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In Hikvision, ProLux, Tips & Recommendations, Uncategorized0 Comments

Why you should have a CCTV system installed for your property

Why you should have a CCTV system installed for your property

In this article we hope to help teach you the benefits of having a security system like CCTV installed in your home, office, shop etc that may just help you make up your mind.

A CCTV camera doesn’t have to stick out like a sore thumb. Like in this picture, its well tucked away under the gutter and helps the owner keep an eye on their property from any intruders coming onto the property or to pass round the gate on the side.
Like the look of the camera? Check it out here!

We’re going to list off the top 5 reasons to consider purchasing a CCTV system for your property. Carry on reading to find out more…

1. As a precautionary measure

CCTV cameras and monitoring systems improve the security and safety of a particular property. Through monitoring inside the house, you can identify what exactly is going on outside. All of our CCTV Video recorders can be viewed on smart phones or tablets via intelligent mobile applications and facilities. This allows for remote viewing no matter where you are. Have peace of mind even while you’re at work or away on holiday.

2. Have quality image & video evidence of any crimes that occur near your proerty

This is linked in with point 1. CCTV systems obtain evidential quality images and recordings of suspects that may be involved in any criminal activity within the area being monitored. Just in case something does happen, CCTV recordings serve as irrefutable evidence in any investigation; helping identify, find, and bring criminals to justice.

If you live in a friendly neighbourhood, this will definitely help not just yourself but your neighbours feel more safe too. and could help give them evidence if its their property that was targeted by intruders rather than your own.

Or on the other hand if the neighbourhood is not so friendly, it will make your neighbours think twice before they do anything stupid to you or your property. Some cameras like this 4K 8MP Prolux Camera will record Audio as well as video so if there is any verbal abuse, you will have recorded evidence of that too.

PXC-620F8W-AS

3. It’s one of the strongest deterrents of crime

A CCTV system has been proven time and time again that it will help prevent crimes and discourage any intruder from bothering you at home. Just seeing a mounted camera or alarm system will make most an intruder decide to try their luck elsewhere.

CCTV can be set up at various blind spots around your home that you can’t see from your windows so that if you hear an unusual noise or would like some extra peace of mind, you can check the perimeter of your property without having to leave your home. Not only is this more safe, it is also less stressful. Another good use of CCTV is to use as a peephole for homes that are without them – if you receive a visitor late at night and are unsure who it could be, you can identify the visitor without having to answer the door. This is particularly useful for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly.

4. Massive pay off for low cost & maintenance

Having a CCTV System in place requires almost no maintenance. So once its purchased and installed, it will keep protecting the property without a user having to interact with the system.

More importantly, a well-built and functional system can provide families with an increased sense of security and peace of mind. Installing a CCTV camera is a low-cost investment in keeping an eye on your children, pets, and properties.

5. Insurance deduction

While financial gain probably isn’t your number one motivator for installing a security system, it is certainly an added bonus that can make CCTV seem more appealing! When evaluating your insurance policy, the security of your property plays a huge impact on the amount of money you will pay, so by taking steps to make your property more secure and reduce the likelihood of your property being damaged or vandalised, you are in turn reducing the likelihood of you making a claim. This means that your insurance will be able to reduce your policy costs.

Conclusion

We hope in this article we were able to show you the many benefits of CCTV camera and systems when installed correctly and used responsibly. They offer many advantages for a home or business owner. However, like with any security tool and technology, it is important to identify the correct type of equipment that will fulfil the precise requirements. Feel free to call us and one of our friendly salespeople will help find the perfect system for you or for your job. Need help installing? We can pass your information on to our CCTV installers who work closely with us to install high quality and technologically advanced CCTV to customers across the UK. We tailor our service to match each individual client’s budget, property and concerns to ensure the highest levels of security for both domestic and commercial settings.

Till later,
HDSecure Team

In General, Hikvision, Tips & Recommendations0 Comments

The Ultimate guide to help you choose the best Hikvision ColorVu​ Camera for you

Introduction of Hikvision ColorVu

Hikvision ColorVu changed everything.

The colour of an intruders clothing or the getaway vehicle is often vital evidence that can transform the progress of an investigation.

Over 2 years ago, having colour recording at night was either out of the question, or you would need added hardware such as a floodlight. Even then, it would produce inaccurate & low-quality blurred imaging. This meant that intruders would often be able to get away.

