If you are looking for a lightweight and efficient video management solution from Hikvision with more complete features, HikCentral Lite is one of the best options available as a replacement for iVMS 4200. HikCentral Lite Designed for small to medium-sized surveillance systems, this software provides essential features such as live view, playback, device management, and basic video security operations.
In this guide I wrote, you will learn how to download, install and setup HikCentral Lite step by step in a simple and practical way.
What is HikCentral Lite?
HikCentral Lite is a simplified version of Hikvision’s HikCentral video management platform. It’s designed for users who don’t need the complexity of an enterprise-grade VMS system.
Key Features:
- Live video monitoring
- Video playback and recording management
- Device configuration (IP cameras, NVRs, DVRs)
- User access control
- Alarm and event management (basic level)
How to Download HikCentral Lite?
Please visit this link to download the HikCentral Lite installation file.
Type “HikCentral Lite” into the search box. You’ll then see several versions of this software. I chose to download the latest version at the time of writing, HikCentral version 1.2.0.
Select the installation file with the description All in one installation package include server and desktop client. Click the Download button.
The download process will then start automatically. The HikCentral Lite 1.2.0 software installation file is 531MB. Wait for the download to complete. This may take approximately one minute, depending on your internet connection speed.
How to Install HikCentral Lite on Windows 11?
In this HikCentral Lite installation guide, I use a Windows 11 computer with a 64-bit system, 8GB RAM and 500GB storage. If quoted from the official page, HikCentral Lite runs efficiently with a minimum of:
- i3 Processor
- 4 GB RAM
For installation please open the Download folder. Double-click the HikCentral Lite 1.2.0 installation file. Click Yes to confirm.
A page like the one below will appear. Select Server and Client for the Installation Type. Then, you can customize the Installation Path. I used the recommended path, C:\Program Files (X86)\HikCentral Lite. Click Install Now.
License Agreement. Click Agree and Continue.
Data Protection. Click Agree and Install.
The HikCentral Lite installation process will then run automatically. Wait until it’s 100% complete. This installation process takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Click the Finish button to end the process.
How to Setup HikCentral Lite on PC?
After HikCentral Lite is successfully installed, two software icons will appear on your Desktop page, namely HikCentral Lite Desktop and HikCentral Lite Service. Click HikCentral Lite Desktop to open the software.
Create a password. HikCentral Lite’s default username is admin. Create a strong password, make sure all these conditions are green.
- At least 8 characters
- Include at least 2 of the 4 elements: number, lowerchase letter, uppercase letter, special character
- Not number + lowerchase letter
- Not number + uppercase letter
- Not contain admin, 123 or your username an it’s reverse
- Not more than 3 consecutive numbers, like 1234 or 4321
- Not more than 3 repeating letters or numbers, like 1111 or aaaa
- Not match commonly use risky passwords
If the password has been created, click the OK button.
In the First Login Settings: Password Reset Mode section, you can uncheck the User Email Settings box. Simply enter your security questions and click Next.
Service Capability: Klik Start.
Wait a few moments and you’ll be redirected to the HikCentral Lite dashboard. An example of the HikCentral Lite dashboard is shown in the image below.
How to Use and Add Devices to HikCentral Lite?
Now, let’s move on to the next step: adding devices to HikCentral Lite. In this tutorial, I’ll demonstrate how to connect a Hikvision DVR. You can follow the same process to add Hikvision NVRs and IP cameras. Please note that HikCentral Lite only supports Hikvision devices.
Make sure the device you want to connect, such as an IP camera, DVR, or NVR, is on the same network as your computer/server.
Go to HikCentral Lite > Add Now.
You can see that my DVR has been automatically detected in HikCentral Lite. Mark the device. Enter the username and password. Then click the Add button.
If the device is successfully added, it will appear like this on the Device Management page.
You can now access the HikCentral Lite dashboard homepage. Click the arrow next to the device name and double-click the camera name to see a live view of the connected cameras. You can see the results below.
Is HikCentral Lite Safe For My Computer?
Yes, HikCentral Lite is safe for your computer.
HikCentral Lite is generally safe to install if downloaded from the official Hikvision website or an authorized Hikvision distributor. This software was developed by Hikvision to manage compatible surveillance devices such as IP cameras, DVRs, and NVRs.
Is HikCentral Lite Available For MacOS?
HikCentral Lite does not have a dedicated desktop-based software client (Control Client) for macOS.
As a workaround, you can install HikCentral Lite on a Mac using an emulator. However, after trying it, I found that HikCentral Lite’s performance using the emulator wasn’t optimal.
Is HikCentral Lite Free To Use?
Yes, HikCentral Lite is free to use.
In the free version, users can add 128 cameras. However, in the free version, users can only playback 4 cameras at a time. To unlock all features, users can choose to purchase a license starting at $96.
HikCentral Lite License Price List
The following table shows HikCentral Lite license pricing based on the official Hikvision License Purchase Request page. Prices below are in USD and are per license. The final price you pay may vary depending on your distributor, integrator, or region.
| License Model | Number of Channels | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| HIKCENTRAL-L-NVR-4CH | 4 Channels | $96 |
| HIKCENTRAL-L-NVR-8CH | 8 Channels | $160 |
| HIKCENTRAL-L-NVR-16CH | 16 Channels | $256 |
| HIKCENTRAL-L-NVR-32CH | 32 Channels | $384 |
If you want to playback the recordings of 128 cameras at one time then you have to buy a license for $1,536.
Price Comparison:
| Channels | Price | Cost per Channel |
|---|---|---|
| 4 CH | $96 | $24.00 |
| 8 CH | $160 | $20.00 |
| 16 CH | $256 | $16.00 |
| 32 CH | $384 | $12.00 |
Notes:
- Licenses are bound to a single HikCentral Lite server.
- If you need licenses for multiple servers, Hikvision recommends purchasing separate licenses for each server.
- The maximum playback capacity supported by one HikCentral Lite server is 128 channels.
- Better pricing may be available through an authorized Hikvision distributor or system integrator.
Please visit this link to purchase the HikCentral Lite license you need.
Conclusion
HikCentral Lite is an excellent video management solution for users who need a reliable and easy-to-use platform to monitor their Hikvision surveillance devices. Whether you’re setting up a small office, retail store, warehouse, or home security system, HikCentral Lite provides essential tools for managing live viewing, playback, recording, and device administration in one centralized interface.
That’s all the guide I’ve written, I hope it’s useful. If anything is unclear, please ask questions in the comments section below.