Readers should note that Value Express is a North American model line name. We believe, but cannot confirm without examining components, that these are models sold as HiLook or HiWatch elsewhere in the world.
For example, the ECI-T22F turret in North America is very similar in appearance and specs to the IPC-T220 turret, called HiLook in Europe and HiWatch in the UK. And in some other areas, we've seen similar models in the DS-2CD1XXXG0-I series.
I know LTS is HIK OEM that’s why I said HIK USA. I’ve had conversations with Hikvision about this. They were starting to lose deals so this was a major reason for the line. Along with have something on the shelf for the ADI guy who always runs to the branch.
Steve, so is LTS selling the lower quality equivalent of this? I am trying to understand why dealers would be open to saving money at the expense of such a noticeable decrease in quality.
Related, what we have heard for at least HiLook and HiWatch is that the lower cost offerings are more aimed at the South China companies (e.g., Longse, etc.).
Hikvision and Dahua are looking to utilize the market to its’ fullest with HiLook and EasyIP, mostly targeting local brands that white-label from the smaller Chinese manufacturers. They compete against each other, and against themselves, constantly forcing their distributors to increase volumes by reducing sale price (and margin).
We don’t regularly import anything these days, but we do see our suppliers struggle on a daily basis with unethical, dishonest and manipulative treatment from their Chinese partners, and feel quite sorry for them.
I did a little digging and there are two HiLook/HiWatch turret models shown on some sites internationally. The ECI-T22F we tested looks identical to the HWI-T220, while the updated version with H.265 is HWI-T220H on the European site. Other specs between the two look similar.
It is my understanding the North American specific part numbers will combat the sales of imported units flooding the US market. These North American unit cant, or shouldn't be able to be sourced in China, then sold in the US market at ridiculous prices. This should deter white or brown box units that turn to Mandarin when updated and not supported by Hik USA.
I think its a good move but was needed years ago, if indeed this was the strategy for this line. Its disappointing that a 2325 equivalent or better didnt kick off the North American series/naming scheme.
Jumping in a bit late here but I just spec'ed some Value Express domes for a project and forgot that one of the locations will face an exterior window, requiring some decent WDR performance. I saw this report and thought I might have to substitute some other cameras for that spot, but discovered that Hikvision's 4MP Value Express cameras actually have true "120dB" WDR. The 2MP cameras do not.