Hikvision Discontinued 'Migration' To Hik-Connect Tested

By: Ethan Ace, Published on Dec 16, 2016

In 2 weeks, Hikvision's online service web portal will be discontinued. Hikvision has now framed it as a 'migration', though the transition will be a completely manual process for dealers.

However, Hikvision says the other platform (Ezviz / Hik-Connect / Hicloudcam.com) is better.

We tested this platform, focusing on how dealers can make use out of it, and found key strengths:

  • Simplified setup
  • Centralized viewing
  • Potentially improved security

And weaknesses:

  • Remote management
  • User management
  • Migration process

Inside, we examine each of these points.

** * *****, *********'* online ******* *** ****** will **************. ********* *** *** framed ** ** * 'migration', ****** *** ********** will ** * ********** manual ******* *** *******.

*******, ********* **** *** other ******** (***** / Hik-Connect / **********.***) ** better.

** ****** **** ********, focusing ** *** ******* can **** *** *** of **, *** ***** key *********:

  • ********** *****
  • *********** *******
  • *********** ******** ********

*** **********:

  • ****** **********
  • **** **********
  • ********* *******

******, ** ******* **** of ***** ******.

[***************]

Limitation: ** ****** **********

*** **** ********** ** moving **** ***-****** ** Hik-Connect ** *** **** of ****** **********. **** DDNS / **** **********, dealers ***** *** ** and ****** ******* ********. However, ******-**************** ****** ****** ** remote **********, **** ******* motion ********* **/*** *** adjusting *** ********.

*** ***** ******* *** be *********** ******* ** **** forwarding *** ******** ********** to *** ****, ********************, ***, ***/*********, ***. Because ** ****, ******* will **** ****** ****** to *** ******* ******* DNS ******* ** ******* HiDDNS, *********** **************-*******. **** ** ** fact **** ********* ******* recommended ** ** **** we ***** ***** ****** management, ****** **** ******* DynDNS *** ***** **** forwarding ********.

*******, ********* ***'* ********* team **** ***** ********** features **** ** ******** in *****/***-******* "**" **** (discussed *****).

Advantages: ********** *****

***** ******* *** ****** of ***** ***** **** be ********* **** ******* up ****** ****** ** two ****:

  • ** ****** ****** *****:** ****** **** ********** is ******** ** *** up *****. ** *** tests, ** *** ** issues ********** ******* ******** routers, **** **** *** business ***** *** ********. Users ****** ***** ********** via *** ****** *** interface *** ***** * verification **** ** *** EZVIZ *** ** *** interface ** *******.
  • ******* ****** ** **** account:******* ********** ** ** EZVIZ ******* ****** **** user **** ****** ** device, **** ****** *** desktop (****-****). ****** *********** to **** ********* ******* must ** *** ** on **** ******, *********** time ********* *** ***** customers **** ******** ***** with ******** *******.

Key *********: *********** *******

************, ******* ******* *** now ****** ** *****' accounts, ******* ** ********* a ***** ** **** individual ******, **** *** more ****** **** ***** from ******** ******* **************. Live ******* ** ******* to * ************ *** the *** ******, *** larger ***** ***** (***, 4x4, *** ******) *** be **** ** ****-**** or ****-**** ****** ****.

**** **** **** **** one ******** *** ** viewed ** * **** using **** **********, *** this ******** ******** ******* into **** ********** ******, instead ** * ****** account.

Potentially ********* ********

******** ********* ***** ** favor ** *** ***** connections ****** ******* ****** security, ** ** ******* possible ****** ******* *** intruders, ***** ****** ******** will ** ****** ** open ** *********.

*******, **** **** **** the ******** ** ********* to ******** ****** ***** cloud ********(*) *** ** end, ***** **** ***** do *** *****, **** nearly **% ** *********** in *** **** (*****) answering **** **** ** not ***** *********'* ***** security***** ***** **** ************* was ********.

Hikvision ****** *****

** ****** ******* ********** **** move, ********* ****:

*** ***** ******** ***-******* platform **** ** ***** in ** ****. ** the ********, ********* *** use *** ***-******* *** to ******** *******. **** the **** ******** ** online, ********* **** *** the **** ***** ******* created ***** *** ***-******* APP ** ****-**** *** to ********* ****** *** devices.