Hikvision tackled this issue by advancing 2 major technological hurdles that stopped cameras from producing good quality colour imaging at night; advanced lenses, and high sensitivity sensors.

Hikvision ColorVu Cameras are purpose-built to capture reliable, detailed chromatic video images in even the darkest of settings.

Aim of this post

Now it’s been a while since Hikvision ColorVu series has been released. Through time they’ve added and refined their range of both IP & HD Coaxial cameras.

In this post, we aim to help you navigate your way around Hikvision’s ColorVu cameras and see what’s best for your system.

Hikvision ColorVu HD Coaxial cameras

Take a look at your DVR before going forward


Hikvision DS-7208HQHI-K2/P 2MP 8 Channel POC DVR
One of the most common Hikvision DVR’s out there. The 8 Channel 4MP DVR

Here we recommend looking at your DVR to see if it can support 5MP Cameras.

Best off is to find your invoice or call the place you purchased the system from.

If it was from us, please have your invoice number or account name ready before calling us if you’re unsure.

You can also look at the model number underneath the Video recorder. As a general rule of thumb with Hikvision DVRs;

if its got “HQHI” it will support no more than 4MP. Something like -> 72xx-HQHI-kx

if its got “HUHI” it will support at least 5-8MP. Something like -> 72xx-HUHI-kx

Lets start with the HD Coaxial Analogue systems.

Hikvisions 2 & 5 MP Turret ColourVu Cameras is where all the hype started! Not long after Hikvision started marketing these cameras,
demand for them shot up in the first month alone due to their significant advantage of full-colour imaging at night at such affordable prices.


ColorVu sign DS-2CE72DFT 2MP Turret Hikvision ColorVu
Click on the image to find out more information

If you’re looking to upgrade your system. The 2MP Hikvision ColorVu camera is the perfect camera to start with. Compatible with most DVR systems out there already; it’s a hassle free upgrade to your security system. We recommend pairing it with either the Hikvision 4 Channel IDS-7204HQHI-K1/2S or the 8 Channel IDS-7208HQHI-K1/4S Acusense DVRs depending on how many cameras you require.

Want a full frame Butter smooth video experience?

We would recommend the IDS-7204HUHI-K1/4S. It comes with AcuSense Technology, 2MP@25-30fps, and Audio over Coax technology on all channels.

The 2MP PIR Siren Turret camera is jam packed with features. These include:

  • Built-in Speakers; it can create noise to warn off potential intruders in the form of a siren!
  • Combine that with Blue & Red strobing LED lights and nobody will stick around to look twice!
  • And to make sure that it won’t keep creating noise and Police lighting, it has a built-in PIR Sensor to make sure you get very little false alarm detection’s. It can even be connected to an alarm system to act as an additional PIR sensor!

Click on the camera to learn more!


HIKVISION DS-2CE72DFT-PIRXOF 2MP PIR Siren Turret camera

Comparison of Hikvision ColorVu with conventional camera
As you can see, you gain a lot more information by having your video in colour.

Introduction of the Hikvision ColorVu Bullet Cameras

After a while of these cameras flying off the shelves, next to be added to the range was the Bullet colourVu! Coming in both 2MP & 5MP, all your systems are covered!

The Bullet variant is perfect when you want the camera to be visible to potential intruders even in the day when the light is off!

Just like the Turret cameras, these come equipped with a Large Aperture, an advanced sensor, and Built-in supplemental lighting to create crisp colour video 24/7.

Mix & Match body shapes to get the tailored CCTV system for your property!


DS-2CE12HFT-F28
Check out the 5MP Bullet Camera here

The Power over Coax range

Just recently they’ve expanded on their HD Coaxial range by offering all of the cameras above in Power over Coax (POC) form too. This has helped them expand into the POC market as installations are much tidier & easier to set up for CCTV installers & engineers.

Currently they have a over 5 cameras with POC capabilities. Most of them are 5MP; like this 5MP Turret Camera

A DVR like this 8 Channel Hikvision PoC DVR allows you to take advantage of the new POC ColorVu Hikvision Cameras.

Looking at this for yourself? We recommend checking your current DVR to see if its POC compatible. Check either with your engineer, where you purchased it from/ the invoice or the information screen in your DVRs Main Menu.
It will have a “/p” in the model number.

