Hikvision IP Cameras Facilitate Simpler Cloud Based Streaming of US Cricket Games for Streaming Provider Cricademy

October 20, 2021

cricademy_casestudy

 

Cricademy’s mission is to provide high quality live streaming video to cricket leagues and cricket clubs all around the country in an affordable and portable manner. To achieve this, Cricademy required IP cameras for live streaming, without additional items such as encoders and external PCs.

“I played cricket since I was eight years old and now I’m part of the USA U-19 Mid-Atlantic Zone squad. Typically cricket teams and clubs used to livestream games using a camcorder, a video encoder, and a laptop with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). I wanted to simplify the setup by creating a cloud based streaming product with the help of Hikvision IP cameras,” said Vishrut Kannan, Founder of Cricademy. Kannan added that since cricket games are played outdoors, he was seeking a camera that performed well in higher temperatures.

Hikvision IP cameras provided a versatile solution with high performance recording in all types of weather. Keep reading to learn more about how this fascinating solution came together.

 

The First Ever IP Camera Streaming Solution

Cricademy is the first cricket streaming platform to utilize an IP camera to enhance live streaming quality. Using an IP camera has various benefits, such as a built-in encoder and the unique ability to control the camera remotely using an app to change the position of the camera. In addition, Hikvision’s DS-2DE4A425IW-DE Value Series 4 MP PTZ Camera features 25x optical zoom, enabling Cricademy to easily focus from one end of the field to the other with ease. This allows the film crew to carry around less equipment when traveling to different grounds.

 

Designed to Perform in Hot Weather

Hikvision’s outdoor cameras are designed to withstand intense weather while maintaining high quality recording. The selected Hikvision DS-2DE4A425IW-DE Value Series 4 MP PTZ Camera can operate in temperatures from -22 degrees to 149 degrees Fahrenheit, making these an effective camera choice for Cricademy’s livestream operations.

Standard camcorders and analog cameras are unable to perform in challenging weather as these types of equipment are somewhat fragile.

 

Powerful Optical Zoom

cricademy_casestudy

Image: Vishrut Kannan, Founder of Cricademy, standing next to the pole mounted Hikvision PTZ Camera.

 

A typical cricket ground has a diameter of about 600 feet (approx. 180 meters). The Hikvision PTZ Cameras can easily focus on any part of the grounds with its powerful 25x optical zoom technology.

 

Watch a video of Cricademy Live at the Millennium Cricket League Division B in New Jersey to see the Hikvision camera in action.

 

Simplified Customization

Hikvision offers APIs for programmers, and Cricademy used this functionality to develop their own iOS app to control the cameras and watch the live video feed. Camcorder-based solutions do not provide preset functionality and cameras must be moved manually across the field. Hikvision IP cameras worked well with the Cricademy app to improve access to viewing that captures the full experience.

 

Innovation Delivers Results

Hikvision IP cameras come equipped with numerous innovative features, deep learning algorithms, and advanced analytics modules. These cameras can perform a multitude of advanced functions, such as motion detection, object tracking and more. This innovation offers a wide range of options that enable Cricademy to expand upon their cricket game livestreams.

Venue/Stadium

IMPORTANT! This model requires non-standard firmware. Do Not Install standard firmware (e.g. v.4.1.xx) on this model. Doing so will permanently damage your system. You must use custom firmware v.4.1.25 from the iDS-9632NXI-I8/16S product page.

View the most updated version of this document here:

https://techsupportca.freshdesk.com/en/support/solutions/articles/17000113531-i-series-nvr-firmware-upgrade-instructions

 

The I-series NVR (such as the DS-7716NI-I4) is one of Hikvision's most popular and feature-rich recorders. As such, many firmware revisions have been introduced over the years to continually ensure the product is compatible with the newest technology available. Due to the many revisions, we recommend that the user closely follows the instructions below in order to reduce the amount of time spent as well as the chance of failure.

 

Database Optimization and Repair

As more affordable IP cameras are introduced over time with greater video resolution and data sizes, more efficient database management also becomes necessary. The introduction of firmware v4.0 brought about a new database architecture in order to be futureproof.

 

After upgrading to v4.X, the recorder database will need to be converted and optimized. If you are experiencing issues where playback is expected but not found, make sure "Database Repair" is performed as indicated in the procedures and scenarios below.

 

Preparing the Upgrade

Before proceeding with upgrade, it is recommended that NVR configuration file is exported from the NVR over the network or on to a local USB drive.

