As readers of this blog will know we have followed the journey of the Predator cameras from new kid on the block to seasoned professional. Our first post all the way back in 2010, we talked about its new patented technology and our most recent where we caught up with Mark Rees from 360 for an interview.
Hikvision have a full suite of cameras, one for every application, from static domes to bullets with and without IR, PTZ cameras and even thermals the list is endless. Their cameras may well be at the cheaper end of the market but the picture quality will not disappoint.
Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd was founded in 2001 and is now the worlds largest supplier of electronic video surveillance products. Today, Hikvision employs over 13,000 employees, a very impressive total for a company that started just a few years ago. Perhaps though, the real secret of its recent success lies in the fact that Hikvision currently employs over 4500 research and development staff, these guys form the backbone of the organisation.
Hikvision’s product range is extensive and there is little that they do not manufacture in the way of surveillance related products. IP cameras now form the hub of their product base but analogue is still an important part of their portfolio even now, as many commentators predicted it was tailing off as a technology.
Hikvision first started their rise to success by moving into embedded DVRs after moving away from PC-based systems. These early systems were more sophisticated but ultimately more complicated to use. The benefits of going embedded were the costs dropped significantly and the operation became far easier, this met market requirements at the time. The move to embedded corresponded with a boom in DVR products across the CCTV industry. By continuing to employ a large workforce in their R& D department they were able to forge ahead of the competition constantly moving things forward at pace.
Hikvision, from small beginnings are a very well known name in the industry now. Just a few years earlier however the company evolved quietly from within a Chinese government research facility that specialized in video surveillance. The original research was based around video compression and was the basis for the development of the analogue DVR, at the time this was hailed as a refreshing replacement for the humble video recorder. Even with lots of new ideas and innovation Hikvision still did not become part of the consciousness of the CCTV surveillance community until 2009 when they shifted from PC based video capture cards to launch an embedded DVR range.
The company grew incredibly quickly and it was IFSEC 2011 when you could not move around the show without seeing a Hikvision bag or some form of advertising with their name on it. It seemed even then that the whole CCTV world revolved around their cameras and DVR’s.
Hikvision’s success today lies in their extensive range of products. Cameras, both analogue and IP together with DVRs , NVRs as well as ancillary devices to compliment the range. However it is some of the clever features they have built into their IP based devices that are really catching the eye right now. We will outline many of these features later in this article.
The question many have asked though is how have Hikvision managed to gain such a market presence? It would seem the simple answer to this is to concentrate on quality, then invest heavily to ensure each item within the Hikvision portfolio is laden with a number of clever and desirable features. Then finally brand it (Hikvision) and continue to promote this brand relentlessly. Eventually it becomes self perpetuating as installers realize that the quality is easily associated with the Hikvision brand by end users. Finally and probably most importantly Hikvision sell at a price point that makes room for profit but screams competitiveness and with all that together you have a natural winner.
Today Hikvision are regarded as a total solution provider. With the industry marching towards IP, Hikvision has developed some simple but brilliant features to help it win market share. Take the HIKvision 3 MP bullet camera for example. Take a look at the spec and features below.
“a 1/3 progressive scan CMOS chipset, a graphic display resolution of 2048 x 1536@12.5 FPS, IP66 rated, this camera is built to perform in all sorts of external applications. Equipped with a clever DWDR function the camera is able to give a far better image where back-light would normally be a problem. In effect DWDR is a digital version of WDR and provides colour images with light conditions as low as 0.01 Lux. The F1.2 appeture lets plenty of light onto the chipset however once conditions reach 0 Lux the infrared cut filter switches the camera to monocrome and combines built in IR for an excellent night time image. The range of 20m – 30m IR coverage outdoors is achieved. As standard the camera can be powered by either 12VDC or PoE (power over ethernet) and comes with a fixed 4mm lens. The 3D digital noise reduction feature allows for noise filtering of each individual frame this means quality images even in noisy environments. The camera comes with a full 2 Year Warranty”. This camera represents quite outstanding value. This is the spec of just 1 camera out of a huge range Hikvision offer.
Perhaps one of the biggest features end users want these days is to be able to connect remotely to their cameras. Many DVR’s can do this and Hivision DVR’s and NVR’s are no exception. However one market they have cleverly broken into here in the UK is central station monitoring. Custodian, one of the biggest CCTV monitoring central stations in the UK have found their products a highly effective way of monitoring remote sites. IMMIX compatible, the transmitted images are second to none and operators find their simple menus easy to navigate, it is currently specified by many now as the most cost effective way of monitoring CCTV and as result is playing its part in generating revenue for central stations and installers alike.
Hikvision is focused clearly on the future. Features within the product range include algorithms for encoding and decoding, compression, video analytics, facial recognition and storage solutions, everything you can think of in fact. ONVIF compliant and now truly worldwide Hikvision are offering a camera and recording range that is literally catching the imagination of all those in the industry and beyond. I would add, remember the name but its more than likely you have already heard of it. What you may not have known but do now is just how advanced the product range is and what exceptional value for money it offers.
Hikvision range of products and value is clear to be seen, even if the security of their products is still questions by some. Installed and configured correctly these security concerns can be mitigated. The options and kits available meet almost every requirement and would suit every budget.
NVR comes with the latest Firmware pre-installed, no need to install OS. They support Plug and Play, motion detection, ealerts, easy playback and export of footage in addition to a range of advanced features. Depending on models and cameras you will also be able to leverage powerful analytics.
Google has recently become known for snapping up fledgling companies. These are companies that seem to produce products that at first sight seem to have nothing to do with what we all regard as the main Google business model. This business model of course being the world’s largest and most popular search engine.
The Google algorithm has always been the most closely guarded secret and a complete mystery. However now perhaps an even bigger mystery is as to why would Google buy a home automation company and perhaps even more bizarre a company that manufactures solar powered drones.
The former is Nest. Nest has built its success on a cleverly designed thermostat that is controlled remotely through a smartphone app. It’s key selling point is it learns the behaviour of the home owner and adjusts the temperature automatically helping reduce heating bills and suiting the customer’s needs.
In addition NEST has just released a smoke detector combined with a carbon monoxide detector that works in tandem with the thermostat. In essence Nest is Googles entrance into the home automation market, but is this where it stops?
Titan Aerospace is another recent acquisition, Titan develops solar-powered unmanned aircraft. These flying inventions are able to remain airborne for months, even years and their purpose is to beam wireless signals back to the ground. This solar plane brings endless possibilities but the foremost is internet for the millions in the developing world. This is a clear strategic aim.
How then does this relate to security?
Well home automation is now very much linked to home security, intelligent door locks and self-monitoring CCTV systems can all be integrated together under a home automation package. All the features are accessible through smartphones and information retrieved and sent through the App. Now with the drone technology opening up huge new areas of internet coverage, every home on the planet can be protected and automated.
Even more intriguing and perhaps a little worrying is all this information will be flooding to and fro via the Google cloud. The internet giant will be able to profile each household and as a result direct its unique form of advertising to pretty much everyone…… and with worldwide coverage and a virtual foot inside everyone’s door Google will become an even greater force in all of our lives.
