DVR/NVR

Is it possible to have multiple IP cameras run to the NVR/Network via a single Ethernet cable?

Yes, See the FAQ on "Quick steps on how to add an IP camera to a plug and play NVR when on an external POE switch."
Can I purchase more camera licenses for my Hikvision NVR?

All Hikvision Hardware NVR’s have a fixed number of channels. Licenses cannot be purchased to increase the number of supported channels.
What steps can I take to increase recording time on a DVR/NVR without increasing storage space?

Setting the DVR/NVR to record only on motion and reducing quality’s frame rate, Resolution and Maximum bit rate will increase the recording time to the existing hard drive of the recorder.
How to add a third party IP camera to a Hikvision plug and Play NVR in a nutshell?

On the NVR monitor Output GUI:

-Menu >>> Camera Setup -Choose the channel number the camera is to be assigned to and make note of its IP address.

-Using the third party camera’s software discovery tool or browser interface, preconfigure the camera to noted IP address.

-Menu >>> Camera Setup >>> Click edit button for the channel in question >>> Change Adding method button from “Plug and Play” to “Manual” >>> Set the Protocol to the camera’s manufacturers name or OnVif >>> Enter the password of the camera at bottom >>> click Ok.

-The camera will now work an external POE switch that will be connected directly to the NVR internal POE switch on the channel programmed.
Why is the DVR/NVR beeping or has a there a triangle with an exclamation point on the lower right hand side of the recorder's monitor output?

The NVR is warning about an issue or event that it is programmed to notify about. If this symbol is clicked on, a list called Alarm/Exception list will appear explaining each notification or error the NVR is experiencing.
How do I add multiple channels from a single encoder to a NVR?

Each video channel from an encoder will take up 1 NVR camera channel. All channels will be assigned the same IP as the single encoder, follow by different video ports for each of the different channels that are assigned.
What does it mean when I see a "no resource" error on the DVR/NVR's local live view?

"No resrouce" usually indicates that the NVR/DVR's graphical display has reached it's limits. You can resolve this by re-adjusting the video settings of the displaying camera channels. Reduce the resolution/fps/max bitrate settings for either main stream and or sub streams of the camera
How to upgrade Hikvision DVR/NVR firmware?

To upgrade the firmware of a Hikvision DVR/NVR, first download the appropriate firmware from here. (Note: The firmware are region specific. Upgrading firmware developed for another region may cause damage to your product.)

  1. Once the firmware is downloaded, extract (unzip) the contents of the .zip file onto a USB flash drive.
  2. After the firmware is extracted, remove the USB flash drive from the computer and insert it into one of the available USB port on the DVR/NVR.
  3. Log into the DVR/NVR locally, go to the MENU, select MAINTENANCE and then select UPGRADE (on left side).
  4. Select the file named digicap.dav or digicap.mav (dependent on the model of the product) and press UPGRADE.
  5. The DVR/NVR will reboot after the firmware is successfully upgraded.

For more information, please view the relevant video below:
Upgrading the Firmware on the Hikvision DVR and NVR
How to assign a static IP address to my Hikvision device?

Download the SADP tool from here. The SADP tool will search any Hikvision products on the network and displays the information of the devices. This software can also be used to quickly configure the network information of the devices such as assigning a static IP address.
Note that the computer running the SADP software must be on the same network (physical subnet) as the Hikvision device.
How do I download the latest firmware version for my Hikvision device?

Click here to find the latest firmware release for your Hikvision device.
Note: The firmware are region specific. Upgrading firmware developed for another region may cause damage to your product.
What is the default IP address, user name, password for Hikvision devices?

Hikvision has a strong commitment to our distributors and dealers, and their security needs are of the utmost importance to us. We have recently taken a number of steps to ensure that our surveillance products meet and exceed these security needs. Hikvision is introducing new firmware that will require users to create a password in order to activate their devices.
Note: All DVR/NVR/IP camera models are no longer shipped with a default password after a certain revision of firmware.

The Secure Activation feature is deployed in the following firmware revisions:


Device Firmware with Secure Activation  
Device Type

Model Number
Value Series IP Camera

DS-2CD2xxx
Smart Series IP Camera

DS-2CD4xxx

NVR/Hybrid

 DS-9016HWI-ST
DS-96xxNI-ST
DS-7716NI-SP/16
Plug-n-Play NVR

DS-76xxNI-EI(E2)/P

Turbo DVR

 DS-72xxHGHI-SH
DS-73xxHQHI-SH

 

For more information, please view the relevant technical bulletin:
What ports are needed to be forwarded for remote access?

By default, the following ports needs to be forwarded for remote access.

HTTP port: 80

Used to connect via the web browser
Server port: 8000

Used to connect via iVMS-4200 software and iVMS-4500 Mobile App
RTSP port: 10554

Used for the video streaming
HTTPS port: 443

Used to connect via the web browser using SSL encryption

Note: If the RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) port is defaulted to 554 (on older model/firmware) it is recommended to change this port to 10554 or 1024 when experiencing connection issues over 3G/4G connection. 
How to format a Hard Drive on the DVR/NVR?
  1. Login to the DVR/NVR locally,
  2. Go to MENU, select SYSTEM CONFIGURATION and then select HDD (on the left side).
  3. Under the HDD INFORMATION tab, select the HDD(s) that needs to be formatted by checking the corresponding box under the “Label” column.
  4. To start the formatting process, click the “Init” button on the bottom right corner of the screen.
  5. After completion, the “Status” of the HDD(s) will change to Normal.
How to fix Internet Explorer compatibility view issues?