************, **** ********* **** the ****** ****** **** no ****** ** ********** on ******** **, ****, meaning ***** **** ** longer ** **** ** see ****** ****** ** edit *******. ***** ******* already ***** *** ******* will ****** ********** *** their ****** *** ** client ********. ****, ** February **, ****, ***** will ** ****** ** able ** *** ******* to ******. ********* **** not **** * **** date *** *** ****** services ***** *******.

Hik-Online ********

*** ******* *****, ********* has ******* ***-******/****** ********* to ***** *****/*******. **** service ******* ***** ** assign * ****** ****** name ** ********* *********, with **** *******'* ** address ************* **** ** to **** ** ** changed.

************, ******* **** **** to *** ***-****** ** a ******* ** ******** sites, **** ***** ** each *******, ****** ****** management/changes/troubleshooting ******, ** *** dealer ***** ****** *** in **** ***** ***********.

**** ***** ***** *** main ********* ** ***-****** with *** **** ******** online:

EZVIZ/Hik-Connect ****** ********** ***********

************* *** *******, *********'* replacement *******, ***** (********* Hik-Connect ** **********, ****** practically *** ****), **** not **** *** **** functionality ** ***-****** *** port **********.

*** *******, *****'* ****** Management **** ****** ***** only ** *** ******* and *** ******, ***** below, *** *** **** configuration ******* ********* *** enabling/disabling ****** *** *********** their ********.

EZVIZ **** ********** ***********

***** ******** * "****** Management" ***** ****** ***** to ***** ******* **** other ***** ********, ********* playback/alarm/PTZ ******* ******. *******, this ********* ** **** akin ** ******** ********* such ** ****'* "****** Accounts" **** ******* ********** VMSes.

******** *****' ******* ** a ****** ***** **** system *** *** *********.

  • *****, ******* ****** ****** user ******** **** **** interface. **** **** ** created ********** **** *** user's ***** *******, ****** most *****/**** ***** ****** allow ************** ** ****** accounts.
  • ******, *********** **** ** assigned ** * ***-**** basis. ***** ** ** way ** ****** ****** or ********* *** ***** users **** ****** ** devices.
  • *******, ** **** ********, the **** **** *** "own" *** ******, *** dealer ****. **** *** users *** ****** ** disagree **** **** *****, as **** ** *** have **** ******* **** their *** ******.

***** ******* *********** **** the ****** ****** ******** from * ******/*** **** standpoint, ***** ******* **** previously ****** **** ** manage ***** *****' ******* via ***-****** ***** *** recorder's *** ********* *** multiple ********.

Not * "*********"

******* *********'* ******** **** this ** * "*********" from ***-****** ** ***-*******, there ************* ** *******, **** accounts, ** ********. *******, users **** ****** * new ***-******* ******* *** add ***** ******* ********. Hikvision ********** ***** **** in ***** ***** ******* as **** ******* "******** user’s ******** ******* *** email ** ***** ****** at ***-******* ***/*** ******* web ******/****-****/****-****" *** "*** user’s ***** ******* **** user’s ********** *******" ** steps ** ***** "*********."

**** ** *********** *** several *******:

  • ***** ***** *** ********* devices:*****, ********** ** *** simple/quick *** ***-******* ***** process **, ****** ******** recorders ***/** ******* ** users' ******** ** * non-trivial ****** ** *****, as **** ********** **** deployed ******, ********, ** thousands ** ****/**** **** port **********.
  • ************ ***** **** ** found:******, ****** ******* ** Hik-Connect ******** *** ************ code ** *** *** or ** * ******* on *** ****** ******. For ******* ***** **** been ********* *** **** time, ********* ** ******** to ***** ** *********, and ********** *** ************ code **** **** ****** requires * *********** **** investment *** * **** to ***** **** ****** location. ** **** *****, recorders **** **** ** be ******* **** *****, causing ***********, ** ******** may ** ****** ** attached ** *********.

