Setting up and using IPS-HFW5231E-Z12E without a browser?

[Francisco73]

I am trying to set up IPS-HFW5231E-Z12E using only NVR and display. Would like to keep my cameras separate from Internet and my computer. With the NVR and display I have so far been unable to find the place for setting up values for shutter, gain, anti-flickering etc. The 144 page Dahua Network Camera Web 3.0 Operation Manual starts with establishing a network connection and even worse doing it with IE. Think the manual does not take up using only a NVR or other browsers than IE.

Is it possible to set up and use this camera with only a NVR?

If not is there a way to use a browser (not IE!) and Linux?

Thanks.

 

[TonyR]

That PC doesn't have to be on the Internet to set up the cams. Even if it is, set up your cams and when done, unplug the NVR from your LAN, isolating it from the Internet!

You can use the Palemoon browser for Windows (use the 32 bit) or Linux...it's free.

 

[Francisco73]

That PC doesn't have to be on the Internet to set up the cams. Even if it is, set up your cams and when done, unplug the NVR from your LAN, isolating it from the Internet!

You can use the Palemoon browser for Windows (use the 32 bit) or Linux...it's free.

Thank you for the good ideas. I have spent hours looking for something that the NVR apparently does not have.

 

[Francisco73]

That PC doesn't have to be on the Internet to set up the cams. Even if it is, set up your cams and when done, unplug the NVR from your LAN, isolating it from the Internet!

You can use the Palemoon browser for Windows (use the 32 bit) or Linux...it's free.

How about Palemoon 64 bit for Linux? Cannot get 32 bit version working.

 

[TonyR]

How about Palemoon 64 bit for Linux? Cannot get 32 bit version working.

You'd have to contact them, I guess.

 

[Francisco73]

You'd have to contact them, I guess.

I was actually hoping that you or others can clarify does 64 bit Palemoon work for Dahua cameras or is 32 bit needed. In my case I manage to download both but only 64 bit works as a browser with my 64 bit architecture.

Dahua should make it easier for customers unable or unwilling to use IE. I have until now believed that Dahua NVR is all that is needed. Yes, I have read the thread about this problem.Thanks.

 

[TonyR]

I was actually hoping that you or others can clarify does 64 bit Palemoon work for Dahua cameras or is 32 bit needed. In my case I manage to download both but only 64 bit works as a browser with my 64 bit architecture.

Dahua should make it easier for customers unable or unwilling to use IE. I have until now believed that Dahua NVR is all that is needed. Yes, I have read the thread about this problem.Thanks.

Then you read here that the plug-in's are 32 bit so you need to use the 32 bit browser; yes, even on a 64 bit machine. In Windows, the included WOW64 allows you to run a 32 bit program on a 64 bit machine.

I cannot comment on use of Linux O/S.

 

[Francisco73]

Then you read here that the plug-in's are 32 bit so you need to use the 32 bit browser; yes, even on a 64 bit machine. In Windows, the included WOW64 allows you to run a 32 bit program on a 64 bit machine.

I cannot comment on use of Linux O/S.

Thanks again. I do not have Windows. 32 bit usually works in 64 bit Linux just that Palemoon 32 bit does not. I will try Chrome with IE tab as Looney suggested.

 

[tangent]

Check out this thread : How to view Dahua cameras without browser plugins
*which @TonyR already linked

In linux your best shot is to use the NACL Web Plug-in in chrome
But there are some other options too. Any browser will work for changing settings (ivs settings won't work), it just won't provide a live view you can use VLC or a VMS for that. If you make it all the way to the end of my thread above, there are a couple simple bookmarklets you may like

Rumor has it, dahua might release some products / firmware updates that work without plugins (hls or webrtc) in 3-4 months... time will tell.

Playback and viewing of an NVR in linux is currently fairly limited.

 

[Francisco73]

Check out this thread : How to view Dahua cameras without browser plugins
*which @TonyR already linked

In linux your best shot is to use the NACL Web Plug-in in chrome
But there are some other options too. Any browser will work for changing settings, it just won't provide a live view you can use VLC or a VMS for that. If you make it all the way to the end of my thread above, there are a couple simple bookmarklets you may like

Rumor has it, dahua might release some products / firmware updates that work without plugins (hls or webrtc) in 3-4 months... time will tell.

Playback and viewing of an NVR in linux is currently fairly limited.

When I wrote that 32 bit Palemoon for Linux does not work I should have written that it quite simply does not start.

I avoid Chrome and other Google stuff.

What I need is a browser that can be used to change camera settings. After that I intend to only use the NVR if possible but you state that NVR/Linux offers limited playback and viewing.

Dahua should make all of this easier and possible without using a browser.

Thanks.

 

[tangent]

Well you could try to get smartpss to work with wine or in a windows vm. Short of that the chrome option may be the only option that works in linux.
I'm not sure if there are any other browsers that support plugins / ways to get windows plugins to work in linux. You could probably install windows faster that you could chase that rabbit.

It doesn't have to be google chrome per se, just a chromium based browser that can install apps from the google chrome web store.

 

[Francisco73]

Well you could try to get smartpss to work with wine or in a windows vm. Short of that the chrome option may be the only option that works in linux.
I'm not sure if there are any other browsers that support plugins / ways to get windows plugins to work in linux. You could probably install windows faster that you could chase that rabbit.

It doesn't have to be google chrome per se, just a chromium based browser that can install apps from the google chrome web store.

I got Chrome for Linux (latest Mint) but the web store has no NACL web plug in. As you say it is possible to play with Wine but to save time it is better to borrow a Windows laptop. My wife has one but she dislikes my experiments.

I will see what happens with Fastest web browser that blocks all ads and protects your privacy - Slimjet

 

[TonyR]

Dahua should make all of this easier and possible without using a browser.

I doubt this will ever happen, certainly not in my lifetime.
Just how would YOU prefer to configure an IP camera, if it were left up to your design?

 

[tangent]

NACL web plug in

Try clicking the link directly to the chrome app that in the other thread. I thought there were some confirmed reports of this working in linux.

On windows palemoon 32-bit version and the windows dahua plugin are your simplest option. SmartPSS is also a convenient way to interact with the NVR.

 

[Francisco73]

I doubt this will ever happen, certainly not in my lifetime.
Just how would YOU prefer to configure an IP camera, if it were left up to your design?

At the moment anything that allows me to configure my cameras is ok.

 

[Francisco73]

Try clicking the link directly to the chrome app that in the other thread. I thought there were some confirmed reports of this working in linux.

On windows palemoon 32-bit version and the windows dahua plugin are your simplest option. SmartPSS is also a convenient way to interact with the NVR.

I first tried with Linux Mint using Slimjet. It suggested an app called Easy View. All cameras were detected and working. Unfortunately I found no way to configure the cameras more than I can with the NVR. The Dahua Manual has screen shots of setting up "Camera" but in my case all I have is "Image" instead of "Camera".

Second attempt was with Windows and the necessary plug ins. The result was the same. No way to set up the cameras.

Any suggestions are welcome.

 

[tangent]

I first tried with Linux Mint using Slimjet. It suggested an app called Easy View. All cameras were detected and working. Unfortunately I found no way to configure the cameras more than I can with the NVR. The Dahua Manual has screen shots of setting up "Camera" but in my case all I have is "Image" instead of "Camera".

Second attempt was with Windows and the necessary plug ins. The result was the same. No way to set up the cameras.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Simplest option, unplug camera from nvr and connect directly to it. There's also a method for connecting directly to the cameras through the nvr.

 

[looney2ns]

As tangent stated above, ANY browser that lets you connect to the cams IP address, will let you see and adjust all the settings in the cams.
Ignore the prompt to install the plugin. You just won't see the video as you are adjusting.
Use the NVR to view the video as you adjust with the browser.

Heck even a Kindle fire can be used to make camera adjustments.
Don't over think it.

 

[Francisco73]

Simplest option, unplug camera from nvr and connect directly to it. There's also a method for connecting directly to the cameras through the nvr.

I can try but do POE cameras receive enough or any power from a PC or non-POE router? Connect directly to what? PC or router?

 

[Francisco73]

As tangent stated above, ANY browser that lets you connect to the cams IP address, will let you see and adjust all the settings in the cams.
Ignore the prompt to install the plugin. You just won't see the video as you are adjusting.
Use the NVR to view the video as you adjust with the browser.

Heck even a Kindle fire can be used to make camera adjustments.
Don't over think it.

This is the first time I try to adjust camera settings to test the Starlights. I definitely do not see ALL the camera settings and especially not the ones I need for night time. Think found exactly the same settings for "image" as with the NVR. There is no "camera" just the "image" in the "set up" that I have.

When IE with Dahua plugins does not work my guess is that I am doing something wrong.

Where can I find camera set up instructions for dummies?