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How to Activate and Set Up Live Stream View Using iVMS-4200 Client Software
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of activating and initializing a Hikvision IP camera for live streaming on a PC using the iVMS-4200 client software. This setup works for any Hikvision IP camera, and you can follow these steps to set up the camera as a standalone device or integrate it with other devices in a larger surveillance system.
1. Ensure Proper Network Connections
First, ensure that both the camera and your PC are connected to the same LAN network. This is essential for seamless communication between the camera and the software. You can achieve this by using either a PoE injector-splitter kit or a PoE switch to connect the camera to the network. Refer to the wiring diagram for a visual representation of this setup.
Note: This guide demonstrates how to connect a single Hikvision IP camera directly to the iVMS-4200 client software on your PC, without the need for a DVR or NVR. If you plan to integrate multiple cameras or use a CCTV recording system, be sure to check out our other videos for detailed instructions.
2. Download and Install the iVMS-4200 Software
To get started, download the iVMS-4200 software from the Hikvision official website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Support page on the Hikvision website.
- Navigate to the Download section and choose Software.
- Under the iVMS-4200 tab, select the Windows installation file.
Download Link : https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/download/software/ivms4200-series/
Before you begin, download and install the iVMS-4200 client software. Once installed, open the software to proceed with the camera configuration.
Tip: If you need detailed instructions on how to install iVMS-4200, refer to the video link provided in the description below.
3. Navigate to Device Management
In the iVMS-4200 software, go to the ‘Device Management’ section. Click on the ‘Device’ tab to proceed. From here, click on ‘Online Device’ to display a list of all Hikvision devices that are currently connected to your LAN network.
4. Activate the Camera
Once the device list is displayed, locate and select the camera you want to set up. If you see the status as ‘Inactive’ under the security label, it means that the camera needs to be initialized.
- Select the device and click the ‘Activate’ button.
- During the first-time activation process, you will be prompted to create a password and configure security questions. Enter your password in both the ‘Password’ and ‘Confirm Password’ fields.
Security Tip: When setting your password, avoid using simple sequences like ‘123’ or your username. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a secure password.
After entering the password, a green checkmark will appear next to the password fields, indicating that the password meets the required security criteria. Click ‘OK’ to complete the activation.
Important: You will also have the option to set up security questions and answers during activation. It is highly recommended to configure these for added security. Choose questions and answers that are memorable to you but difficult for others to guess.
5. Configure IP Settings for Network Compatibility
After activation, your camera’s default IP address is likely set to 192.168.1.64. If your network operates on a different IP range, you won’t be able to access the camera via your PC browser or iVMS-4200 software.
To resolve this:
- Click the ‘Modify Netinfo’ icon in the software.
- A pop-up screen will appear where you can find the ‘IP Settings’ section.
- Enable the ‘DHCP’ option to let the camera automatically assign an IP address within your network’s range. Enter the password you created earlier when prompted.
Why DHCP? Setting the camera to DHCP mode ensures that the camera receives an IP address compatible with your network, allowing it to communicate seamlessly with your PC and other devices.
6. Add the Camera to the iVMS-4200 Software
Once the camera is activated and the IP settings are configured, it’s time to add the camera to the iVMS-4200 software:
- Go to the ‘Device Management’ screen.
- Select the camera from the list and click the ‘Add’ button below the table. This will open the ‘Add Device’ screen.
- In the ‘Name’ field, enter a custom name for your camera to make it easier to identify later.
- The ‘IP Address’ and ‘Port’ fields will automatically populate based on the camera’s network settings.
- Enter the default ‘Username’ (‘admin’) and the ‘Password’ you created earlier during activation.
- Enable the ‘Synchronize Time’ option to ensure the camera’s date and time are aligned with your PC’s settings.
Click ‘Add’ to complete the process. The camera will now be successfully added to the software.
7. View the Live Stream
Once the camera has been added successfully, its status will display as ‘Online’ in the Device Management section, indicating that the camera is now active and connected to the software.
To view the live stream:
- Navigate to the ‘Live View’ section.
- Click or drag the camera name you created into the viewing area to start the live video stream.
8. Explore Additional Features
Now that your camera is set up for live streaming, the iVMS-4200 client software offers additional advanced features for configuring and managing your Hikvision camera system. These capabilities, such as motion detection, remote viewing, and event notifications, will be explained in greater detail in upcoming videos.
Stay tuned for more tutorials on maximizing the potential of your Hikvision camera system!
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