HD-TVI TURBO HD 4.0 DVR: Hikvision DS-7208HQHI-K2 (8-ch, 2MP@15fps, H.265, HDMI, VGA)

Front view

Rear view

Hikvision DS-7208HQHI-K2 is an 8-channel CCTV DVR capable of recording surveillance video provided in HD-TVI, AHD, HD-CVI, CVBS and IP standards. The maximum recording resolution is 1080p@15fps, however channels 1 and 2 can support 3MP@15fps. In the case of 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.

Each channel can be independently set up for motion detection and VQD (video quality detection, which e.g. can send e-mails or notifications to alert the user whenever the image is out of focus, too bright, or discolored).
Two analog channels can be selected to detect virtual line crossing (and its direction) and intrusion within a rectangular area.
Users can also opt for the Enhanced VCA mode, in which virtual line crossing and intrusion detection are available in four channels. If the mode is switched on, the CVBS output will be disabled.

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.

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. One 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

Hik-Connect is a mobile application, intended for smartphones running Android or iOS operating systems. It can be used for remote live viewing of images from DVRs, NVRs, network cameras via Wi-Fi, 2G or 3G networks, and for playing back recorded video files. The application connects with the devices by IP addresses and/or through the P2P cloud.

Hik-Connect is also the name of network service intended for Hikvison devices. The service is based on data processing in the cloud and integrates the following functions:

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.