H.264: how to open a file from a surveillance camera. How to open an H264 file from a surveillance camera File type h264 How to open
Any digital video surveillance system is equipped with a software shell that is designed to both control and view content. The common name for such software is a camera management system, or CMS. This environment is convenient only for everyday online viewing and a superficial look at CCTV cameras, regardless of the presence of one or two cameras, or a multi-channel system (for example, 4ch).
The built-in software (CMS) has rather modest and not always comfortable functionality for watching videos, unlike highly specialized programs. Moreover, you don’t have to learn new software: we’re talking about a regular media player and converter. These two programs are a universal answer to the question about the h264 format and how to open this file from a surveillance camera.
Player for files from CCTV cameras
View individual video surveillance files (captured by the recorder) after copying fromDVR to a computer is best done with small, fast players, likeMediaPlayerClassic orVLC. Specifics of working with such files and source format:
- Frame-by-frame analysis of video is often required;
- you need instant “rewind” by +/- 2..5 seconds or 1 frame;
- It’s convenient to take and save individual frames (screenshots) using the utility built into the player.
The convenience of MPC is that viewing is controlled from the keyboard:
- The right and left arrow buttons on the keyboard “rewind” the current moment by +5 or -5 seconds from the current moment in the video.
- Using the same arrows while pressing Ctrl in the “Pause” mode, you can view the video file frame by frame, as in the picture below: convenient for searching for individual moments and better “picture” quality. In the bowels of the player there is also an adjustment for color, contrast and other parameters that can be adjusted on the fly.
Frame-by-frame rewinding of the h264 file is carried out by Ctrl+arrows
- Pause, expand the video to full screen (or minimize it back) by clicking the mouse.
A similar setting for keyboard shortcuts is available in most players, but in MPC everything works by default exactly as it is convenient for viewing recordings from a video surveillance system. MediaPlayerClassic, due to its speed and simplicity, is perhaps the best program for viewing video from the recorder.
It is also worth mentioning the ability to quickly take screenshots (individual frames) for saving and/or printing them on a printer. This operation is carried out using the combination Alt+I.
Taking screenshots from a video in the MPC player: Alt+I or File – Save picture
Useful programs for working with h264
To open and view the h264 file from the DVR, any player will do. The only condition: codec packages installed on the system, like the K-Lite Codec Pack. If available, this uncompressed format of “clean” video data should open without problems in a standard Windows player or in any other: no additional configuration is required. Codecs are generally not required to view video in a CMS camera management system. Codecs are also not needed for web access to the DVR through a browser.
These h264 extensions are large containers: it is not always convenient to save them for forwarding, sending to a remote server, or recording on optical media. Sometimes it is useful to convert them to another, more familiar and compact format: mov, avi, mpg, etc. Among the best converter programs: Freemake Video Converter, CUDA Video Converter and others. Working with them is easy even for a beginner: just open the source file, select the desired format and settings, then wait a few minutes for final processing.
Conclusion
The CMS environment is not very convenient for viewing and managing surveillance system files. To study individual fragments of the video in detail, we save the data on a PC and open them in separate programs. This rule will allow you to process individual moments of recording from the DVR faster and more comfortably
*.264 and H.264 formats are video files that are commonly used to record video from surveillance cameras. *.264 is an older video file extension and cannot be viewed directly, unlike H.264. Special utilities are used to process video files of this extension. H.264 is a more modern video extension that compresses the recording to a minimum size, but the quality of video and audio remains at the same level. With this format new DVRs are working, and also broadcasts streaming video from IP cameras.
Recordings with the H264 extension are also called MPEG4 Part10 AVC/H.264. There are a large number of players for this extension on the Internet.
Viewers
VLC Media Player
VLC Meadia Player is one of the multifunctional video viewing utilities that supports streaming recording playback. This is what it looks like when launched.
The abbreviation stands for VideoLan Player. This the utility is compatible with all operating systems. The interface has been translated into Russian.
The program, in addition to playing all video formats and reading even damaged videos, can broadcast streaming video online to several computers. The application can record broadcasts to your computer, for which you need to download this utility on each computer and install it.
You can view streaming video as follows:
You can view an already recorded file with the H.264 extension by right-clicking on it (right mouse button) and selecting “ To open with", and at this point select this video player.
Media Player Classic
This is another player for viewing files with the H.264 extension, and allowing you to open files from surveillance cameras and DVRs. This is a powerful video player that is distributed as open source. Media Player Classic works with all formats that exist. Plays not only video files, but also audio files. The utility interface has been translated into Russian.
Download it from the official website and install it on your computer. Then go to the program settings. Find the item " Playback" in the "View" tab at the top of the player, and in it the "Capture" tab. 
Specify in the settings the camera from which you want to see the broadcast. The video itself starts as standard - right-click on the file and in the window that opens, select “ To open with", and at this point you already select this video player.
