HD-TVI TURBO HD 3.0 DVR: Hikvision DS-7204HUHI-K1 (4ch, 5MP@12fps, H.265, HDMI, VGA)

Front view

Rear view

View of the included accessories

Hikvision DS-7204HUHI-K1 is a 4-channel CCTV DVR capable of recording surveillance video provided in HD-TVI, AHD, CVBS and IP standards. The maximum recording resolution is 5 MP @ 12 fps. The DVR can also record video with 3 MP image resolution at 18 fps. In the case of 1080p / 960x1080 / 720p / VGA / WD1 / 4CIF / CIF resolutions, the maximum frame rate is 25 fps.

The DVR can record one or two video streams (primary and/or secondary) from each channel. The video can be compressed with the use H.265 method. Compared with the predecessor (H.264), H.265 can reduce by half the data stream, which translates into proportional savings of the disk space or extended data retention time. H.265+ can further minimize the streams in typical video surveillance scenarios.

The recording can be performed in different modes: continuous, motion detection (with pre- and post-event recording), alarm (with pre- and post-event recording), or continuous recording with special parameters in the case of specific events. Each channel can be configured individually in this aspect. It is possible to increase the frame and bit rates, independently of the continuous recording settings. After the occurrence of an event (motion detection, camera tampering etc), the NVR automatically switches to the event-recording mode (usually with higher parameters). During the rest of the time the recording is carried out in the continuous mode. The increased parameters just before and after the event allow to play back every second of the period with high detail and smoothness, while the recordings between events may have a much lower performance, taking significantly less space on the storage media.

The Enhanced IP mode allows to increase the number of supported IP channels. It disables smart events in analog channels and limits the HDMI-VGA output resolution to 1080p. The mode can be activated only through direct access to the DVR's menu.

Each channel has the possibility of independent settings for motion detection and VQD diagnostics (the video quality diagnostic function can e.g. send email or alarm message on a worsened focus, excessive brightness or discoloration).
In two selected analog channels one can switch on detection of trespassing a virtual line (along with direction) and intrusion into a square area.
Enhanced VCA mode - video analytics for each channel, ensuring detection of trespassing a virtual line and intrusion to an area of a square shape - limits the resolution of the the input signals to 3 MP, and of the output signal (monitor) to 1080p.

The iVMS 4200 client software enables users of HIKVISION devices to manage them in IP networks. The software allows for configuration and management of NVRs/DVRs, IP and analog cameras (in hybrid systems). The iVMS 4200 utility can remotely manage up to 256 devices, with the use of up to 4 monitors. Oner monitor can display up images from up to 64 cameras. Aside from system configuration and live monitoring, the utility can be used for remote playback, notifying, two-way audio transmission, creating multi-level e-maps.

View of the control panel of the iVMS-4200 application

iVMS-4500 is a mobile application for smartphones running Android, iOS or Windows Phone operating systems. It can be used for live monitoring and playback of images from DVRs, NVRs, IP cameras via Wi-Fi, 2G or 3G networks.

Ezviz (EasyVision) is a free service which can be activated in Hikvision NVRs and IP cameras. This free service allows less advanced users to easily access to the video from the cameras via the Internet, without forwarding router ports. To enable remote access, the user should only connect the device to the network (which requires a valid IP address and appropriate gateway settings). The next step is the creation of user account at the www.ezviz7.com website. The account can accommodate devices in a local area network (with activated Ezviz service). The devices will be available from anywhere via the Internet.

This article provides an overview of applications dedicated for installers and users of Hikvision-based video surveillance systems.

Main window of SADP application

SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) is a free and simple to use utility for searching Hikvision IP cameras and Hikvision DVRs/NVRs in the local network. The network device search tool can also be used for modification of network parameters of the Hikvision devices, including the change of passwords or recovery of default passwords. Detailed information on the software and its use is contained in the SADP application - LAN tool for organizing CCTV systems based on Hikvision devices article.