IP Cameras and Macintosh

[downunderdan]

Has anyone had any success with IP Cameras and/or DVRs that perform well when viewed via a Mac-based web browser?

Most of the Asian manufactured gear relies on ActiveX controls which requires Internet Explorer under Windows.

[Drift]

I think AVTECH DVRs work with Safari & Hikvision are working on it. As for IP cameras, I'm not sure.

[albatross]

you will find that the AVTECH units can be viewed through Firefox on the Mac.

[downunderdan]

Is it fully functional? Or a dumbed down interface or straight video stream.

A lot of cameras and DVRs can supply a stream via motion JPEG or RTSP, but you'd still need a copy of Windows lying around to get to the good stuff...

I visited AVTECH's website and there wasn't much hard data but some online reviews seem positive. Their site notes "The best way to browse this site is by IE 6.0" D'oh! Haven't seen messages like that since the Great Browser Wars. Anyone had any hard experience with them? Their camera specs aren't great, but their DVR could be an interim solution. Online demo of the DVR isn't working...

[intelliGEORGE]

Dan,

You'll need to find some manufacturers that support Java instead of ActiveX. Also, if you wait a little longer, chances are manufacturers will start embracing HTML5 which will do away with plug-ins.

[downunderdan]

Thanks George. The opposite argument is that they have a lot invested in their old stock and don't want to do away with it.

As far as I'm concerned, ActiveX should have died years ago, but it still festers.

[MegapixelMan]

I would look at EXACQ

I have used these with MAC's and they work fine.... You just need to make the adjustments via the camera first on a windows PC and then you can make the Frame, Compression final adjustments in the Exacq Software.. Easy to use and better then the chinese junk.

You can get this from Video Security Products !! Ask for Dan in the QLD office...

0755 975708

[Uncle Kneebo]

NUUO will also do it, but cheaper than Exacq.
Exacq is aimed at your middle to high range systems - its a good product but its the truth. Dan will say the same thing.

NUUO is for your smaller clients.

NUUO has a Mac specific version too? pretty sure....

[downunderdan]

According to the NUUO , Mac is not supported.

[Uncle Kneebo]

According to the NUUO , Mac is not supported.

then its in development, had mac running at tradeshow on Q Video stand

[downunderdan]

Then it's probably academic until they release it for mainstream. However are you sure you saw a Mac native bit of software? Or could it have been a Mac emulating Windows, which is often better than a Windows laptop due to the ability to take 'snapshots'.

[MegapixelMan]

Yeah Exacq cater for all budgets as they have the Start Software and Professional Version... The Exacq Start is about $40 or $50 per camera with no added software, so 8cameras for the entire package is about $320-$400..Not bad I think

MM

[Uncle Kneebo]

Then it's probably academic until they release it for mainstream. However are you sure you saw a Mac native bit of software? Or could it have been a Mac emulating Windows, which is often better than a Windows laptop due to the ability to take 'snapshots'.

couldnt answer this straight for you