Hik-Connect Clarification about Hik-Connect and Hik-Partner Pro

[alexdel]

Hi, I would like some help in order to understand some things. I was trying to find a way to remotely configure my cameras because Hik-Connect doesn't give that option.
I download Hik-Partner Pro and bind it with my Hik-Connect account and my NVR's (because I have 2 at the moment). So I was start playing with the app in order to understand (as much as I can) how it works and what is for. I realize that with that app you can configure pretty much everything on the NVR.
So firstly I would like to ask if this is right thing to do as I am just the owner (admin) and not an installer etc. Are there any restrictions for that or anything I have to know?
Secondly I would like to ask what Hik-Connect Teams are? What is the propose of this option in hik-connect app and what are the differences of using teams instead of simple hik-connect.
Also what Hik Central is about (both apps and software)?
Actually Hikvision has so many apps and softwares that I am a little confused for what purpose is each one of them.
Thank you in advance

 

[trempa92]

Ok so the topology is like this

Authorized Installer Hik-PartnerPro:

Having multiple site list with his devices installed ready to intervene on user demand to access configuration if anything can be fixed remotely.
Also able to monitor his client systems via Health monitoring package, hence he can notify his client before client even realize there is a problem.
Entire idea is based on Installer/Client contract for maintainance.
But that does not mean you cannot have it. You can remote configure up to 1024 devices for free.

Hik-ConnectTeams

A company which have larger system that can create roles and users and allow certain resources. It can also remote configuration plus management of users
For instance AccessControl/Time&Attendance and such things.
Something like HikCentral but cloud based.

Hik-Connect

End user for viewing only


Hik-Central Professional (Local Software)

Their paid CMS where you can do everything Hikvision offers. From video surveillance,ACS,Alarms,... to statistics and their AI data

 

[JB1970]

Authorized Installer Hik-PartnerPro:

You can remote configure up to 1024 devices for free.

You can add 1024 devices for free. Each device (camera, NVR) is free for one month after initial registration and then remote configuration is only possible with a chargeable (per NVR or per camera where directly registered to Hik-Connect) Health Monitoring package. I won't discuss costs on an open forum. The exception is intercoms etc which remain free. Without the Health Monitoring package configuration is only possible if you are on site connected to the same network.

 

[trempa92]

I do not have any configuration limit, neither my clients. If you do have a limit, something is wrong with your account.

I have around 40 various devices on my account, and some clients up to 400 devices.

https://imgur.com/IxASMbz

 

[JB1970]

I do not have any configuration limit, neither my clients. If you do have a limit, something is wrong with your account.

I have around 40 various devices on my account, and some clients up to 400 devices.

There's nothing wrong with my account. I don't have a configuration limit either. I'm pointing out that the remote configuration part is not free and hasn't been for some time, it is chargeable unless you are on the site connected to the same LAN.

 

[trempa92]

Neither of my client have that much devices on site in same LAN, neither my devices are in my LAN, as i do everything via 5G on phone.

We do not have limit on remote configuration outside same network

 

[JB1970]

Then it has to be some regional restriction or perhaps because you're registered as an integrator (rather than just an installer) you have access to the service free of charge. In the UK about 18 months ago we started receiving communications from Hikvision that the service was going to be chargeable and it is now.

If I add an NVR to my account today, it will offer me Health Monitoring (which includes remote configuration) free for one month. Once that expires there is a chargeable renewal (per month or per year). I don't lose the device from my site list, just the Health Monitoring part of the app. So I can still see brief details of the site, get an offline notification (within 1 hour rather than the 5 minutes in Health Monitoring) and can view or remote configure while at the site but that's it.

 

[trempa92]

It seems to be regional differences then. As i am authorized as installer on my private acc, and distributor on work acc. Both work the same

 

[JB1970]

@trempa92. The below is from Hik-Partner Pro:

"Since December 2023, the "Health Monitoring Package" and the "Remote Maintenance Package" have been merged into a single offering known as "Remote Maintenance Pro." This new package will encompass and manage all functionalities from both packages, which are summarized below:

- Remote device configuration.
- Remote live view and playback.
- Remote password reset.
- Remote firmware upgrade.
- Health Monitoring: View device health status on the Dashboard.
- Real-time Notifications: Receive instant alerts for device exceptions.
- Automated Health Check Reports: Automatically send device health reports or manually export them as needed.
- Log Management
- Unlimited Device Access
- Configurable Cross Device Linkage Actions and Rules

