FAQ

When considering the purchase of a security system, particularly from high-quality brands like HikVision, HiLook, and Dahua, there are several factors to take into account. These brands are recognized for their superior quality and features compared to many of the security systems commonly found at hardware, office supply, and general retail stores. Here are the key considerations:

1. Assessment of Risk: Before choosing a security system, it’s crucial to assess the specific risks and security needs of your property. Determine what you are trying to protect against – whether it’s burglary, vandalism, or monitoring access to certain areas. This will help you decide which features are necessary, such as motion detection, night vision, or perimeter alarms.
2. CCTV Options: CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a cornerstone of modern security systems. When evaluating CCTV solutions from HikVision, HiLook, and Dahua:
   • Camera Resolution: Higher resolution cameras offer clearer images, which can be crucial for identifying intruders or other details.
   • Field of View: Consider the area each camera can cover. Wide-angle lenses reduce the number of cameras needed for full coverage but can sometimes offer less detail at the periphery.
   • Night Vision: Ensure that the cameras provide high-quality night vision, a common feature where these brands excel, to maintain security around the clock.
3. Alarm Systems: Alarms are essential for alerting you and potentially scaring off intruders. HikVision offers and integrated alarm system that can be linked with the HikVision and HiLook CCTV solutions. Consider features like:
   • Functionality: The HikVIsion AX Pro Alarm offers a wide range of devices with extended functionality.
   • Type of Alerts: Systems can provide different alert types, from loud alarms to notifications sent directly to your phone or local authorities.
4. Storage Solutions: Since your preference excludes cloud storage, focus on local storage options. These brands provide NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems that store high-resolution video locally. Ensure the storage capacity meets your needs based on the number of cameras and the amount you wish to record before overwriting old data. The amount of storage you require should also be considered,
5. Access and Integration: Modern security systems often offer remote access through mobile apps or web interfaces. Check that the systems from HikVision, HiLook, or Dahua allow you to easily monitor and manage the security settings from anywhere, without requiring a costly cloud storage solution.
6. Reliability and Support: Consider the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. Reliable customer support can be crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring your system operates effectively.
7. Installation and Maintenance: Evaluate whether you will need professional installation or if you can handle it yourself. Also, consider the ease of maintenance of the systems you are considering.

By focusing on these key areas, you can select a security system that effectively addresses your specific security needs with robust and reliable technology from trusted brands like HikVision, HiLook, and Dahua. These systems are designed to provide a higher level of security and performance compared to many other commercially available options.

All products we offer are sourced exclusively from Authorised Australian Distributors, ensuring they are specifically designated for the Australian market. We firmly stand against the sale of grey imports. As such, every item you purchase from us is fully covered by the manufacturer’s warranty applicable within Australia, guaranteeing authenticity and local support for your peace of mind. This policy ensures that our customers receive only genuine products that adhere to the specifications set for the Australian market, backed by manufacturer support.

Choosing between a 6MP and an 8MP camera for your CCTV system depends on your specific needs for image quality, area coverage, and storage considerations.

• 6MP cameras offer high-resolution images that are suitable for most security needs, requiring less storage space than 8MP cameras. They provide a good balance between image clarity and file size, making them cost-effective for many applications.
• 8MP cameras, also known as 4K cameras, deliver superior image quality with more detail, especially useful for covering larger areas or when a limited digital zoom is needed without significant loss of detail. However, they require more bandwidth and storage capacity.

Pros of 6MP:

• Sufficient resolution for general surveillance needs.
• Lower storage and bandwidth requirements than 8MP.

Cons of 6MP:

• Less detail compared to 8MP, especially in zoom.

Pros of 8MP:

• Higher detail and clarity, beneficial for identifying subjects at a distance.
• Better for large area surveillance.

Cons of 8MP:

• Higher cost for storage and bandwidth.
• Potentially higher initial cost.

Your choice should align with your surveillance objectives, considering the trade-offs between resolution, storage, and cost.

