Hikvision Covert Surveillance

Hikvision unveils new range of pan & tilt cameras to help SMB users do more with less
Hikvision unveils new range of pan & tilt cameras to help SMB users do more with less

Hikvision introduces its new range of security cameras – the PT-Series – designed for SMB users with easy installation and flexible camera viewing angles while applying other well-known Hikvision technologies for excellent imaging. Reliable PT Capabilities With these new PT Cameras, Hikvision now offers SMB customers high-quality installations requiring fewer cameras while providing more flexibility and durability. The PT Cameras' ability to pan and tilt makes this possible – rotating freely at the control of users, covering areas where previously several fixed cameras would be deployed across multiple points. The PT-Series meets users' needs to capture full scenes by adjusting the angle, and reduce the hassle of switching among fixed fields of view. Additionally, with motorized panning and tilting functions, the PT-Series Cameras can help users check any specific point of concern at will. What's more, seamless connection with Hikvision's Hik-Connect app enables easy remote control and viewing with a smart phone wherever users are located. With Hikvision's new cameras, SMB users can now enjoy many of the advanced features enjoyed by users of the well-known PTZ cameras in enterprises and public organizations, along with much of the flexibility and convenience. Great value to installers Unlike the installation of conventional fixed cameras, which require the camera angle to be carefully adjusted, and equipment like ladders are needed to change the angle of view whenever necessary, Hikvision's PT-Series Cameras simplify the installation process and improve work efficiency for installers. The PT cameras features an all-in-one bracket that allows installers to install the camera just by securing it to the desired location. Then the camera angle can be adjusted remotely at any time and from anywhere. Hikvision's PT product family Hikvision's PT product family consists of IP and analogue cameras of various form factors with discrete and compact design. They are ideal for retail stores, moderate outdoor areas, small factories, single-family homes, and more. Specifically, form factors include: PT Bullets Bullet cameras with pan-tilt functions cover the whole scene. They are also available with Hikvision ColorVu technology that can provide colorful imaging 24/7 with great user experience.   PT Domes PT dome cameras with motion control provide wide-area coverage and flexible angle adjustment. Additional technologies include optical zoom, AcuSense, ColorVu, and two-way audio, all supported in various products to meet a multitude of user needs. Turbo HD PT Turrets Turbo HD PT turret cameras with Hikvision ColorVu technology are the first analogue PT cameras. With built-in microphone and audio over coaxial cable, they are suitable for indoor use.

Hikvision all-rounder traffic camera
Hikvision all-rounder traffic camera

Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency, announced its latest traffic product offering - the All-Rounder ITS camera - designed to improve road safety and optimise traffic flow. As the name implies, the camera encompasses different skills and abilities, boasting speed detection, traffic violation detection, automated plate recognition, and vehicle attribute analysis in one housing. “Hikvision is always pushing the boundaries of video technologies. Beyond the visual range that is perceived by video cameras, the abilities to understand other kinds of “senses” would allow even more precise monitoring and reporting of events or accidents,” says Frank Zhang, President of International Product and Solution Center at Hikvision. “This is multi-dimensional perception, a trend that we think will affect the security industry in the future.” Optimising traffic flowThe new ITS camera is designed and developed with this multi-dimensional concept in mind. It is Hikvision’s first camera to integrate three otherwise separate modules in one unit with no compromise on performance, making the camera neat and flexible to be deployed for demanding environments, all in an easy and cost-effective manner. The product provides an HD camera, speed radar, and light array inside one housing. Specifically, it works with a multi-tracking radar that continuously monitors up to two or three traffic lanes - depending on the camera model, and identifies the speed and position of objects in the monitored area at a speed of up to 300 km/h. If a vehicle violates the speed limit, the embedded radar triggers the connected camera and a picture is taken of the vehicle and its licence plate. Conventional ANPR systemsIn the event of infringements of traffic rules such as wrong-way driving, improper lane usage, or even failure to use a seat belt, the camera will capture images of the corresponding vehicle, recognise its licence plate and relevant information including vehicle type, colour, brand, and direction of movement, which can be addressed to the authorities in real-time or stored on board. Incident detection helps to improve overall driving standards, which ultimately reduces the number of accidents, improves road safety and further evens traffic flow. Employed with Deep Learning algorithms, the camera is able to recognise a much higher number of licence plates and with higher efficiency than conventional ANPR systems. Its GMOS sensor further ensures brighter and smoother images to be reproduced in challenging lighting conditions, especially in low-light environments. The camera’s embedded supplemental light features a 16-bead light array, offering an IR range of up to 40 metres at night. Seamless onsite configurationAs all of these functionalities are integrated, the single product itself outperforms conventional ITS products with space-saving and less cabling for easier installation. It supports flexible pole- or side-mounting, which makes onsite configuration effortless. The Hikvision All-Rounder ITS camera is ideal for various scenes such as urban roads, highways, tunnels and toll stations.

