Hikvision DS-96128NXI-S8R - 128 Channel 8 Bay AcuSense NVR

The Hikvision DS-96128NXI-S8R is a 128-channel S-Series AcuSense NVR with eight SATA bays, RAID with N+M hot spare, and up to 1024 Mbps of incoming bandwidth.

Far more bandwidth than the other 128-channel recorder

Worth comparing directly. The DS-96128NI-M16/R also records 128 channels, but at 400 Mbps — roughly 3 Mbps per camera. This one takes 1024 Mbps, about 8 Mbps per camera.

That is the difference between a recorder that suits 2 MP cameras at moderate frame rates and one that will genuinely carry 128 cameras at 4 MP and above. If a 128-camera scheme has been specified with higher-resolution cameras, this is the machine that supports it.

The trade-off is storage: eight bays here against sixteen on the M16/R. Bandwidth or capacity — decide which the site actually needs, and tell us if you are unsure.

Analytics on the recorder

It runs facial recognition, perimeter protection, video structuralisation and AcuSearch itself. On a 128-camera system that is what makes the footage searchable — AcuSearch finds recordings by what appeared in them rather than by time.

Eight IP speakers — deterrence, not just recording

It connects up to eight IP speakers, so the analytics can trigger a spoken warning instead of only logging an event. On a yard, forecourt or perimeter after hours, challenging someone as they cross a line usually beats reviewing the footage the next morning.

Storage built to keep going

Eight SATA bays with RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10, plus N+M hot spare — spare disks sit in the chassis and take over automatically when one fails, so the array rebuilds without a site visit.

Specification

• Channels: 128-ch IP video input
• Bandwidth: up to 1024 Mbps incoming
• Analytics: facial recognition, perimeter protection, video structuralisation, AcuSearch
• IP speakers: up to 8 channels
• Storage: 8 SATA interfaces. Drives are not included.
• RAID: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10, plus N+M hot spare
• Compression: H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264
• Decoding: up to 32-ch at 1080p
• Video out: HDMI
• PoE: none — cameras powered by switches

We have published only the figures confirmed for this exact model. Ask us for the full datasheet — including RAID-mode bandwidth, alarm I/O and chassis dimensions — before you specify it, and we will send the current version.

What you'll need with it

• Hard drives — none are supplied. Eight bays. RAID 6 with a hot spare is the sensible configuration where footage is evidence. Talk to us about sizing.
• PoE switching for 128 cameras — typically six 24-port units.
• IP speakers if you want the audio deterrence — up to eight.
• Rack space, cooling and ideally a UPS.

Frequently asked questions

How does it compare to the DS-96128NI-M16/R?

Both record 128 channels. This has 1024 Mbps against 400 Mbps and adds on-board analytics and IP speakers; the M16/R has sixteen bays against eight and a redundant power supply. Bandwidth or storage — that is the real choice.

What is N+M hot spare?

Spare disks held in the chassis that take over automatically when a drive fails, so the array rebuilds without anyone attending site.

Do the analytics need particular cameras?

AcuSearch works best with AcuSense cameras that have the function enabled. Send us your camera list and we will confirm what will and will not work.

Does it come with hard drives?

No. Eight SATA drives, supplied separately — surveillance-rated, and ideally from the same batch for a consistent array.

Browse the full NVR range, IP cameras, PoE switches or surveillance hard drives. Specifying a large system? Contact us, call 01902 902251, or visit the Wolverhampton trade counter.