Main Stream vs. Sub Stream on Hikvision Cameras: Which Should You Use?

## **Main Stream vs. Sub Stream on Hikvision Cameras: Which Should You Use?**

When setting up a security camera system, understanding the difference between main stream and sub stream is crucial. Hikvision cameras offer two distinct video streams to balance **video quality** and **network bandwidth** efficiently. This guide will help you decide which stream to use for live viewing, recording, storage, and remote access. Let’s dive into the details.

### **What Are Main Stream and Sub Stream on Hikvision Cameras?**

**Main Stream** is the primary video feed optimized for high-resolution, high-bitrate footage—ideal for recording detailed evidence, such as license plates or facial features.
**Sub Stream** is a secondary, lower-resolution stream designed for bandwidth conservation and multi-camera viewing. Typically at 640×360 or 704×480, it works well for live monitoring on mobile apps or monitors.

By using both simultaneously, you can record high-quality proof (main stream) while viewing multiple cameras without network lag (sub stream).

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## **Key Differences Between Main Stream and Sub Stream**

### **Resolution and Bitrate**
– **Main Stream:** 1080p, 4MP, 8MP (3000–8000 kbps).
– **Sub Stream:** 0.3–1MP (100–800 kbps).

### **Use Cases**
– **Main Stream:** Legal evidence, forensic analysis, high-definition recordings.
– **Sub Stream:** Mobile app previews, live monitoring on NVR with many channels, bandwidth-limited networks.

### **Storage Impact**
– Main stream consumes significantly more HDD space per day than sub stream.
– Many users mix both on NVRs: record main stream always, but use sub stream for motion-triggered events to save storage.

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## **When Should You Use Main Stream?**

– **Critical areas:** Cash registers, entrances, parking lots (need license plates).
– **Forensic evidence:** Capturing clear faces, object details.
– **Archival recordings:** Required by business regulations or insurance.

> **Pro tip:** For 24/7 recording, use main stream at a lower frame rate (15fps) to reduce storage without sacrificing detail.

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## **When Should You Use Sub Stream?**

– **Multi-view monitoring:** View dozens of cameras on one screen without frame drops.
– **Mobile remote access:** Save mobile data when checking cameras from outside.
– **Bandwidth-constrained networks:** Avoid stuttering or connection loss.

Many Hikvision users configure their NVR to record the main stream but display the sub stream for live viewing on the monitor.

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## **How to Configure Main Stream vs Sub Stream on Hikvision Systems**

1. Log into the Hikvision camera’s web interface.
2. Navigate to **Configuration → Video/Audio → Video**.
3. Under **Stream Type**, select **Main Stream (Normal)** or **Sub Stream**.
4. Set resolution, bitrate type (CBR or VBR), frame rate, and bitrate.
5. For sub stream, choose lower values: e.g., 640×360, 400 kbps.
6. Click **Save**.
7. On the NVR: In **Camera Management → Recording Schedule**, assign which camera uses which stream for **standard recording** or **event recording**.

> **Note:** Some models allow three streams (main + sub + mobile sub stream). Check your camera’s specifications.

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## **Storage Calculation: Main Stream vs Sub Stream**

Wondering how much storage each stream eats up? Use this formula:
`Storage (GB/day) = (Bitrate in kbps × 86400) / 8 / 1024 / 1024`

**Example:**
– Main stream at 4096 kbps: