If other users are accessing the system, they might be hogging the playback channels. Access the NVR via a web browser.
Hikvision’s firmware prioritizes stability – the limit prevents crashes from decoder overload.
Go to Menu -> Maintenance -> Reboot on your NVR, or power cycle the unit. This clears the RAM and restarts the stream management system. 4. Check User Management Permissions (iVMS-4200) hikvision maximum number of channels under playback reached
Slightly lower the playback frame rate (FPS) or bitrate of non-essential cameras. Solution 5: Audit Remote User Sessions
In iVMS-4200 or the web interface, right-click on the live view/playback screen and select "Sub Stream" instead of "Main Stream". 3. Restart the NVR/DVR If other users are accessing the system, they
Recent Hik-Connect versions (specifically V6.3+) have reported this error even when no other devices are playing back, suggesting an app-side bug. Immediate Solutions
: Occasionally, a remote session might not close properly, leading the NVR to believe a channel is still being viewed even after the app is closed. How to Fix the Playback Limit 1. Reduce Simultaneous Playback Channels Go to Menu -> Maintenance -> Reboot on
Hikvision cameras record two separate streams: the Main Stream (high resolution for clear storage) and the Sub-Stream (lower resolution for smooth remote viewing). If your NVR supports sub-stream playback, switching to it drastically reduces the decoding load.
Every Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and Network Video Recorder (NVR) has a specific system chip (SoC) with a fixed decoding capacity. Decoding compressed video files (like H.264 or H.265) requires significant processing power. If an NVR is rated for a maximum of 4 channels of 4K playback, attempting to play back 5 or more 4K channels simultaneously will trigger this error. 2. Resolution and Bitrate Demands
Hikvision "Maximum Number of Channels Under Playback Reached" Error: Causes & Solutions
Once you have resolved the immediate error, the goal is to optimize your entire security system. Implementing advanced settings and best practices will prevent the issue from recurring and ensure your system runs efficiently for the long term.