Setting up the Raspberry PI is not for the faint hearted. Whilst the guides I found are fairly easy to follow, having some understanding about what you are doing is a good idea.
/proxy.php?image=https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*8kh6d5CvI_vbwxbV1RePZA.jpeg&hash=6d114e8380690e40ce0fb09e0dd58f46&return_error=1 Hikvision Raspberry PI as Viewer We love exploring new things at GeekyAnts & an innovation always leads a solution. One of the experiments which actually solved our problem… /proxy.php?image=https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/fit/c/152/152/1*8I-HPL0bfoIzGied-dzOvA.png&hash=4a6e0e08a9dc6339551b4165739fc171&return_error=1 medium.com
As for the HDMI over CAT6/IP options. HDMI Extender Neoteck 60m HDMI Repeater with 2 Port: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
Basically you can either plug one of those boxes into the NVR via HDMI then run an Ethernet cable between the two boxes so send the HDMI signal over the Ethernet cable to a Monitor/TV plugged into the second box. Some are just HDMI and some offer the option of adding keyboard and house to it as well (mouse will be good for getting the to the NVR settings without needed a browser).
The more expensive option is a similar setup, but instead of the Ethernet cable going between the two black boxes, the black boxes are plugged into a switch, much like your PC, router, etc. so the HDMI signal is transmitterd via TCP/IP. This means to can plug the box with the montior/TV anywhere in your network rather than directly on the end of the Ethernet cable.
Using a PC is a pretty standard way of viewing the cameras. The software is free, it is called iVMS4200 (from Hikvision)and allows you all of the functionality of of the NVR in a software platform.
Your NVR allows you to select a NAS as a remote backup destination for your NVR, so you can backup the contents of your NVR's HD to a remote or cloud location.
You can also use these type of Android boxes
T9 Android 8.1 TV BOX, 4GB RAM 32GB ROM RK3328 Quad: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
with iVMS 4500 (available on Play Store) loaded to view the cameras. A lot of my clients have these plugged into their TV as an easy and cheap solution to view their cameras.
What would be the main difference between using the android box over using the iVMS4200 on my PC? Or is it just another way of doing the same thing if a PC isn't available? Like a living room for example.
Also, when using the iVMS4200 on the PC, would I get to see the full 4K picture of the 8mp cameras, or would this be reduced quality?
FInally, I have noticed some camera 'hoods' that people have put above turrets mounted on a wall. Are these any good/worth getting? I know they won't protect against everything, but it may be that they would ensure picture quality remains uncompromised under all but the most excessive weather? (Amazon.com : SDS DS-1250ZJ Universal Sun Rain Shade Camera Cover Shield for Outdoor Camera : Camera & Photo - similar to this)
Thank you both!
The android box or the RasberryPi are just a way of local viewing on a monitor / tv without the need for a PC.
The quality using iVMS4200 will be as good as your display and your graphics card on your PC.
I have never used hoods (I have never had need for them) so I cannot comment. They seem more like sun-shades that you may want to use in the US to stop cameras cooking in hot climates.
One of the biggest challenges currently with Hil cameras is viewing them on TVs in residential settings as they are not really designed for this application. Both the Android box and the RasperryPi are work arounds that people have come up with. Ideally it would be good if Hik could produce a native app for a Firestick. That would be a killer.
I only used the Raspberry Pi as I had 2 of them sitting around so I thought I'd put them to use.
An Android TV box would be a better solution IMO data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Thanks for your help all. I will let you know how I get on, or if anything else crops up! There aren't many installers in my area with a lot of reviews etc. I like to see customer testimonials etc when I get someone for a job.
I think between myself and @Puntoboy we probably have you covered for questions
FWIW another option.
I use Luxriot EVO installed on my PC. It's a full on professional surveillance tool that's free up to 9 cameras and I find it great. It's absolutely NOT for the feint hearted because as it's a professional surveillance tool it's pretty complicated and not designed for residential use. That said now I know how it works and what I need to do I find it works excellent.
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So I contacted another few installers on Saturday. I was keen to get a variety of quotes before I made my final choice.
However, 2 have came back and said they don't offer or install Hikvision products and instead offer Dahua. So my understanding is that many installers will have picked one or the other?
So, how does Dahua compare to Hikvision? Specifically the cameras I have shortlisted (DS-2CD2385G1-I8MP)? Are they worth considering or should I forget these installers and rule them out because they don't offer Hikvision?
I had hoped my outdoor cameras would have decent motion detection without a tonne of false alerts, but it seems that this is a negative of the Hikvision (perhaps all outdoor?) cameras?
Thanks for the help!