This new package is available for free in December 2023, with mandatory payments commencing in January 2024. The package is only applicable to recorders and cameras, priced at £xx/year per recorder and £x/ year per camera if directly connected to Hik-Partner Pro without a recorder. No fees or packages will be required for other devices, such as Non-CCTV, Smart Switches, Doorbells, etc. For more information, please click the to the official update letter regarding this new package offering.
Apart from the functionalities mentioned above, which are managed via the Remote Maintenance Pro package, all other features will continue to be available for free: site management, on-site batch configuration, remote batch configuration (AX PRO), remote smart switch management, designated ARC monitoring, maintenance quotation, and open integration."

 

[JB1970]

It seems to be regional differences then. As i am authorized as installer on my private acc, and distributor on work acc. Both work the same

Yeah that's annoying. HPP looked good while it was free, no more need for port forwarding or VPN to access devices remotely. Unfortunately I think Hikvision played us and once we jumped on board they made it chargeable. I have to add cost into a customers service charge now to cover it.

 

[JB1970]

I was trying to find a way to remotely configure my cameras because Hik-Connect doesn't give that option.

@alexdel - For just two NVRs I'd probably just recommend setting up a VPN to the site(s). That will allow you to configure the devices using a web browser without the security risk of port forwarding. As you can see from the above discussion Hik-Partner Pro is not so straight forward!

 

[trempa92]

Perhaps create a dummy eu hpp acc? Maybe it can be bypassed if its just for your private residence

 

[JB1970]

Perhaps create a dummy eu hpp acc? Maybe it can be bypassed if its just for your private residence

It's a strange one. The existing account is logged in at ieu.hik-partner.com so I'm not sure where the difference lies between yours and mine. The OP may be able to get around it as you say but I've about 70 sites. I'll maybe delete my own home site out of my business account and create a new one with a different e mail to see if I get a different result.

If you look at the image you posted above compared to mine below, the 'Free Package' description differs, not mentioning remote configuration:

If you click on the blue 'Details' link it offers the following comparison to show what is and is not included:

You've somehow got a very nice free service! Our free offering doesn't offer much free.

 

[trempa92]

As you can see i dont have Health Monitoring package. But i can do everything.

 

[JB1970]

View attachment 12713

As you can see i dont have Health Monitoring package. But i can do everything.

I feel robbed - maybe we should never have left the EU! lol

 

[trempa92]

It wouldnt be the first time hikvision does regional differences.

UK is a bigger market, and where i live is small market plus cheap. Perhaps they are aware nobody would pay for that.

 

[trempa92]

But UK also have a different firmware platform than rest of EU, it could be UK is different to EU in particular, not just my adriatic&malta area.

While all support and stuff from EU is based in AMS, you got your own exclusive in UK and that means it could be that also executive orders come from UK staff for that market, not from higher up

 

[JB1970]

Perhaps they are aware nobody would pay for that.

Yeah I was annoyed at the time. I can remember when HiDDNS on iVMS was so bad that Hikvision themselves would recommend port forwarding. Go forward a few years and they're advising strongly against port forwarding and instead using their free, secure, Hik-Connect platform with Hik ProConnect and later Hik-Partner Pro. We all jump in and make the changes and now we are captive customers once they added the charging.

I was going to ask where you're located but just saw your message. I just got back from a short holiday in Malta a few days ago!

 

[trempa92]

Im not from malta, its just that Hikvision region is called Adriatic&Malta

 

[alexdel]

Dear @trempa92 and @JB1970
Thanks for your answers although your debate creates more questions... I suppose for you @JB1970
My package I think is like @trempa92... (I'm from Greece)

So what that means? That I can have all the benefits except health monitoring forever or it has any trial period?
Dear @JB1970 can you help me a little bit with your suggestion...??
"For just two NVRs I'd probably just recommend setting up a VPN to the site(s). That will allow you to configure the devices using a web browser without the security risk of port forwarding"
How can I do that? Is there anywhere I can read and understand how can I set it up? I have to mention that in one of my 2 NVR's I have stralink as ISP. Also I will probably use starlink in my 3rd Hik cam setup which I'm planning to do in the next days.
Thank you both