Hikvision and Google Chrome Compatibility

Solve Hikvision Google Chrome Plugin Compatibility Issues

Do you have a Hikvision NVR (Network Video Recorder) such as DS-7604NI-E1/4P, DS-7608NI-E2/8P or DS-7616NI-E2/8P? Are you trying to view your recorded or live video feed in Google Chrome and cannot get it to work? These NVRs rely on a browser feature called NPAPI to view the video feed.

What Does NPAPI Do?

NPAPI (Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface) is a depreciated feature in older browsers. Originally developed for Netscape Navigator 2.0 browsers, starting in 1995. Subsequently it was adopted by other browsers such as Chrome. Google Chrome engineers discontinued NPAPI support because the 90’s era architecture is obsolete and had caused massive crashes, hangs and security incidents. Among many manufacturers, Hikvision was especially affected. Their recorders and web cameras requiring access through Chrome, used the NPAPI plugins.

No Video Display in Google Chrome

On September 2, 2015, Hikvision acknowledged Google had discontinued support for NPAPI on Chome version 45 and higher. Hikvision’s solution was to use alternate, not-as-secure browsers. They further committed to produce updated firmware. Years later, Hikvision has yet to address this issue with a firmware release.

Because of no NPAPI support in Chrome (and most other browsers), this caused problems for vendors like Hikvision. No longer can you view video streams from your DVR in your favorite Internet browser.

Enabling NPAPI Support in Chome

You are not alone in your worry that you can no longer view your NVR’s image in Chrome. There is a plugin available for Chrome to restore the ability to watch live and recorded video from your NVR. The plugin called IE Tab solves the problem. It is available for download the Chrome web store (see: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ie-tab/hehijbfgiekmjfkfjpbkbammjbdenadd?hl=en ).

After visiting the link to the IE Tab application, select the ADD TO CHROME option in the top right of the screen. The installation will prompt you to complete the extension setup.

Upon completion of the IE Tab application install, an “e” logo displays to the right of the title bar. This indicates the browser is ready for use (the image above denotes the “e” logo in the red circular area).

Enabling IE Tab

To enable IE Tab, click the “e” logo and a secondary tool bar is visible below the main Chrome tool bar. Enter the URL or IP address of your NVR device to log in to your device (or camera) in the secondary tool bar. In our test setup, we used the IP address of http://192.168.1.100 which is the address of our network video recorder. Proceed to supply the account name and password you wish to log in to the NVR.

Success In Showing NVR Remote Screen

Once the NVR screen loads up, you can now view live or recorded playback video from your network connected NVR device. Practical testing has not shown any issues resulting in many happy customers.