Hikvision releases panoramic camera range with ColorVu for wide field of view in vivid color
Hikvision releases panoramic camera range with ColorVu for wide field of view in vivid color

Hikvision has released a new range of panoramic cameras that use integrated ColorVu technology to provide vivid and full-color video imaging for a wide field of view in light conditions as low as 0.0005 lux: nearly total darkness. Large areas can be very difficult to secure, often requiring multiple cameras to provide full coverage. With traditional cameras, monitoring these kinds of area can also be difficult in low light conditions, or at night. To address all of these challenges, Hikvision has integrated ColorVu into our industry-leading panoramic cameras, which use the 'image fusion' algorithm to stitch together images from two side-by-side lenses for a seamless, 180-degree view. The results are reduced equipment requirements (with fewer cameras needed to cover large areas); improved situational awareness based on a single, wide-angle image and no blind spots; and the ability to capture every detail in full color – even in near-total darkness.  A super-wide angle view, with no blind spots Hikvision image fusion technologies in the new panoramic cameras provide significant benefits over traditional wide-angle cameras. By using 'pixel-level' matching between the images from the left-side and right-side sensors, this prevents any blind spots, or image 'twisting', or 'distortion'. Equally importantly, the image fusion process includes both brightness and color processing technologies that ensures consistency across the entire wide-angle image. This is a significant improvement vs. traditional panoramic cameras, which do not compensate for the different lighting conditions experienced by left- and right-side lenses. AI capabilities that further boost security All models in the new panoramic camera range use Hikvision AcuSense AI technology to differentiate between real security threats and other moving objects such as animals, falling leaves, and heavy rain. This helps security teams to focus on real security incidents, and to minimize costly false alarms. Additionally, the devices can be equipped with Hikvision Live Guard sound and light alarms, which deter would-be trespassers from entering sites or buildings – preventing losses or damage to property and improving safety. Ideal for multiple scenarios and locations The new panoramic cameras provide reliable 24x7 security in a wide range of expansive indoor and outdoor locations. These include parking lots, parks, scenic areas, farms, stadiums, and traffic intersections.

Four Ways to Power Security in Large Sites and Open Areas
Four Ways to Power Security in Large Sites and Open Areas