Read more about PoC here.



ColorVu sign DS-2CE72DFT 2MP Turret Hikvision ColorVu

Check the 5MP PoC ColorVu Turret Camera, boasting great popularity among the Professional CCTV installers & engineers.

If you’re going with a PoC System, we would recommend this camera without a doubt.

Perfect for those who already have a PoC System and are looking for a video quality upgrade. You’ll get 24/7 Colour recording too.

Click on the camera to read more!

IP Network Cameras

For the professionals or those that want even more features & performance from their CCTV systems, the IP ColorVu Cameras were a breath of relief when they were released. They offered everything from their HD Coaxial counterparts but with added features. Features like more frames a second (full frames with most Hikvision NVRs like the DS-7608NI-K2) and the ability to have lights on only when motion is detected. Of course, this created even more demand & popularity for the ColorVu series.


Now on their second generation ColorVu IP Cameras, they’ve beefed up their specifications and combined it with their latest technological push; the clever AcuSense Technology (Read more about it here).

Now you have both a camera offering full colour 24/7 and also being able to tell what caused the motion detection to be set off. Be it a human, car, pet or just the rustling of leaves; this camera will be able to tell you exactly that. And the NVR even sorts the alarms into categories of what caused the detection.

And that’s not all. The camera now comes with facial detection so that you will get clear shots of peoples faces. Someone hanging around your property often? You’ll have a clear log of when they’re around and at what time. This can be vital evidence for law enforcement.

They upgraded their cameras with better Waterproof ratings so your camera will survive no matter the weather, even in a storm.

Varying lighting levels in the video shot will also be no hassle to deal with. The camera now has a stronger WDR. Going from 120dB to 130dB, even large variances in lighting will mean you will still get information from the whole shot.

The update to Hikvision’s ColorVu IP Cameras


The First generation IP Turret ColorVu Camera

After a short while of being on sale, they pushed an updated version. This came with the following advantages:

  • Built-in microphone – This allowed for both video & audio recording.
  • Enhanced WDR – from 120dB to 130dB so varying light levels look even better
  • Enhanced Waterproofing – From IP66 to IP67, the camera is now better equipped to survive outside.
  • Upgraded MicroSD Slot – Now supports upto 256GB

The updated 2nd Generation. Aside from Under the hood changes, you can also notice the more advanced light used

So that covers most of the Cameras offered by ColorVu. But we’re not done yet.

EXTRA – How you can go about setting up the IP ColorVu Camera

You have 2 options to get your IP Camera up & running. You can either set it up to a Network video recorder (like shown above). But what if you want just 1 camera or you don’t want to buy an NVR? Well there’s the option of connecting it direct to your router using a POE Switch.  This is a cheaper option for most.

IP Connection options for IP Cameras


DS-3E1309P-EI 8 POE Switch
As a Switch, you could use the latest Smart Managed 8 Port PoE Switch by Hikvision

Connect up to 4 IP Cameras using this 4 Channel NVR by Hikvision

Hikvision Thermal Camera
Outside of the ColorVu cameras, Hikvision have a massive range of IP Cameras. Check out this IP Temperature thernmal IP Camera!

Check out this 4G NVR By Hikvision

Don’t have a router or is it far from your Video Recorder? Surpass the need for a wired connection to the internet with the latest Hikvision 4G Powered NVRs!

This is perfect for jobs where security & surveillance is needed for remote areas.

Click on the image to read more.

A note for the commercial focused Installers & Engineers

We’ve covered almost all of the options there is.

But if you’re an Engineer looking for something more specific for that commercial job where they’re asking for a very specific type of camera, (like a motorized Varifocal camera or a vandal proof camera that needs Colour imaging 24/7), then keep reading.

Hikvision have you covered here too. Just give us a call and we’ll point you to the right camera paired with a great price.

Hikvision have you covered for the more demanding jobs too. Just call us on 0161 791 2351 / 0161 879 9191 so we can help you out.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Our ultimate guide to help you choose the best guide when it comes to Hikvision’s ColorVu Cameras. They’re definitely going to be sticking around.
Feel free to ask us any questions in the comment section; we’ll try to answer any and all questions as quickly as possible.

We look forward to what the newer generations will be when they come round to it, but for now; we all have some very amazing cameras to experiment with and use to protect our property and keep intruders away!

