I'm convinced the issue is one of simply a factory reset and re-initialize process -- given access to the existing firmware by a compatible method.
Considering I have the current login credentials of the NVR that provisioned these cameras, there's clearly an additional hook of some kind also binding the cameras to the NVR for authenticating initialization -- more than likely the MAC address of the NVR itself, but that's just a guess. I'll figure it out. Certainly not a necessity, but rather more of a challenge and learning experience to share with others at this point.
Anyway, I do appreciate your weighing in on the subject. I honestly thought there would be more general participation, if not with a magic bullet posted in fairly short order, at least with the methodology and frustration I've discovered firsthand over several days of pecking at it. I've successfully replaced the connectors. The cameras boot up and provide both hardware/firmware data and static video via the web interface display. They just don't initialize to stream video as independent devices -- which by all indications of the available ports, protocols and available documentation, they should be able to do
But like they say, "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you expected." LOL I've certainly gained some here.
I did want to comment on the Reolink subject for
@brokensword as an aside since I also have a few of those cameras. Depending on model, a firmware upgrade should address the I-frame issue if it's a big enough annoyance. Reolnk takes a lot of flak, but I find them to be reliable and decent quality devices that most folks would be happy to have. Their support also seems fairly responsive as evidenced by their addressing of the I-frame issue. They do fall short of others on the night vision, but I look at the shortcoming(s) of any camera as manageable variables depending on the purpose and placement -- not to mention the economics. Free Reolinks are rarely a bad thing!
Thanks again. I'm grateful for your input and your taking the time to provide it.