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Hikvision Setup

Hikvision cameras and recorders typically work out of the box with TetherX. This guide covers additional configuration options and firmware updates.

RTSP URL Format

For Hikvision DVRs/NVRs, use the following RTSP URL format:

rtsp://[user]:[password]@[ip]/streaming/channels/[channel]0[stream]

See Connecting to DVRs and NVRs for general DVR/NVR setup instructions.

Audio Recording

Hikvision cameras with built-in microphones can record audio. See Audio Recording for setup instructions with Hikvision screenshots, encoding settings, and how to disable audio in TetherX.

Enabling Analytics

Configure your Hikvision camera to send motion detection and smart events (intrusion, line crossing, audio detection) to TetherX.

Step 1: Enable Camera Analytics in TetherX

1. Go to Admin → Cameras and select your camera

2. Open the Advanced tab

3. Set Event Trigger to TetherBox & Camera Analytics

4. Click Update Camera

Step 2: Access the Camera

Create a tunnel to your Hikvision camera and log in with the admin account.

Click Configuration in the top menu.

Step 3: Configure Motion Detection

1. In the left sidebar, expand Event and select Basic Event

1. On the Motion Detection tab, configure the following:
   • Enable Enable Motion Detection
   • Enable Enable Dynamic Analysis for Motion
   • Click Draw Area and use your mouse to select the detection zone
   • Click Stop Drawing when finished
   • Click Save

Step 4: Set the Arming Schedule

1. Select the Arming Schedule tab

2. Use the blue sliders to set when analytics should be active (days and hours)

3. Click Save

Step 5: Enable Event Notifications

1. Select the Exception tab

2. Enable Notify Surveillance Center - this sends events to TetherX

3. Click Save

Step 6: Configure Smart Events (Optional)

For cameras with advanced analytics, you can enable additional detection types:

1. In the left sidebar, select Smart Event

2. Enable the analytics you want, such as:

   • Intrusion Detection - triggers when someone enters a defined area
   • Line Crossing Detection - triggers when someone crosses a virtual line
   • Audio Exception Detection - triggers on sudden loud noises (useful for quiet areas)

3. Configure each event type's arming schedule and enable Notify Surveillance Center

4. Click Save

Step 7: Verify Events in TetherX

Log out of the camera and return to the TetherX Events page. You should see events appearing with icons indicating the analytics type detected.

Using TetherX with Hik-Connect

Yes, you can use TetherX alongside Hik-Connect on your Hikvision cameras and recorders.

Disable Stream Encryption

Hik-Connect's stream encryption uses a proprietary mechanism not available to third parties. To use both platforms, disable stream encryption:

1. Create a tunnel to your Hikvision device

2. Log in to the camera web interface and navigate to Configuration → Network → Advanced Settings → Platform Access

3. Uncheck Stream Encryption/Encryption

4. Click Save

Troubleshooting

If you experience a broken stream or no live view after disabling stream encryption, update the camera or recorder firmware to the latest version. Hikvision has addressed known compatibility issues in recent firmware releases. See Updating Firmware Remotely below.

Updating Firmware Remotely

You can update Hikvision firmware remotely using TetherX's tunnelling feature, without travelling to site.

Download Firmware

1. Visit the Hikvision Downloads Page
2. Search for your camera model
3. Download the latest firmware for your region
4. Extract the archive - it should contain a file named digicap.dav

Upload Firmware

1. Create a tunnel to your Hikvision device

2. Log in to the camera web interface and navigate to Configuration → Maintenance

1. Scroll to the Upgrade section and click Browse

1. Select the digicap.dav file you downloaded

2. Click Upgrade

Fisheye & 360° Cameras

Hikvision fisheye cameras offer multiple display modes. The double panorama view (single channel showing a split 180° view) is called 180 Panorama View:

See Fisheye & 360° Cameras for general fisheye configuration and dewarping options.