Privacy mask rectangular vs. free-form

[Rubke]

I've just installed my new IPC-T5442T-ZE, and now dialing it in. I already have a IPC-T5442TM-ASE. I notice th the method of adding a privacy mask is different.

IPC-T5442TM-ASE: I can draw each shape or form I like. Installed firmware (from factory, didn't update): V2.820.0000000.0.R, Build Date: 2020-11-14
IPC-T5442T-ZE: I can only place a rectangular box (4 maximum). Installed firmware (from factory, didn't update): V2.800.15OG004.0.R, Build Date: 2020-12-03

As the latter firmware seems to be newer, I'm quite dissapointed that I can't draw any shape privacy mask I like. I need to place an oblique line, which is rather impossible with the 4 rectangular boxes. Am I missing a setting somewhere?

 

[sebastiantombs]

I have a few 5442T-ZEs with 2022-02-18 firmware on them and can draw freeform privacy masks on them with no problem.

If you got the cameras from Andy there is a thread here with the current firmware version. If you didn't get them from Andy I would suggest extreme caution with firmware upgrades and contacting the vendor you bought them from. If they're AliExpress, and not from EmpireTech, they may be hacked Chinese versions and upgrading firmware may turn them into bricks.

 

[Rubke]

They are both from Andy. I'm pretty sure that the ZE has the firmware from Andy on there (it is the famous december 2020 build), but how about the the ASE? Is that also Andy firmware or is that generic Dahua firmware?

 

[wittaj]

Also make sure you are using Internet Explorer....not Chrome or Edge with the IE tab. Plain ole Explorer.

 

[sebastiantombs]

I believe both will take the 2022-02-18 firmware. Look in the 5442 thread in Andy's section. He lists the cameras it will work in there.

 

[Rubke]

Tried Internet Explorer, didn't make a difference. As @wittaj always says: don't fix it if it ain't broken. I've been very happy with the performacce of the ASE, so didn't feel the need to update. Will see how the ZE performs.

 

[Leroy60]

I'm dealing with this problem currently. Unfortunately the only cameras in my setup that allow "freeform" masking areas are the two 5442's. The 2431's, 3541F, and even the new 4KT-180 only allow rectangular areas. In my case I have the one 3541F setup at the side of my house to watch a gate and there's no way to aim it without including my neighbor's yard (behind their privacy fence). Being restricted to only "boxes" makes the function practically worthless. If IVS intrusion zones can be drawn without being restricted to orthagonal lines it sure seems the masks could be too.