security_hobbyist 0 Posted March 7, 2014 Hello everyone, I've recently purchased a Swann 8-Camera DVR and I've found out the hard way that these DVR's are Internet Explorer only. This is a big issue for me because my family primarily runs Linux. I'd rather not run new wires through the house, and the current cameras fulfill our desire of quality, so I'm looking to just perform a DVR replacement. I guess I'm looking for some input on my choices: Purchase a new DVR with non-IE (Chrome / Firefox) support. I can't actually find one, but our price range is less than $1000, and ideally less than $300 - so if you know of a good one, please let me know. Purchase a BNC receiver card to use with ZoneMinder. I'm not familiar with hardware options, but a lot of people are saying you can run into framerate issues with some of the cheaper models. This needs to handle 8 cameras (even if it's two cards) without an issue, so I don't want to get stuck with something cheap. Reverse engineer the SwannViewPro Android App and figure out how they're communicating with the DVR. I have a background in software, so I have no problem writing a viewer app - if only there was good protocol documentation. I've tried to figure out some of the communications between the app and the DVR - but I have no idea how any of it works since it's all proprietary. (Also I don't want to discuss this any further if it would get me in trouble, being "hacking" and all. I understand the rules and will follow them.) The unit I bought: http://www.amazon.com/Swann-SWDVK-830004-US-TruBlue-8-Channel-Cameras/dp/B008P8FDEW Thanks in advance for any help, M Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Securame 0 Posted March 7, 2014 All current Hikvision and Dahua units support IE, Firefox, Chrome... What I can not tell you for sure is if they also support Linux. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
security_hobbyist 0 Posted March 30, 2014 All current Hikvision and Dahua units support IE, Firefox, Chrome... Purchased a Hikvision unit and tested it today. It "supports" Firefox through IE Tab - Which is an IE wrapper. If you're running Mac OS or Linux, these devices will not work. I am now going through the process of returning. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Securame 0 Posted March 31, 2014 Purchased a Hikvision unit and tested it today. It "supports" Firefox through IE Tab - Which is an IE wrapper. If you're running Mac OS or Linux, these devices will not work. I am now going through the process of returning. You must have bought an old model. All current units support Firefox and Chrome without IE tab. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
milkisbad 0 Posted March 31, 2014 I prefer to use Chrome with Hikvision stuff actually, I would say almost all the models in 2013 will work with Chrome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spiirriit 0 Posted May 15, 2014 Does the Swann NVRs work with Chrome & Firefox....specifically the Swann NVR4-7200 or NVR8-7200 that I'm about to order? BTW, my budget for a system with 4 1080p cameras is ~$1400. Your opinion on the Swann vs another comparable system? Thanks from a new guy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
milkisbad 0 Posted May 16, 2014 (edited) Swann (ie Hikvision) should work. Also works on Mac Safari. Try out our demo on your chrome browser, then you'll see even our machines will work. Edited May 16, 2014 by Guest Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spiirriit 0 Posted May 16, 2014 Thanks much, milkisbad ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