PLEASE NOTE that whilst a standard fixed lens 8mp camera will allow for a limited digital zoom due to it’s higher resolution, it does not replace the function of varifocal or PTZ cameras which have an optical zoom. If a zoom requirement is important to you, you should discuss this with your installer, or feel free to call us…. we’re here to help!

When you buy one of our CCTV kits, in many cases a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) will generally already be installed in the system when specified. The capacity of the pre-installed HDD can be found both on the product’s page and on your invoice. Be aware that some of our kits do not include a HDD, so you can choose a capacity that is right for you. If it is not clearly stated that a Hard Disk of a particular capacity is included, then a HDD is not included. If you are purchasing an NVR separately, it generally does not include a HDD unless the product description explicitly states otherwise, as is the case with certain HikVision NVR models.

Should you need a Surveillance HDD tailored to your NVR, or if you’re looking to expand your system with additional drives (if your NVR accommodates more than one HDD), we invite you to explore our wide range of options here:

https://commsdirect.com.au/product-category/cctv-systems/cctv-systems-by-brand/dahua-solutions/dahua-accessories/dahua-hdd-storage/

We recommend verifying the number of HDDs your NVR can support before making any additional purchases.

The Hikvision SADP tool, which stands for Search Active Device Protocol, is a user-friendly and powerful utility developed by Hikvision. This tool is designed to help users search for Hikvision devices such as IP cameras, NVRs, and DVRs within a local network. It is an indispensable resource for both installers and end-users for setting up and maintaining Hikvision security solutions efficiently.

Key Features of the Hikvision SADP Tool:

• Device Search: Quickly identifies Hikvision devices connected to the local network, displaying key information such as IP addresses, device models, and serial numbers.
• Network Configuration: Allows for the modification of network parameters of Hikvision devices, including IP addresses, gateways, and port numbers, facilitating seamless integration into your network.
• Password Reset: Provides a secure way to reset device passwords, ensuring access control and system security.
• Firmware Information: Displays the firmware version of the devices, helping users identify if an update is required for the latest features and security patches.

Where Can I Find the Hikvision SADP Tool?

To download the Hikvision SADP tool, please follow these steps:

1. ·  Visit the official Hikvision website and  Download from Hikvision’s official website.
2. ·  Find the SADP tool from the list of available tools and select it.
3. ·  Choose the version that is compatible with your operating system (Windows or MacOS).
4. ·  Click on the download link and follow the instructions to install the tool on your computer.

Getting Started:

Once installed, you can open the SADP tool to begin searching for Hikvision devices on your network. The interface is straightforward, allowing for easy navigation and operation. Should you need any assistance in using the SADP tool or have any further questions, Hikvision provides comprehensive user guides and support services to help you maximize the utility of this tool.

The Hikvision SADP tool is a critical asset for the effective management and setup of Hikvision security devices, ensuring that users can enjoy the full potential of their security systems with minimal effort.

Absolutely we do. Our range of Cat6 Pre-Terminated CCTV cables come in Blue, and in lengths of 5m, 10m, 15m 20m, 25m and 50m from stock. No wasting time cutting, crimping and terminating cables with RJ45 plugs. No need to worry about cable pairing conventions. With these high quality leads, run between the NVR and the camera. Plug one end into the camera, the other into the NVR and that link is done.

Hikvision, a leading provider of security products and solutions, offers a range of innovative technologies designed to enhance surveillance capabilities in various environments. Among their advanced features are DarkFighter, AcuSense, and ColorVu technologies, each developed to address specific challenges in video surveillance. Understanding the differences between these can help users select the right cameras for their security needs.

1. DarkFighter Technology

What It Is: DarkFighter technology is specifically designed to provide clear, detailed images in extremely low-light environments. Cameras equipped with DarkFighter technology can capture high-quality colored images in light conditions as low as 0.005 lux and black and white images in conditions as low as 0.001 lux.

