This type of error shows on the Hikvision DeepinMind series of recorders that feature smart events and analysis. For example, you may have added three IP cameras into the NVR and set them up on the region’s entrance smart event (or any other smart function).
Then you’ll get a message on the screen that reads “Not enough SMD Resource” on each affected channel. Moreover, you can’t even add more channels. As we said, this error shows up on various DeepinMind product lines (logo or OEM models).
This error is caused by the lack of CPU resources to run all the cameras in IA analysis mode. Basically, the recorder can’t support all these cameras and is limited by the processor.
Depending on the model and firmware, the NVR may support 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 IA channels, and the rest must be regular ones. However, the issue may be caused by other factors that can be fixed by adjusting the settings.
Let’s dive a little bit deeper into the problem. If you’re doing an installation and come across the SMD resource issue, then there are a few things you can do.
First of all, get the right model of the NVR and find the full specs of the unit. The spec sheet will note the number of supported channels.
For example, models such as 7616NXI or DS-9632NXI-I8/16S support only two channels in AI analysis mode. The rest have to be regular.
So, before purchasing the cameras and the NVR, you need to research them well and plan how many cameras are going to use the smart features. Typically, in a 16-channel NVR, only 1-4 channels can be set in smart mode.
Hikvision Not enough SMD Resource Issue
Update the Firmware
Sometimes the error is caused by outdated or incompatible firmware versions on the recorder or the IP cameras, especially if the cameras are old.
If you stumble upon this error, then you should check the firmware version and update it to the latest version (for both the recorder and the cameras).
Check the device’s model on the sticker and download the respective firmware on Hikvision’s website. Be careful to get the right firmware, an incorrect firmware may brick the unit and cause you problems in the long run.
If you’re not sure, contact Hikvsion USA or your local dealer/seller and provide the required information to them.
Upgrade the recorder
As we mentioned in the opening paragraph, Hikvision NVRs are limited in the number of channels that fully support AI features and analysis.
You need to check the specs before purchasing the hardware to ensure compatibility between the devices. If the supported channels are not enough for your project, you may consider upgrading the NVR to a more advanced version (better CPU resources) that fits your needs.
You may contact Hikvision USA or your local dealer for advice (or just check the specification sheets of each model).
Adjust the video settings
However, there are situations where you can adjust the settings to lower the resource requirements and make the NVR easier to handle all the connected cameras.
If you have all cameras on 8MP, max bitrate, and framerate, then you can lower these settings a little bit to make room for all the cameras (the issue is similar to the “No Resource” error, as shown here).
The bandwidth depends on various parameters such as the resolution, bit rate, frame rate, etc and by lowering their values you can make the recorder better manage cameras.
Lower the resolution
While setting the cameras to their highest resolution will provide a better image, you may cause the recorder to struggle especially if it’s featuring a low processor. The higher the resolution, the more resources are needed for the compression, and the more cameras, the more difficult it will be for the recorder.
If you’re in this situation, you may lower the resolution for each camera to free the resources. For example, you can set the important cameras to 8MP, and downgrade the rest to 4MP.
This can be adjusted by accessing the NVR’s interface, navigating to Video Settings, and selecting the options under the Resolution tab. Also, set the bitrate on variable mode.
Lower the bitrate
Another factor that can help fix the SMD Resource issue is by adjusting the bitrate. This is the amount of data sent from the camera to the recorder and it depends on the resolution.
The higher the resolution, the more bitrate is sent out. However, you can adjust the bitrate value without compromising the video quality.
Head back to the Video Settings on your recorder (or via the web browser), and modify the bitrate tab from, let’s say, 16Mbps to 8Mbps. This will free the CPU resources. Be careful not to go too low, anything lower than 2-4 Mbps is not ideal.
Lower the frame rate
Frame rate constitutes the number of frames created to generate the video, the more frames per second, the more processing power is needed.
By lowering the FPS at certain levels, you may avoid the resource issue. You should not set the system to less than 12 FPS for a second.
Usually, if you cross that line you may get videos that look choppy or lack details. Anything between 12-20 FPS is okay, if it’s more than that then you’re not gaining any additional benefits (there’s no noticeable difference between 20 and 30 FPS). By lowering these values, you’ll improve your system’s performance.
Conclusion
If you’re using the Hikvision DeepinMind series and stumble upon an error that reads “Not enough SMD Resource”, that means that the recorders support only a few channels on AI mode.
In other words, the recorder doesn’t have enough processing power to support all the channels in smart mode. To avoid it, you either have to update the unit to the latest firmware or simply upgrade the recorder to a model that supports the cameras.
Additionally, you can modify and adjust the video settings such as bitrate, resolution, frame rate, etc. By doing so, you will improve the performance of the recorder and enable it to correctly handle all the connected cameras. If you’re still stuck, you may call the dealer or Hikvision USA for further technical support.