Best wishes in the hunt for the perfect camera for your property,
~ Ali Azizi
HDSecure Team

In Dahua, Hikvision, ProLux, Technology explained0 Comments

WHAT IS WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE? A look into WDR for CCTV Cameras

Explaining Wide Dynamic Range

Wide Dynamic Range, commonly seen written as WDR, is a technology used to tackle issues in video recording areas with high variance in lighting levels. Cameras equipped with WDR are able to tackle this in a couple different ways (we will get around to how), which helps show more information in terms of what gets captured by the camera; notably by improving image quality and obtaining a more uniform result, thanks to this dynamic treatment of light.

Figure 1: Comparison shot showing how some of Cameras like this 8MP Prolux Turret Camera will help create more accurate imaging.

A good example of this is when a camera is facing towards somewhere with a window. Inside the building will be darker than outside. This means the camera will either focus on the inside and not be able to see anything going on through the window or you will focus out of the window and everything inside will get dark. This can be a security hazard as you will have an area where you can’t view what’s happening.
This is where a WDR Camera comes to play. With such a camera, it will be able to see both areas inside the building and out of the windows with a much more uniform level of lighting without loss of quality; most importantly you will have no gap in your surveillance security!

Where WDR Shines

Cameras with WDR are ideal in different situations that require very high-quality monitoring. Some examples are:

Figure 2: Comparison image shows how WDR affects cameras image/video that have views with varying lighting conditions.

– When the camera has areas of dark and light in one frame e.g. looking out from inside a building or looking out from a parking lot which needs to register which cars come through & leave.
– Cameras covering entrances of modern office block reception areas with lots of large windows.
– Cameras looking through glass/window with reflections present; preventing proper illumination.
– Cameras facing an area with quickly changing light levels e.g. facing a busy street with car lights, facing areas with neon signs.

.

Check out this Prolux 8MP 4K Turret Camera equipped with 120dB True WDR & 3DNR paired with Starlight Technology to provide Full-Colour Night vision in low light.
(click on picture to be taken to the product page)

How does Wide Dynamic Range work?

With WDR technology, the camera lens uses different shutter speeds to allow more light in darker areas & less light in brighter areas. The sensor’s exposure to light it receives from outside is controlled to achieve a compensated image. With powerful image processing power, This would then combine them into 1 image.

Figure illustrating how dynamic capture occurs with CCTV Cameras.
Figure 3: The Camera captures & combines several images with varying shutter speeds to form the final result in True WDR

True WDR cameras and Digital WDR (dWDR) cameras

When browsing for CCTV cameras, you will come across cameras with WDR. Use due diligence while browsing! Because although they may seem the same; they might not be. This is because there are multiple types of WDR; such as True Wide Dynamic Range and Digital WDR.

As written above, we have covered how True WDR works using different shutter speeds & raw image processing.
Digital WDR (dWDR) varies to this by using clever software to digitally retouch the image so darker areas are lightened and lighter areas darkened.

Hikvision’s Cameras with a Variety of WDR
  • DS-2CE76D0T-ITMFS
  • DS-2CE78D0T-IT3FS Picture
  • DS-2CE72DFT Left hand alternative view 2MP Turret Hikvision ColorVu
Hikvision has a wide Variety of Cameras with WDR.
Going from left to right:
Left – 8MP Dome w/ dWDR (DS-2CE76U1T-ITMF)
2MP ColorVu PIR Siren Turret w/ 130dB True WDR (DS-2CE72DFT-PIRXOF)
5MP AoC Dome w/ dWDR (DS-2CE78H0T-IT3FS)
5MP ColorVu Turret w/ 130 dB True WDR (DS-2CE72HFT-F28)

Differences in image with True & digital WDR

As True WDR captures more information, there is a clear difference in video with True WDR compared to dWDR. Proper WDR achieves a more optimal overall illumination and captures more detail in all areas as well. To do this, they require a greater capacity for image processing. For this reason, True WDR cameras, although more expensive, achieve better results. Check out this Prolux 8MP Turret Camera sporting True WDR, delivering the sharpest and optimally illuminated images on the market.

Figure 4: Comparison of varying images using different video processing technologies.
BLC (Backlight compensation) isn’t covered here but simply it works to brighten the whole scene on a video/image frame instead of balancing over/underexposed areas like WDR does, This can wash out some already overly-lit areas in an image/video.

