Hikvision has taken ColorVu a step further by integrating it into various video security products and other technologies. This article explores this new concept, which Hikvision calls “ColorVu + X.”
Hikvision’s ColorVu is a cutting-edge technology that provides full-color images even in challenging lighting conditions. Now, Hikvision has taken ColorVu a step further by integrating it into various video security products and other technologies to better meet end user needs. This article explores this new concept, which Hikvision calls “
ColorVu + X.”
Color capturing in lowlight conditions has always been a challenge. Poor lowlight color capturing can lead to users/investigators missing important details as they try to solve cases or locate suspects. To address this, Hikvision has developed its ColorVu technology, which provides high-resolution, full-color video imaging in light conditions down to 0.0005 lux, allowing users to see exactly what's happening.
Now, Hikvision has added ColorVu to its various video security products and technologies – a concept called “ColorVu + X” – to benefit users in a range of scenarios. “Different security scenarios require different points of view, various angles, and AI capabilities. That's why Hikvision has now combined ColorVu with other technologies for a broad range of security needs and scenarios. As a result, homeowners, business owners, security teams, and ARCs can make smarter decisions, react faster to security events, reduce false alarms, and take their security capabilities to the next level,” said Wenson Zhou, Product Director of International Product and Solution Center at Hikvision.
ColorVu + X entails the following: ColorVu + Panoramic, ColorVu + Varifocal, ColorVu + 4K, ColorVu + Live Guard and ColorVu + Deep Learning. Below we discuss each and see how it benefits users.
ColorVu + Panoramic
Hikvision has released a new range of panoramic cameras that use ColorVu technology to provide vivid and full-color video imaging for a wide field of view at night or other lowlight environments. These cameras include the 8 MP Panoramic ColorVu Fixed Turret Network Camera (model number DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL) and 8 MP Panoramic ColorVu Fixed Bullet Network Camera (model number DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL).
“Hikvision has integrated ColorVu into our industry-leading panoramic cameras, which use the 'image fusion' technologies to stitch together images from two side-by-side lenses for a seamless, 180-degree view. The new panoramic cameras provide reliable 24x7 security in a wide range of expansive indoor and outdoor locations, such as parking lots, parks, scenic areas, farms, stadiums, and traffic intersections,” Zhou said.
ColorVu + Varifocal
Varifocal (zoom) cameras allow users to zoom in on objects to better identify them. The drawback is this process can reduce the amount of light entering the lens, thus hurting the clarity or color of images. ColorVu provides a solution to this challenge.
“Hikvision has added ColorVu technology to varifocal cameras to create 24/7 color imaging in all focal lengths. With 2.8 - 12 mm motorized lenses, ColorVu varifocal cameras will allow users to zoom in on colorful images at night,” Zhou said. “Hikvision’s varifocal cameras with ColorVu are designed with fixed F1.0 large aperture, which guarantees image brightness while the camera zooms in or out.”
ColorVu + 4K
4K cameras capture much clearer and sharper images compared to conventional HD cameras. Adding ColorVu to 4K cameras offers richer and more colorful details regardless lighting conditions.
“4K cameras with ColorVu technology have been available, bringing color imaging to ultra-high-definition levels day and night. With better image quality and richer detail, 4K cameras with ColorVu can be applied across an even wider range of scenarios including stadiums, airports, harbors, and parking lots, where clear and high-resolution images are necessary,” Zhou said.
ColorVu + Live Guard
Hikvision’s Live Guard technology provides an all-in-one solution, whereby cameras are equipped with built-in speakers and strobe lights to deter individuals from committing criminal acts. Adding ColorVu to Live Guard cameras adds another layer of security.
“Live Guard function has been available in our Pro Series with ColorVu. While most security systems can detect intrusions and other security incidents, goods and property can still be lost or damaged before teams can respond. Hikvision tackles this issue by integrating ColorVu technology and Live Guard sound and light alarms into selected camera ranges,” Zhou said. “While ColorVu technology captures detailed video footage of security incidents in high resolution and full color, Live Guard sirens and strobe light alarms let trespassers know they have been detected, deterring them from entering a site or building. Notifications of intrusions and other events can also be sent to homeowners, business owners, or security teams in real time, supporting faster, more effective responses.”
ColorVu + Deep Learning
Needless to say, cameras need intelligence to improve accuracy and reduce false alarms. To this end, Hikvision has AcuSense-powered cameras, which can be combined with ColorVu to make operators’ job easier and more efficient in lowlight/nighttime video security.
“Providing colorful imaging information at night for security teams is the core value of the ColorVu technology. This enables them to easily see more details with color, and respond quickly if incidents happen. In addition, customers can save even more time if they combine cameras with Hikvision AI and Deep Learning technologies – such as AcuSense. This allows security teams to focus on incidents that matter by automatically distinguishing between people, vehicles, and other moving targets such as rain, leaves and animals. Alarms are only triggered when real threats are detected, allowing security teams to respond faster and more effectively,” Zhou said.
Widely used
According to Zhou, cameras with ColorVu have been widely used in both China and overseas markets. “Many small businesses, for example, are using cameras with ColorVu to ensure that their employees, customers and assets are protected, and to record high-resolution and full color video footage as evidence for security breaches. A number of logistics parks and other large facilities are also using cameras with ColorVu for multiple applications, from perimeter protection and security monitoring in warehouses, to controlling vehicle movements and parking on site,” he said.
Broader market acceptance anticipated
Video security in lowlight conditions is an important aspect of security, and therefore Hikvision developed ColorVu, which offers rich, colorful images in challenging lighting conditions. Now, Hikvision has taken this a step further, integrating ColorVu into more of its video security products, resulting in panoramic, varifocal, 4K and other cameras with powerful lowlight color capturing capabilities that benefit a range of users. We can expect ColorVu + X to gain more popularity and market acceptance, now that Hikvision has made lowlight color capturing more accessible and effective.