Vivotek Favorability Report 2019

Published Jan 29, 2019 14:18 PM

Taiwanese video surveillance manufacturers, even relatively large ones like Vivotek, have lost ground in the PRC-China-driven race to the bottom. With market dynamics shifting, how would this impact Vivotek?

Vivotek favorability results improved only modestly from 2017 and are barely net positive, as shown in the graphic below:

fav vivotek 2019

In this note, we share 100 comments from 200+ integrators and examine how they felt about Vivotek and why. Comments fell into 8 themes ordered from most prevalent to least prevalent, as shown below:

  • Not impressed / cheap / poor quality
  • Good product / value
  • Dated / dying (despite good fisheye) / marketing is bad
  • Product just ok
  • Not as good as others
  • Overpriced
  • Poor choice for commercial
  • Outlook

*******'* **** *** ************ *** +*, climbing **** **** **** ** *** -1. *******, *** ******* ***** ** integrators, ****** */****, ***** **** ******* about *** *******. ****** *** **** they ****'* *** *** ****'* **** much ***** ******* **** ** ****** half ** *** ******** ********. * comparison ** ****'* ** ****'* ******* is *****:

fav vivotek

Not ********* / ***** / **** *******

*** ***** **** *** **** ********* with **% ** *** ******** ******** was **** ****** **** *** ********* with **** ******* *** ** ***** or **** *** ******** **** ***** and ** **** *******:

  • "** ********* * ******* ** ***** cameras **** *** ***** *** *****'* impressed."
  • "**** ** ******** ******* ******* ********. The *** **** * ******* **** their ******* * *** ************. *** promised * ****** **** ***** **** license ****** ** **** ******** ********** and **** ***. *** ****** ****'* perform ** **********."
  • "**** ***-**** ****** ******* **** * ton ** ********* ***** *** *** a ****** ** **** ** ******* in ** **** ** ******** ** pursue. ** *** **** ** *** small ****** ******* *** *********, ********** and *** ******* *********. **** ******* image *** **** ** ***-******* ******* and **********."
  • "*** *** ***** **** **** ** their ***** *****, ***** ********* ***** and ***** *****. * ***'* ***** it ** ********** ******."
  • "**** *******."
  • "**** **** ** ***** *****."
  • "*** *** **** *** *** ***** cameras ********. ** ***** **** ** the ****** **** * **** **** but **** *** *** **** ** position *** **** ****** ** *****."
  • "* *** **** ********** **** **-*******, and * ****'* **** **: **** and *** * ****-******** *********, *** very ********."
  • "***-***** *******."
  • "*******."
  • "***'* **** *** ***** ********."
  • "*** *** **** *** *** ***."
  • "**** *********** ******."
  • "**** *** **** ***** *******. * saw **** ******* ** ******* ** a ******** **** *** **** **** very ***** *** *** *** *** and ***** ***'* ** **** (******* to ***** ***** ** ******** ** indicate ******). ******** ** ** * retail *********** *** ****** **** ** cheesy ** * ****-*** ***** *****."
  • "** ***** **** *** ***** ******* is **** ***. ** **** ***** a *** ***** ***** *** ******* PTZ ***** *** ** ** **** back *** ****** ** ********."
  • "*** ***** **********."
  • "**** ***. ******* ******** ********."
  • "***'* **** ***** ******** *********."
  • "**** *** **** *********** ****** **** Vivotek *******. *** ******** ** *** great."
  • "*** ******."
  • "**** *****, *** **** *** *** job ****."
  • "*** ****** ** *** **** ***** professional ****** ******** ** **** ****** suitable *********."
  • "* ** *** **** *** ******** interface."
  • "*****, **** ****. *****."
  • "**** ******* ***** *** **** ******* products."

