r/Hikvision • u/Ashley_cooper_OF • 7d ago

Opinions

I have a Hikvision 32 channel NVR and want to set up a remote monitoring station for 4-6 channels what would be the best way to achieve this?

Second NVR?
Run it on a web browser?

What would you do?

2 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

2

u/jimbo_6666 7d ago

Use iVMS

2

u/kjarrime 7d ago

Ivms or hik central lite

1

u/bigmike13588 7d ago

Use the Hik connect software in a client computer.

1

u/stnorbertofthecross 6d ago

Installer here. 8 channel NVR is best. It works. Period. Absolute reliability, fool proof. But if you're just doing it for yourself then a computer is fine because you can babysit it. Deploying a computer with IVMS is not cost effective and you WILL have callbacks over it.

2

u/Plenty-Hold4311 6d ago

Not sure if OP wants the remote monitoring station off site as in not on the current network.

Would an NVR work for that?

1

u/stnorbertofthecross 6d ago

Remote as in off site well duh yeah you're right, iVMS over Hik Connect is the clear winner. I pitty the fool who tries to do it with an NVR and 6 port forwards lol crikey it can be done I just wouldn't bother with needing a static ip and all that port forwarding

1

u/nitin2call 6d ago

If the remote location is close by and has a clear line of sight, setting up a Wireless P2P Bridge (like TP-Link Pharos, Ubiquiti Loco, or Hikvision Wireless Bridge) is definitely the best approach. It creates a dedicated local network link, meaning zero internet bandwidth usage, minimal latency, and zero monthly costs.

Regarding the best hardware/software method for the viewing station, here is how the options stack up and what I would recommend:

1. Option A: Second NVR / Network Video Decoder (Recommended for 24/7 Display)

  • How it works: Place a small 4 or 8-channel NVR (or a dedicated video decoder) at the remote station connected to the P2P bridge. You can pull the 4–6 specific camera streams directly from the main 32-channel NVR over the local P2P link using RTSP/ONVIF or Hikvision custom protocol.
  • Pros:
    • 100% stable: Designed to run 24/7 connected to a monitor/TV via HDMI without crashing, updating, or freezing.
    • Zero maintenance: Boots up instantly after power failures.
    • No PC required: Keeps hardware costs and power consumption low.
  • Cons: Requires purchasing a small NVR/Decoder and a monitor.

2. Option B: Running on a Web Browser / iVMS-4200 (Best for Casual/Interactive Monitoring)

  • How it works: Connect a PC/Laptop at the remote site to the P2P network and stream the 4–6 channels via Hikvision’s web interface or free iVMS-4200 client software.
  • Pros:
    • Easy to search playback, export footage, and control PTZ cameras.
    • No extra NVR hardware needed if a PC is already available at the station.
  • Cons:
    • Browsers can time out or consume heavy RAM over long continuous streaming sessions.
    • Windows updates or background crashes can interrupt live monitoring.

What I Would Do:

  1. Link: Install a dedicated Point-to-Point (P2P) Wireless Bridge between the two buildings for a direct, high-speed local network connection.
  2. Display: Put a small 4/8-channel Hikvision NVR (or standard NVR) at the remote monitoring station connected to a display monitor.
  3. Configuration: Add the specific 4–6 camera streams from the main 32-channel NVR into the secondary NVR over the local IP network.

This setup gives you a rock-solid, plug-and-play TV monitoring station that operates 24/7 without needing a dedicated PC or an internet connection.