** ****** *** ***-******* device ******** ******* ** this ***** **** ************ ***** *** ****.

Comments (19)

John Honovich

IPVM | 12/16/16 01:02pm

2 thoughts:

  • Positive: Once Hikvision gets the 'fully featured' / complete management release live, this is going to be very competitively attractive. A no networking configuration, cloud based video surveillance offering for free (meaning no monthly fee) solves a lot of historical problems. Plus, most of their Western competitors have essentially nothing for the cloud (here's looking at Exacq and Milestone to name 2 big ones).
  • Negative: The transition is going to be painful, especially until they get the full featured version out. Giving people such short notice, over the holidays (Western, not Chinese) is a recipe for problems.

Undisclosed Integrator #1

12/16/16 02:16pm

Thank you for this very detailed analysis. I'm still a little foggy on one thing. If I have a customer that is currently using IVMS to access their DVR/NVR remotely using the HiDDNs (xyzcompany.hik-online.com) with port forwarding, what will happen to them over the next 6-12 months if I do nothing.

Secondly, if I do migrate them to the new service in the next few weeks, you mention lack of remote management. Will that feature (that is currently native in IVMS 4200) not be available due to linking via the new p2p connection?

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1 | 12/16/16 02:27pm

If I have a customer that is currently using IVMS to access their DVR/NVR remotely using the HiDDNs (xyzcompany.hik-online.com) with port forwarding, what will happen to them over the next 6-12 months if I do nothing.

We don't know. Hikvision has not explicitly stated that they will shut down the HiDDNS service completely, but if they are disabling new account creation and logins, and then disable new device registration, it does not seem like the end game is to let existing devices run forever. So it may be in the next 6-12 months or may not, but I'd expect those devices to go offline at some point.

Will that feature (that is currently native in IVMS 4200) not be available due to linking via the new p2p connection?

Correct, if you switch today, remote management will not work. I was able to make some simple changes to an NVR using the remote management menu...sometimes. It didn't always work. It seems like it's Hikvision's intention to move these functions to the cloud, but there is nothing concrete on that. They have only stated the service will be "fully featured" and enable remote management, but not the specifics of how it's done.

Undisclosed Integrator #1

In reply to Ethan Ace | 12/16/16 04:04pm

Thanks Ethan, just to clarify, are you referring to the remote management within the new HIK-connect web interface, or the device management within IVMS 4200?

Maybe a better question is does IVMS 4200 still work with the new connection and have the features within that thick client been reduced (such as remote management)? I manage a lot of my customer's equipment from my office using IVMS-4200. Trying to understand how the new p2p will affect the functionality of that software.

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1 | 12/16/16 04:17pm

If you login to a P2P account in 4200, you can click "remote management" on a device in the list, and from what I've seen it will load settings just fine, but if you try to make changes, it throws errors or even crashes. According to their support, it's not supported at all yet, but it clearly sort of works.

So compared to what you have with devices manually added via DDNS connections, you're going to be very limited. Live viewing and playback work. Alarms might work, but I haven't tried them lately with a cloud device. But remote management isn't going to work at all, for practical purposes.

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1 | 12/16/16 04:19pm

For what it's worth, it would have made much more sense for Hikvision to improve that platform and get users adjusted to it prior to sending out this notice about HiDDNS. But they didn't, which is causing all this heartburn among Hik dealers.

Matt Ion

12/16/16 07:15pm

I set up a single HIK camera on a buddy's shop. Tried to set up him with EZVIZ. What a gong show. Created myself an account, added the camera, that all worked... eventually. Then I had to walk HIM through creating his own account, then "share" the camera with him, then help him figure out how to accept the share.... because once a device is attached to an account, it can't be simply added to another account.

I can see this being a major headache, if I have to create a new EZVIZ account for clients who want remote access, then share them with my account if they want me to be able to remote-manage their systems... then have co-workers create accounts as well, and share the sites with them... and so on. And then if they have staff that they want to have limited access to some sites or devices, they'll each need their own EZVIZ accounts, and management will have to share the appropriate devices with them...