Key Features:

• Superior low-light performance.
• High-quality colored imaging in near-darkness.
• Noise reduction capabilities to maintain image clarity.
• Wide dynamic range to handle varied light conditions.

Ideal for: Areas requiring round-the-clock monitoring with significant variations in light conditions, such as urban roads, parks, and outdoor recreational areas.

2. AcuSense Technology

What It Is: AcuSense technology utilizes advanced deep learning algorithms to distinguish between human beings, vehicles, and other moving targets, significantly reducing false alarms triggered by non-threatening movements such as animals, shadows, or rain. It also enables quick target search and retrieval from video footage.

Key Features:

• Deep learning-based motion classification.
• Accurate intrusion detection and reduced false alarms.
• Quick and easy search functionalities for incident retrieval.
• Flashing light and audio alarm on some models to deter intruders.

Ideal for: Properties looking to enhance perimeter security and reduce false alarm rates, including residential areas, warehouses, and commercial buildings.

3. ColorVu Technology

What It Is: ColorVu technology is designed to provide vivid, full-color images 24/7, even in environments with no lighting. Cameras with ColorVu are equipped with advanced lenses and high-sensitivity sensors, alongside supplemental lighting, to capture bright and clear images in total darkness.

Key Features:

• Full-color imaging, 24/7.
• Advanced lenses for enhanced light gathering.
• High-performance sensors for improved image processing.
• Supplemental lighting to illuminate dark scenes.

Ideal for: Scenarios where color information is crucial for identification and analysis, such as monitoring entrances, exits, and critical areas in residential, commercial, and industrial sites.

Comparing DarkFighter, AcuSense, and ColorVu:

• DarkFighter excels in low-light conditions, providing clear, colored images where minimal ambient light is present.
• AcuSense focuses on intelligent detection and classification of humans and vehicles, aiming to improve alarm accuracy and search efficiency.
• ColorVu ensures vivid color imaging around the clock, enhancing detail and aiding in the identification process under any lighting condition.

Each of these technologies addresses distinct challenges in surveillance, enabling users to tailor their security solutions to their specific needs. By understanding the strengths and applications of DarkFighter, AcuSense, and ColorVu, you can make informed decisions to optimize your surveillance system’s effectiveness.

Delays or lag in the live feed can be caused by network issues, insufficient bandwidth, or high resolution and frame rate settings that exceed the network’s capabilities. Try lowering the video quality settings or improving your network’s bandwidth.

Download the Hik-Connect app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Create an account and add your Hikvision device by scanning the QR code or entering the serial number manually. Ensure your device is connected to the Internet to access it remotely.

If you forget the admin password, you can use the Hikvision SADP tool to reset it or contact Hikvision support for assistance. You may need to provide the device’s serial number and a proof of purchase.

To configure motion detection, access the device’s web interface or use the IVMS software. Navigate to the camera’s event settings, where you can enable motion detection, adjust sensitivity, and select detection areas. You can also configure actions such as email alerts or recording when motion is detected.

Yes, Hikvision cameras can be used without an Internet connection for local monitoring and recording. However, an Internet connection is required for remote viewing, firmware updates, and accessing advanced features and services.

If your Hikvision camera is not showing video, check the power supply and connections first. Ensure the camera is properly connected to the DVR/NVR and monitor. If the problem persists, try accessing the camera’s settings through the web interface to check if the video stream is configured correctly. Network issues, incorrect settings, or a potentially faulty camera can also cause this issue.

The default IP address for most Hikvision cameras is 192.0.0.64. However, it’s recommended to use the Hikvision SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) tool to find the camera on your network and verify its IP address, as it may vary or change based on network settings.

To perform a factory reset on your Hikvision camera, you will need to locate the reset button on the device. Press and hold it for 30 to 40 seconds. Note that this process may differ slightly depending on the model, so referring to the user manual for specific instructions is advisable. Resetting the camera will restore it to its default settings, so ensure to back up necessary data beforehand.