CCTV Cameras (Hikvision)

WeAreGhosts

We have a Hikvision wired camera system (not my choice of brand - I think it's terrible!), and I have real trouble with the app. I constantly get on Live View 'network is unstable ... connecting again', then it doesn't connect again, it says 'failed to find video'. I also have trouble with Playback which is completely dead sometimes with buffering to 90+% and then it says 'playback failed'. This only happens during the day, it doesn't happen with the night vision.
I've read it can be caused by the sub stream setting, but I have it set to 'main stream' which is apparently a fix for this, but the issue still happens regularly.
I had a company to install it, but they just keep telling me it's my internet speed. I disagree as we're on Sky Fibre. I dread to think what the system's like for others not on a half-decent internet.
When away from home I only have the app to rely on so desperately need it to work, but it's so troublesome. Sometimes it can work fine for weeks, then some weeks it's really unstable, even though my internet speed stays the same.
Is anyone familiar with this system?

Neil_Jones

Normally if you just want to watch the live stream as the cameras record, VLC can play them.  Something like one of the commands here:

https://www.ispyconnect.com/man.aspx?n=H.264

This won't be any good for controlling or playing back recorded footage, but with regards to your app if you're able to use Wi-fi where available as opposed to data. 

ukjoel

I recently looked at several systems and the Hikvision cameras looked brilliant value for money and incredible spec, but were let down by their weaker ability to send to cloud and remote.  The cloud based system like nest are stronger in the streaming side, but the downside is the tech is twice the price and the annual subscription can be £100 a year.
Its worth looking on the net as there are several websites which can help stream the data and alerts.