I have created a new Homey SDK v3 app for Hikvision IP cameras and network video recorders. The app communicates directly with the camera or NVR over the local network using Hikvision ISAPI and RTSP, so no cloud account is required.
This is a new app with a new app ID: nl.nobrainerhomey.Hikvision. It does not automatically replace or migrate devices from the older Hikvision app.
Test version:
Main features
Native Homey Live video through RTSP and WebRTC
Automatic selection of a Homey-compatible H.264 substream
Camera snapshots for up to sixteen online channels
A Homey dashboard widget with digital zoom, pan, pinch gestures and automatic refresh
Support for Hikvision cameras, NVRs and compatible OEM devices such as selected ABUS and Annke models
HTTP and HTTPS connections with Digest authentication
Automatic reconnection after temporary camera or network errors
The last valid snapshot remains visible when the camera is temporarily unavailable
Flow support
The app provides triggers for:
Motion detection
Local alarm input
Video loss
Camera tampering
Line crossing
Intrusion detection
Camera connected, disconnected and connection-error events
Compatible PTZ cameras can be moved, tilted and zoomed from Advanced Flow. A separate action is available to stop PTZ movement safely.
Live video compatibility
Homey Live video requires an H.264 RTSP stream. Many Hikvision cameras use H.265 for the main stream, which browsers and Homey WebRTC cannot use directly. The app therefore checks the available streaming profiles and automatically selects a compatible H.264 substream when one is available.
The default RTSP port is 554. The HTTP port is normally 80 and HTTPS is normally 443.
Alarm events
To receive alarm events, enable Notify Surveillance Center as the linkage method for the desired event in the Hikvision configuration.
Alarm events are optional. Some camera accounts or firmware versions return HTTP 403 for the event stream. This does not prevent snapshots, the dashboard widget or Live video from working.
Requirements
Homey Pro with firmware 12.3.0 or newer
A Hikvision camera or NVR reachable from Homey on the local network
A local Hikvision user account with permission to view the camera
An H.264 RTSP profile for native Live video
The app is currently available in the Test channel. I have tested snapshots, Live video and the zoom widget with my own Hikvision camera, but feedback from other models and firmware versions is very welcome.
When reporting an issue, please include the camera or NVR model, firmware version, whether you use HTTP or HTTPS, and whether the device is connected directly or through an NVR. Please do not post passwords or other credentials.
I managed to connect my NVR and all (8) cameras are streaming in Homey. It’s great that it’s a local connection!
I also have a video doorbell that is not connected to the NVR (it works with HikConnect mobile app) and that one won’t connect when I enter the local IP and credentials. I know it’s technically not a camera, but any chance of supporting it in the future? The model is DS-KV6113-WPE1.
Hey! Thanks for pointing me to that one, I knew it existed but last time I checked it didn’t support the doorbell. I guess I’ll use both apps because the other one lacks “Line crossing detected” flow trigger.
@Doekse, could you please clarify whether multiple apps are allowed for this particular brand or not?
In this case, with regard to Hikvision devices, it makes perfect sense that there are at least two apps for this brand, because the old Hikvision app doesn’t support newer Homey models! Please check my post #4.
I haven’t had a chance to look into this in detail yet, and I’m currently on holiday, but is the existing ‘old’ app open source? If so, it might be worth updating that app instead of creating a new one.
If it’s not open source and the app has been abandoned, I’d recommend that I reach out to the original developer to see if they’re willing to hide the old app so we can move forward with the new one.
I don’t know if the app is open source; at least, I didn’t find a link to GitHub or similar platforms in the App Store or in the corresponding app thread.
Here’s what the first post in the corresponding app thread looks like now:
If this happens, all users of the old app will have to set up their devices again and update their flows. This has already led to disappointment among Homey users with the Shelly and Shelly Control app. It might be worth considering a way to migrate from the old app to the new one without too much hassle.
But that’s just some extra information, you don’t have to worry about it, at least not while you’re on holiday. Wish you a pleasant and relaxing holiday.
Thanks for the additional information! I think I know enough.
Migration from one app to another unfortunately wouldn’t be possible, this would only be possible if it remained the same app. By hiding the app nothing much happens besides people not being able to find it anymore, so it won’t break anything for existing users.
