@David Thanks for jumping in.
Desktop is Wi-Fi, but I also tested wired — same corruption.
VLC
ffplay errors: sps_id out of range, non-existing PPS referenced, too many reference frames, no frame!, missing reference picture.
Referencing this older thread for context: https://www.use-ip.co.uk/forum/threads/correct-firmware-for-ds-7616ni-k2-16p-nvr.11741/
Running V4.74.210 build 240108 — matches the top of Dan's recommended chain in that thread. My version isn't listed on the current portal anymore (link) — newest...