Introduction to the Hikvision DS-96128NI-I24 and its key features
The Hikvision DS-96128NI-I24 is an enterprise-grade 4U rackmount Network Video Recorder (NVR) designed for large-scale IP CCTV deployments. Engineered to support up to 128 IP camera channels and equipped with 24 hot-swappable SATA drive bays, this unit is aimed at system integrators, security operations centres and organisations that need long-term, high-density video storage with robust redundancy and multi-monitor display options. While Hikvision has marked this model as discontinued—so stock, firmware region and support should be confirmed prior to purchase—it remains a compelling specification set for environments that demand scale, reliability and flexible viewing options.
- High channel capacity:Supports up to 128 IP camera channels, suitable for large installations.
- Massive hot-swap storage:24 SATA hot-swappable HDD bays (up to 10 TB per bay; internal capacity up to 240 TB).
- Flexible RAID:RAID 0/1/5/6/10 plus N+1 hot spare for redundancy and data protection.
- High-resolution outputs:Dual independent HDMI outputs (up to 4K) plus VGA for control room displays and multi-monitor setups.
- Efficient compression & compatibility:Supports H.265/H.265+/H.264/H.264+ and wide third-party camera compatibility via ONVIF.
- Enterprise network interfaces:Multiple gigabit LAN ports, generous decode performance and alarm I/O for integration with existing systems.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-96128NI-I24 bundles hardware and firmware features that target reliability, storage density and live/recorded video management. Below is a focused summary of the product specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
- Model:DS-96128NI-I24
- Maximum channels:Up to 128 IP channels
- Recording resolution:Up to 32 MP (channel/mode dependent)
- Decoding capability:1ch@32MP / 5ch@8MP / 10ch@4MP / 20ch@1080p (depending on frame-rate and variants)
- Compression:H.265, H.265+, H.264, H.264+, MJPEG and MPEG-4
- Video outputs:2× HDMI (independent, up to 4K) and 1× VGA (optional 7" LCD)
Benefits: High decoding capacity and 4K outputs make the unit suitable for multi-screen control rooms where both detailed single-camera views and combined multiplex layouts are needed. H.265 support reduces storage and bandwidth needs compared with older codecs.
- HDD bays:24× SATA hot-swappable bays (supporting up to 10 TB per bay; internal capacity up to 240 TB)
- Expansion:eSATA and optional mini-SAS supported for further storage growth
- RAID:RAID 0/1/5/6/10 and N+1 hot spare
Benefits: The 24 hot-swap bays provide exceptional retention options for organisations that must store weeks or months of footage from dozens or hundreds of cameras. Hardware RAID options including RAID 6 and N+1 hot spare allow administrators to balance capacity and resiliency to reduce risk of data loss during drive failure.
- Network ports:4× RJ45 10/100/1000
- Bandwidth:576 Mbps incoming / 512 Mbps outgoing (note TLS outgoing limitations with some RAID setups)
- USB:Front: 1× USB 2.0; Rear: 2× USB 3.0
- Alarm I/O & serial:16 alarm inputs / 8 alarm outputs; RS-232 and RS-485 support
Benefits: Multiple gigabit ports and generous throughput make the unit capable of handling full-HD and multi-megapixel streams from many cameras simultaneously. Alarm and serial interfaces allow integration with access control, third-party sensors and PTZ camera control systems.
- Power input:100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz
- Power consumption:≤ 140 W (without HDD)
- Operating temperature:0 °C to +50 °C
- Form factor:4U rackmount; dimensions approx. 447–448 × 490–528 × 172–173 mm
- Weight:≤ 23 kg (without HDD)
Benefits: Standard enterprise power input range and rackmount sizing simplify data centre or communications room deployments. Be mindful of full configuration power draw with 24 installed HDDs and plan cooling and rack power accordingly.
Use cases and scenarios where the DS-96128NI-I24 excels
The DS-96128NI-I24 is built for scale. Typical deployments where it is an excellent fit include:
- Citywide or municipal surveillance:When hundreds of cameras across districts require a centralised recorder with long retention and redundancy.
- Transport hubs & airports:Terminals and rail networks that need many channels, multi-monitor control rooms and quick failover options.
- Large retail estates and shopping centres:Multi-site or large footprint retail environments that require centralised recording with extensive archived footage for loss prevention and incident investigation.
- Enterprise campuses and industrial facilities:Sites with a combination of high camera counts, integration with alarm and access control systems, and a need for RAID-protected long-term storage.
- Critical infrastructure & utilities:Where regulatory retention windows and rapid forensic retrieval are required.
In every case the NVR’s combination of high channel count, dense hot-swap storage and flexible RAID means it can act as the primary recording appliance or as part of a distributed architecture with offsite replication and archive management.
How it compares with similar products on the market
When assessing the DS-96128NI-I24 against alternatives, consider these dimensions: channel density, storage density and redundancy, output/monitoring flexibility, codec efficiency and vendor support/availability.
Many enterprise NVRs from other manufacturers offer 128-channel models, but fewer combine that channel density with 24 internal hot-swap bays. Competing products may opt for external expansion enclosures or fewer internal bays (8–12) which pushes storage growth to additional chassis. The DS-96128NI-I24’s internal 24-bay layout is an advantage where rack space is constrained and centralized storage is preferred.
RAID 6 plus N+1 hot-spare options give the Hikvision unit competitive resilience. Some rivals might provide hardware RAID but with fewer enterprise options or require separate RAID controllers or expansion chassis for similar redundancy. If RAID flexibility and hot-swap serviceability matter, the DS-96128NI-I24 is strong in that area.
Dual independent 4K HDMI outputs are particularly useful in command-and-control rooms for mixed-resolution displays. Some NVRs in the same class may limit output resolutions or offer only a single high-resolution output. The decoding capability here supports both high-resolution single channels and many simultaneous mid-resolution channels for effective monitoring.
H.265/H.265+ and broad ONVIF support are standard expectations in this class; the Hikvision unit meets those needs. If your environment uses a lot of third-party cameras, confirm ONVIF interoperability and any camera-specific feature support (e.g., metadata, advanced analytics) before deployment.
Unlike newly released models, this particular model is listed as discontinued by the manufacturer. That affects support lifecycle, firmware updates and spare parts availability. When comparing it to current-market alternatives, weigh short-term purchase cost against potential longer-term risks around supplier support.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Public, attributed customer reviews for this discontinued model may be limited. From the perspective of system integrators and security teams that have worked with similar Hikvision enterprise NVR platforms, common themes include:
- "Reliable high-density recording" — Integrators note that the 24-bay design simplifies large deployments without immediate need for external expansion.
- "Good value for capacity" — Organisations that prioritise storage and channel density often find the price-per-terabyte and price-per-channel attractive compared with building equivalent storage arrays.
- "Useful display options" — Dual 4K HDMI outputs and flexible decoding are repeatedly cited as practical for control room workflows.
- "Support & lifecycle caution" — Some customers advise confirming firmware region, warranty and spare-part availability before buying, especially for discontinued items.
These are generalized summary observations rather than direct quotations; prospective buyers should request references and case studies from resellers or integrators as part of procurement due diligence.
Conclusion: why choose the DS-96128NI-I24?
The Hikvision DS-96128NI-I24 is a compelling option for organisations that need an enterprise-level NVR with very high channel and storage density, flexible RAID options and multi-display capability. Its 24 hot-swappable bays and support for up to 128 IP channels make it particularly well suited to large control rooms, transport hubs, municipal surveillance and large retail or industrial estates where long retention and redundancy matter.
However, the unit’s discontinued status is a critical procurement consideration. If the device is available from a trusted authorised reseller with acceptable warranty and firmware support, it can offer strong value as a centralised recorder. If long-term manufacturer support is a priority, buyers should compare current-generation alternatives from multiple vendors and review lifecycle and spare-part commitments.
In short: choose the DS-96128NI-I24 when you prioritise dense internal storage, robust RAID protection and multi-monitor monitoring capability for a large-scale surveillance system—provided you confirm availability, regional firmware and support arrangements before committing to purchase.