Or, in the player window that opens, click on the “File” tab and click on the “” button. 
In Explorer, look for the entry with the desired extension and select “Open”. 
KMPlayer
KMPlayer is a utility that allows you to open recordings with the H.264 extension. In addition, the player can play outdated extensions 3gp, avi, opens 4K, VR. This player plays recordings without installing additional codecs and settings. Allows customization brightness and clarity in *.avi video files, thereby increasing the quality. Plays damaged video files and can adjust the image when viewing online using a link.
To watch a video in H.264 format, just open the player and go to the “ Open files». 
In a new window, find the desired element, select it and click on the “Open” button.
GOM Player
GOMPlayer is very similar to KM Player, the player recognizes H.264. Its interface is available in several languages. He supports all formats, without downloading additional codecs, audio recording, subtitles. You can open a recording with the H.264 extension on it in the same way as on the players described above. Allows you to view video from DVRs.
Download and install a program to view video from surveillance cameras. Then open the player and click on the button indicated in the screenshot: 
In the explorer menu that opens, select the desired entry and click on the button “ Open». 
BSPlayer
This video player supports all extensions and can load subtitles. You can display subtitles in several languages and customize the location on the screen. BSPlayer is picky about installed codecs; if they are missing, it does not play H264 and requires them to be downloaded.
You can open a record from the recorder in it in the same way as in other players. Download and install the program. Launch it, find the tab " Menu" and click on the "Open" item. 
In the window that opens, click on the desired file and click on the “Open” button. 
QuickTime Player
This player is from Apple. Plays sound, text, animation and video. To play video and audio, special video and audio codecs are required. The latest version of the player is only compatible with the Mac operating system.
To play H.264 recordings, just install version 7 of the player. You can open them in the same way as in the programs described above.
Download and install QuickTime Player. Launch it, find the “File” tab in the “File” menu Open file» and click on it. From the explorer that opens, select the desired video and click on the “Open” button. 
If for some reason the H.264 recording does not open, it can be converted to any other format. There are a number of converters for this.
Using converters
Converter from the company Effect Matrix. This utility is suitable for Windows, but there is a separate program for the Mac operating system. The trial version only lasts fifteen days. After converting the recording into a trial version of the utility in the left corner there will be watermark displayed.
The application has two modes. Simple – for ordinary users. Advanced – for experienced ones. In this mode, the user can change the audio codec, bitrate, and recording size. Converts almost everything, including the ability to convert H.264 to avi. 
This is a free application. A convenient and friendly interface allows you to record video from the camera, works stably and without errors. supports several languages, but does not have Russian. With this converter, you don’t need to spend a long time fiddling with the settings; you select the record you want to convert, set the required extension, and the program starts working. Works with all files. The h.264 extension is supported.
There is HD MODE for converting to higher resolution. 
This is a free converting application. The utility processes DVD, H.264, HD and many others. Works well on 32 and 64 bit operating systems. allows you to record from your desktop and save the finished material on your computer. It is possible to record video directly from the camera.
The app may split the video into parts if it is too large. The speed and quality of this utility are quite high, and the recording is processed without loss, and if the power of the personal device allows, the data processing speed increases.
This application has proven itself to be stable and reliable in operation. 
This is a universal converter. Supports a large number of formats, old ones can be recoded into modern ones. can convert video files into videos for viewing on the Sony PSP platform. Easily handles video from surveillance cameras.
The converter has an interface in Russian.
If you don’t want to download and install one of these converters on your computer, then special online applications have been created for this.
Online converters
Inettools.net
One of the best online applications is inettuls.net. This is a Russified online program that encodes not only video files, but also many other formats - text, images, etc.
In order to upload a file for transcoding, click on the button " Choose" In the explorer that opens, select the required file and wait for it to download. The utility then begins processing the file. After conversion, a download link will appear with one of the formats that was selected for encoding. Click on the button “ Download" and you get the already converted file. 
FileZigZag
Another online service that will allow you to convert files with the H.264 extension into the desired format. To do this, simply drag the file into FileZigZag, select what format you want to convert the video to and fill in the field with the e-mail address. You will receive a link to download the finished recording. 
Zamzar supports many extensions, including H.264. Support available less common formats such as AIFF, XPS. In order to convert a file, click on the “ Choose files" Then in the tab " Convert files to"- select the format you want to convert to, enter your e-mail and wait until the download link arrives. 
Now we will talk about how to open H264. This is a special type of video file compression. This solution is often used to record videos in AVCHD format by recorders, surveillance systems and video cameras.
Definition
First of all, it is worth touching on in more detail the question of what the H264 extension is. We'll describe how to open it a little later. The specified video compression format was adopted for standardization. The solution is designed primarily to achieve a high level of stream compression while maintaining decent quality. Another name for H264 is AVC.
