If you have a Smart TV, then it’s possible to install the Hikvision iVMS-4500 app on it and then view the camera on the TV via the app. There’s no need to connect an HDMI cable to the TV, all you need is the app and internet.
Technically, you can even see the cameras on your smart TV from a distant location (off-site system). By following this guide you should be able to access the live mode of the camera that you use in your house, office, business, etc.
However, this procedure is not simple, it’s doable but you need to fulfill all the steps. On the phone it’s easy, but on the smart TV, you need to create the right environment for the app to function properly. Moreover, you need to use some extra equipment to make the installation process happen.
Requirements to Install the iVMS-4500 App on Your Smart TV
- You’ll need the app which you can download here.
- A USB memory stick, any brand is okay as long as there’s enough space for the app.
- A USB mouse that will make the installation process easier
- An Android phone. If you have an iPhone then additionally you’ll need a USB Keyboard and a USB hub. The steps are still the same.
- A Smart TV that must be connected to the internet.
In this example, we will use a Sony Smart TV. However, the steps and the logic are applicable to any smart TV that runs on Android such as Samsung, LG, Sharp, Insignia, etc. Just make sure it runs on the Android platform.
One must assume that since the TV runs on the Android platform, then all it takes is to install the iVMS-4200 app on the TV. But that’s not the case. Technically, the iVMS-4200 is not supported by the Android TV platform which is a modified version design to work on larger displays (TVs).
The basic idea is to install the app using the File Commander for Android which allows you to run the app on devices that are not supposed to support certain apps (such as Smart TVs). For more read the steps below.
How To Install iVMS-4500 app for Smart TV?
Step 1. Get the latest version of the iVMS-4500 from the web since you can’t find it directly on smart TV’s Play Store. It’s recommended to download the HD version of the app since it will be displayed in a more adequate way and not in portrait mode which looks horrible.
Step 2. Download the File Commander for Android on your TV (it can be downloaded on the TV).
Step 3. Now insert the USB stick into the TV and make sure that the “Allow installing unknown apps” checkbox is ticked in the security settings of the TV.
Step 4. Open the File Commander app (we previously installed it) and locate the APK (extension for Android apps) on the USB stick. Then proceed to install the iVMS-4500 app on the TV, the same way as you install a regular app on your smart TV.
By default, the app still does not show up on the main home screen view of the TV since it’s not designed for TV use. You can choose to install a custom home launcher or you can access the app via the Settings of your TV. Select Applications, then select the iVMS-4500 app and choose “Open”.
Step 5. The next part gets tricky because the TV’s remote control doesn’t work at this stage. You need to plug a USB mouse which brings up the points and lets you navigate around. Using the mouse, select the “Region” and enter the “Devices” section of the app where we will add your camera’s settings.
Step 6. Another weird thing is that on this step you can’t use the mouse or the remote control to type any details on the app (camera settings). There are two options; either plug in a USB keyboard or install Android TV Remote on your phone.
Using the Android TV Remote on the phone, you can pair it with the TV and use the phone’s keypad to type all the required settings.
When it comes to setting the IP, it is recommended to go for the local IP of the DVR or NVR cameras (for example 192.168.1.100). If you can already see the cameras on the phone, then all you have to do is mirror the settings. Whatever settings you have on the phone app, type the same settings on the iVMS-4500 for the TV. Save the settings using the mouse.
Step 7. Launch and use the iVMS-4500 app on your smart TV and you should see all the cameras over there. You can see the live view, playback, and other settings. Basically, it will function the same way as the iVMS-4500 on the app.
Keep in mind: The app can be a little bit laggy, let’s say not very smooth, but this could be affected by the TV hardware side (such as lack of RAM) and if the internet connection is slow. Also, it can get worse if you try to display a lot of cameras at the same time (such as 16 or 32).
As we mentioned, you can add the system locally or remotely. If it’s locally, it will be faster and smoother. If its’ remotely (from another location) may be slow or skipping frames. It all depends on how fast the devices are communicating. A strong internet connection both on the TV and camera side will help.
Other ways to view a camera system on a smart TV include methods such as using Google Chromecast, using third-party apps that can be installed regularly on the TV, or even utilizing Mini Android PC. For more refer to this article: How to view an IP camera on Smart TV.
