Hikvision region code changer

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CBX

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Hi All

From this point forward I am no longer providing solutions for Hikvision products.

My forum PMs and associated mail address should be considered to be unmonitored.

I've had a few issues with people making silly claims about me or even pretending to be me (email addresses 1 letter different than mine etc). I don't intend to come back or post in the future - but should that change I can prove I am really CBX if needed.

All the confidentiality I agreed to with various people I worked with still holds of course.

Anyway, thanks for all the kind comments - all the best :)

CBX





Hello all

*** UPDATED March 2015 ***

Unfortunately due to the actions of others I've had to withdraw this service.

I am now offering a patched 5.2.5 Multi language solution instead.

Info is here:

http://www.ipcamtalk.com/hikvision/2601-hikvison-permanent-region-code-changer-suspended-post21668.html#post21668

*************************

I have developed a solution to change the region code on any Hikvision camera/DVR/NVR.

I am no longer on cctvforum - do not post or PM me there as I won't see it. I've rescued and reposted the feedback from people who have used it here:

http://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php?2563-Rescued-Hikvision-Region-Changer-Reviews



I do not think it acceptable for a product to be offered (even for import) that is English when you buy it, and then suddenly Chinese when you want updates/fixes.

This program permanently changes your camera region. Though if you run it again you can change it back and everything is as it was. I have done this just in case there is a future issue from the manufacturer (your serial number remains unchanged).

This product contains no copyrighted code from the manufacturer. I would not offer it if it did.

A few FAQ questions I myself would ask:

Q Does this work with the latest 5.2.5 & 5.2.8 cameras?

Yes.

Q Will this fix the problem where the NVR/iVMS will not see my cameras because of language mismatch?

Yes.

Q Will my device be multi language?

It will give access to all the languages the firmware has so it depends what languages are in the firmware you use.

I am currently supplying files that make your very own multi language 5.2.5 and includes permanent region change.

Q How do I use this?:

There are instructions with the program, but in most circumstances it's just a case of running a batch file (supplied) to make your own custom firmware. Use the firmware in the normal web update page.

Q So after this what firmware/patches/hacks do i need?:

Language and day of week will be English whatever firmware you have or whatever firmware that currently exists you put on. Should be fine for future ones though obviously depends on what manufacturer does.

No need for manual patches etc.

Q Change I change the serial number, mac address, other parameters?:

No. I prefer to respect HikV as much as possible so this is not currently offered whilst there is no justifiable reason.

Q What about if I put old or new firmware on?:

This is different to the camera region setting. So no problem - region is still what you changed it to.

It's theoretically possible that the manufacturer could releases updates in the future which cross reference your serial,mac address with the region they think it should be, but you can always revert the change before upgrading should that be needed.

At that point the issue of changing such parameters could be revisited.

Q How does this work?:

You send me your serial number(s) and I send you the program. The program is locked to your serials only. Only 1 program needed for all serials. Some of the computational work is done my side so the program on your camera doesn't have to do much and also renders the program useless if shared (which is prohibited and you agree not to if you purchase it from me).

Q How safe is this?:

Tested on my cameras repeatedly, and a few early adopters. Many many people since.

I have made the program with safety in mind and a number of checks are performed first. The program can always be run again to put the region code back to what it was. Anyone who promises a program with no bugs should not be believed or trusted, but it has been tested a lot in different conditions and error handling scenarios.

Though of course, as with any flash operation there is some risk especially if there is a power cut in the seconds it takes to run. You accept this risk, though it is hoped that if there is interest in the product, people will post indicating all is OK. There's lots of people who are happy - check this thread and a similar thread on cam-it.org for feedback.

Q How do I know what changes are made. You could be a hacker or something.


- Well, no files on the camera are changed. People who are knowledgeable can verify this for themselves.

- Nothing is sent over the network from the camera (again clever people can check).

- This would be illegal and I'd be arrested

- This is not how I work or who I am, please see some of the other work I have done and shared elsewhere in the past (including language patches) in the past to draw your own conclusion.

You can always change your pw/ip/personal info etc to something silly before running the program, and put back afterwards if you like. Or simply wait for others to try first. It wouldn't take much for any such issue to be posted by people and my reputation destroyed

Q What if I pay you and it doesn't work?

The tool creates a support log, which you can send to me and I can find out what the problem was. This is not automatic - you have to send it to me. I offer support with this product as part of the deal. If I cannot resolve the problem using your support log and working with you I hereby agree to refund you. The support log is encrypted (it contains your serial, mac address but not IP or password) for your privacy when sending.

Q What if something goes wrong?

Send me the support log. If all else fails and in the very unlikely case that the camera does not boot, and TFTP does not restore functionality, I can likely provide a solution using recovery firmware that I have made which can be applied via TFTP. The camera has a recovery mode which is not affected. Again, there are no extra charges involved.

Q Other models/OEM?

PM me to discuss.

Q I don't want my serials or information shared. Will you keep it private?

Yes, absolutely 100%. In my country we have Data Protection laws which obligate me to do so without your consent.

Q Why are you charging for this?