Good ******* / *****

**** ** **** **** ***** *** thought ******* *** * **** ******* that ******** * **** *****. **** commented ************ ** *******'* **** ******* or * ********** *****, ***** ****** specified ******* **** *****, **** * particular ***-****** ****** ** *******'* ******* cameras:

  • "***** ***** ** *** ******* **** - **** ******* - *** ******* is **** ** ******** *** ** a *** ** *****."
  • "**** ******* ****."
  • "******* **** **** **** *** *****. Only ******** * **** ***, **** from *** *** ******* *** *** IR's ** **** ** ***** ********. Other **** **** * **** **** a *** ** *******."
  • "**** *********, ********."
  • "**** **** **** *** ****** ***** but *** ***** ******* *** ***********. Seems *********."
  • "**** ***** ********. **** ***** *** deg *******. ************, ******-** ***** * think ** **** ** *******."
  • "***** ******* *** *******. ****** *** cost *** *** *** **** *** pay ***."
  • "***** ******* *** *******."
  • "**** ******** *** *******."
  • "****: **** ***** ** *******."
  • "**** *******."
  • "******* ******** ** * **** ***** point."
  • "***** *** ******** ***** ** ** favorable."
  • "**** ******** ***** ******** *******. ** do *** **** **** ****** ** failures **** **** ** ***."
  • "******* ***** **** *** ** *** better ***** *************, *******/******* ******* ** be **."
  • "**** ***** * ******** ********."
  • "**** ******* *** *** *****."
  • "******* *** * ******** ******** ** work ****. ******* **** **** ******* line *******."

Dated / ***** (******* **** *******) / ********* ** ***

**** ** **** ** ******* ******* provided * **** ***** ******* *** company *** *** *** ******** **** dated, ** **** *** ******* *** dying *** / ******** ** ****** due ** * **** ** *********, with * ****** ** ****** ****** even *** **** ******* ******'* ******* has ***** *** **** **:

  • "* ***** **** **** **** ***** came **** *** ****** **** ***** 360 ******* ******. *******, * **** them **** ****. *** **** **** first *******, *** *** ********** ******* by ******** **** **** *** **** they ***, *** **** ******."
  • "**** ** ** **** ******** ***** Vivo, **** ******-*** ******** *** *********** camera *******, ** ******** ***. ****** though, *** ****** *** ******* **** used ** **** *** ** ****** much ******* ***** **** ***** **** some ***-****** ******* **** *** *****."
  • "** ** ******* ** *** *** reputation *** ***** ** **** **** new *****."
  • "** *****'* **** **** ** *** Vivotek ******** ** ***** * *****. Haven't ****** ******** **** ******* *** our ********** ** **** **** **** somewhat ****** ** *** *******."
  • "******* ***** **** ******** ***'* ** around *** **** ******."
  • "**** ***** ***** ** *** **, but ****** *** *** ****** ** the *******."
  • "**** ***** **** *** * **** RSM, *** **** ** ********* ** our ****. * **** **** **** alright ******* *** *'* *** ***** to ******* **** * ***** ************."
  • "**** *******, ********* ***** ***********."
  • "**** *** ********* *** ******* ** several *****. **** *****'* **** ** have *** ****** *********** ****."
  • "** *** **** * *** ***** since **'** ****** **** *******. *** quality ** ***** *** ******** *** very **** ** *** ****. ** have *** *** ** ******** ** trying **** *** *****."
  • "**** *** **** ** * ***** now, *** ** **** ********** *** not ****."
  • "***** * ***** *** **** **** great. **** ******** *** *******. **** tried **** ***** *******, *** ****'* impressed **** ****** *******. **** *** quirks **** ****** ******."
  • "* **** ***** ** **** *** know ****** ** ******* ***** ****."
  • "* *** **** *** *********** ***** ago *** ** *** *** **** anymore."
  • "*** **** *** ******, *** **** we ****, *** ******* *** ***-*** at ****."
  • "******* ******** ****** *********. **** *********."
  • "*** **** ********** ** *** **** few *****, ** **** *** ****** nobody ****. ** *** ****, * was ***** ************ **** ***** **********. We ***** ** ****** ***** ******** many ***** ***."
  • "*** ****** ***** ******* *** * long **** ***, ** ** ***** idea ** ***** ********* ***** *** last **** (**** **** * ***** ago)."