Unless they've changed operation of this thing significantly in the past year... iVMS has been working well so I haven't bothered myself with the EZVIZ headache.

Avatar

Jon Dillabaugh

Pro Focus LLC | 12/17/16 02:48am

In a fabled attempt at trying to get EZVIZ working, I found that it is a very consumerish, cheap interface. It's somewhat simple to use, if for no other reason than you can't really do much.

I also tried a new beta firmware (3.4.3) that allowed and end to end encryption of the video streams for each camera connected to the NVR. This was a simple checkbox to enable it. However, in the web browser and iVMS you had to manually input the encryption code to be able to view the cameras. It was a simple extra step that made sure that the video streams were encrypted.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Jon Dillabaugh | 12/17/16 04:59pm

By encryption code, do you mean verification code?

Hilary Singleton

12/19/16 02:27am

Dear Ethan

what do you think about speed of Hik-connect? (compare with HiDDNS).

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to Hilary Singleton | 12/20/16 05:52pm

We have not directly tested the two side by side to measure exact latency, but Hik-Connect is generally a little bit slower than port forwarded cameras in my experience (and based on others' comments). This depends greatly upon the user's internet connections on both ends, though.

For example, I have a remote 3MP camera connected via EZVIZ/Hik-Connect and it takes about 2 seconds to load right now, which is about normal. But in our Hikvision vs Dahua Mobile Apps Tested, ~1 second was average when loading video. Though at times, 2-3 seconds was not out of the question.

I don't have a lot of experience comparing both for playback, so if any other users do, we'd be interested to hear opinions.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Ethan Ace | 12/24/16 01:00am

Does the video go through a Hik cloud with Hik connect?

John Honovich

IPVM | 12/20/16 05:28pm

Hikvision has released a "How to Use Third Party DDNS Services" Guide to help those 'migrating' elsewhere.

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to John Honovich | 12/20/16 05:43pm

They've also started some changes to differentiate the Hik-Connect mobile app from the EZVIZ one. They used to simply be palette swapped. But in the latest release they've added the ability to view 9, 12, and 16 cameras simultaneously. EZVIZ maxes at 4. This is seemingly a small thing, but for commercial users with more cameras than the typical home, I expect this move is important.

Greg Haynes

12/23/16 09:35pm

So I normally connect a newly installed system to my phone for camera adjustment.

If the customer creates an account can both of us log in with the same credentials? Another words can I do the setup then use the same info to setup their app for remote viewing for the customer? Or will I have to use my tester to adjust all the cameras which will be a problem because a lot of times the pigtail is not accessible :(

John Honovich

IPVM | 12/31/16 11:59am

It is now Dec 31st and according to Hikvision new user registration and access to status and management should be blocked:

However, I was just able to register a new user and check status and management. Not clear if this means they are formally extending it for some time or have just not yet turned it off.

More confusion but, on the plus side, allowing this for now will certainly make things easier for dealers.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to John Honovich | 12/31/16 06:06pm

Alternate explanation:

They meant the 31st.

Edit: Though admittedly they don't shy away from seemingly arbitrary dates like Feb. 16

John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed #2 | 01/01/17 01:16pm

Alternate explanation:

They meant the 31st.

It is now January 1st everywhere in the world and Hik-online still allows new user registration, plus status and management functionality.

Btw, I am not sure if you are helping Hikvision by offering a defense that is essentially "Hikvision could not tell the difference between the number 30 and 31".

More importantly, what does this mean? They set a clear public date, it is now clearly past it. So have they changed their mind?

DC Long

01/01/17 02:46pm

Does 4500 communicate via ISO Layer 2 for initial cam discovery? Setting up the initial IP address was a very confusing process.. perhaps this has been improved on with later camera firmware. Been a year since I've setup and new HIK.

Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.

