Adding IP cameras through Onvif protocol

1. Adding IP cameras through Onvif protocol. Here at Protec Security and Electrical in Perth, we’re always working on new CCTV camera systems, new CCTV camera models and CCTV NVR updates. At the office is our test NVR, where I personally test each new model that is released before offering it to our valued customers. Testing new CCTV cameras is important to ensure all the features and functions can be checked and tested and to ensure there are no firmware issues between new products and existing NVR’s or recorders. If you are to install a new model camera to an older recorder or perhaps a different brand camera with a particular feature you want added to a different brand NVR, you will likely have to do this using the Onvif video protocol.

2. Onvif protocol is a video format that most quality CCTV NVR’s can ‘read’ to display and record your CCTV cameras image. Usually this means a lack of smart features that can be used through your NVR however these are not lost, just require accessing through the CCTV cameras network menu. Using the quality Hikvision platform in this example, if you wanted to add a much older HiWatch series camera to this system, you would have to enable Onvif. Even though both are made from the same manufacturer, the video protocol is different between each model. Hikvision have since changed this with the newer HiLook series domestic CCTV cameras and the commercial grade Hikvision CCTV cameras. First steps are to enable Onvif on the CCTV IP camera to be installed on your Perth property. To do this the IP camera has to be logged into. Here at Protec Security and Electrical, we use the SADP tool from Hikvision to identify CCTV cameras installed on your network even if they’re out of range of your local IP address. This is a great tool for the CCTV installer as it means the CCTV cameras do not need to be setup prior to installing and plugging everything in and can be setup at the end of a job using a site laptop with ethernet port. Once you have the CCTV cameras setup to the local network IP address then they can be accessed through your local network via the main router, if they’re plugged into the back of your NVR then they can be accessed by plugging your computer into a POE port of the NVR. Once you’re logged into the camera using default login passwords, the Onvif protocol needs to be enabled. For HiWatch series cameras this is located under integration protocol – a user must be created with administration authority, add a new password to be used for the camera, enable Onvif and apply. Once this is done you can go through the other settings as required and change them to suit the environmental factors such as light, WDR requirements etc.

3. Once Onvif has been activated on the CCTV camera, you will need to add the camera to the NVR with manual adding. To do this you will need to enter the CCTV camera registration menu, select the camera port that the camera is plugged into (or the port that you want the networked CCTV camera to be added to) and select ‘manual adding’. Change the video protocol from ‘Hikvision’ to ‘Onvif’, enter the username you created under the integration protocol menu and also the password you created in the same menu and select ‘apply’. If all settings are correct the camera will display and you can start recording and using live view. This is a great way to make use of some of the features of other branded cameras without having to have them recording locally or on multiple branded NVR’s. We’re always happy to discuss the pros and cons of each camera model, their best applications, NVR options and endless other questions here at Protec Security and Electrical. If you’re researching your CCTV system then ensure you get knowledgeable installers with real world testing of your chosen system. Content Source: CCTV camera systems