Hikvision Most Polarizing Favorability Results 2017

By: IPVM Team, Published on Jan 05, 2017

Pro or con, integrators have an opinion on Hikvision.

Hikvision scored, by far, the lowest neutral levels on IPVM's favorability results, engendering both significant support and opposition.

In this note, we examine the numbers and numerous integrator comments explaining their positions.

*** ** ***, *********** have ** ******* ** Hikvision.

********* ******, ** ***, the ****** ******* ****** on ****'* ************ *******, engendering **** *********** ******* and **********.

** **** ****, ** examine *** ******* *** numerous ********** ******** ********** their *********.

[***************]

Statistics ********

*** ******* ************ ******** had * ******* ***** of ~**% *** **** than **% **** ******* ***** Hikvision. ** *** **** side, ********* ****** ********** above ******* ******** *******, but *** *** ****** worst ******** *****:

*****, ** ****** *** top ******* *********** ******** for ***** ******** ** negative ********* ** *********. 

Attractive Pricing / *****

********* ** ********* ***** for ***** *** ******, and *********** ***** ***** the ***** / ***** they ******** ** * *** positive:

  • "********** ****** *** * great *****"
  • "**** ***** ** ***** of *****/*******"
  • "**** ** ***** **** the *****/*********** *****."
  • "**% **** ***, ** wait ***'* **** ** 20% *** *****."
  • "*** ** ******* *** the ***** ************* ** improve *** ***** *****. Hik *** ******** ****** me ****** *********** **** the *** *** ****** DIY **** *********."
  • "********* *** ****** *** a **** ***** *****."
  • "********** ********, **** *******."
  • "********** ******* *** ***** support ** ******."
  • "**** *********."
  • "********* *****, *** *********** is **** ***** ** good ** *** ***** high-end *****. *** ****** how ***** ***-****** ******* are ******** *** ******** side ** *** ******."
  • "**** ****** ******* *** the *****. *.***+ ***** well."

*******

**** ******** **** ******** responses ************ ********* ********** of *******. ** ******** to ***** *****, ****** include:

  • "******* **** *** * lower ***** *****."
  • "*****, **** *******, ******** warranty."
  • "****** ******* ******* *** VMS. ***** *** ******* jobs **** ***'* *** for *****/****."
  • "***** **** **, **** Quality, **** ***** *******."
  • "**** ******* *******, *** rate ** *******, *** the ******** * **** in * ***** *** customer *****. ***** ** really **** ** **** Axis **** ***** **** around. ******** ******* ****** i've *** **** *** and ******* *******."
  • "**** *** ** **** on ******* ** ***** cameras. ***** ***** ** easy ** *** *********. I **** **** ** use **** ** ***** or ********** *** *** manufacturing *** ***** ******* I ****. **** ******* is ****** **** ** well."
  • "**** ***** ** ***** of *****/******* **** ********* Product ** ****** *** most ********."

Proponents *** ********* ***** ********* *** *****

**** ***-********* *********** *** ***** ** *********'* ******* ********** ******, *** **** ******** specifically ******* **** ** an **** ** *******, but ******* ** *** not ****** ** ****** them:

  • "*** ******* ***'* ***** is * *** ********** but *** ****** *** me ** ****** ******... at ***** *** ***."
  • "******* *** **** **** Hikvision ** ********* ***** by *** ******* ***, we **** **** ****, top ** ******, *** best **** ** ******** available ** ****** *** price, *** **** *** surely * ***** ***** as ****."
  • "*'* *** * **** fan ** *** ******* government *********** ** *** company, *** **'* *** a ***********."

*** **********, ** **********, has * ******* ********* ***** tactic:

*** ******* ********** ********* is ** ********* ***** to ******* ** *********, and ** ** ******* to *** ********, *** actually ** ****** ***********. 