I am unemployed and have done a lot of work on this. I need to fund more dev work (and pay for food!).

Q I don't need this. I'll just use patches or some other hack.

That's not a question. But that's totally fine - enjoy your cameras in the way that works best for you :)


Please PM me for other questions.

You may not share or modify the program I give you, and you must agree to a confidentiality agreement.

Thanks for your time. Hope this is useful to some.

Pricing to be discussed via confidential PM.
 
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bp2008

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Nice work. You continue to amaze. If you don't mind my asking, did you already have experience working with firmware images and embedded linux devices? I work mostly with high level application code so I barely understand how this low level stuff works. It isn't exactly the kind of thing for which you can find help on stackoverflow!
 
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Mike

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Great work @CBX. As a fellow developer I am excited to see this, it looks great. I have a 2432F-IW from AE coming soon, might have to try this out.
 
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icerabbit

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I don't have an immediate use for the tool (only 2 cams that seem to operate in English, for now, knock on wood), but I commend you on your knowledge and perseverance to test and build a software solution to achieve this!

Two thumbs up.
 
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CBX

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I don't have an immediate use for the tool (only 2 cams that seem to operate in English, for now, knock on wood), but I commend you on your knowledge and perseverance to test and build a software solution to achieve this!

Two thumbs up.
Thank you Sir/Madam :) If you are running latest 5.1.2 or 5.1.6 and your camera is English without manual file hacks, then your cameras are English version anyway, and my program is of no use to you at all (unless you want to change their region to Chinese which you probably don't! :) )
 

icerabbit

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You're correct that I don't speak Chinese so I wouldn't want to go EN > CH :)

Just checking my Hikvision cameras, just a few weeks old, which I've never updated (nor hacked):
1: Firmware Version V5.1.0 build 131202
2: Firmware Version V5.1.2 build 140116

So, I guess the first one might not be 100% guaranteed EN. Will keep the solution in mind! Might need it once more cameras come in.
 

dalepa

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I'd pay if the price is right and if you took bitcoin. Why not list the price schedule here? 1-5 cams = x price, 5-20 = y price, etc...


ModelDS-2CD2032-I
Serial No.DS-2CD2032-I20140329CCCH458318719
Firmware VersionV5.1.0 build 131202
Encoding VersionV5.0 build 131128
 

CBX

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I've now developed this to work in Raptor series 4 (in addition to series 2). Tested sucessfully.

That's DS-2CD4xxx e.g. DS-2CD4124 DS-2CD4032 etc
 

networkcameracritic

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Did he accept your bitcoins?

I'd pay if the price is right and if you took bitcoin. Why not list the price schedule here? 1-5 cams = x price, 5-20 = y price, etc...


Model
DS-2CD2032-I
Serial No.
DS-2CD2032-I20140329CCCH458318719
Firmware Version
V5.1.0 build 131202
Encoding Version
V5.0 build 131128
 

ex123yz

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Company in China hasn't contacted you yet to change the version before shipping them out? :)
 

bp2008

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Are you kidding? Chinese companies like that won't pay for anything they don't have to.
 

CBX

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Company in China hasn't contacted you yet to change the version before shipping them out? :)
I keep all details of anyone I help confidential so I couldn't say either way :)

EDIT:

Actually thinking about it, I'm not breaking any secrecy agreement to say that I have not arranged a factory version change solution for Chinese resellers at this time. Otherwise it gives the impression that you can buy Chinese version from them and it will be English which is not true as far as I am aware.

Though someone posted screenshots which implied some were using hacked files (which won't survive a firmware change).
 
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ex123yz

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That was what I was thinking to myself.
Now that there is hack available. If I were to buy from China, how am I ensure that I am getting the English version and not a hacked version with English firmware?

Just asking the vendor if it's "Engrish" version isn't enough anymore. I actually asked if it's English in my online request, but the reply was "Engrish". :)
 

CBX

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Well there's no difference in the hardware - it's only a factory setting. That's what this program changes.

The English version shouldn't be more costly for us to import in my opinion. And it really doesn't seem fair that the manufacturer let us import the cameras in English, and now it's all Chinese.
 

bp2008

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That was what I was thinking to myself.
Now that there is hack available. If I were to buy from China, how am I ensure that I am getting the English version and not a hacked version with English firmware?

Just asking the vendor if it's "Engrish" version isn't enough anymore. I actually asked if it's English in my online request, but the reply was "Engrish". :)
LOL.

For all we know, there is no effective difference between an English version and a China version that has been hacked by CBX.
 

CBX

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LOL.

For all we know, there is no effective difference between an English version and a China version that has been hacked by CBX.
There isn't. Though I suppose the serial number has CH in it. And the small leaflet you get with it is in Chinese.

The camera itself is identical.
 
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Ramias

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So will this allow me to run 5.1.6 from hikvisionUSA on a camera I bought from China?

With 5.1.6 from HikvisionUSA all menus are in Chinese. If I ran this I'd be able to have the menus and day of week in English? What is pricing for 5 cameras?
 

CBX

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Yes and yes :)

For pricing please PM me.
 
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