Product **** **

** *********** **** **** ***** *** product *** *** ********** *****, ** really *** *** ******** ** ** overly ******** *****. **** ****, ** was ******** **** *** ********* **** likely *** ******* ** **** ***** or *****, ****** *** ********* *** a ****** *************, ***** **** ****** it ** ***** **** **** **** not *** ******* **** ** ** all *****. * ***** ****** **** that ***** *** ************ *** ****** good *********, ***** *** * ******* or ******* "***" **** *** ** the *** ** ********:

  • "* **** ***** ********, ***** ******** is **** (*** **** ****, ** AI, ** *** ******** ***** * years ***). ***** ******** ** **** durable *** *** ******** ** ***** cameras ** **** **** **** ** do, *** * ****** ***** ** these ***** **** ** ******** *** accomplished. ***** ******** ** **** ****. I ******* ***** **** *******, ** is ****** ********** ** *********. ** confidence ** ***. ** ******* ********** this ***** *** ** **** ******. Frankly, * ****."
  • "**** **** **** *** *** ** much ****** *** **** **** * lot ** *** ******** ** ***** and ** ** *** **** ** their ********* **** **** **** *** VMS ************. ***** **** * ****** look ** ***** **** ****** ************ to *** ** ** *** *** them ****."
  • "********* ********, ***** ***********, **** ***** and *****, ***-***** *****, ***** **** support *** ** *** **** **** is *** **** *** *** ***** a ******* **** ***'* **** *** back **** **** ******* **."
  • "*******-**** ** *** *** ***, *** price ************ ** *** **** ********** anymore ** ** ******."
  • "** ***'* *** * *** ** their ********, *** **** ** **** they **** ****** **** *******."
  • "****'** **."
  • "** ******* - *** **** **** used * ****** ** *****."
  • "**. **** ** ***** *** **** what *'** ****. * ****** ******** that **** *** ******* *** ***** cameras."
  • "*** * *** ********** ****** *** the *****, ***** ** *** ***** and **** *****-**** ********."
  • "*** **** *********** *** **** ** service ******* ******* **** ** **** over ** * ****. **** *** okay. ******* *****, ****** ********* ** work ****."
  • "**** ****** * *****, ** *** trust ****** ** *****. *** * lot ** ***** *** ********. **** more ** *** & *** ******."
  • "** *****."
  • "**'* **, ****'** ************* ******."
  • "******* ** * **** *******. **** their ******* ***** ** ******* **** make ** *** ** *******. ****** have *** * **** ************ **** this *****."
  • "******** *** **** ** *** ***-*********** brands *********. ** ***'* **** ** that ******, *** * ******'* *** away **** ******* *** ***** ***********."
  • "**** *******, **** ******* *** ******** and ******* ******* **** ** **** limited. ***** **** **** **** *********** to ****** ** ***** *****."
  • "***** ******** ***** ** ****, *** their ******** *****."

Not ** **** ** ******

**** ** **** *** *** ******* that ***** ******* ***** ** ****, it *** *** ******* *** ***** that ***** ************* ***, **** **** naming ****, *****, ******, *** ********* as ****** ************:

  • "******* ****, *** ****** *****'* ******* as **** ** **** ** ******."
  • "***** ******* ******* ** ****, *** Vivotek ** * ******-**** *******. ****'** just *** ** *** ***** ** Axis *** ****** ** ***** ** picture *******, *** ****'** ***** ****** good. ****, **** **** * ****** of ******* ** * ****** ****, small **** ******* ***** ************** **** from **** ***** ************* *** *****."
  • "**** ***** *** *** *****. **** to *** **** **** ****** ********* took **** *** *****/*********** *****."
  • "** ** * ****** ******* *** we ***** ** *********** ** ****** for *** ***- ***-**** *******."
  • "*** **** ***** ****** *********** *** to ***** **** *********."
  • "**** **** **** *** * ***** but ********* **** **** **** **** better ******* *****."
  • "* **** **** *** ************* **** cannot ******* ******* ********* **** ****, Hanwha, *****."
  • "* **** **** * *** ** Vivotek ** *** **** *** ***** Hikvision *** **** ******* *** ***** products, ******* *****'* **** * ******."
  • "******* ****** *** ** ****** **** the *********** *******."