Having said this, as you can see in Figure 4, comparing a camera with dWDR with a camera without the technology is a much more obvious difference because you lose out on a lot more information when there’s nothing able to balance the colour and light levels out. Check out this camera by Prolux offering 4K picture quality paired with dWDR and 3D DNR

Prolux PXC-622F8 8MP 4K Dome Turret Camera. Comes with Digital Wide Dynamic Range & 3DNR to produce Crystal clear images no matter the lighting conditions.
Prolux PXC-622F8 8MP 4K Dome Turret Camera. Comes with Digital Wide Dynamic Range & 3DNR to produce Crystal clear images no matter the lighting conditions.

Conclusion

Wide dynamic range was created to aid Surveillance cameras capture more colour accurate imaging. Especially when looking at more complex views with different light conditions.
Its important to consider this technology when choosing your Security Camera, be it HD Coaxial or IP.
Note: We still advise to not point cameras directly at strong light sources. This can damage the camera lense and reduce its lifespan.

Hopefully now you are more aware of Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), how it can help your surveillance system, and the varying types of WDR available on the market.
~Ali Azizi
HDSecure Team

In Hikvision, Tips & Recommendations7 Comments

Recommendations to optimise the installation & use of Temperature Screening Thermal Cameras by Hikvision

In a world where it’s more important than ever that we avoid unnecessary close contact with those around us, it’s quite a challenge to return to busy travel hubs and bustling office blocks, shopping centres and recreational facilities. However, temperature screening has become a key activity to help organisations and businesses during the current circumstances, as temperature screening thermal cameras can be used for rapid and safe initial skin-surface temperature screening of people.

For video security cameras to deliver value as part of any safety program, it’s vital they are installed and used according to specific instructions. Installation and usage can affect the performance of the technology.

The aim of this blog is to help give some general installation tips when installing Hikvisions temperature screening Solutions and their thermal cameras.

Camera positioning and height

– All cameras must be mounted appropriately to avoid loss of accuracy and performance
– The installation height of each camera must be adjusted according to camera resolution and focal length
– All Hikvision devices must be firmly installed, to avoid errors caused by shaking

Hikvisions Bi-Spectrum cameras allow for standard optical imaging as well as thermal imaging. Check out this 4MP Bi-Spectrum camera for an example!

Ambient conditions

– Avoid installing devices in hot or changeable environments. All cameras require indoor environments with calm air, consistent temperature and no direct sunlight
– Avoid installation in semi-open locations that may be prone to changes in ambient conditions, such as doorways
– There should be enough stable, visible light. All devices should be installed so as to avoid back lighting, high temperature targets, and reflections in the field of view as far as possible

Setting up the detection area

– Plan a ‘one-direction path’, to ensure that cameras capture the full faces of all those passing by or stopping
– Avoid obstacles in the field of view, such as glass doors that block the camera

Check out our range of Thermal cameras boasting a wide array of thermal imaging technology combined with Hikvisions refined 4MP IP video.

Device start-up and usage

– After initial start-up of the temp-screening device, wait more than 90 minutes for preheating
– Before conducting a thermal scan, give people three to five minutes to allow their body temperature to stabilize
– When using MinMoe facial recognition terminals, people must stand at a fixed distance, pass one by one, make a short stop, and face the camera directly
– Hikvision cameras support efficient group screening, but one-by-one screening is suggested for more accurate results

We hope these help our customers with any installations they need doing which includes Hikvisions Temperature screening thermal cameras.

Feel free to contact us for any further information.
~The HDSecure Team

In Hikvision

Port Forward a Hikvision DVR with Virgin Media

Are you a handy person who likes to get things done manually? Have you recently purchased a Hikvision DVR? Are you looking for a way to port forward a Hikvision DVR through the internet router? Or are the recommended settings just not working for you? If so, you’ll find the solution in the video below, where we’ll give a detailed explanation of how to tackle this problem. As a result, you’ll have the port forward set up to work with the DVR. First of all, you’ll need access to a computer that’s connected to your router.

Follow our video guide on how to set up your Virgin Media router to port forward a Hikvision DVR. And with well laid out instructions, it’ll be quick & easy. If you liked the video or you’d like to find out more Hikvision related information, consider subscribing to our Youtube channel.

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