Opponents ********** ********* ** ********** *********

** ********, ******* ********** ownership *** *** *** concern *** *********** **** a ******** ********:

  • "******* ********** ********* ** don't *** ** ***."
  • "********* *** ******* ** that **'* ******* ** government ********* ** ** economic ****** ** ********* China"
  • "******* ********* ** ******* Government"
  • "** ** *** ******* Hikvision *** ** *** relationship **** *** ******* government."
  • "******** **** ********** ********** equipment ******* ** * company ***** ** * government **** **'** *** but ** **** ***** warfare ****."
  • "******? ******* ************ *********"
  • "* ***'* **** **** they *** * ******* government *******. ** ***** a ******** **** *** American *********."
  • "**** ******** *** ***** communist ********** ********* ** it ******** *********** ********* concerns **** *** *** in *** ******. *** concerns **** **** ********** ownership ** **** *** lack ** ************ *** profits (** **** ****** back ******* *****-******* ****** loans) **** **** ******* an ****** *********, *** allows ** ** ** used ** * **** of *** ********** ** get ***** ******* *** over *** *****."
  • "***** ** ******* **********. Need * *** ****? We'll ***** *** ****."
  • "* **** **** **** are ******* ***** *** I ** *** ***** them."

Cyber ******** ********

***** ******** *** ****** a ***** *****, *** Hikvision *** *** ******** vulnerabilities, ** ***** ******** by******** ************* ********, ******* *********** ********** or **********.  

  • "******** ******* ****"
  • "***** ****, ******** *****"
  • "********, ********, ********. *** can ** ******* * security ******** **** ******** that *** *** ******?? They **** **** ****** products, *** ** ****** accept ***** ********** ********* security."
  • "******** **** ********** ********** equipment ******* ** * company ***** ** * government **** **'** *** but ** **** ***** warfare ****."
  • "*** **** *** ******. Would ***** **** ** recommend. ***** ******** ** right *** *** ****** here."
  • "******** *****."

Destroying *** ********

****-********* ********* **** **** low ****** *** *** always **** ** * benefit, **** *********** **** that ********* ** *********** or ********* **** ***** pricing *******.

  • "**** **** ***** **** are ********** *** ************ industry **** ***** ******** and **********."
  • "******* ** *** ********. Race ** ****** ************."
  • "*** ******** *** ****** obvious. ********* *******. **** to *** ******."
  • "** ******* **** *** unfair ***** ********* **** employ *** ******** ** the ******** ** * whole."
  • "**** *** ******* *** market **** *** *** prices."
  • "*** ******** ***** ****** is **** *** **** for *** ******** ** a *****." 

*******

***** ********* ** *** Favorability ***** ***** **** challenges **** *** *********** be *****: ******* ********, lack ** **********, ******** **** prices, ***. *********'* ******* challenge - ********** ********* - ** ************* ******.

** *** **** ****, the ***** ******* ************ ratings ******* **** ********* has *** **** * significant ******* ** *********** with *** *********** ** low ****** *** ******* quality. *** ********* ** growing ***** ****** ******** will ** *** **** can **** / ******** the ********* *** ************* concerns.

Comments (9)

Avatar

Jon Dillabaugh

Pro Focus LLC | 01/05/17 01:10pm

If Hikvision were to ever fall behind on features, performance, or reliability, they would be dead quickly. This is due to the government ownership, that already makes them a no-go for many. If they have any major missteps in the future, it could be much more damaging for them, due to the government factor.

They already aren't the cheapest, and by far. Their Value Series is an affordable line for sure, but their Smart Series is world class and on par pricing wise, if not just a tad below the competition. They include more features for the dollar than many other brands. 

The only other real, end to end, top to bottom competition is Axis and Avigilon. No one else is on their level. Avigilon is surely the best in class today, but Hikvision is a VMS away from closing that gap. 

John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Jon Dillabaugh | 01/05/17 02:43pm

They already aren't the cheapest, and by far.

