How to Fix Pixelated and Blocky Hikvision Video Footage
Hikvision cameras are known for their high-quality, sharp images. So, when you see a pixelated, blocky, or blurry video feed, it's understandably frustrating. This issue is almost always caused by incorrect video compression settings, specifically the bitrate. This guide will explain what's happening and how to fix it for a crystal-clear image.
## Understanding the Cause: Resolution vs. Bitrate
The most common mistake is to set the camera's Resolution to its maximum (e.g., 4K or 5MP) but leave the Bitrate at a very low default value.
- Resolution: This is the size of the image in pixels (e.g., 1920x1080). A higher resolution means more detail.
- Bitrate: This is the amount of data used to encode the video file per second (measured in Kbps or Mbps). It determines the video's quality and file size.
Think of it like this: Resolution is the size of the canvas, but Bitrate is the amount of paint you have. If you have a huge canvas (high resolution) but only a tiny amount of paint (low bitrate), the picture will be stretched thin, blotchy, and lack detail. This is what causes pixelation.
## How to Adjust Your Hikvision Video Settings
To fix this, you need to increase the maximum bitrate to a level appropriate for your camera's resolution and frame rate. You can do this via the camera's web interface or your NVR's menu.
- Log In to Your Device: Access your camera or NVR by typing its IP address into a web browser or through your system's monitor interface.
- Navigate to Video Settings: Go to Configuration -> Video & Audio.
- Select the Main Stream: You will see tabs for 'Video' (Main Stream) and 'Sub-Stream'. The Main Stream is the high-quality feed used for recording, so this is the one you need to adjust.
- Key Settings to Change:
- Resolution: Set this to your desired level (e.g., 1920x1080, 2560x1440).
- Bitrate Type: It's often best to set this to Variable.
- Video Quality: Set this to a high level.
- Frame Rate: For smooth motion, set this to 20 or 25 FPS (Frames Per Second).
- Max. Bitrate: This is the most important setting. You must increase this value.
## Recommended Bitrate Settings
Here are some good starting points for the Max. Bitrate setting.
| Resolution | Frame Rate (FPS) | Recommended Max. Bitrate (Kbps) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1080p (2MP) | 20-25 | 4096 | | 3MP | 20-25 | 6144 | | 4MP | 20-25 | 8192 | | 4K (8MP) | 20-25 | 16384 |
To change the setting: Click on the dropdown for Max. Bitrate and select a value that is equal to or higher than the recommended value. After making the changes, click Save.
## Network and Storage Considerations
- Network Bandwidth: Increasing the bitrate for multiple cameras will use more network bandwidth. Ensure your network switches and router can handle the total load. A Gigabit (1000 Mbps) network is recommended for systems with several high-resolution cameras.
- Storage Space: A higher bitrate results in larger video file sizes. This means your NVR's hard drive will fill up faster, and your recording history will be shorter. You must find a balance between video quality and storage retention that meets your needs.
By correctly matching the bitrate to your camera's resolution, you can eliminate pixelation and restore the sharp, detailed video quality that your Hikvision system is capable of.