Streaming VideoStreaming video is usually done through RTSP or real-time streaming protocol. IP-Cameras typically have RTSP.
However, it's possible (not probable) that NVR/DVR have RTSP as well.
HIKVISION NVR:
rtsp://[admin]:[12345]@<IP>:[PORT]/Streaming/Channels/<ID>
<ID> is YXX where Y = channel number and XX is main (01) or sub stream (02)
ID 501 = Channel 5 main stream
ID 402 = Channel 4 sub stream
EXAMPLES:
rtsp://admin:
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/Streaming/Channels/201
rtsp://192.168.1.64/Streaming/Channels/602
rtsp://user:
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:10554/Streaming/channels/101
rtsp://admin:
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:10554/Streaming/channels/102
How I Do It
What I do is get the ONVIF DEVICE MANAGER. It is a free Windows-based dedicated program (download ONVIF DEVICE MANAGER here) that lists out all the devices on the location and shows all the settings in the camera or NVR. This happens even if the options don't show in the devices natural web portal.
What's better is that ONVIF DEVICE MANAGER will show the correct RTSP URL for both the cameras and the NVR's. The reason for this is because OEM's are changing their RTSP port from the default of 554 for security reasons.
You can type this into VSPLAYER or VLC MEDIA PLAYER.
NOTE ABOUT HIKVISION / LOREX / SWANN
Hikvision/Swann/Lorex are sometimes all the same. Hikvision is the OEM. Swann/Lorex rebrand the equipment. Apparently, they have other OEM's as well.