Initial DVR/NVR Setup
Purpose
This document walks through first-time setup of a Hikvision DVR or NVR — startup wizard, time and date, hard drive initialisation, network configuration, and basic recording settings. Complete this before touching camera configuration or remote access.
First Boot — Startup Wizard
On first power-up, Hikvision DVRs and NVRs launch a startup wizard. Follow it in sequence.
Step 1 — Language and Resolution
Select English. Set output resolution to match the monitor (typically 1080P/60Hz).
Step 2 — Time Zone and Date/Time
Set time zone to GMT+0 (United Kingdom). Set the correct date and time.
This is critical. CCTV footage is only useful as evidence if the timestamp is accurate. An incorrect clock means all recorded footage is timestamped wrong — police and insurers will question its validity.
Enable DST (Daylight Saving Time) — ensures the clock adjusts automatically for British Summer Time (GMT+1). Failure to enable DST means the clock is an hour out for half the year.
Step 3 — Hard Drive
The wizard detects the installed HDD and prompts to initialise it. Select the drive and confirm. This erases any previous data and prepares it for recording.
If no drive is detected: check SATA data and power connections inside the unit (power off first).
Step 4 — Network
The wizard shows current network status. If connected to the router via Ethernet, the DVR should have obtained an IP address via DHCP automatically.
Confirm:
- IP address is assigned (e.g. 192.168.1.x)
- Gateway shows the router IP
- DNS is populated
If no IP address is shown, check the Ethernet cable.
Step 5 — Password
Set the admin password. Minimum 8 characters, must include letters and numbers.
Record the admin password in Simpro job notes. If lost, recovering access requires a factory reset.
Step 6 — Complete
Main live view screen loads. Grey boxes show unconnected channels — expected at this stage.
After the Wizard
Enable H.265+
Main Menu → Storage → Recording → Encoding Parameters
Set Video Type to H.265+ for all channels. Apply. This halves storage consumption vs H.264 — always enable it.
Set the Recording Schedule
Main Menu → Storage → Schedule
Default is often continuous. Switch to Motion recording. See Recording Schedules & Motion Zones for full detail.
Name the Channels
Main Menu → Camera → Camera Name
Give each channel a meaningful name: "Front Door", "Driveway", "Rear Gate", etc. This appears in live view and playback — makes finding footage fast.
Enable OSD (On-Screen Display)
Main Menu → Camera → OSD
Enable date/time and channel name overlay on every channel. Position in the top-left or bottom-left corner so it doesn't cover important areas of the image.
Static IP (Optional but Recommended)
By default the DVR uses DHCP. The IP can change if the router reboots, causing occasional Hik-Connect connectivity issues.
Main Menu → Configuration → Network → General
- Switch from DHCP to Static
- Set an IP outside the router's DHCP range (e.g. 192.168.1.250)
- Set subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
- Set gateway: the router's IP (typically 192.168.1.1)
- Set DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Apply
Record the static IP in the job documentation.
Hik-Connect Registration
Main Menu → Configuration → Network → Platform Access → enable Hik-Connect
Note the device serial number (on the label or in Main Menu → System → Device Info).
Register the device in the customer's Hik-Connect app using the serial number or QR code. See Hik-Connect — Customer App Setup for the full procedure.
Post-Setup Checklist
- Date and time correct — verify against your phone
- DST enabled
- Hard drive initialised and showing as active in storage settings
- H.265+ enabled on all channels
- Recording schedule set (motion or continuous as agreed)
- All channels named with camera locations
- OSD (date/time/name overlay) enabled on all channels
- Network connected and DVR showing active connection
- Hik-Connect enabled and DVR registered on customer's account
- Admin password recorded in Simpro job notes
- Customer tested remote access on their phone before you leave