacking your post, I thought your 3335 was the same series as mine.
Had been a bit desperate after a lot of searching without finding a solution then all in a sudden saw your 3335 now talked in English...
Sorry I didn't make it clear enough but it wasn't about firmware wipe out.
Long story short, I bought five DS-2CD3345-I with CN firmware v5.4.20 while I was in China for holiday late last year.
Early this year I bought a DS-7616NI-I2/16P NVR, with no knowledge about the well known language...