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Getting a Hikvision DVR is not enough. If you want to improve or strengthen your CCTV surveillance system for better output, Properly setting up the Hikvision DVR system is crucial. If you don’t install or configure the system correctly, it won’t record, and the cameras won’t be useful.
This post will guide you through setting up the Hikvision DVR system. The setup process is usually straightforward and not very complicated. In many cases, you won’t need professional help for the setup.
What do you think you should do or consider before setting or configuring the Hikvision DVR system?
Basic steps:
- Find enough space in your house to set up the entire system, including the cameras. Ensure that there is ample room for the many cables and connections involved in the physical setup before mounting your cameras.
- Choose a location with enough power sockets. You’ll need at least two: one for the DVR and one for each camera.
Specific steps:
Install DVR hard drive– The Hikvision DVR will record everything as specified but the recordings will not be of any use if they are not stored. So, before you set up the system, you should install a DVR hard drive. You just have to open the recorder to physically install the hard drive. Then, you need to connect the power and data cables.
Connect the DVR system– At the back of the Hikvision DVR system, you will find ports for different types of cables. Different ports mean different functions. And the selection of the ports depends on the camera that will be used. Usually, the VIDEO IN port is connected or used for the functioning of the Hikvision DVR system. To connect the DVR system to the cameras, you should use coaxial cables.
The VIDEO IN port is used to record video on the recorder box. Other than this, you will have an HDMI or VGA port to connect the monitor and view what the camera is recording or shooting. Other than this, you should connect the DVR system to the mouse for easy accessibility. Don’t forget to plug in the power cables to start the DVR.
If you wish to have the DVR system connected to the internet, you should connect it with a router as well. Internet connection will make browsing and other functions easier.
Steps to set up the Hikvision DVR system
You will find two software versions in Hikvision recorders, so follow the setup process based on your system’s version. You cannot use a default setup process.
First: Once you switch on the system, it will prompt you to set up a password. Create a strong password and confirm it in the second box. Use the same password for the IP camera activation box.
During the password setup, you’ll see a box for security questions. Make sure to keep this box checked and provide answers to the security questions that follow. This might take a few minutes and extend the overall setup time, but these questions will help you reset your cctv surveillance password if you forget it in the future.
Second: After setting up the password, the system will automatically lead you to the setup wizard. Follow the steps in the wizard to complete the setup.
- On the first page, you’ll find basic information, such as the number of IP cameras that can be added to the DVR system. Generally, most DVR systems accept at least two IP cameras.
- Next, choose the desired language for operating the DVR system. Almost all languages are available.
- Then, you’ll see a “Start Wizard When Starts” box. If you want to see the wizard each time you start the system, keep the box checked. However, if you prefer not to see the wizard again, simply uncheck the box.
- After that, update the correct time. If the time is incorrect, the recordings will not be useful for any investigation, and no one will trust the footage. Click on the box to input a new date and time, or to change the time zone or date format.
- Following this, you’ll find the network settings screen. If you’re unfamiliar with networking or prefer not to handle the settings manually, check the “Enable DHCP” box. This will allow the DVR to automatically configure the network settings. Alternatively, you can configure the settings manually if you’re confident in your networking knowledge.
- Next, proceed to the Remote Viewing Setup. This feature lets you view your cameras on a phone or tablet from any location. To enable this, check the “Enable” box and follow the setup steps.
- You’ll then encounter a page with additional network settings. You can choose to spend time configuring these settings if they’re important to you, or simply skip them as most users do.
- After that, address the hard drive setup. Since you’ve installed the hard drive, select it by ticking the box next to the device. Once you tick the box, the status will change to “Initializing.” Wait until the status displays “Normal.”
- Finally, adjust the basic recording settings. To record continuously, click the cog icon next to “Continuous.” If you prefer to record only when motion is detected in front of the cameras, click the cog icon next to “Motion Detection.”
Author: TechBlonHub
As a passionate blogger, I'm thrilled to share my expertise, insights, and enthusiasm with you. I believe that technical knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. That's why I take the time to craft detailed, well-researched content that's easy to follow, even for non-tech. I love hearing from you, answering your questions, and learning from your experiences. Your feedback helps me create content that's tailored to your needs and interests