That is because you are comparing them against companies that have multiple of the following: no local 'factory' sales people, no local support, no local field engineers, poor brand, no parties, no free trips to China, etc. These things count for many, if not most, dealers. Otherwise everyone would just use Longse and call it a day.

their Smart Series is world class and on par pricing wise, if not just a tad below the competition.

Which competition? Dysfunctional Dahua or no presence Uniview? How about vs Axis, Avigilon, Sony, etc.? How does that pricing compare?

Avatar

Jon Dillabaugh

Pro Focus LLC | In reply to John Honovich | 01/05/17 05:02pm

Which competition? Dysfunctional Dahua or no presence Uniview? How about vs Axis, Avigilon, Sony, etc.? How does that pricing compare?

I was referring to Axis and Avigilon. Hikvisions top line series are probably just a little less cost wise, but equal quality wise. 

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to Jon Dillabaugh | 01/05/17 07:37pm

I'd disagree on this. 

Look at Hik's top 1080p dome, which is 1/2", Darkfighter, and integrated IR, the DS-2CD4526FWD-IZH. It's under $600 online. 

Avigilon is $1000 MSRP for a 2MP IR dome, or $1200 for 5MP which is actually a larger, more sensitive imager. Axis' 1/2" outdoor dome, the Q3615-VE, is almost $1200, and doesn't include IR. Both are clearly much more expensive.

Also look at 1080p PTZs. Hikvision's new 2MP smart series is ~$1500-1600 online. The Axis equivalent (Q6155-E) is almost $3000. I don't know what Avigilon's H4 PTZ pricing is like, but MSRP on their H3 2MP model was $3500. 

Michael Miller

In reply to Ethan Ace | 01/05/17 10:18pm

Avigilon's H4 PTZ camera is $2660 and now has analytics and Lightcatcher.

MSRP for the Hikvision camera is way higher then Avigilon.  Also, cost for the Hikvision 1080P is the same as the Avigilon 1080P camera.  Higher end Hikvision is priced the same at most other manufacturers higher end gear. 

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Michael Miller | 01/06/17 05:41am

Also, cost for the Hikvision 1080P is the same as the Avigilon 1080P camera.

So under $1500 for the Avigilon and selling for $2,660?  That's old school margin :)

Johnny Breninger

01/05/17 01:40pm

There are two state-owned enterprises that own 42% of the company, with other people and venture capital investors owning the rest, including private equity in Hong Kong. Then in the open stock market there are shareholders all over the place. Some of the shareholders are foreign investors, as well.

Equating a company partially owned by SOEs with the government itself is simply incorrect and misleading.

Have you ever heard of corporations created by the United States Congress called GSE's (Government Sponsored Enterprises); e.g, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Sallie Mae, FC Banks, Farmer Mac, etc....?

Avatar

Brian Karas

IPVM | In reply to Johnny Breninger | 01/05/17 02:20pm

Johnny -

Thanks for your first comment on IPVM. Regarding Hikvision's government ownership, you have certainly summarized Hikvision's position well.

However, their position is incorrect and misleading. Our research shows this:

 

Undisclosed Integrator #1

In reply to Johnny Breninger | 01/06/17 03:28am

Do Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Sallie Mae, FC Banks, Farmer Mac, etc compete with foreign companies on their home turf?  Hikvision is subsidized by their government not to make them competitive in China but rather with the goal of spreading their tentacles here.

Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.

