Installing a CCTV system doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a full HiLook CCTV system installation from a user’s perspective — the same process most homeowners and small business owners in Australia follow when setting up their system for the first time.
This is a true start-to-finish guide, covering everything from unboxing to getting live camera footage on your screen and phone.No technical background required.
For a full visual walkthrough, see the YouTube video linked at the end of this guide.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Equipment List
Before installing your HiLook CCTV system, make sure you have the following ready:
- HiLook PoE NVR
- HiLook IP cameras
- Internal hard drive
- Any monitor or TV with HDMI/VGA
- Ethernet cables (CAT5e or CAT6)
- USB mouse
- Internet connection
Storage: How Much Do You Need?
Surveillance drives handle 24/7 recording and Australian heat. Regular computer drives fail quickly in CCTV systems.
Quick guide:
- 2TB drive: 4 cameras, 2-4 weeks of motion recording
- 4TB drive: 8 cameras, 1 month of motion recording
- 6TB+ drive: More cameras or longer retention
Step 1: Install the Hard Drive
⚠️ Important: Always power off the NVR before installing a hard drive.
- Remove the NVR cover
- Mount the hard drive inside the unit
- Connect the SATA data cable
- Connect the SATA power cable
- Secure the hard drive and close the cover
This hard drive is where all your footage will be stored.
Step 2: Run Your Cables
Measure first. Each cable run must be under 100 metres.
Run one CAT6 cable from the NVR location to each camera spot. Bring all cables back to the NVR.
For outdoor runs, use UV-rated CAT6. Australian sun destroys regular cable over time.
Wrap all outdoor connections with electrical tape. This stops water getting in during rain.
Label each cable. You'll thank yourself later when troubleshooting.
Step 3: Connect Everything
HiLook NVRs use Power over Ethernet (PoE), which means:
- One cable per camera
- No separate power adapter needed
- Power and data are delivered together
Steps:
- Plug each IP camera into a PoE port on the NVR
- Ensure each PoE port indicator light turns on
- Cameras are detected automatically in most cases
Now connect the main system:
- HDMI or VGA cable → NVR to monitor
- Ethernet cable → NVR to router This lets you view cameras on your phone later.
- Power cable → NVR to power outlet The LED turns red.
Step 4: Initial Setup
Press the power button. The LED turns blue. Wait 2 minutes for bootup.
The setup wizard appears on your monitor.
Select Language
Select the language to fit the CCTV System, including English, Chinese, French and so on.
Password Setup
Create an admin password. Make it secure.
Write it down right now. Seriously. Password resets are a nightmare.
Time Settings
Set your timezone:
- Sydney/Melbourne: AEST or AEDT
- Brisbane: AEST (no daylight saving)
- Perth: AWST
- Adelaide: ACST or ACDT
Format Hard Drive
This step is critical and often missed.
Even after installing the hard drive, recording does not start until the drive is initialised.
How to check:
- Go to Storage / HDD Management
- If the status says Uninitialised, nothing is being recorded
What to do:
- Select the hard drive
- Click Initialise / Format
- Wait for the process to complete
- Confirm the status changes to Normal
Once complete, the system will begin recording automatically using default settings.
Recording
Motion recording starts by default. This saves storage compared to 24/7 recording.
Click Finish. Your system is now recording.
Step 5: Mobile App Setup
Enable Remote Access on NVR
Right-click the screen. Go to Configuration → Network → HiLookVision.
Change Access Type to "HiLookVision". Turn on Enable. Accept the terms.
Set a verification code. Write this down too.
A QR code appears. Keep it on screen.
Download the App
iPhone: App Store, search "HiLookVision" Android: Google Play, search "HiLookVision"
Look for the official Hikvision app.
Open the app. Create an account with your email.
Add Your NVR
Tap the + icon. Select "Scan QR Code".
Point your phone at the QR code on the NVR screen.
Enter your verification code. Name the device something like "Home CCTV".
Tap Add Device. Your cameras appear in the app.
Test It
Test on home WiFi first. All cameras should load quickly.
Turn off WiFi. Test on mobile data. Cameras should still work.
You can now watch from anywhere.
Using the App
Live View
Tap any camera for fullscreen view.
Switch between SD and HD quality. Use SD on mobile data to save bandwidth.
View multiple cameras using the grid icons (1, 4, 9, or 16 cameras).
Playback
Tap Playback. Choose camera and date. Scrub through the timeline.
Download clips to your phone if needed.
Alerts
Enable notifications in settings. Get alerts when motion is detected.
Adjust sensitivity if possums trigger too many false alarms.
Common DIY Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- ❌ Skipping hard drive initialisation
- ❌ Assuming live view means recording
- ❌ Mounting cameras before testing angles
- ❌ Forgetting to connect the NVR to the router
- ❌ Losing the admin password
Avoiding these saves hours of troubleshooting later.
Common Questions
Q1: My camera isn't showing up. What's wrong?
A:First, check the cable. Unplug and reconnect both ends. You should hear a click.
Try a different PoE port on the NVR. Sometimes one port has issues.
Check your cable length. Over 100 metres won't work.
Make sure you're using proper CAT6 cable, not cheap CCA (copper-clad aluminum). CCA doesn't work reliably with PoE.
Q2: The NVR doesn't see my hard drive. What now?
A:Power off the NVR. Open it up. Check both SATA cables are pushed in properly.
Try the other SATA port if your NVR has two.
Turn on the NVR. Go to Storage → HDD Management. If it says "Uninitialized", select the drive and click Initialize.
If nothing appears at all, the drive might be faulty.
Q3: The NVR keeps beeping. Why?
A:Usually means hard drive problem or lost internet.
Check Storage menu for HDD status. If it shows failed, power off and reseat the cables.
Check your internet connection. Beeping stops when connection comes back.
In summer, overheating can cause beeping. Is the NVR in a hot spot? Move it somewhere cooler with airflow.
Q4: Can I view cameras when the internet is down?
A:Yes. Cameras connect directly to the NVR, not through the internet.
Recording continues during internet outages.
You just can't view remotely on your phone until internet comes back.
Local viewing on the monitor always works.
Q5: Can I add more cameras later?"
A:Yes, if you have spare PoE ports on your NVR.
A 4-channel NVR supports 4 cameras. An 8-channel supports 8.
Just plug the new camera into an empty PoE port. The NVR detects it automatically.
You'll need to run a new cable to the camera location.
Tips for Aussie Conditions
Where to Mount Cameras
Height matters. Mount 2.5 to 3 metres high. Not too high or you can't see faces.
Point them slightly down. This stops rain pooling on the lens and improves face recognition.
Avoid afternoon sun. Western-facing cameras get glare that ruins the image. Use shade or eaves.
Don't point at your neighbour's yard. That's illegal under Australian privacy laws.
Dealing with Heat
NVRs need airflow. Don't stuff them in closed cabinets.
For roof cavity cables, use heat-rated cable. Roof spaces hit 70°C+ in summer.
Outdoor connections need electrical tape. Even weatherproof cameras need protected cable joins.
Your Internet
NBN works fine. Four cameras use about 1-2 Mbps upload. Won't slow down Netflix.
On mobile data, use SD quality in the app. Saves heaps of data.
We strictly follow the HiLook official CCTV system installation guide to provide DIY-friendly installation solutions, ensuring every system operates efficiently and safely. Visit SMarket to purchase the full range of HiLook security products and enjoy professional service with authoritative assurance.
You can also visit our YouTube channel to watch the full setup video. Seeing the actual device in action may be very helpful when making your selection.