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Enabling ActiveX For Web Viewer

Updated

https://hf-files-oregon.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hdpdigitalwatchdog_kb_attachments/2019/09-24/4763eb2b-7c2d-49d6-bfc0-47620cc0f150/image.png

Enabling ActiveX for Digital Watchdog Web Viewer Access

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Affected Roles:  All Users

Complexity:  Medium

Last Edit:  July 13, 2026

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Web Viewer

ActiveX is a Microsoft browser technology used by legacy Digital Watchdog Web Viewer applications to display live video, playback recordings, and access recorder functions through Internet Explorer-based browsers. This article explains how to enable ActiveX settings when accessing compatible Digital Watchdog recorders through the Web Viewer.

Note:  If the camera video does not display on the DVR itself, it will not display in the Web Viewer.  Troubleshoot camera connection issues before concerning yourself with the Web Viewers.

 

Supported/Affected Devices

  • VMAX Series (960H)
  • VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP)
  • VMAX A1 Plus Series (5 MP)
  • VMAX IP Plus Series

Using Internet Explorer

Important:  ActiveX is supported only through Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge using Internet Explorer (IE) Mode. Standard versions of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox do not support ActiveX controls.

 

If you are using a web browser other than Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer (IE) Mode enabled to connect to the DVR, you may receive a message advising that Internet Explorer is required to view video from the recording unit.

You may still be able to connect to the DVR to manage settings; however, live video and playback will not be available unless the Web Viewer is opened using a browser that supports ActiveX.It is recommended to access the DVR Web Viewer using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge configured with Internet Explorer Mode. Standard Microsoft Edge does not support the ActiveX controls required by some legacy Digital Watchdog Web Viewer applications. Note: Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge are separate applications. If Internet Explorer is unavailable on your computer, Microsoft Edge can be configured to use Internet Explorer Mode for Web Viewer access.

 

Using Microsoft Edge with Internet Explorer Mode

If Internet Explorer is not available, Microsoft Edge can be configured to open the DVR Web Viewer using Internet Explorer Mode. IE Mode allows legacy ActiveX-based Web Viewer applications to function within Microsoft Edge.

Enable Internet Explorer Mode

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Select the Settings and more (...) menu in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select Default browser.
  5. Set Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer (IE mode) to Allow.
  6. Restart Microsoft Edge.

Add the DVR Web Viewer address for IE Mode

  1. In Microsoft Edge, open Settings > Default browser.
  2. Under Internet Explorer mode pages, select Add.

  3. Enter the DVR Web Viewer address.

    Example: http://192.168.1.100

  4. Select Add.
  5. Open the DVR Web Viewer address in Microsoft Edge.
  6. Select the Settings and more (...) menu and choose Reload in Internet Explorer mode.

The DVR Web Viewer should now load using IE Mode and allow ActiveX components to run. When you initially connect with the Web Viewer through Internet Explorer, a pop-up requesting permission to install the Web ACS program (web monitoring) should display.

 

Note: In managed Windows environments, the IE Mode site list may be controlled through Group Policy. Contact your system administrator if you cannot add the DVR address manually.

 

 

 

If the prompt does not display, you will likely see only a portion of the GUI (graphical user interface), but no video will display.

 

 

To enable ActiveX in Internet Explorer:

  1. Click on the Tools button (gear icon) on the toolbar of Internet Explorer.

 

  1. Select Internet Options.

The Internet Options menu will display.

 

  1. Select the Security tab.

Click on Trusted Sites.

Click the Custom Level button.

 

  1. Scroll through the Security Settings list and set all ActiveX settings to either Enable or Prompt.

Click the OK button, then select Yes for the confirmation pop-up.

 

  1. The Security Level will display as Custom.

Click the Apply button, then the OK button to save the changes.

 

  1. Refresh the web page and log in to the Web Viewer.

When the Web ACS or Web Monitoring prompt appears, allow the ActiveX plugin to install.  Use the installation wizard to complete the installation.

 

  1. After allowing the plug-in to install, you may be required to log in once more.  Camera video will display.

 

Note:  If you are still unable to view camera video through the Web Viewer, make sure that the DVR’s firmware is up-to-date.

Rebooting the DVR may also help to resolve the issue.  Otherwise, please contact Digital Watchdog Technical Support for further assistance.

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