**********

******* **** **** **** ** *** product ****** ** *** *** **** it *** ******** ** **, ** was *** ********* *** **** *** integrator ***, ***** *** * ***- to ***-**** ******* *** * ******* price:

  • "** ******* ** *** **** ** Vivotek *******, ** *******, **** *******, good ******* **** ** *** ******* don't **** ** **** ***** *** good ******* **** ** ****** * MP *******, * ***** ******* ** no **** *********** ******* *** **** and ********. *** ***** ** ******, therefore, ** **** **** ******** *** replace ******* **** *****."
  • "** **** *** ******* ******* **** one ****** ****** ** ****. *******, at ** ******** *******, ** **** plenty ** ******* ********. * *** no ********** ** *** *******, ***** than *** **** ** *** ******* seem ** ** **** ******** ** Axis & ******, *** ** ** not ******* ******* ** ** *** same ******* ** ****."
  • "**** ** ***** ******** **** **** construction ** * *** ****. **** a *** **********."
  • "***-**** ******* **** * ***-**** ***** manufacturer."
  • "********* *** **** ** **."
  • "***** **** **** *******, *** **** don't **** ** ******* **** *** wholesalers *******, *** *** ******* *****'* seem ** ** ** **** **** competitors."

Poor ****** *** **********

**** * *** ***** **** *** manufacturer *** *** * **** ****** for **********, ****** **** ** *** really **** **** * ***********-***** *******:

  • "***** **** * **** ****** *** home/residential, *** *** *** **********."
  • "**** **** ** **** * **** product *** **** **** *** ********** for * ********/*** ****** ** *** enterprise/government ***** *** ** ***'* *** any ****** *** ****."
  • "**** ***-****** *******."
  • "***** ***** *********. *** * '************' grade ****** *********** ***** *******."

*******

***** ******** ************* *** ********* ********** may **** *******, ** *** ******* is ***** ** **** ****** ** a ********** ********** ********, **** *** going ** **** ****** ************* **** in ********, *****, *** *********. ******* they *** ******* ** **** ** do ** ******* ** ** ****.

Comments (29)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Jan 29, 2019

We've used Vivotek on several gov't projects and they have less failure rates then Axis or Bosch.  Repeat orders keep coming in.

Agree, overpriced for some models.

Agree, their GUI is terrible.

Always said the Taiwanese refuse to market which is terrible strategy.  Vivotek has/does OEM for other big brand names (most likely for the ignorant idiot who says 
Cheap, poor Iris. Asian") (what a small minded racist POS).  So they do have some money to market for sure, its just a mentality they have preferring to let the product speak for itself.

Their 180s/360s single/multi sensor are still the best, and same or better pricing then Axis/Hanwha or other competitors.

They also have excellent integration with Genetec and Milestone.

Totally agree and unfortunate that they can't/won't be a major player unless they market.  And they won't.

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Avatar
Gerald Becker
Jan 29, 2019
Quanergy Solutions

I have been a fan of these guys for some time now. I have deployed their cameras several times and would have to agree that their 360's & 180's are at the top of the game. I never seemed to have issues when trying to integrate Vivo's cameras to any 3rd party VMS. When in a pinch their support handled themselves very well here in California. I was really impressed with their daisy chain POE camera a few years back.

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LP
Lawrence Peters
Jan 29, 2019

We have used these cameras in some projects and they have done well for the most part.  The motion detection settings are a bit finicky.  Have had some issues with the outdoor domes having issues and needing to be replaced.  I have used them as an alternative to Axis cameras.  I am hoping to sell my first all-Vivotek system soon.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Jan 29, 2019

A little annoying that they use ActiveX for their cameras.

Is this true of even currently shipping models?  If so... I have to question if they are just clinging on to life.

(1)
JH
John Honovich
Jan 29, 2019
IPVM

If so... I have to question if they are just clinging on to life.