 

Upgrading from v3.4.92 build 170518 or Older

  1. All recorders must reach v3.4.92 before proceeding further. Upgrading from versions before v3.4.92 directly to any version of v4.X will likely cause the recorder to fail.
  2. If the recorder is already at v3.4.92, a full factory default is highly recommended before upgrading to any version of v4.X. There is a high chance of unit failure (requiring RMA) if the unit is not defaulted before upgrade.
  3. After reaching v3.4.92 and performing a full factory default, an upgrade directly to v4.50.00 is acceptable.
  4. After the upgrade is completed and the recorder is reprogrammed, it may be beneficial to perform a Database Repair. For details, refer to the section "Database Optimization and Repair" above.
  5. To verify repair progress, you may refer to the HDD status, or search the recorder log for repair started and stopped entries. Note that while the HDD is repairing, new recordings are still being made, but some existing recordings may not be searchable until repair is complete.
  6. If you continue to observe playback issues after database repair, ensure there are no power, network, or motion detection issues. Should the problem persist, contact technical support.

 

Upgrading from Any v4.X Build to v4.50.00.

  1. Any v4.X build can be upgraded directly to v4.50.00.
  2. Export configuration is highly recommended before performing the upgrade.
  3. If upgrading from any v4.X version that was not v4.22.005, a Database Repair is recommended. Refer to Step 4 and onwards in the previous section.

 

Downgrading

Downgrading is not recommended. Due to new features and parameters constantly being added, downgrading may cause the NVR to factory default itself or require a manual default to operate properly.

View the most updated version of this document here:
K-Series DVR upgrade instruction
The Turbo 4 Hybrid DVR K series has multiple models and across different platform and chipset. It also has similar firmware development of other recording product line; DVR K series has also introduced the GUI4.0 to ensure the series to be compatible to the newest technology available. The new database architecture is also brought into the DVR firmware v4.0 to be future proof and for better recording search experience. 
 


Database Optimization and Repair

As more affordable cameras introduced over time with greater video resolution and data sizes, more efficient database management also becomes necessary. The introduction of firmware v4.0 brought about a new database architecture in order to be futureproof.
After upgrading to v4.X, the recorder database will need to be converted and optimize. If you are experiencing issues, where playback is expected but not found, please make sure to perform "Database Rebuild" as indicated in the procedures and scenarios below.
 


Preparing the Upgrade

Before proceeding with upgrade, it is recommend exporting DVR configuration file from the DVR over the network or on to a local USB drive.

 

Action after firmware upgraded 

1. Upgrade the DVR according to the chart above. 

2. Reconfirming Channel's Recording Schedule 

    - Confirm channel's recording schedule is enable. 

    - Check if the channel is on correct recording schedule.

3. Double Check Storage Setting

    - Make sure all channel are assigned to record on its HDD group when the Storage setting is under Group Mode. 

4. Perform Database Rebuild locally. 

    • Some version above support Database Rebuild via web access - K51 and K72

    • Perform Database Rebuild regardless if system is having any database issue symptom. 

    • Database Rebuild process is average ~30 to 60min per TB. The process may still varies depends recording data.

    • After Database Rebuild - Check log to confirm Database Rebuild has went thru properly. 

    • If Database Rebuild Started and Stopped log has been log only within few minutes. Database rebuild may not has been completed properly. It is strongly recommend performing the Database Rebuild again.

    • To check log > System > Log > Information > Database Rebuild Started and Stopped.

    • If the log option is not available - access system via SSH can also obtain similar result.

5. Recording Data is still missing after database rebuild process. 

If the data has not been recorded or has been overwritten, Database rebuild process is not able retrieve those lost data. Have the system upgraded to the latest available firmware version above to prevent any future data lost is strongly recommended for all application.

 

 

 

 

In light of the global semiconductor shortage, Hikvision has made some hardware changes to the DS-76xxNI-Q1(2)/P NVRs, also known as “Q series.”

 

These changes do not have any effect on the performance, specifications, or the user interface of the NVRs. For the ease of reference, these modified units are known as “C-Version” units. This is clearly indicated on the NVR label and on the box by the serial number.

 

The only difference between the “C-Version” and “non-C-Version” is the firmware. The firmware is not interchangeable:

 

  • The C-Version NVRs must use firmware version v4.31.102 or higher.
  • The non-C-Version (Q series) NVRs must use firmware version v4.30.085 or older.

 

Please do not be alarmed if a “Firmware Mismatch” message pops up on the screen during the firmware upgrade. This simply means that the firmware does not match the NVR’s hardware. Simply download the correct firmware and the upgrade will go through without any issue.

In light of the global semiconductor shortage, Hikvision has made some hardware changes to the Value Express Series NVRs

These changes do not have any effect on the performance and specification of the recorders. For ease of reference, these modified units are known as “C-Version” units. This is clearly indicated on the NVR label and on the box by the serial number.

The only difference between the “C-Version” and “non-C-Version” is the firmware. The firmware is not interchangeable:

  • The C-Version NVRs must use firmware version v4.30.216 or higher.
  • The non-C-Version (Q series) NVRs must use firmware version v3.4.104 or older.

Please do not be alarmed if a “Firmware Mismatch” message pops up on the screen during the firmware upgrade. This simply means that the firmware does not match the NVR’s hardware. Simply download the correct firmware and the upgrade will go through without any issue.

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