Getting clear views over a large area – such as a major traffic intersection, a warehouse, or a parking lot – isn't always a simple task. It typically calls for multiple cameras and extensive cabling to be installed at a variety of locations, in order to cover the entire field of view. But when it comes to installing hardware, the requirements can differ widely from one scenario to the next. For example, when applying security in public squares or large stadiums, it is ideal to compose a complete overview of the scene in ultra-high definition and with consistently high-quality imaging through changing weather conditions. For situational awareness in smaller spaces, such as stores or conference halls, a vertical viewing angle is preferred over 360-degree coverage. And the list goes on. At Hikvision, we take these requirements and so much more into account. Our range of security solutions not only help customers increase their on-site security with complete coverage, but add value with components that simplify their day-to-day security and business operations. These include Hikvision's PanoVu Series Panoramic Cameras, Ultra Series PTZ Cameras, and Fisheye Cameras, as well as the newly released line of TandemVu PTZ Cameras. Flawless panoramas with extraordinary imaging In large open sites like sport stadiums, plazas, and intersections, common security challenges are often about the large security scale, which requires several cameras to cover all corners of the view. This results in increased costs and difficulties in deployment. On the other hand, a large scene also indicates a need for HD images, so that security operators can enlarge the imaging to see details. Cameras like those in Hikvision's award-winning PanoVu series make a perfect choice here. The PanoVu panoramic cameras integrate multiple lenses into one unit, which means one PanoVu can cover an area that previously required multiple cameras, reducing product installation and management costs. Thanks to the company's advanced image stitching technology, PanoVus stitch images together to generate a single, seamless panoramic picture with 180° or 360° coverage, allowing security operators to enjoy a vivid and consistent viewing experience that's more true-to-life. These advanced products offer impressive, high-definition imaging, with a maximum resolution of 32 MP, ensuring smooth video image preview and playback. Pan, tilt, and zoom at any moment In some cases, security coverage in critical areas becomes primary. When events happen, it is important to view the close-ups with high-definition detail. Commonly challenging scenarios include public squares with multiple entrances, waiting rooms at transit stations, and similar areas. Traditionally, complete security coverage requires a high number of IP cameras, but this may not be a cost-effective solution when events rarely take place. In this case, PTZ cameras become a great fit. One advantage of PTZ cameras is their automatic patrolling capability. That means security operators can set rules for the cameras to monitor needed areas with defined duration, frequency and timing, to name a few. Additionally, Hikvision’s Ultra-Series PTZ Cameras feature ultra-high optical zoom - 42x, for example – to cover expansive areas. That allows security operators to zoom in on an object which is farther away, ensuring clarity in the details. The Ultra Series cameras' night vision capability is also stunning, as they incorporate Hikvision's signature DarkFighter low-light technology which enables excellent HD images to be captured in light conditions down to 0.0005 Lux. Big picture and small details in one view There are also situations where a security view with wide-angle coverage needs to be maintained at all times, yet close-ups are needed for awareness if an incident occurs. An example can be a busy outdoor parking lot at a shopping mall. Due to the high volume of traffic entering for parking, facility managers need to be on high alert about where congestion takes place and make sure that customers park successfully without hassle. Accidents can happen in the rush of finding a parking space. It would be very helpful for facility managers to understand what happened and where, and dispatch security staff immediately to site, help tackle the situation as needed, and clean up the intersection for other cars to pass through. By using Hikvision's new TandemVu PTZ cameras, facility managers can now maintain focus on both "viewpoints" simultaneously – monitoring large areas for overall situational awareness and zooming in on specific incidents for event management. Hikvision TandemVu PTZ cameras incorporate multiple lenses in one unit, providing big picture and small details in tandem. In this way, facility managers gain the "best of both worlds" with maximum security and reassurance. When smaller areas need complete coverage In places with less space to cover, such as retail stores and meeting rooms, complete coverage with situational awareness is often the first security priority. However, in this kind of scenario, objects blocking a camera's line of sight throughout the floor are inevitable – such as shelves or other displays, for example. Therefore, a vertically-oriented view from the ceiling to the floor provides better coverage of a whole area. Fisheye cameras play their best roles here. Hikvision Fisheye Cameras are among the most sophisticated on the market today. Featuring top-of-the-range Immervision lenses, they deliver a wider angle of view, less distortion, and sharper, more detailed images than many other cameras on the market, which results in more natural images once they have been dewarped. Incorporated with deep-learning-based AI applications such as heat mapping, intersection flow analysis, and people counting, Hikvision fisheye cameras empower users with a wealth of data for business analysis, reporting, and smarter decision-making.  Efficient centralization All these devices and technologies need to be managed, and this is where a powerful VMS like Hikvision's HikCentral Professional comes in. Security operators can view real-time information via HikCentral Professional video management software, cruise around in panoramas, or zoom in and out. They can also use the gathered insights from video feeds to respond to events effectively and in real time. Secure more with more assurance Hikvision strives to help professionals from many walks of life stay confident and assured with future-shaping technologies, just as our advanced cameras address security challenges in protecting large sites and open areas. Apply for a smart trial today for a hands-on experience with Hikvision's high-performance products – now guaranteed with a 5-year warranty! Also visit our website to learn more. You can further explore the Hikvision digital showroom for complete Hikvision product lines, core technologies, scenario-based solution packages and more.  

