HikVision FAQ

Hikvision Camera Cannot Get A Clear Image

There are several problems that might cause a blurry image. Please refer to the following
description to solve the problem.
Cause 1
The lens does not match the lens mount of the box camera. A box camera has C mount or CS
mount. A CS-mount camera can be connected to a CS-mount lens directly. However, you need to
use a lens adapter to connect a CS-mount camera with a C-mount lens.
Cause 2
The lens does not focus. You need to adjust the focal length or focus again. Network cameras have
varifocal or fixed-focal lenses. Varifocal lenses focus manually or automatically.
● For fixed-focal cameras, the image blur may be caused by bumps during transportation. Please
contact after-sales.
● For manual varifocal cameras, first adjust the zoom ring (W-T), and then adjust the focus ring (N-
∞).
● For motorized varifocal cameras, access the device by web browser, go to Configuration →
Image → Display Settings → Focus, and check the focus mode. If the image is not clear under
auto or semi-auto mode, adjust to manual mode. Use Zoom + and Zoom – buttons to zoom in
and out. Use Focus + and Focus – buttons to get a clear image.
● For box cameras, use Auto Back Focus (ABF) to focus.
Cause 3
The lens or transparent cover is smeared, or the lens is blocked by cobwebs, etc. You need to
remove the smear or block.
Cause 4
The protective film on the lens or transparent cover is not removed. You should remove the
protective film.

The Image Is Always Black and White

Cause 1
The saturation is 0.
Set the saturation to a value larger than 0.

Cause 2
Environment light problem.
The environment light is lower than the day/night switch threshold, so the camera switches to
night mode automatically.
Cause 3
The day/night switch is under night mode.
Set the day/night switch as day.

Horizontal Lines on the Image
Cause 1
There is a strong electromagnetic radiation source near the camera, for example, high-voltage
cables or high-power motors.
Protect the camera by effective grounding. Avoid the interference source when installing the
camera. Use transmission cables with better shielding performance.
Cause 2
The analog camera is grounded nearby. The grounding electrical levels of the camera and DVR are not
the same.
Insulate the analog camera from the ground.
1.4 Vertical Lines on the Image
The input power voltage is lower than the required working voltage, so the camera cannot work
normally.
Use the included power adapter. Refer to the datasheet of the camera for detailed power
requirements. You are recommended to use one power adapter to supply the power for one
camera.
1.5 The Image Is Reddish
Cause 1
The ICR is stuck.
Manually change the day/night switch mode and check if the ICR is switched with a “click”. If the
If the image does not turn normal, please contact after-sales.

Cause 2
A color cast in a large part of the scene results in a malfunction of a white balance calibration. You are
recommended adjusting the white balance mode to the fluorescent lamp.
1.6 The IR Image Is Cloudy (Bad Image Effect at Night)
Cause 1
Description: The image has white spots (e.g. light spots, white lines) at night.
Cause: The transparent cover is stained by handprints, water stains, or cobwebs.
Answer: Clean the transparent cover with a lens wipe or soft towel, or replace it with a clean cover.

Cause 2
Description: The image has white spots on the edges and in the center with a white band.
Cause: The foam ring in the device is loose or removed, so the light leaks in.
Answer: Contact after-sales and send the device to the factory for repair.
Cause 3
Description: When the IR light of the indoor device is on, the image is cloudy.
● Cause A: There is another IR light in the opposite position.
● Cause B: The vertical installation angle is too high. The light is reflected by the ceiling.
● Cause C: The lens is blocked.
Answer: Remove the block, lower the lens, and adjust the installation angle.
Cause 4
Description: The image is dark overall.
● Cause A: The scene is empty and the shooting angle is too high, so the IR light is not reflected
effectively.
Answer A: Lower the lens and adjust the installation angle.
● Cause B: The IR camera has been used for over 2 years and the IR light declines, or the IR light is
off.
Answer B: Replace IR light board and turn the IR light on

The Near Part of the Image Is Too Bright
Description
The near part of the image is too bright.
Cause
The installation position or angle is not ideal. The smart IR function is not enabled.
Answer
Adjust the installation position or angle and enable the smart IR function. The higher the level of
smart IR is, the more obviously the overall image darkens.
1.8 “Snowflakes” at Night
Description
There are “snowflakes” on the image at night.
Cause
The using environment is dusty. The dust near the camera reflects the IR light and looks like
snowflakes on the image.
Answer
● Adjust to a longer focal length.
● Enable smart IR function. Lower the IR light brightness.
1.9 The Image of the PTZ Camera Is Normal at Long Range But Blurry at
Close Range
Access the device by web browser, go to Configuration → Image → Focus, and change the min.
focus distance to the smallest possible value.

The Image Has White Spots (e.g. Light Spots, White Lines) at Night
Example
Figure 1-1 Light Spot
Figure 1-2 White Line
Cause
The transparent cover is stained by handprints, water stains, or cobwebs.
Answer
Replace with a clean transparent cover, or clean the cover with a lens wipe or soft towel.

The Image Has White Spots on the Edges and in the Center with a
White Band
Example
Figure 1-3 The Image Has White Spots on the Edges
Cause
The foam ring in the device is loose or removed, so the light leaks in.
Answer
Please contact after-sales.