When viewing the device using Internet Explorer (IE) 10 or 11 (32-bit), sometimes the content may not display properly. This may be caused by a browser incompatibility. To resolve the incompatibility issue, the IP address of the Hikvision device needs to be added to the compatibility view list.

For more detailed information on how to add the device to enable the compatibility view click here.
How to view my DVR/NVR using Safari on MAC OS?

In order to Live View using Safari on MAC OS, the Hikvision web plug-in for MAC OS needs to be downloaded and installed.
Note: Please close all web browsers before installing the web plug-in. Click here to download the MAC web plug-in for DVR/NVR

For detailed information, please view the relevant technical bulletin.

How to install plug-in for MAC OS
How to change the camera name on the DVR/NVR?
  1. Log into the DVR/NVR locally,
  2. Go the MENU, select CAMERA SETUP and then OSD.
  3. Select the camera to modify the OSD configuration using the camera dropdown menu.
  4. Enter the desired camera name in the “Camera name” field.
  5. Click the APPLY button when done.
Why is the DVR/NVR beeping?
  1. Log into the DVR/NVR locally,
  2. Go to MENU, select SYSTEM CONFIGURATION and then select EXCEPTION.
  3. Go through the list of exception type. Select each exception type and un-check AUDIBLE WARNING if it is checked for that exception.
  4. If the unit stops beeping, then the current exception selected is the cause of the beeping.

Common issues for the DVR/NVR beeping are the following:

HDD not formatted or in error state, IP address conflicted, Record/Capture error, Network disconnected …
How to configure the HDMI and VGA to output independent display?

This option is only available for the 90xx-ST, 96xxNI-ST/RT and 7716NI-SP/16 series with firmware v3.0.2+. Log into the DVR/NVR locally,

Go to MENU, select SYSTEM CONFIGURATION and then select GENERAL (on left side).

Under MORE SETTINGS tab, make sure the option “Enable VGA/HDMI Synchronous Output” is unchecked.
Internet Explorer keeps prompting to download the web plugin

This is caused by Internet Explorer compatibility issues. If you are using IE 10 or 11, the page needs to be displayed using Compatibility view. To resolve this issue, the compatibility view mode needs to be turned on by adding the IP address of the Hikvision device to the compatibility view list.

For more detailed information on how to add the device to enable the compatibility view click here.
Which DVD-RW drives are compatible with Hikvision DVR/NVR

Click here for more information on the supported DVD-RW drives.
Where can I find a list of supported PTZ protocols?

Click here for a list of PTZ protocols compatible with Hikvision DVR/NVR.

 
Which external USB DVD burners are compatible with Hikvision DVR/NVR?

Click here for more information on the supported external USB DVD burners.
The “Communication to Server Failed” error appears when registering to DDNS?

The Preferred DNS Server should not be blank and a public DNS server assigned. A public DNS server to input is Google’s free DNS Server 75.75.75.75 or 4.2.2.2.

For detailed information, please view the relevant technical bulletin:

 
What are the default IP address of the DVR/NVR?

DVR/NVR with firmware:

  • v3.0.x or prior
  • v3.1.x or later

 

IMPORTANT! This model requires non-standard firmware. Do Not Install standard firmware (e.g. v.4.1.xx) on this model. Doing so will permanently damage your system. You must use custom firmware v.4.1.25 from the iDS-9632NXI-I8/16S product page.

View the most updated version of this document here:

https://techsupportca.freshdesk.com/en/support/solutions/articles/17000113531-i-series-nvr-firmware-upgrade-instructions

 

The I-series NVR (such as the DS-7716NI-I4) is one of Hikvision's most popular and feature-rich recorders. As such, many firmware revisions have been introduced over the years to continually ensure the product is compatible with the newest technology available. Due to the many revisions, we recommend that the user closely follows the instructions below in order to reduce the amount of time spent as well as the chance of failure.

 

Database Optimization and Repair

As more affordable IP cameras are introduced over time with greater video resolution and data sizes, more efficient database management also becomes necessary. The introduction of firmware v4.0 brought about a new database architecture in order to be futureproof.

 

After upgrading to v4.X, the recorder database will need to be converted and optimized. If you are experiencing issues where playback is expected but not found, make sure "Database Repair" is performed as indicated in the procedures and scenarios below.

 

Preparing the Upgrade

Before proceeding with upgrade, it is recommended that NVR configuration file is exported from the NVR over the network or on to a local USB drive.

