HikGrid provides an alternative solution for monitoring Hikvision cameras from a Mac.
Hikvision’s support for Mac devices feels somewhat limited. Many Hikvision software applications are not fully compatible with macOS. One example is iVMS-4200. Although it can still run on Mac, its features are significantly more limited compared to the Windows version. The same goes for Hik-Central Lite, which is also not supported on Mac devices.
In this article, I’ll introduce HikGrid and show you how to download, install, and use it on my Mac.
What Is HikGrid Software?
HikGrid is a fast and simple viewer for Hikvision and HiLook CCTV systems on macOS. It lets you view live camera feeds, search recordings, and download footage without relying on iVMS-4200. HikGrid keeps things simple by focusing on the essential tasks you need every day: viewing cameras, finding recordings, and quickly exporting footage.
Here are the main features of HikGrid software:
- Customisable views
- View + download footage
- Built for macOS
- Multiple systems
- Fast and simple
How I Downloaded, Installed, and Used HikGrid on My Mac
I came across HikGrid while reading a thread on Reddit. I thought the software looked really interesting and wanted to give it a try. As a security camera technician, I also enjoy experimenting with different security camera software and testing out what they have to offer.
What caught my interest was comparing it with iVMS-4200 to see if HikGrid is easier to use.
1. Downloading HikGrid
It’s time to download HikGrid.
HikGrid has an official website where you can download the HikGrid installer. To give HikGrid a try, I’ll download the trial version.
So, I’ll click the Download Free Trial button.
The download will then begin. The HikGrid trial installer is about 50 MB in size.
2. Installing HikGrid on Mac
I double-clicked the HikGrid installer file I downloaded.
It turns out that HikGrid is not compatible with my Mac. After opening the installer, I saw the screen shown below.
As you can see, the HikGrid app icon has a crossed-out symbol, indicating that HikGrid is not supported on my Mac running macOS Ventura. The official website also doesn’t specify which macOS versions are supported, so I assumed that my Mac would be compatible with it.
Because of this, I can’t continue using HikGrid.
HikGrid vs iVMS-4200
Since I wasn’t able to install HikGrid on my Mac, I’ll stick with iVMS-4200 as my preferred option. So far, iVMS-4200 can run on a wider range of macOS versions, including older versions such as macOS Sierra.
HikGrid might be a great piece of software, but it doesn’t work with all versions of macOS.
I’m still using iVMS-4200 on my Mac, and it runs without any issues. I can still use it to view live camera feeds, add devices, and download recorded video. Another piece of software that still works on my Mac is iSpy Agent DVR. iSpy Agent DVR can also be used to monitor Hikvision cameras by using the ONVIF feature available on Hikvision devices.
For developers creating security camera monitoring software specifically for Mac, it would be great if they could provide software that works with a wider range of macOS versions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is HikGrid?
HikGrid adalah perangkat lunak pemantauan kamera Hikvision yang dirancang khusus untuk perangkat Mac.
Is HikGrid Free to Use?
No. If you want to use HikGrid, you’ll need to purchase a license for £39.95. This license is valid for one Mac. If you’d like to try it first, you can install the trial version.
Which Systems Does HikGrid Work With?
HikGrid is designed to work with compatible Hikvision and HiLook CCTV systems. Please check the supported models and compatibility requirements before installing HikGrid.
Can I Use Multiple CCTV Systems?
Yes. HikGrid is designed so multiple compatible systems can be added and viewed from one Mac.
Can I Download Recorded Footage Using HikGrid?
Yes. HikGrid is designed for reviewing and downloading footage as well as live viewing.
Conclusion
In the end, I had to upgrade my Mac to use HikGrid.
I hope the official website will provide clear information about which macOS versions are supported by HikGrid. This would help prevent users from downloading the wrong version, as I did. I assumed HikGrid would work on macOS Ventura, but after trying to install it, I couldn’t use it on my Mac. Instead, I received the following message: “You can’t use this version of the application ‘HikGrid’ with this version of macOS.”
That’s all for this introduction to HikGrid. Maybe next time I’ll give it a try after upgrading my Mac to a version of macOS supported by HikGrid.