Hikvision Web Services Alternative Strategies

juin 9, 2022

1 Overview

Microsoft has stopped supporting Internet Explorer after the release of Windows 11 operating system at the end of 2021, and Hikvision devices are facing the issue that they can no longer use Internet Explorer to implement web video services.

 

In response to this, our strategy is to use mainstream browsers such as Chrome, Edge and Firefox to replace IE browser to use web video service.

 

Specifically, we provide the following three solutions: no plug-in service, local service and IE compatibility mode in Edge browser. In addition, we still support IE plug-in service, so if you do not upgrade to Windows 11, you can continue to use IE plug-in solution.

 

 

2 Current solution

2.1 No plug-in service

a) Content       

The no plug-in service solution is characterized by no installation, and can be used by logging in to the browser. Relatively complete support for video functions and small storage space requirements for devices; built-in device for the program; poor support for HD and splicing products; suitable for scenarios with limited storage space, strong demand for complete video functions and no strong demand for HD preview.

 

b) Installation method

Installation-free.

 

2.2 Local service

a) Content

The most fully supported features, consistent with the IE plug-in, but the installation package is a bit heavy compare to IE plug-in solution, suitable for devices with sufficient storage space, and the software has a strong demand for HD preview, full video features of the scene, you need to download the local service resources and install to the browser to use properly.

 

b) Installation method

The download and installation process is almost the same as the IE plug-in. Login to the web side of the device in the browser and click the Download Plug-in button in the upper right corner of the preview screen to download the local service feature. Unlike the IE plug-in service, due to the current hardware capacity limitation, using the local service requires the device to have access to the external network.

 

 

If you cannot use external network, and want to use local service, you can go to our official website to download the local service resource package and install it on your computers, the download link is as follows.

https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/tools/hitools/cl31f95c645ddb0235/

 

2.3 Enable IE compatibility mode in Edge

a) Content

If you can continue to use IE plug-in service by opening IE compatibility mode in Edge and want to continue the habit of using web service in the past, the program content capability and IE plug-in service capability set is the same, this program operation is more tedious, it is recommended that customers take this program as an alternative.

 

b) Installation method

The installation process of this solution is as follows

Attachment: How to enable IE compatibility mode on Microsoft Edge

Front and back-end support

Till now only part of our devices support this solution, requires Windows 11, Edge browser version 89+, please check 3rd part of this document for more details.

 

 

3 Comparison of IE plug-in services, local services and  services without plug-in capability

The following table is a comparison of the basic set of capabilities of the web services currently supported by the device, local services and IE plug-in services support the same functions, applicable to the applicable scenarios with high requirements for video services, compared to no plug-in services support many less functions, applicable to the HD preview, playback without strong demand for the use of scenarios. Capability comparison and support list of Hikvision product please see the following table:

 

IMPORTANT! Ce modèle nécessite un logiciel non standard. N'installez pas de logiciel standard (par exemple, v.4.1.xx) sur ce modèle. Cela endommagerait définitivement votre système. Vous devez utiliser le logiciel personnalisé v.4.1.25 à partir de la page du produit iDS-9632NXI-I8/16S

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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