 

Upgrading from v3.4.92 build 170518 or Older

  1. All recorders must reach v3.4.92 before proceeding further. Upgrading from versions before v3.4.92 directly to any version of v4.X will likely cause the recorder to fail.
  2. If the recorder is already at v3.4.92, a full factory default is highly recommended before upgrading to any version of v4.X. There is a high chance of unit failure (requiring RMA) if the unit is not defaulted before upgrade.
  3. After reaching v3.4.92 and performing a full factory default, an upgrade directly to v4.50.00 is acceptable.
  4. After the upgrade is completed and the recorder is reprogrammed, it may be beneficial to perform a Database Repair. For details, refer to the section "Database Optimization and Repair" above.
  5. To verify repair progress, you may refer to the HDD status, or search the recorder log for repair started and stopped entries. Note that while the HDD is repairing, new recordings are still being made, but some existing recordings may not be searchable until repair is complete.
  6. If you continue to observe playback issues after database repair, ensure there are no power, network, or motion detection issues. Should the problem persist, contact technical support.

 

Upgrading from Any v4.X Build to v4.50.00.

  1. Any v4.X build can be upgraded directly to v4.50.00.
  2. Export configuration is highly recommended before performing the upgrade.
  3. If upgrading from any v4.X version that was not v4.22.005, a Database Repair is recommended. Refer to Step 4 and onwards in the previous section.

 

Downgrading

Downgrading is not recommended. Due to new features and parameters constantly being added, downgrading may cause the NVR to factory default itself or require a manual default to operate properly.

View the most updated version of this document here:
K-Series DVR upgrade instruction
The Turbo 4 Hybrid DVR K series has multiple models and across different platform and chipset. It also has similar firmware development of other recording product line; DVR K series has also introduced the GUI4.0 to ensure the series to be compatible to the newest technology available. The new database architecture is also brought into the DVR firmware v4.0 to be future proof and for better recording search experience. 
 


Database Optimization and Repair

As more affordable cameras introduced over time with greater video resolution and data sizes, more efficient database management also becomes necessary. The introduction of firmware v4.0 brought about a new database architecture in order to be futureproof.
After upgrading to v4.X, the recorder database will need to be converted and optimize. If you are experiencing issues, where playback is expected but not found, please make sure to perform "Database Rebuild" as indicated in the procedures and scenarios below.
 


Preparing the Upgrade

Before proceeding with upgrade, it is recommend exporting DVR configuration file from the DVR over the network or on to a local USB drive.

 

Action after firmware upgraded 

1. Upgrade the DVR according to the chart above. 

2. Reconfirming Channel's Recording Schedule 

    - Confirm channel's recording schedule is enable. 

    - Check if the channel is on correct recording schedule.

3. Double Check Storage Setting

    - Make sure all channel are assigned to record on its HDD group when the Storage setting is under Group Mode. 

4. Perform Database Rebuild locally. 

    • Some version above support Database Rebuild via web access - K51 and K72

    • Perform Database Rebuild regardless if system is having any database issue symptom. 

    • Database Rebuild process is average ~30 to 60min per TB. The process may still varies depends recording data.

    • After Database Rebuild - Check log to confirm Database Rebuild has went thru properly. 

    • If Database Rebuild Started and Stopped log has been log only within few minutes. Database rebuild may not has been completed properly. It is strongly recommend performing the Database Rebuild again.

    • To check log > System > Log > Information > Database Rebuild Started and Stopped.

    • If the log option is not available - access system via SSH can also obtain similar result.

5. Recording Data is still missing after database rebuild process. 

If the data has not been recorded or has been overwritten, Database rebuild process is not able retrieve those lost data. Have the system upgraded to the latest available firmware version above to prevent any future data lost is strongly recommended for all application.

 

 

 

 

In light of the global semiconductor shortage, Hikvision has made some hardware changes to the DS-76xxNI-Q1(2)/P NVRs, also known as “Q series.”

 

These changes do not have any effect on the performance, specifications, or the user interface of the NVRs. For the ease of reference, these modified units are known as “C-Version” units. This is clearly indicated on the NVR label and on the box by the serial number.

 

The only difference between the “C-Version” and “non-C-Version” is the firmware. The firmware is not interchangeable:

 

  • The C-Version NVRs must use firmware version v4.31.102 or higher.
  • The non-C-Version (Q series) NVRs must use firmware version v4.30.085 or older.

 

Please do not be alarmed if a “Firmware Mismatch” message pops up on the screen during the firmware upgrade. This simply means that the firmware does not match the NVR’s hardware. Simply download the correct firmware and the upgrade will go through without any issue.

In light of the global semiconductor shortage, Hikvision has made some hardware changes to the Value Express Series NVRs

These changes do not have any effect on the performance and specification of the recorders. For ease of reference, these modified units are known as “C-Version” units. This is clearly indicated on the NVR label and on the box by the serial number.

The only difference between the “C-Version” and “non-C-Version” is the firmware. The firmware is not interchangeable:

  • The C-Version NVRs must use firmware version v4.30.216 or higher.
  • The non-C-Version (Q series) NVRs must use firmware version v3.4.104 or older.

Please do not be alarmed if a “Firmware Mismatch” message pops up on the screen during the firmware upgrade. This simply means that the firmware does not match the NVR’s hardware. Simply download the correct firmware and the upgrade will go through without any issue.

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