Hikvision's DS-2CD2086G2-IU compact camera belongs to the second generation of cameras using the AcuSense technology, notable for an even greater ability to filter out false alarms. The device is dedicated for use in CCTV systems based on IP NVRs. The camera is fitted with an 8 MP 1/2" CMOS sensor and an IR illuminator with a range up to 30 m to ensure proper visibility in low-light conditions. It has a fixed 2.8 mm lens with a viewing angle of 102°, as well as a built-in microphone for sound recording. Since the device supports both the latest and earlier H.265(+) compression methods, it enables to extend video storage time while ensuring excellent image quality and backward compatibility. Additional image functions such as AGC, 3D-DNR, WDR (120 dB), BLC, HLC, as well as built-in VCA features make the camera suitable for more advanced projects. With an IP66 rating, the casing efficiently protects electronic components against the impact of adverse weather. The camera can be powered conventionally from a 12 VDC source or through the PoE (802.3af) option.

The camera belongs to the EasyIP 4.0 series, which includes models equipped with two key technologies: AcuSense (first and second generation) or ColorVu. AcuSense cameras rely on Deep Learning algorithms to classify targets as human or vehicle and use intelligent VCA features, allowing to detect motion (second generation), intrusion, line crossing, entering and leaving. Thanks to precise recognition features, the system is able to filter out up to 90% (and even more for second-generation devices) false alarm triggers (e.g. animals, raindrops, spider webs, swaying leaves), which considerably boosts alarm accuracy and effectiveness and reduces related costs. On the other hand, ColorVu cameras, which work in color mode under all conditions, are able to detect all the important details of the scene. Using an AcuSense NVR allows to tap the full potential of the Easy IP 4.0 series. Combining cameras that do not support AcuSense technology (e.g. ColorVu) with AcuSense devices makes it possible to filter out false alarms, classify and search for events in terms of shape (human, vehicle). Below, you can compare the possibilities of combining solutions offered in different series.

The camera implements several video compression methods, H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264, MJPEG. Compared with H.264, H.265 can reduce the data stream by half, which translates into proportional disk space savings and extended data retention time. H.265+ and H.264+ are Hikvision standards based on the original systems and optimized for CCTV applications. They further minimize the streams in typical video surveillance scenarios. With the advanced video compression algorithms, the camera can be used in IP CCTV systems based on modern NVRs implementing the H.265 standard (the DS-76/77/96NI-I/K series supports H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264). Of course, the camera can also operate with older models that support H.264 (the DS-76/77NI-E series supports H.264+, H.264).

With the support of ANR (Automatic Network Replenishment), each IP camera equipped with a memory card can record video even in the absence of network connection. Once the network connection is restored, the footage is automatically synchronized with that recorded on the NVR. This ensures a continuous coverage of events, even in the event of communication problems between the camera and the NVR.

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

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

• Remote cloud access - allows access to the device for users without an external IP address or when simplicity is imporant. Only the basic configuration of the network is required. The PC or smartphone app connects with the device via a P2P cloud service;
• DDNS server - DDNS assigns a fixed domain name to dynamically changing IP addresses (Dynamic DNS). This feature is useful when the ISP does not provide users with a fixed IP address. To be able to use DDNS, it is necessary to have a public IP address and provide access from the external network to the appropriate ports of the NVR (server and http, by default 8000 and 80). The connection is possible via a web browser or via a PC or a smarphone client application.

Various applications intended for the installers and operators/users of video surveillance systems based on Hikvision devices are described in this article.

SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) is a free, easy-to-use utility designed to search for Hikvision IP cameras and DVRs/NVRs in the local network. The network device search tool can also be used to modify device network parameters, e.g. to change or recover default passwords. Detailed information on the software and its use can be found in the following article: SADP application - LAN tool for organizing CCTV systems based on Hikvision devices.