The DS-96256NXI-S16R belongs to Hikvision’s Ultra (S-Series) NVR line, designed for high-capacity, high-resolution, and AI-enabled security systems. It is ideal for demanding environments such as enterprise campuses, municipal surveillance, critical infrastructure, and large commercial sites. It supports up to 256 IP camera channels, integrates advanced analytics, and delivers ultra HD output up to 8K.
Key advantages include:
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High camera capacity and bandwidth
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On-board AI features such as facial recognition, perimeter protection, and video structuralization
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Extremely robust storage with multiple RAID options and hot-spare support
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Multi-channel decoding and ultra HD HDMI output
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Redundant power supply and enterprise reliability
Features & Technical Highlights
| Feature |
Detail |
| Maximum channels |
Up to 256 IP camera inputs |
| Video compression |
H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264 |
| Decoding capacity |
Up to 32 × 1080p real-time decoding |
| HDMI output |
Up to 8K resolution |
| Analytics |
Facial recognition, perimeter protection, video structuralization, AcuSearch |
| Face libraries |
Up to 64 face libraries, up to 300,000 images, total ≤ 10 GB |
| Storage & RAID |
16 SATA bays; support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 and N+M hot spare |
| Network throughput |
1280 Mbps incoming / 1024 Mbps outgoing (halved in RAID mode) |
| Interfaces |
4 × RJ-45 (10/100/1000/2500 Mbps), USB 2.0 & 3.0 ports, eSATA, RS-232/RS-485, Alarm I/O |
| Power & redundancy |
100-240 VAC input, redundant power supply option |
| Operating conditions |
–10 °C to 55 °C, 10–90% relative humidity (non-condensing) |
| Certifications |
CE, CB, RCM, UKCA and other relevant compliance marks |
Use Cases & Deployment Scenarios
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Enterprise Campus / Corporate Sites
Centralise all building and perimeter cameras (150-250+), apply facial recognition for staff access, and monitor intrusions with AI filtering.
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City / Public Surveillance
Handle large volumes of urban cameras in streets, transport hubs, and public areas. Use analytics to reduce false alarms and focus on real threats.
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Critical Infrastructure & Utilities
Facilities like power plants or water treatment require ultra-reliable video capture. RAID and redundant power features protect against data loss and downtime.
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Large Shopping Centres / Malls
Manage multiple floors and retail zones, detect suspicious behavior, trigger alerts, and integrate announcements via IP speakers.
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Gated Communities / Large Residential Estates
Monitor entrances, communal spaces, parking lots, and perimeter fencing. Use face libraries and perimeter alerts to improve security response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is AcuSearch and how is it used?
AcuSearch is a video search engine that tags and indexes motion or object events, enabling fast content-based querying across recorded video. It works when connected cameras also support AcuSearch.
Q: How many HDDs and what total storage can the unit support?
It supports 16 SATA drives. Each drive can be up to 20 TB, making a raw maximum of 320 TB before RAID overhead.
Q: Which RAID modes are supported?
RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, plus N+M hot spare mode for enhanced fault tolerance.
Q: What does the decoding capacity mean?
It can decode up to 32 simultaneous 1080p video streams for real-time viewing or playback without overloading the device.
Q: Is there backup in case of power failure?
Yes, the device supports a redundant power supply, which helps maintain operation in the event of a power issue.
Q: Can I integrate existing IP cameras?
Yes — compatible with ONVIF or Hikvision standard protocols. To use AI analytics features, the cameras must support those specific functions.
Q: What environmental conditions can it handle?
Operating temperature from –10 °C to 55 °C and humidity from 10% to 90% (non-condensing).
Q: Is this overkill for small installations?
Yes, for simpler setups with fewer cameras (e.g. under 16), a smaller NVR may be more cost-effective and easier to manage.
