Hikvision No Video Signal: How to Fix a Black Screen

How to Fix a Hikvision Camera with No Video Signal

One of the most common and critical issues you can face with a CCTV system is a camera that's not displaying an image. When you check your monitor or software and are greeted by a black screen or a "Video Loss" error from a Hikvision camera, it's crucial to troubleshoot the problem quickly.

This guide will take you through a logical sequence of steps to diagnose and resolve the "no video" issue, whether you're using Hikvision IP cameras or an analogue TVI system.

## Initial Assessment: Understanding the 'No Video' Error

The first step is to identify the exact symptom, as this can provide clues to the cause.

• Black Screen: In your NVR/DVR interface or web view, the panel for the camera is completely black.
• 'Video Loss' Message: The system explicitly displays "Video Loss" or a similar error in the camera's window.
• 'No Signal' Message: A message indicating there is no signal being received.
• Camera Offline: In your camera list, the device's status is shown as 'Offline'.

These symptoms all point to a breakdown in the chain of components required to deliver video from the camera to your screen. This chain includes: Power -> Camera -> Cable -> NVR/Switch -> Monitor/Software. Our troubleshooting will follow this path.

## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Hikvision Video Loss

### 1. Check the Power Supply

A camera cannot send video without power. This is the most fundamental and common point of failure.

• Check the Power Adapter: For cameras using a 12V DC adapter, ensure it is plugged in and the indicator light (if it has one) is on. Test the outlet to be sure it's working. If possible, test the camera with a known good power supply.
• Check Power over Ethernet (PoE): If you're using an IP camera connected to a PoE switch or a Hikvision NVR with built-in PoE ports, check the port's indicator lights. They should indicate that a device is connected and drawing power.
• Look at the Camera: Check the camera's own status LEDs. Does it have a power light? Are the infrared (IR) LEDs glowing faintly red in the dark? If there are no signs of life, the issue is almost certainly power-related.

### 2. Inspect the Cabling

The physical cable connecting the camera is the next most likely culprit. Cables can be damaged, disconnected, or simply fail over time.

• For IP Cameras (Ethernet Cable):

  1. Check both ends of the network cable are securely plugged in – one into the camera's pigtail and the other into the NVR/PoE switch.
  2. Inspect the cable for any visible damage, such as cuts, kinks, or frayed wiring.
  3. Crucially, test with a known good, pre-terminated Ethernet patch cable. This is the best way to rule out a faulty cable run.

• For Analogue/TVI Cameras (Coaxial Cable):

  1. Ensure the BNC connectors are securely twisted and locked into place on both the camera and the DVR.
  2. Check the separate power cable that runs alongside the coax.
  3. Like with Ethernet, the best test is to use a short, known-good coaxial cable to connect the camera directly to the DVR.

### 3. Check Network Configuration (IP Cameras Only)

If the camera has power and the cable is good, the next step for IP cameras is to check for network issues.

• Use the SADP Tool: Download and run Hikvision's SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) tool on a computer connected to the same network. This tool will scan the network and list all connected Hikvision devices.

  • If the camera appears in SADP: This is good news! It means the camera is powered on and physically connected to the network. The problem is likely an IP address conflict or a password issue. Ensure the camera's IP address is on the same subnet as your NVR.
  • If the camera does NOT appear in SADP: This points back to a problem with power or cabling. The camera is not successfully communicating on the network at all.

• Try a Different NVR Port: Plug the camera's cable into a different PoE port on your NVR or switch. A single port can fail.

### 4. Isolate the Camera

If you've confirmed the power and cable are good, but there's still no video, the issue might be with the camera itself.

• The 'Bench Test': The most definitive test is to take the camera down and connect it directly to your NVR or PoE switch using a short, known-good patch cable and power supply. If the camera works on the bench, you know the problem lies with the original cable run or power source in its installed location. If it still doesn't work, then the camera hardware has likely failed.

By following this process of elimination—Power, Cable, Configuration, Camera—you can efficiently diagnose the cause of video loss and take the correct steps to get your Hikvision camera back online.