Hikvision eDVRs maximize storage efficiency and predictability
Hikvision eDVRs maximize storage efficiency and predictability

Recording high-quality video continuously for long periods of time has always been a challenge for the security industry. Hikvision’s new range of eDVRs uses Scene Adaptive Bitrate Control technology to maximize storage efficiency and capture incidents in crystal-clear detail. Video has traditionally been a storage-intensive medium. Conventional security video applications record video at a constant bitrate even at night or when nothing much is happening. That means that a lot of storage is wasted, without delivering much value for customers. Two attempts at making video storage more effective The security industry has come up with various technologies and approaches to try to make video storage as efficient as possible. These include:  •    Variable bitrate technology This looks at the scene and changes the bitrate according to the complexity – and the activity level. The plus point here is that the bitrate increases, and the image quality improves, when there’s actually something happening. The bad news is that storage requirements are totally unpredictable, giving operators no indication of how long footage will be stored before it is eliminated and ‘overwritten’.  •    Smart coding with a constant bitrate  This uses low, but constant, image compression to increase predictability of storage and to maximise storage efficiency. However, the bitrate is always the same, and the quality may not be good enough to take effective action in the event of an incident.  Overcoming the challenges with Hikvision Instead of these legacy storage approaches, Hikvision is using an innovative technology called Scene Adaptive Bitrate Control to boost storage efficiency. This technology is embedded in all of Hikvision’s new eDVRs, which use eSDD storage instead of HDD drives. To make storage as efficient as possible, the Hikvision eDVRs use variable bitrates – with more storage allocated temporarily for complex scenes. When there is nothing going on in the camera view, the bitrate is reduced dramatically, saving storage resources and extending the continuous recording time of the device.  To ensure that the storage time is as predictable as possible, the eDVRs look at bitrate trends over the previous hours and days and allocates storage resources accordingly, in a properly measured way. This means that the device uses a variable bitrate in the short term, depending on the changing security scene, but a fixed code rate is used over the longer term to ensure video images are stored for the required timeframe before they are overwritten (typically for at least 2 weeks of continual recording).  Furthermore, thanks to its exceptional storage efficiency, a 1TB eDVR can provide up to 8 weeks of storage, easily meeting customers’ storage requirements. A 1TB 4 channel model (iDS-E04HQHI-D) can store up to 4 weeks of continuously recorded footage by all channels in 1080P, while a DS-E04HGHI-E model supports up to 8 weeks of continuous recording in 1080p lite (960x1080 resolution). As an additional benefit, the Hikvision eDVRs offer highly stable image compression with good quality for security applications, ensuring that all incidents are captured in crystal clear detail.  Real-world test results from an industrial park installation To showcase the storage efficiency of our eDVRs, we conducted a live test at an industrial park with a 2MP eDVR model (DS-E04HQHI-B). The eDVR received four video feeds, each with a resolution of 1080 pixels and a frame rate of 15 per second. During the test, we recorded complex scenes of our manufacturing facilities, including roadways, interior areas, entrance, and exit points. The recording bitrate automatically adjusted throughout the day and night based on the traffic and level of activity in all the covered zones. In spite of the variable bitrate, the Hikvision eDVR was able to allocate its 439 GB of total available storage in a very stable way. In the test, the device was able to store over 13 days of continuous recording, using around 33.7 GB. The storage utilization of the eDVR was highly stable and totally predictable, despite the varying bitrate during peak times at the manufacturing facilities.

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