CorporalCuddler

I have port forwarded cameras before with my Linksys router - WRT54GS2. I've used them with ip cam viewer and with blue iris. However, I have spent the last few hours trying to port forward a Hikvision 2CD2042WD that I'm trying out, and I can't get it to work. I can't get blue iris to work at all with it, locally or port forwarded. With Ip Cam Viewer, I can see it over my local network, but after I assign the camera a static IP address, then go into my router settings and add a port to forward - 554, nothing is showing up. So, one issue may be that 554 is the port I used for another camera. I didn't do anything with the number 554 with the Hikvision camera. I don't think there's anything I need to change with the camera is there? The other issue is that in Ip Cam Viewer, it's possible I'm putting in the wrong model since they don't have the exact model listed. So, I tried all of the Hikvision models that ARE listed and none of them seemed to work. I'm pretty exhausted with this. It's been a while since I set up a new camera, and am at a loss. I'm not sure why blue iris won't work locally or with port forwarding. But, I'm more focused on ip cam viewer since I know the local address works on it. Any help would be appreciated.

I'm looking to install cameras outside, and run video and power through an attic and down through a wall. As I have never done this before, I'm looking basically for some reassurance that I'm approaching this correctly. So, I have a few questions ... [1] I decided to go with RG59 siamese cable. Googling what kind of RG59 cable to look for is easy, however, my issue with this is that I don't know what is actually good cable and what is shotty, cheaply made cable based on descriptions by sellers. If someone can point me to a seller that is known for selling good quality cables I would appreciate it. I was planning on buying uncut cable and attaching bnc compression connectors. But I'm not totally against pre made cable. [2] I found these DC power adapters - male and female ones - on amazon - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CMP434/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AWL11K6HV50F5 ... basically, I will be attaching the first cameras at least, outside, where there is an overhang over a porch, so the short cables from the cameras will be inside, and I was going to use these connectors to attach the RG59 power cables. Are these okay to have sitting unprotected in an attic, possibly near or on insulation? [3] I'll be attaching these to vinyl (it's a brick house, but the overhang on the porches is vinyl). Do I need to use any sort of electrical box? I wasn't planning on it, but is it recommended? (I may have the term wrong - I'm referring to the boxes that are used for electrical outlets or cable outlets that are typically found in drywall) I appreciate any help. I just don't want to start working on this and then start questioning if I did something wrong or not.