Related Reports on Consumer

Directory of 30+ VSaaS / Cloud Video Surveillance Providers on Jun 07, 2019
This directory provides a list of VSaaS / cloud video surveillance providers to help you see and research what options are available. 2019 State...
China / US Trade War Impact Splits Industry on Jun 04, 2019
As the trade war continues to heat up, 170+ integrators told us "What impact will the US / PRC China conflict have on the industry?" Respondents...
Security / Privacy Journalist Sam Pfeifle Interview on May 24, 2019
Sam Pfeifle is best known as the outspoken former Editor of Security Systems News. After that, he was publications director at the International...
ADT's Top Dealer "The Defenders" Sued 20+ Times on May 07, 2019
ADT's largest authorized dealer, The Defenders, has been sued more than 20 times since 2012, IPVM has verified through analyzing legal...
Amazon Marketing Pro Installs of Amazon Security Systems on Apr 25, 2019
Is Amazon a threat to conventional providers like ADT, Vivint and Brinks Home Security? Many say no. Now, Amazon is advertising free in-home...
Camera Disruptor Wyze Enters Sensor / Security Market on Mar 28, 2019
Wyze, the company that has disrupted consumer IP cameras, combining American marketing and Chinese manufacturer, has just announced its expansion...
ADT And 'The Defenders' Silent About Massive Complaints on Feb 14, 2019
ADT's largest dealer, "The Defenders" has been the subject of a massive number of complaints over many years and many forums, most recently a CBS...
Surging Wyze Raises $20 Million, Threat To Chinese Brands on Feb 01, 2019
The Seattle Startup that is disrupting consumer IP cameras with $20 pricing has just raised $20 million dollars (SEC Filing and company press...
Bad: Dahua Villa Video Doorbell Tested on Jan 11, 2019
Doorbells are one of the hottest segments in the residential market but Dahua's Villa Video Doorbell is the worst we have tested.   We bought and...
Worst Products Tested In Past Year on Jan 09, 2019
IPVM has done over 100 tests in the past year. But which products performed the worst? Which ones should users be most aware of? In this report,...

Most Recent Industry Reports

Sighthound Transforms Into Enterprise AI Provider on Jun 14, 2019
Sighthound is now rapidly expanding its R&D team, building an enterprise AI service. This may come as a surprise given their origins 6 years...
ADT Eliminating Acquired Brands, Unifying Under 'Commercial' Brand on Jun 14, 2019
ADT is eliminating the brands of the many integrators it has acquired over the past few years, including Red Hawk, Aronson Security Group (ASG),...
NSA Director Keynoting Dahua and Hikvision Sponsored Cybersecurity Conference on Jun 13, 2019
The technical director for the NSA’s Cybersecurity Threat Operations Center will be keynoting a physical security cybersecurity conference that is...
Farpointe Data Conekt Mobile Access Reader Tested on Jun 13, 2019
California based Farpointe Data has been a significant OEM supplier of conventional access readers for years to companies including DMP, RS2, DSX,...
Embattled $400 Million China Funded Philippines Surveillance System Proceeds on Jun 13, 2019
An embattled 12,000 camera surveillance system project that will cost ~$400 million will proceed.  The project contract was awarded, had its...
False Verkada 'Unrivaled' Low Light Performance Claim Removed on Jun 12, 2019
Verkada falsely claimed that it delivered 'UNRIVALED LOW LIGHT PERFORMANCE' until IPVM questioned. In fact, Verkada's low light performance is...
Manufacturer Favorability Guide 2019 on Jun 12, 2019
The 259 page PDF guide may be downloaded inside by all IPVM members. It includes our manufacturer favorability rankings and individual...
Camera Course Summer 2019 - Register Now on Jun 12, 2019
Register for the Summer 2019 Camera Course.  This is the only independent surveillance camera course, based on in-depth product and technology...
Favorite Wireless Manufacturers 2019 on Jun 12, 2019
Many wireless options exist for video surveillance but how are integrator's overall favorites? 170 integrators answered the question: What is...
Carnegie Mellon AI Startup Zensors Profile on Jun 11, 2019
Zensors is a startup formed by Carnegie Mellon graduates from a Carnegie Mellon research project, offering customized models per camera that they...

The world's leading video surveillance information source, IPVM provides the best reporting, testing and training for 10,000+ members globally. Dedicated to independent and objective information, we uniquely refuse any and all advertisements, sponsorship and consulting from manufacturers.

About | FAQ | Contact