What (Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac) you are using The brand or model of your DVR/NVR if known Whether you need local or remote access
Xiongmai offers dedicated Windows and macOS desktop applications (often called CMS or VMS) that communicate with the cameras directly using native network protocols, bypassing the browser entirely. 2. ONVIF-Compliant Third-Party Software
| Issue | Description | |-------|-------------| | | No longer works on modern Chrome, Edge (Chromium), or Firefox. | | Security risks | ActiveX and NPAPI plugins are notorious for vulnerabilities (buffer overflows, privilege escalation). | | Installation friction | Requires users to lower browser security settings, download manual installers, and run as admin. | | Poor user experience | Frequent crashes, broken updates, and lack of responsive design for different screen sizes. | | Deprecated standards | Microsoft Edge (legacy) and IE are being phased out; Chrome/Firefox removed NPAPI entirely. |
The DVR-IP protocol is proprietary, but many of these recorders also support open standards like . This allows you to connect to the video feed using modern media players like VLC or integrate them into a modern surveillance system. The address format is often: rtsp://username:password@IP_address:port/streaming/channels/1
Users can search through historical footage, play back recordings, and download video files in formats like AVI or MP4.
: Mac users must use dedicated surveillance software rather than a web browser. Security Risks of Using Legacy Plugins
Accessing advanced settings, such as configuring motion detection, smart plans, and AI detection rules. Hardware Support: