Dahua and Hikvision Entering Access Control

Published Sep 05, 2017 13:41 PM

Until now, Chinese video giants Hikvision [link no longer available] and Dahua [link no longer available] have held back releasing access internationally.

Both companies have now pulled the trigger, and distributors are already taking orders.

In this report, based on our ongoing testing and market analysis, we review:

  • Pricing: How aggressive will Dahua and Hikvision be against incumbents like Axis, HID and Mercury?
  • Controller Features: What features will Dahua and Hikvision have (or miss) that incumbents lack (or have)?
  • UL Certification: What UL issues could impact Dahua or Hikvision?
  • Access Management / Operations Client: What type of management or operations client will Dahua and Hikvision offer?
  • 3rd Party Support: What 3rd party support will be offered?

Key ********: ********** *****

*** ******* ************** **** ******* ** low *****, ** **% ** **% less **** ******* ********** **** *** hardware, **** *** ***** ******* **** charge *** ******** / *********.

*** *-**** ***********, *****'* ******** [**** no ****** *********] *** ** ******** street ***** ~$***, ***** *********'* ***** [link ** ****** *********] ** ***** higher ** ~$***. *** ********* ***** includes * ***** ********* *** ***** transformer *** ***** ***** **** ***, additional ***** **** ****

**** ******* ** ************* **** **** distribution ****** ** ********* ***** **** Honeywell, *******, **** *** **** ****. Incumbent ****** ********* *** ~$**** - $1450 *** ***** * **** ***********, and ***** ****** ********** ********* ** add **** ** ********** ********. ******* Dahua *** ********* ****** ****** *********.

**** '*** ***********' ****** ******* **** Axis **** ** **** *********, **** two ****** (***** ** * ***** controlled) **** *** **** **** $****, roughly **% **** **** ********* *** 70% **** **** *****.

Key *********

*******, *** ********* *******:

  • ** *** *******
  • ** **** *******
  • ** ** *** *************
  • ** *** ***** *******
  • ** ***** *******

**** ** ***** ******** *** ***** important ** ********** ********* *** ******** available ** ********** ********.

******* *******'* ***** **** ** *** certification (*** ******** ******** *** ****** *******), ***** ** * ****** ************* requirement ** **** **********, *********, *** institutional ****** *******.

********, **** ** *** ********* ******* OSDP, ***** **** ****** ******* *** adopting ** ******* ***-****** ******* ********* (see ********** ** **********).

*** *****, ******** ***** ******** ** transformers **** **** ** ** ****, as *** ** *** ********* ** these ***********, *** *** ****** * part ** ***** *** ****** **** additional ***** *** *****.

****** **** *******'* *******, ** ***-***** support ** ****** ******* ** *********, and ******* ****** *** ************ ******* * *** ******* *.

Poll / ****

Product ********* *******

***** *** ********* *** ********* ****** control ******** **** *****, **** ******** distributors **** *** ****** ******. **** Chinese ****** **** **** ********** *** selling ****** *** ******* *****, *** have **** **** ******** ******* ******* Asia ***** ***.

** ************, **** ***** *** ********* are ********* **** ***********, *******, *** credential ***** **** *****-**** ********** ****** using **** ****-**** (*********) ** ***** PSS (*****) ************:

******* *********** ***** *** ******, ** neither ******* ** ******** *** ******* devices. ******* ******* *** *********** ******* OSDP, *** ******* ** *** **** UL *** **************.

**** ********* *** ******** * *** 4 **** ***********, **** ********** **** offering * ******-**** **********. *** ** those ***** *** ***/** ********* ******** and **** ** ******* **** ********* applications *** ** *** ******* ******** management ********.

******* ************ *** ****** ****** *** shipping ******* ***.

Biometrics *** *****

******** ** *** ******* ********* ** 125 *** **** *** ****** *******, Dahua ** **** ********* * *********** reader, ****** **

*** **** **** ********* **** *********** via **-*** ** *******. ***** ********* on ****** *********** *** ********** ******* is *** *** ******, *** ********* unit's *** ******* ******* *** **** of *** ****.

Video **** ******** *** *********

** **** ** *** ****** *******, Hikvision ******** ****** ******** **** ******** stations [**** ** ****** *********]. ******* models *** ******* **** **** ** trim *** **** ****** *******, *** all ****** *** ** **** ** 'standalone' ***** **** *** ** ******* managed *** ****-****. *** ****** ******** models *** * *** ******, *** the ****** *** ** ********** ********-****** **************, ********** **-****** ***** *** ****. Street ******* ****** ******* $*** - $450 ******* *** *** ****** ******** units:

iVMS-4200/ ******** ********** ******

**** ********* *** ******* ******* *********** free ******* *** ****** ********** ********. Recent ******** ** **** ***** *** v2.01.0.R.170724 *** ********* ****-**** **.*.*.* ******* access ******* ********** ********, *** ** additional ******** ********* ** ****** ** use ******** **** *********.

*******, ****** **** *******'* *******, ** 3rd-party ******* ** ****** ******* ** announced, *** ******* ****** *** ************ ******* * *** ******* *.

********* *********** *** **** *****:

** ****, *********'* ****-**** ****** ******** Time *** **********, *********** *********** ********* ******, *** * '**** *******' ****** for *** **** ****** **** ********.

**** ********* ********* **** *** ******** video **** ****** ******* ******, ******** not ********* **** ***** '****' ********** software ******** ***** ************ **** *** ****.

Impact ** ******* ********* ******

********* *** ***** *** **** ****** to **** ******* ** ******** *********, such ** *****-****** *******, ******** **********, and ***** ****** **** ********** ********** who ** *** ******** ******* ****** events. **** ********'* ******** ********** **** lacking ** **************, ** *** ***** management ****** *******, ** ** **** support *** **** **** ****** ** be ********* ********.

********** **** ** ***** ** ******** access *******, *** ******* ***** *** not ********* ********* *** ***** *******. Unlike ***** ************, ***** **** ****** have **** *** ******** *** ***** own ********* ***** *** ******* ************** to ******** *******, ****** ******* ** often **** ****** **** '*****' *** non-access ******** *********. *** *******, ****, who ******* ****** **** **** ** better **** ********* ** ***** *** Hikvision, *** *********** ***** ******* ******* access ******* *** ***** **** ******** as * ****** ****** **** *** translate **** ****** ******* *****.

Inexperienced ********** & ************* *****

******* **** ** *** **** ******* Hikvision *** ***** ***** ********** **** the ***** *** ******** ** ******** access ****. *********** ******* *** ** **** *********, ** **** ******** ****** ****** of ***** *** ***** ********* ********* ****************** ** ****** ***** ***** *** installation *********.

********, *** ***** ********* *** ****-****** in ********* **** ****** ********* *** installation, ***** ****** ******* ******** *** cause *****, ****** ******* *********** ******** (like ****** ***** ****** ***) *** access ******* ****** ******** **** ****** risks, ******* ***** ************ **** ***. Moreover, *** ***** ******** ****** ***** companies **** ** *** ***** **** may ***** ******** ** ***** ***** systems *** ****** *******, ***** *** greater **** ** * ********** ** exploited ****** ******* ******.

System ***** ****** ****

**** **** ******* **** ******* ** both ********* *** ***** ****** ********, controllers, *******, *** ********* ***** ** the ****** *****

Comments (43)
U
Undisclosed #1
Sep 05, 2017

The phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none" comes to mind.

(4)
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U
Undisclosed #3
Sep 05, 2017
IPVMU Certified

The phrase "Jack of all trades, master of none" comes to mind.

as does "...though oftentimes better than master of one."

(2)
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UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #2
Sep 05, 2017

Having tested and installed in some beta sites in the UK over the past 12 months, Dahua access control isn't bad for entry level installs. 

For UK install market place they need some minor tweaks from a construction prospective but generally once you get it installed and setup it stays working (which was our main concern at the beginning)

It will be attractive to SMEs that want a user friendly & license free integrated access / video solution running via the Smart PSS software (which they will likely be using most days for video)

(3)
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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Sep 05, 2017

Bye Bye ridiculous license and access controller costs, Lets hope that Hikvison and to a much lesser extent Dahua send the same message to the Access industry that they have to the clowns that used to rule the roost in the Video industry. REASONABLE pricing, FIRST-CLASS local technical support are two things the present ACCESS companies cannot come close to offering. It will be interesting to see how the ownership of Hikvision (partially owned by the communist Chinese government, same as 100's of companies that are China based) will be blown out of proportion in a feeble attempt to disprove the quality and craftsmanship that go into all Hikvision products. YES they will disrupt the market and make things more interesting in a market that needs disrupting.

(8)
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U
Undisclosed #3
Sep 05, 2017
IPVMU Certified

...the ownership of Hikvision (partially owned by the communist Chinese government, same as 100's of companies that are China based)...

Are any of those 100's anybody you do business with?

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Sep 05, 2017

As many as possible, for example N***** I have purchased 100's of components from this company and guess what MANY dealers in the USA buy those same products RELABELED and then marked up 500-1000% so you think you are are buying a better product, because you seem to assume across the board if its made in China its inferior, that is your loss my gain. Its the same product, made in the same factory I buy from.

 

U
Undisclosed #3
Sep 05, 2017
IPVMU Certified

As many as possible, for example N*****

Is the number of *'s correct, at least?  All I'm finding is NOBODY.

(2)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Sep 05, 2017

Ha, Ha! Now try Nufiber-systems.com and but remember dont buy there they are 7% owned by the government!

 

U
Undisclosed #3
Sep 05, 2017
IPVMU Certified

there they are 7% owned by the government!

...but the government is not the controlling shareholder, like it is with Hik, amiright?

(2)
UE
Undisclosed End User #5
Sep 05, 2017

Someone's onboard with HikMartyvision!

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Avatar
Sean Nelson
Sep 05, 2017
Nelly's Security

be careful, this kind of talk is blasphemy. How dare you insult over-priced brand names with insane licensing fee's. Dont you know the #1 rule: if it costs more, its always better.

All kidding aside, great report. I suspect this will be successful for both companies.

(7)
JH
John Honovich
Sep 05, 2017
IPVM

Sean, I am curious. What's your outlook on interest / adoption from your customer base for access control? High? Medium? Low? Why?

Avatar
Sean Nelson
Sep 05, 2017
Nelly's Security

we have a handful of our customers that I know do Access Control. Its a business line that I've always wanted to get into but haven'd had much time to learn the industry, technology, major players etc. I'd be interested in starting off small with this to gauge customer interest and give us time to learn the ins and outs.

(3)
U
Undisclosed #6
Sep 05, 2017

Hikvision is Antifragile, they have applied structure from Nassim Taleb's Incerto. The US is not the only market, world domination must include the rest of the world.

MM
Michael Miller
Sep 05, 2017

I can't wait to read the questions from people on forums that install these systems asking why their doors are "randomly" unlocking. 

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Avatar
Fredrik Ahlsen
Sep 12, 2017

We got a dahua demo system in our showroom that has been running for for a couple of years now. No problems at all with doors opening by them self.

But I miss intrusion integration and PoE support.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Sep 05, 2017

I conducted and un-scientific test of sorts folks and guess what, If I make a comment under my name I receive a complete 180 degree reverse set of comments then if I display my name, tried this several times on several differing conversations so for purposes of freedom of speech, I am UI # 4 guess who this is?

(3)
U
Undisclosed #3
Sep 05, 2017
IPVMU Certified

I swear I didn't even see you didn't post under your name when I replied to you, so I'm not sure how I could have treated you 180 degrees differently.

Next experiment, LOSE THE CAPS :)

 

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UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #8
Sep 05, 2017

You are obviously Bored.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #10
Sep 06, 2017
I don't think you had anyone fooled. There is only one person on IPVM whose keyboard has only commas for punctuation.
(3)
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UE
Undisclosed End User #7
Sep 05, 2017

No UL and No OSDP support, might as well beat them at there own game and race further to the bottom, 4 Doors $81:

UHPPOTE Professional Wiegand TCP IP Network Access Control Board Panel Controller on sale at Amazon

 

 

Avatar
Brian Rhodes
Sep 05, 2017
IPVMU Certified

We wrote about that grade of controller here: Chinese Spam Access Control Is Here

They often lack critical safety or operational features, like no door position switch support, non-code compliant RTE wiring, and buggy software.

(2)
UE
Undisclosed End User #7
Sep 05, 2017

I bought the 2-door unit for s**ts and giggles, it did have DPS switch and REX inputs, but the Windows Software was Chenglishy, but functional. Took a while to figure stuff out due to poor translations. One day if I find the time, I will try to put it through more evaluation and report back....

(2)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #13
Sep 06, 2017

I did the exact same here. Software written in Microsoft Access.

The board seems solid. Built in TCP/IP interface. I think they would work fine at an installation like a Pool Gate right out of the box. A little less confident on a building with Life Safety issues to contend with. The fobs/prox cards are pennies each.

(1)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #9
Sep 05, 2017

This looks eerily similar to how HikVision/Dahua entered on the CCTV side of things...

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Avatar
Campbell Chang
Sep 06, 2017

Another risk is how many current Hikvision and Dahua video installers have the skill and interest in pursuing access work.

It's going this direction anyway.

Going back to when IP cameras first entered the marketplace, netowrking was very much a foreign concept to many coax guys for the simple reason it wasn't PnP.

With many more people familiar with networking and NVRs becoming PnP, video is now back to where most people were 10 years ago.

I can see this pattern emerging within EAC too.  One of the biggest pains and barriers to EAC and alarm programming was sitting with a service keypad negotiating all the various menus.

Now you've got IP door controllers like ISONAS and Motion Dynamics who don't need back end panels.  You've got simple elegant SMB unit's like Inner Range's Inception which make programming a breeze and provide a step by step process to setting up the whole system.

I'm not suggesting that your bottom end integrator can suddenly drop an Integriti system over a Tecom, but it's pretty simple to install a small EAC system these days and familiarisation on a small scale will make it easier on an enterprise level eventually.

(2)
U
Undisclosed #3
Sep 06, 2017
IPVMU Certified

I'm not suggesting that your bottom end integrator can suddenly drop an Integriti system over a Tecom...

For us stateside blokes, can you translate that?  Would it be like dropping a Mercury system over a DMP?

 

Avatar
Campbell Chang
Sep 07, 2017

Newer enterprise system over older enterprise system.

So like a Bosch G over an older Mercury?

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Sep 12, 2017

Are you implying that folks install a Hikvision or Dahua camera have a specific set of skills based on a product they choose to use? 

Avatar
Campbell Chang
Sep 12, 2017

I'm saying that Hikua have significantly lowered the knowledge barrier of entry to IP cameras.  Their basic NVRs are as easy to install as a DVR was and require minimal networking skills.

Alarms/EAC had? a similar barrier to entry as a result of confusing and time consuming menu navigation.

If remove all that and simplify it, then you open up the market to those with less knowledge.  And a small office 4 door system can be installed by anyone.

 

JH
John Honovich
Sep 12, 2017
IPVM

Their basic NVRs are as easy to install as a DVR was and require minimal networking skills.

I think it's much more the pricing offered plus local sales support than it is the ease of install. How does Hikvision or Dahua require less networking skill than Axis or Longse etc.?

What we have clearly seen at the local branch level is that smaller, less knowledgeable dealers who traditional manufacturers would generally spend little to no time with have been welcomed and engaged by Dahua and Hikvision with much lower prices than other locally stocked products.

Avatar
Campbell Chang
Sep 12, 2017

I think it's much more the pricing offered plus local sales support than it is the ease of install. How does Hikvision or Dahua require less networking skill than Axis or Longse etc.?

 

I'm more referencing the NVRs with onboard PoE with no need to configure any network parameters other than port forwarding on a basic router.  I am aware other manufacturers have these type of products.

The sales model is different in AU.  Its the distributors here that do most of the engaging and promotion of Hik/Dahua rather than the motherships.  So for my mind, it's price and ease of config that pushes these products.

Avatar
Brian Rhodes
Sep 12, 2017
IPVMU Certified

Alarms/EAC had? a similar barrier to entry as a result of confusing and time consuming menu navigation.

If remove all that and simplify it, then you open up the market to those with less knowledge. And a small office 4 door system can be installed by anyone.

The substantial complexity of access is not networking or technology.  It is rather installing multiple components at the door in a way they work together without issue.

Beyond that, installing access control in a way that is flat out harmful or without regard of life safety codes is easy.  Especially for less experienced installers.

I don't see Dahua or Hikvision changing much of those potential hangups regardless of how easy it is to network up devices.

GR
George Redpath
Sep 06, 2017

You quote OSDP and UL294 as missing from both products, as to OSDP you state that they offer readers over RS485, so I suspect that this a strategic decision (at this time) to sell their readers, which could easily change.

With UL294, it would be interesting to check if the hardware has been designed to comply, I suspect it does, but until they test the markets and the required features, they won't put the unit through UL.

Looks like a smart move by both parties to try and enter the low to mid market.

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UE
Undisclosed End User #11
Sep 06, 2017

There are always going to be those people that go to the lowest priced option they can find. Amazon is full of single door controller with strike/mag locks for sub $200.  There will be that guy that runs an RV or boat storage place that wants to put a reader on a gate. (we have done some of those, and most of our systems are overkill for it).  I can't imagine these systems being a threat to a mid tier or enterprise customer.

They will be disruptive though, and perhaps force the larger AC companies to re think things.  Hik and Dahua essentially 'forced' Axis to come out with their companion product line (which I like), so maybe they will force S2 to come out with a lower end line (like their quatro, but with better pricing)..

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U
Undisclosed #12
Sep 06, 2017

Now, security and backdoor issues are more important.

If someone hacked your CCTV system, troubling but not eminent security risk....

If someone hacked your access control, they got the key to the castle...... eminent risk and disruptive power....

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U
Undisclosed
Sep 06, 2017

1. why would I want ONVIF support.

2. Note the contactless ))) icon on the reader.  Is that a 125khz reader?  (When I saw this stuff in China a couple of years ago they said they had smartcard support, likely CSN only.)

3. will lack of 297 actually stop it from being deployed?

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #10
Sep 08, 2017

3. will lack of 297 actually stop it from being deployed?

No.  Whether it stays in place or not depends on how active the AHJ or consultant is.  Might be pricey to rip and replace with something that does comply.

Avatar
Brian Rhodes
Sep 08, 2017
IPVMU Certified

1. why would I want ONVIF support.

Right now, not many for Access Control.  However, given that both Dahua and Hikvision access only works with their own management software, selling systems means customers must use proprietary software that only supports one brand. 

This dynamic adds to the difficulty of the sale, especially if an existing VMS or access control platform is already being used.

2. Note the contactless ))) icon on the reader. Is that a 125khz reader? (When I saw this stuff in China a couple of years ago they said they had smartcard support, likely CSN only.)

Both offer EM4100 125 kHz readers. Hikvision is offering a version that supports 13.56 MHz cards (MIFARE).  No word if more than CSN is the aspect supported, but our upcoming tests will check this.

3. will lack of 297 actually stop it from being deployed?

Pragmatically, not supporting UL 294 could be a minor thing in some verticals. However, new construction, high-security, and bidded access projects often require it, per bid specification.  Not holding the certification here will exclude both of these companies from meeting those bid specs.

(1)
Avatar
Roman Roxer
Sep 11, 2017
IPVMU Certified

I have experience with several access control systems and I was testing Dahua system more than 2 years ago. So information that they enter this market is little bit old.

Regarding Dahua access control system I must say that it has really limited functionality comparing to ZK or Avigilon. Really basic functions. This might be good for integrator who are just starting to entering this business since it is really easy to setup, deploy. Of course if some one requires more options and advance functionality I would rather choose different brand.

JH
John Honovich
Sep 11, 2017
IPVM

So information that they enter this market is little bit old.

Roman, I believe you are from Eastern Europe where Dahua and Hikvision have a tendency to release products earlier than Western Europe and North America, ergo our coverage now.

Avatar
Roman Roxer
Sep 13, 2017
IPVMU Certified

Hi John yes I am from Eastern Europe but the products were official introduced on IFSEC 2014 in London by Dahua, Hikvision I think it was 2015

JH
John Honovich
Sep 13, 2017
IPVM

Roman,

Hikvision's own official European website announced access control launch on May 10, 2017, see release.

I don't doubt Hikvision showed access control at other dates at IFSEC and other places. For example, Hikvision showed access control products at ISC West 2017 5 months ago and Hikvision still has not officially announced it [in North America].