HIK-CTRL-xxx Datasheet
HikCentral is Hikvision’s management platform, replacing the IVMS-5200. The HikCentral solution synergises products, technologies, and functionalities that make central control of security systems easy, efficient, and unified. Based on a client-server model, it’s a video management solution that assists with the daily running of your business, securely with centralised management, information sharing and multi service cooperation. HikCentral is compatible with the entire line of Hikvision products. It offers features such as automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) and people-counting. Hikvision always strives to develop and deliver the best products and complete end-to-end solutions in the security surveillance industry. A successful surveillance operation is ultimately determined by its management platform. HikCentral is also available pre-loaded on a Windows-based server.
This doesn’t come with any camera licenses.
Camera licenses can be found here –
Hikvision HikCentral 1 Channel Camera Licence HIKCENTRAL-P-VSS-1CH
The HikCentral-P-VSS-BASE licence is the foundational element of any HikCentral Professional deployment. It activates the video surveillance functionality that allows camera connection, live view, recording, playback, alarm management, and integration with access control or analytics modules.
Without this base licence, video surveillance cannot function on the platform. Once installed, additional camera channels can be added using expansion licences such as HIKCENTRAL-P-VSS-1CH or multi-channel upgrade packs.
The base licence defines your initial camera capacity (commonly available in 16, 64, or 300-channel variants) and can be scaled as your system grows. It is ideal for organisations seeking a flexible, centralised video management solution that evolves with their security requirements.
This licence ensures your HikCentral Professional server is fully activated and compliant, forming the backbone for future expansions into larger, multi-site or enterprise-grade systems.
Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Licence Type |
Video Surveillance System (VSS) Base Licence |
| Purpose |
Activates the video surveillance component of HikCentral Professional |
| Channel Variants Available |
16, 64, or 300 channels (depending on version purchased) |
| Expansion Capability |
Supports additional camera licences (e.g., 1-channel, 8-channel, 16-channel add-ons) |
| Compatible Platform |
HikCentral Professional |
| Prerequisite |
Required before any VSS expansion licence can be applied |
| Licence Type |
Perpetual software licence key |
| Application |
Enables live view, playback, recording, and event management |
| Ideal For |
Initial deployment of HikCentral Professional systems |
Installer Tips
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Install the base first: Always activate the HIKCENTRAL-P-VSS-BASE licence before attempting to apply any expansion channel licences.
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Verify installation: Ensure HikCentral Professional server software is properly installed and connected before activation.
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Plan your growth: Estimate your short- and long-term camera requirements to select the appropriate base licence variant (16, 64, or 300 channels).
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Documentation: Record licence keys, activation codes, and dates to maintain audit compliance and simplify future renewals or support calls.
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Scalability: Expansion licences can be added later without reinstalling the base platform, allowing you to grow incrementally.
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Testing: After activation, test by adding a few cameras to confirm video streaming, recording, and playback are functioning correctly.
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Hardware capacity: Ensure your server hardware has sufficient CPU, RAM, and storage to handle the chosen number of channels.
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Backup: Keep a secure record of your licence keys in an encrypted location to prevent data loss in the event of hardware replacement or reinstallation.
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Integration: Once activated, you can integrate the base system with analytics, access control, or video wall modules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the purpose of the HIKCENTRAL-P-VSS-BASE licence?
A: It activates the video surveillance module within HikCentral Professional, allowing you to connect and manage camera channels.
Q: Do I need this licence before adding channels?
A: Yes. The base licence must be installed before any expansion (e.g., HIKCENTRAL-P-VSS-1CH) can be added.
Q: What are the available base licence options?
A: Common options include 16-channel, 64-channel, and 300-channel versions, depending on system size.
Q: Can I expand later if my system grows?
A: Yes. You can add expansion licences at any time to increase the total number of camera channels.
Q: Is this a one-time purchase?
A: Yes. The HIKCENTRAL-P-VSS-BASE is typically a perpetual licence with no expiry date, though optional maintenance may apply.
Q: Can I transfer the licence to another server?
A: Licences are generally tied to the HikCentral server they are activated on. Migration may require assistance from your distributor.
Q: What happens if I exceed the licensed number of channels?
A: The system will not record or stream unlicensed channels until additional licences are added.
Q: What’s the difference between the base and expansion licences?
A: The base licence activates the system and provides initial channel capacity; expansion licences simply increase the number of available channels.
Q: Is internet access required for activation?
A: Typically, online activation is required, though offline activation may be supported through authorised distributors.
Q: Who should purchase this licence?
A: Any installer or organisation deploying HikCentral Professional for the first time requires this base licence to enable core functionality.