The Object Near the Device Is Too Bright While the Rest Part of the
The image is Dark and Not Clear
Example
Figure 1-4 The Object Near the Device Is Too Bright
Hikvision Camera Frequently Asked Questions
6
Cause
The object near the device reflects IR light, so it cannot reach further places.
Answer
● Check reflecting objects and remove the objects from the view. Or adjust the mounting position or
angles to avoid the obstacle.
● Enable smart supplement light function.
● If a large part or all of the installation scene is blocked and reflects IR light, avoid installing the
device in this scene.

The Night Image Is Dark and Not Clear
Cause
The IR light is too dim to give sufficient supplement light.
Answer
● Check if the power supply of the device is normal at night. A separate power source for each
device is recommended.
● Check the IR light of the device. If it is broken or the brightness is low, please contact after-sales.
● Check if the IR distance and IR light angle are suitable for the scene. If not, the IR brightness at a
distance may be insufficient.
1.14 The Image Is Blurry When the Device Is Against the Wind in Snowy
Weather
Cause
The rain and snow are blown to the transparent cover and blur the image.
Answer
The image usually becomes clear when the rain and snow stop.
1.15 The Image is Partially Blurred in Normal Weather or Rainy Day
Cause 1
It may be caused by condensation inside the device. The cables are not properly waterproofed and
moisture goes into the device through the cables, accumulates, and forms dews inside the lens
which is hard to remove in a short time.

Answer
● Use a waterproof network connector cap and waterproof tapes to seal the cables.
● Contact after-sales and send the device to the factory for repair.
Cause 2
The transparent cover is dirty.
Answer
Replace with a clean transparent cover, or clean the cover with a lens wipe or soft towel

Live View Has No Sound Or the Volume Is Too Low
Check if the recording has sound.
● If the recording has sound, check if the volume button under the right side of the live view image
is on. Or view it on another computer. (Make sure that the audio output of the computer works
and is on.)
● If the recording has no sound:
1. Go to Configuration → Video/Audio → Video and check if the Video Type is Video&Audio.
2. Go to Configuration → Video/Audio → Audio and check if the Input Volume is 0.
3. Check if the audio cable is correctly connected. Connect AUDIO IN to the signal wire of pickup; connect GND, negative wire of pick-up, and negative wire of power source; connect the
positive wire of pick-up to that of the power source.

The Device Is Connected with a Pick-up, but There Is No Sound when
Playing the Recording File
Cause 1
Camera settings.
● Go to Configuration → Video/Audio → Video, and check if the audio type is Video&Audio.
● Select audio input as LineIn for external active pick-up. Select MicIn for external passive pick-up
or built-in pick-up.
● If there is sound when testing, you can connect the mobile phone to the device and play a sound
to check if the recording function of the camera is normal.
Cause 2
Cable connection. Check if the cables are connected correctly. Connect the AUDIO-IN of the
camera to the signal cable of the pick-up. Connect the GND, negative pole, and the negative power
pole together. Connect the positive pole of the pick-up and the positive power pole together.
Cause 3
Power supply for the pick-up. The power supply for the pick-up is +12 V normally. You can connect
the device to a 12 VDC power adapter or normal power supply. Certain models are equipped with
indicators, and the indicator shows the device status after powering up. Connect the earphone or
speaker to the pick-up to test if the sound is output.

The Pick-up Recording Is of Poor Quality, with High Noise or Rustling
Sound
Cause 1
The setting type of Audio Input and the actual device do not match. The pick-up should be plugged
in the Line in interface. Meanwhile, go to Configuration → Video/Audio → Audio, and select the
Audio Input as LineIn.
Cause 2
Power selection. It is not recommended that the pick-up shares one power adapter with the
camera, or uses the switching power supply. It is recommended to use a linear regulated power
supply for the pick-up independently.
Cause 3
Wire and soldering. Check the wire selection for the pick-up and the connector soldering. You
should use a shielded cable as the connecting cable, such as a 0.5 mm 2RVVP 3-core shielded cable.
Connector soldering should be up to standard.
Cause 4
The pick-up has functional defects. Check if the device supports noise suppression. If so, enable
the function and check again.

Cause 5
The filter and shielding of the pick-up wire are with poor performance.
Follow the steps below to adjust and check the recording sound again.
● Connect the device shell to the ground via wire.
● Use the wire with good shielding performance.
● Keep the pick-up far away from the interference source, such as the signal amplifier.
Cause 6
The pick-up is interfered by the external signal. Follow the steps below to adjust and check the
recording sound again.
● Avoid mobile phone interference: keep the mobile phone away from the pick-up when
recording.
● Avoid display interference: keep the pick-up away from the display.
● Avoid display horizontal scanning frequency interference: keep the working display away from
the pick-up, or turn off the display when recording.
● Avoid the host computer interference: hardware of the host computer, such as the power
supply, main board, CPU, expansion slot, etc. produce electromagnetic radiation noise at
work, which may disturb the pick-up. If these kinds of problems occur, it is recommended to
change the hardware, such as power and main board, and check the recording again