DVRs of the world's leader - HIKVISION/ULTIMAX

Hikvision/Ultimax digital video recorders (DVRs) belong to the latest generation of CCTV recording equipment. They have been designed based on extensive knowledge of CCTV technology possessed by DIPOL and HIKVISION companies. 20 years of experience and contacts with customers, remarks of installers and users of the equipment - have resulted in the creation of innovative products able to perform the most demanding tasks.

DIPOL is an authorized distributor of HIKVISION products

HIKVISION devices combine the latest technologies: real-time operating system (Linux RTOS), Texas Instruments CPUs (DaVinci DSP processing platform), DSPs (FPGA and CPLD) and the most efficient compressing algorithms: H.264 (video) and OggVorbis (audio). H.264 is currently the most efficient compression method. Compared to other popular algorithms - MJPEG and MPEG-4 - it can save up to 50% of disk space. In addition - it is especially important when working on the Internet - the transmission of the same amount of data generates significantly less network traffic.

Any device from the Hikvision/Ultimax series has both the features of a digital video recorder (DVR) and digital video server (DVS). It can work as a stand-alone device, or be used to build powerful surveillance networks. With great versatility and flexibility, taking into account very specific options, they are used worldwide to protect banks, ATM/cash machines, telecommunications infrastructure, transport infrastructure, transport companies, factories, warehouses and commercial buildings, various institutions and companies.

View of a DVR of 8100 series (M76080, M76160, M78080, M78160)

Hikvision/Ultimax is a new family of DVRs. In terms of performance, the recorders are divided into 3 subgroups:

7300HI series:

• DS-7304HI-S M74040
• DS-7308HI-S M74080
• DS-7316HI-S M74160

8100HDI series:

• DS-8108HDI-S M76080
• DS-8116HDI-S M76160

8100HFI series:

• DS-8108HFI-S M78080
• DS-8116HFI-S M78160

Technical specifications are listed in the tables in the further part of the article.

Hikvision/Ultimax DVRs are the first devices on the market with menu that has been designed for both advanced and novice users. So far, most CCTV systems were configured by the installers or system administrators. Due to complicated procedures, the users of the systems were forced to frequently call them and pay for their services, even in the case of normal configuration changes.

HIKVISION, with the help of the support and knowledge of distributors, installers and users, created a new, friendly graphical interface. The main output of the DVR is VGA interface, supported by two analog video outputs (BNC). The main menu is displayed via the a VGA output with a resolution of 1280 x1024* pixels. All the basic, frequently used functions are grouped into seven main categories.

Rear panel of a Hikvision/Ultimax DVR

Searching the archives and backup options are really intuitive - while some of the recorders allow to mount up to 8 SATA drives with a total capacity of 16 TB, capable of recording 4CIF images from 16 channels for over 40 days - one may still need to copy all or part of the material.
Hikvision/Ultimax DVRs can simultaneously monitor up to 16 channels (depending on the model) and digitally zoom any part of the scene.

The recorded files can be archived on CD/DVD-R discs (using optional writer), however the most popular memory devices are currently flash drives. The USB port situated on the front panel enables the user to connect any storage device with USB interface, even if the recorder is placed in a 19-inch RACK cabinet.

Basic configuration of a Hikvision/Ultimax DVR (there are shown single devices only)

Distinguishing features of HIKVISION DVRs:

HDD interface:

Recording and playback:

Archiving:

Alarms and exceptions:

Other features:

Networking:

View of DVRs of the 7300 series (M74080, M74160)

The firmware version V3.1 enables multiple users to log on locally (with the possibility to assign them different rights to make changes in the system). It also introduces support for NAS, which can backup the data recorded locally on the DVR. This way, any destruction, theft or other damage to the recorder does not cause loss of recordings, saved also on the NAS in a remote location. Another new option optimizes recording speed of one or several channels at the expense of others.

The DS-8100HDI-S series has counterparts with a more functional detachable front panel (DS-8199HDI-SE series - M76081 M76161).

* NOTICE!! Display resolution depends on the firmware installed on the device. Currently available firmware allows to use the resolution of 1024x768 pixels.

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology company is one of the leading manufacturers of CCTV equipment. The company has its headquarters in China, employs over 2300 employees in branches around the world. More than 700 of them are engineers from the R&D department.

In the annually published Security 50 report, Hikvision company is among the top players.
In 2009, the company was ranked number 12 on the list of the world's CCTV industry companies with the highest profits. It also took 3rd place in the ranking taking into account the increase in revenue compared to previous years

For several years, Hikvision has been appreciated by the specialist press as one of the 5 most important producers in the sector. The importance of the company in the market is evidenced by the fact that it was the main supplier of security systems for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Other achievements include implementations of complex monitoring systems in networks of restaurants, CCTV systems for railways, hospitals, casinos and many other places.

More information on this company is available on the manufacturer website.