Related Reports

Hikvision Favorability Results 2019 on Mar 18, 2019
Hikvision favorability results declined significantly in IPVM's 2019 study of 200+ integrators. While in 2017 Hikvision's favorability was...
Uniview / UNV Favorability Results 2019 on Feb 12, 2019
Uniview / UNV, the self-proclaimed #3 China manufacturer, while starting late, has been working to make inroads internationally. In IPVM's 2019...
Dahua Favorability Results 2019 on Apr 01, 2019
Dahua favorability declined, in IPVM's 2019 integrator favorability series, driven by their backdoors, resulting in mass hacking and US government...
Axis Favorability Results 2019 on Feb 26, 2019
Despite more product shortages, but strengthened by increasing cybersecurity and China concerns, Axis' favorability, amongst 200+ integrators in...
ADI 'SAVE BIG' On FLIR And Hikvision Examined on Feb 20, 2019
One is a major US defense supplier. The other is owned by the Chinese government. But you can "SAVE BIG" on both at ADI. In this note, we...
Top Hikvision Proponent Nelly's "GoSwift" Elsewhere on May 03, 2019
Sean Nelson [link no longer available] of Nelly's Security has made a name for himself and his company as a proponent of Hikvision, such as this...
China / US Trade War Impact Splits Industry on Jun 04, 2019
As the trade war continues to heat up, 170+ integrators told us "What impact will the US / PRC China conflict have on the industry?" Respondents...
US Government Ban of Dahua, Hikvision, Huawei Takes Effect Now on Aug 13, 2019
The 'prohibition on use or procurement' of Dahua, Hikvision and Huawei products and 'essential components' take effect today, August 13, 2019, one...
Hikvision USA Fights LTS on Nov 04, 2019
Hikvision's USA subsidiary is fighting with LTS, having recently quietly dropped LTS as an authorized distributor amidst ongoing face-offs between...
Top Manufacturers Gaining and Losing 2019 on Nov 18, 2019
2019 has been an explosive year for video surveillance, with the world's two largest manufacturers, Dahua and Hikvision, being sanctioned for human...

Most Recent Industry Reports

'Severe Impact' Mercury Security 2020 Leap Year Firmware Issue on Jan 17, 2020
One of the largest access controller manufacturers has a big problem: February 29th. Mercury Security, owned by HID, is alerting partners of the...
Apple Acquires XNOR.ai, Loss For The Industry on Jan 16, 2020
Apple has acquired XNOR.ai for $200 million, reports GeekWire. This is a loss for the video surveillance industry. XNOR.ai stunned the industry...
Installation Course January 2020 - Last Chance on Jan 16, 2020
Thursday, January 16th is your last chance to register for the Winter 2020 Video Surveillance Installation Course. This is a unique installation...
Halo Smart Vape Detector Tested on Jan 16, 2020
The Halo Smart Sensor claims to detect vaping, including popular brand Juul and even THC vapes. But how well does it work in real world...
PRC Government Entity Now Controlling Shareholder of Infinova / March Networks on Jan 16, 2020
A PRC government entity is now the controlling shareholder of US security manufacturer Infinova as well as its wholly-owned subsidiary March...
Network Cabling for Video Surveillance on Jan 15, 2020
In this guide, we explain the fundamentals of network cabling for video surveillance networks, how they should be installed, and the differences in...
ONVIF Trashed Statement, Confirms Dahua and Hikvision Still Suspended on Jan 15, 2020
ONVIF has 'trashed' the suspension statement for Dahua, Hikvision, Huawei, etc. but confirms to IPVM that those companies are all still...
Wyze Smart Door Lock Test on Jan 14, 2020
Wyze's inexpensive cameras have grabbed the attention of many in the consumer market, but can the company's new smart lock get similar...
Wesco Wins Anixter on Jan 13, 2020
Despite Anixter earlier arguing that Wesco's bid was inferior to CD&R's by nearly 10%, Anixter confirmed that they are taking Wesco's 3.1%...
Anixter Resisting Takeover From Competitor, Bidding War Emerges, Wesco Wins on Jan 13, 2020
Mega distributor Anixter is going to be acquired but by whom? Initially, Anixter planned to go private, being bought by a private equity firm....

What IPVM Is

The world's leading authority on video surveillance, with 200,000+ visits monthly.

  • Articles on cameras, video analytics, VMS, and trends
  • Tests showing actual performance and problems
  • Courses in surveillance, access control, etc
  • Camera Calculator for designing systems

Dedicated To Independence

We're dedicated to staying independent and objective. We're the only industry source to refuse any and all advertisements, sponsorship, and consulting from manufacturers. Why?