With the same in the new standard, it will take up much less space on the hard drive in comparison with MPEG-4 (by about 50%). At the same time, AVC codecs are more demanding in terms of system resources than ASP-based solutions (for example, DivX and XviD). Most modern TVs, as well as hardware players, play these files. A personal computer can cope with this task. Many player programs support playback of H264 format videos. However, some applications may require the installation of additional codecs.
If you have an H264 file in front of you, the programs that we will consider separately below will tell you how to open it.
VLC
Now we will talk about a multifunctional player that has a full set of capabilities that allow you to watch videos with maximum comfort. There is an H264 codec here. Thus, the program knows how to open the format we are interested in. The solution is distributed free of charge and is constantly being developed.
VLC player has many advantages. It is worth noting that it works on Mac, Windows and Linux. The user gets the opportunity to install various modules and amazing playback quality, which is customizable individually. Video filters present in the player allow you to control the settings.
The built-in testing module allows you to maintain the optimal recording quality. If we talk about the player interface, in this matter the developers listened to the opinions of users. Even the default player option is not satisfactory. Anyone can install an additional skin to their liking.
The player has a convenient playlist that allows you to set the order of played files, as well as view brief information about them. As for the special tag editor, it provides the ability to compose your own video collection.
A notable feature of VLC is the ability to play damaged or incompletely downloaded files. Another feature of the program is on the computer. VLC is incredibly easy to use and will help solve the issue at hand, but it is not the only one.
Media Player Classic
Next, we will discuss a fast, functional, convenient and small player that will help you play files of the format you are interested in. So, if you have an H264 format in front of you, the classic Media Player will tell you how to open it. The solution is distributed freely. It is written in open source and runs only on Windows OS.
The built-in WMP will tell you how to open H264
Sometimes the solution is closer than it seems, because the player built into the Windows system by default, developed by Microsoft, can help us. In this case, files are decoded using DirectShow filters. The program has a clear interface and an unobtrusive, no-frills design. There is a special library where playable files are stored.
BSplayer
We will talk about a high-quality multifunctional player that will also help you open video files compressed in the H264 format. The application supports many skins. BSplayer is a free program that is designed for international use. There are advanced options for searching, editing and displaying subtitles.
It is worth noting that the functionality of the application does not make it demanding on computer resources. BSplayer is suitable for installation even on weak PCs. The program supports special control using remote controls. Thanks to the built-in Progressive Rendering function, you can reliably protect the stream from random frame drops. Capture, slow and fast playback, and bookmarking are also available. This player is easy to operate and configure. The program is available in Russian. All multimedia materials saved on a personal computer are displayed in a special library.
Other options
To solve the question of how to open H264, a number of other applications are suitable, including QuickTime Player, Roxio Creator, CyberLink PowerDVD, Corel VideoStudio, Elecard, Xilisoft Video. Let's talk about the latter in more detail.
We will talk about a universal assistant for video files. It is also a powerful converter. The program is paid. It has a simple interface. The controls will be clear to the average PC user. The application will allow you to extract audio tracks from a video stream, saving them in your preferred format. Experienced users can add a variety of effects; they will make the video more “live” (and, if desired, on the contrary, black and white). Work with subtitles is available. The function of extracting the required number of images from a recording is also useful. If necessary, the video file can be divided into several small parts. It’s convenient that the processes go very quickly.
Now you know how to open H264. There are many programs for this, you just have to choose the most suitable one.
CCTV cameras have become a part of our lives. Video received from such cameras is played in h264 format, which is not known to all users. In fact, it is practically no different from other extensions. Our article will tell you how and how to open such a file.
Figure 1. Appearance of the RipBot264 program interface for working with h264 files
Features of the h264 format
Videos in h264 format are usually obtained from the latest models of CCTV cameras and DVRs. The main feature of such files is that they have a minimal size, while the quality of video and sound remains high.
Even though many users have never heard of the h264 format, it is quite easy to open. To do this, they use special utilities and programs, and sometimes convert the video into a more convenient version.
How to open h264?
To play h264 file, just install one of these programs on your computer:
- Quick Time Player- a standard application for watching videos that plays all modern formats, including h264.
- - a player with built-in decoders that allow you not only to play a variety of videos, but also to edit them using tools.
- - a professional tool designed to work specifically with recordings from CCTV cameras (Figure 1).
Note: Standard video players like or will also help you open the h264 file (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Opened h264 file in VLC Media Player
When is the best time to use converters?
If one of the players listed above is not installed on the computer, and the user does not have time to download it, you can open the h264 file using online converters.
To do this, you just need to select the appropriate tool on the Internet, upload the video and select the format into which it will be converted. This method has only one significant drawback: the conversion process significantly reduces the quality of sound and image. On the other hand, using converters is an effective and fast way to open video from surveillance cameras. But for professional work with such files or their further use, it is better to choose professional tools for viewing and editing. With their help, you can slow down or speed up the video, improve the quality of video and audio, or zoom in to see small details.