ActiveX remains a widespread problem of camera manufacturers. Shorter to list who is not using ActiveX... Broken Browser Support for Video Surveillance

To be clear, not defending Vivotek, just pointing out how bad this industry is overall when it comes to ActiveX control and other software issues.

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AL
Albert Lin
Jan 30, 2019

Hi Integrator #2,

Almost all of VIVOTEK current camera models do support browsers without ActiveX. Although ActiveX is needed in IE by default, users can use Chrome and Firefox to access cameras without installing ActiveX plugin. Here is the snapshot.

Chrome Support

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Jan 30, 2019

Thank you David.  This would be a concern if there were no alternatives other than ActiveX.  While ActiveX should have disappeared completely long ago I would be much more concerned if there was no option (even if MJPEG) and had to use IE.  IMO ActiveX should not even be an option any longer on currently shipping models.  Keeping ActiveX alives is just encouraging integrators to continue "business as usual" with insecure, outdated browsers.

AL
Albert Lin
Jan 31, 2019

Thank you for the valuable feedback, Integrator #2. We will continue to improve the support of non-ActiveX features. At this moment, our constraints of development mainly come from the compatibility and feature sets of each browser itself, which somehow explains that most of the camera brands fail to deliver good browser support in IPVM's testing. We believe with the progress of browser development, VIVOTEK soon will deliver better user experience and safer cybersecurity environment for surveillance industry. 

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JV
James Vass
Jan 30, 2019

I installed a IB8382-T bullet about 4 months ago and it didn't require active X

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JV
James Vass
Feb 17, 2020

already replied to this, sorry

Avatar
Guilherme Barandas
Jan 30, 2019

Nós distribuímos Vivotek, Hanwha e Panasonic.
RMA muito baixa, produtos de excelente qualidade, acho que os comentários negativos são de integradores que não conhecem o fabricante. Fabricante na minha opinião, que tem pontos muito positivos, temos cidades com mais de 80 Speed ​​Domes, instaladas há mais de 7 anos, sem uma única RMA. Além das câmeras SC 8131 e LPR KPC, nenhum fabricante possui câmeras tão boas para essas situações, e seus olhos de peixe são os melhores do mercado. Concordo que o MKT não é bom, e que sua presença poderia ser muito maior, além de ter mais certificações de seus produtos para os integradores.

And it is a reliable manufacturer, they are serious.

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JH
Jay Hobdy
Jan 30, 2019
IPVMU Certified

FYI This is a Google translation for those that do not speak portuguese 

 

We distribute Vivotek, Hanwha and Panasonic. Very low RMA, excellent quality products, I think the negative comments are from integrators who do not know the manufacturer. Manufacturer in my opinion, which has very positive points, we have cities with more than 80 Speed ​​Domes, installed more than 7 years, without a single RMA. In addition to SC 8131 and LPR KPC cameras, no manufacturer has cameras so good for such situations, and their fish eyes are the best on the market. I agree that MKT is not good, and that its presence could be much greater, besides having more certifications of its products for the integrators.

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Avatar
Ariel Levy
Jan 30, 2019

Their 360 Camera (ie FE9191) is a Fantastic Product. Old school integrators are seldom aware of the benefits of these cameras and I consider these to be a disruptive technology for the entire industry. This particular "Flagship Camera" is highly stable, H.265 w/Smart Codec, built in mic and rock solid. Their ND9441P Linux-based NVR has built a built in PoE Switch that is extremely easy to use, navigate, and configure. Access through their VAST 2 CMS is off to a nice start but still has some quarks that appear to be improving in their quarterly updates, as indicated in their publicly available release notes. I would like to see a better priced H.265 4MP camera, however.

Overall would highly recommend and look forward to their continued development work.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Apr 25, 2019

Ariel 

How many FE9191 can you install on the ND9441P? I need to install 6 cameras with 90 days of continuous retention. 

LP
Lawrence Peters
Apr 25, 2019

Since it only has one lens, You should be able to install all 6 of them on that recorder with room for more cameras.

