Hikvision software question

[Vandoe]

So got all my cameras in and plan to set up everything this weekend. I have 12 acusense cameras and the acusense NVR. I am interested in the AI features but don’t have experience with a camera system with an NVR. Just ring cameras and the alike.
So do I need to also set up IVMS on my computer? Or only do everything on the NVR? Or should I do both?
Can one program offer more than the other?
If it is best to use both, is there a hierarchy? Will all of the settings be changed on the camera, NVR and IVMS? I guess Hik connect for that matter too. I just need a little direction on all of this. I can’t find much info out there on this and what each program is for and when/why to use it. I also saw some settings you can only access on the web page also.

I’m really guessing myself and wondering if I should have gone with Dahua instead of Hikvision now. My installer only does Dahua so since I got cameras on my own, he doesn’t know hikvision and isn’t going to help with any set up. Just labor.

 

[wittaj]

IVMS is not needed - that is for people using the computer as the storage of the video.

It is best to set the cameras up within the camera itself. Setting it up within the NVR can result in the proper settings not going to the camera. Let the camera provide the data to the NVR. The NVR is used to view the cameras, store the video, and push notifications. As you have seen, there are settings available in the camera that are not showing in the NVR.

Plus one on you should have gone with Dahua LOL. Many of us find the GUI simpler with Dahua. But you will find Hik fans as well.

 

[Vandoe]

IVMS is not needed - that is for people using the computer as the storage of the video.

It is best to set the cameras up within the camera itself. Setting it up within the NVR can result in the proper settings not going to the camera. Let the camera provide the data to the NVR. The NVR is used to view the cameras, store the video, and push notifications. As you have seen, there are settings available in the camera that are not showing in the NVR.

Plus one on you should have gone with Dahua LOL. Many of us find the GUI simpler with Dahua. But you will find Hik fans as well.

I could just send it all back to B&H if Dahua really is that much better lol that was one of the reasons I went with Hikvision was because the online app was rated higher and was told their interface offered more than Dahua did.

ok. So just NVR and web page to the camera for additional camera settings. And Hik connect of course. Thanks so much for dumbing it down for me. Wish hikvision would just explain things better in their manuals.

 

[wittaj]

Dahua and Hikvision are comparable, so it comes down to which one you like the most (or get the best cost lol). Between the two, I find the Dahua easier to setup and find stuff than my Hikvision cameras, but there are some the opposite LOL.

At least you didn't go with Reolinks LOL

 

[Vandoe]

So if I am not at home, is the Hikconnect app the only way to then view the cameras and play back? Or can I also do all of that by going to the web page of the NVR?

And what is the third and fourth streams for? I understand the main stream and then sub stream is for mobile viewing, but what are the third and even fourth streams for?

then finally for viewing at home, main set up is in office but want to also have viewing abilities in bedroom, family room and office. Is hdmi extenders/baluns the best way to do this?

 

[wittaj]

Hikconnect app is the only way unless you port forward (not recommended) or host a VPN like OpenVPN that is native to many routers. Do not confuse this with a paid VPN that is used to hide your IP for porn and illegal streaming LOL.

3rd and 4th stream are for folks that may have home automation or other reasons to use a video stream at a resolution different than the main or substream1.

Yep, manyh do the HDMI extenders, but if they are smart TVs or have a Roku or Chromestick put in them, people have figured out ways to cast the video.

 

[Vandoe]

Hikconnect app is the only way unless you port forward (not recommended) or host a VPN like OpenVPN that is native to many routers. Do not confuse this with a paid VPN that is used to hide your IP for porn and illegal streaming LOL.

3rd and 4th stream are for folks that may have home automation or other reasons to use a video stream at a resolution different than the main or substream1.

Yep, manyh do the HDMI extenders, but if they are smart TVs or have a Roku or Chromestick put in them, people have figured out ways to cast the video.

Yes so I saw how the Hik connect app can be installed on a fire tv. I do have all smart TVs. I just didn’t know if constantly streaming from the fire tv and then also having the NVR screen would cause additional internet usage? Or is it all the same no matter what application is running?

and perfect for the third stream. My alarm panel accepts ONVIF S now so want to add them to my panel for viewing as well.

 

[Vandoe]

I did also get SD cards for each camera just as a back up.
So to set up the settings for motion detection and smart events for the sd card, is that all done via the web page to the camera?

and then for the smart events for the NVR, I would do those settings in the NVR but under cameras in the NVR?

in the mobile app, is it pulling the notifications from the cameras web page settings or the NVR camera settings?

 

[wittaj]

It will only stream when you have them up and running

Yep set up the SD card recording in the camera gui.

The mobile app will pull the notifications from the NVR.

 

[Vandoe]

It will only stream when you have them up and running

Yep set up the SD card recording in the camera gui.

The mobile app will pull the notifications from the NVR.

Thanks so much! You have helped me out tremendously! Thank you’