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Ariel Levy
Apr 25, 2019

You can connect 16 FE9191 to an ND9441P. Since the FE9191s are H.265 you can EASILY accomplish that as the NVR has 4 HDD slots. The Smart Stream III codec is also super smart so you can probably get to 90 days with only 2 6GB drives, but again it depends on what you are recording and how much pixel movement happens in the Frame and/or if you are recording continuously or on motion.

UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #3
Jan 30, 2019

For you guys endorsing the fisheye line of Vivotek cameras, and believe me I am not doubting your sincerity, I would just like to know to what is the comparison being made? Is that in comparison to Axis/Hanwha/Sony/Bosch/BrandX fisheye cameras? Is it better quality of image, same quality of make, or same quality but better price?

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #1
Jan 30, 2019

Axis 360 single sensor has always been underwhelming and way overpriced.

Sony does't make their own.

Bosch I have strong suspicion they don't make their own.

FYI Avigilon doesn't make their own.

hint hint.

Yes, better image quality from the get go, and I mean at least since 2010.  Also superior dewarping.  First to market with IR and better IR then hikvision.

The CC8370HV has also been very useful, we have casinos that love them for entrances and interior long hallways.

Multi sensors, for the most part I do believe are better but they need to up their game to give the lower views like Hanwha and Axis do.

And most important of all the integration with Genetec, Milestone, Exacq is seemless in terms of dewarping, multiple views, streaming, etc.  There is no bs ex configuring to do saving tons of time and frustration.

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UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Jan 31, 2019

If Avigilon doesn’t make their own they need to find another partner to produce it.  The Panasonic fisheye looks infinitely better at nearly the same pixel count.  The same is true of the Axis units.  No focusing or ABF really hurts no matter the price point. The rest of the product line is great.

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Guilherme Barandas
Jan 31, 2019

It is a good fisheye to Panasonic, it has a nice audio feature that can be directed. Everything at Panasonic is very good, you could, doing TVs ha more than 60 years, have to make excellent products. 

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Guilherme Barandas
Jan 30, 2019

https://ipvm.com/reports/fisheye-12-2018

 

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John Bazyk
Jan 30, 2019
Command Corporation • IPVMU Certified

I agree with this report for the most part. Their cameras across the board are hit or miss. However, I do love the CC8370-H. We use this in marijuana dispensaries and pharmacies. They work great for mounting on the wall where the counters are to see what everyone is doing as they fill RX. Anytime you need to be right in someone's face and see what they're doing at eye level along a long table. These are fantastic. 

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Ryan Anderson
Jan 31, 2019

You can't beat their 4MP products for the money. We have deployed thousands of Vivotek and we have had alot of success with their Rep and customer satisfaction.

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JH
John Honovich
Jan 31, 2019
IPVM

In our 4MP shootout, the Hikvision 4MP model beat Vivotek in both price and performance - 4MP Camera Shootout - Axis, Dahua, DW, Hanwha, Hikvision, Uniview, Vivotek

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Ryan Anderson
Jan 31, 2019

We don't sell Hikvision any longer, but good point :)

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Ariel Levy
Apr 25, 2019

John - I read that review when you posted it and I think it was incredibly unfair to Vivotek as you picked their Low-end model that was 2+ years old. Their new models all have a 9 in the product name and also have H.265 with Smart Stream III. Sorry but that 4MP Camera Shootout did not fairly compare apples to apples.

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Ethan Ace
Apr 26, 2019

We checked with Vivotek on models for that shootout and the FD8379-HV was what they suggested at the time. They had some newer 4MP models, but not in the low cost/fixed lens category, and told us that nothing at that time would be a better choice. I don't see any 4MP models on their website starting with 9. There are some new 5MPs with the 9 prefix, but not 4MP.

Also, it's worth noting that the 4MP shootout didn't call the Vivotek bad. It's not. But Hikvision's latest Performance Series 4MP model was the newest camera in the test, seemed to be using updated sensors, and just did better than others in many areas.

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Ariel Levy
Apr 28, 2019

Noted and thanks for providing that back story. I think the intent of the review was fair and unbiased. I was just surprised to see that model as their representative in the shootout.