The Dealers Guide to Video Intercom Systems for High-End Homes

March 6, 2023

Hikvision HikWire blog article Dealers Guide to Video Intercom Systems for High-End Homes

High-end, private homeowners are the perfect new customer base for affordable, high-end video intercom solutions. Not only do they help make homeowners’ lives safer and easier, but video intercom systems also offer dealers the opportunity to boost their profits.

But with discerning homeowners looking for better ways to protect their homes and families, how do they (and you) know what video intercom system is right for them?

Here’s how you can help your clients find the best video intercom for their home while you unlock new sales opportunities:

Offer Solutions with Unmatched Security Features

Given that security is perhaps the main benefit of installing a video intercom, it is important to determine what security and safety features are available with each video intercom solution. For example, many video intercoms only perform two main functions: video and audio. But advanced, intelligent IP video intercoms can also function as access control. This allows homeowners to access the home via a number of authentication methods provided by the intercom system.

For the highest level of security, offer video intercoms that use facial recognition technology to grant or deny access. With facial recognition, touchless access to a home is granted only to those individuals which the system recognizes. This is a big selling point for homeowners that prioritize next-generation, hands-free access control. Other authorization factors for access can include QR codes, passwords, access cards, and more. Consider also the alerting functions and storage capabilities offered by a video intercom system, as these features are of value to homeowners looking to safeguard their families and property.

Emphasize the User Experience

Second to security, the user experience plays a big role for a homeowner when choosing their video intercom solution. Many homeowners require provisions for remote management, where they can answer video calls and unlock doors from virtually anywhere, including a mobile device. Be sure to offer indoor stations that have a variety of form factors and features, such as a tablet with a color touchscreen and friendly user interface for viewing incoming calls and granting entry. Consider what aspects of a video intercom system your customer wants to be able to control and where in order to recommend the right video intercom solution. 

Keep ease of use in mind when running customers through their options, as well. Highlight the benefits of returning home with grocery bags in hand and using just a face-     enabled touchless, automatic entry into their home. With the right video intercom solution, that is entirely possible.

Note Additional System Integration Possibilities

Life is just easier when everything works together, and a video intercom system is no different. Offer a system that seamlessly integrates with other home security solutions and automated technologies. This includes video security cameras, existing access control systems, alarms, elevator controls, and more. This allows homeowners the chance to manage all aspects of home security from one place, a big selling point for those looking for the ‘smart home’ experience.

This is also a chance to upsell potential clients on other product offerings. If a homeowner is in the market for a video intercom, they likely would also be interested in additional security offerings and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to market video intercoms as an add-on to complete a whole-home security solution.

Look for Solutions that are Easy to Install

Easy installation matters for dealers, as it can help ensure your time is maximized when it comes to billable hours.  It matters for your customer too, since customers always appreciate fast time-to-value and minimal day-to-day disruptions. Look for modular systems that are designed to work together both indoors and out. The supplier should also have all the mounts and accessories you need in order to consolidate orders. As a reputable managed service provider or AV installer, you are inclined to offer quality products that can be installed quickly.

Offer the Best of the Best

With these aspects in mind, you can easily help your client find the video intercom that is best for them. Our comprehensive line of Video Intercoms and Door Stations provides the perfect combination of high performance and value to create new sales opportunities with existing and new residential users.

Browse our range of solutions here, and watch our webinar session to learn how to select the best Hikvision video intercom and switches.

IMPORTANT! This model requires non-standard firmware. Do Not Install standard firmware (e.g. v.4.1.xx) on this model. Doing so will permanently damage your system. You must use custom firmware v.4.1.25 from the iDS-9632NXI-I8/16S product page.

View the most updated version of this document here:

https://techsupportca.freshdesk.com/en/support/solutions/articles/17000113531-i-series-nvr-firmware-upgrade-instructions

 

The I-series NVR (such as the DS-7716NI-I4) is one of Hikvision's most popular and feature-rich recorders. As such, many firmware revisions have been introduced over the years to continually ensure the product is compatible with the newest technology available. Due to the many revisions, we recommend that the user closely follows the instructions below in order to reduce the amount of time spent as well as the chance of failure.

 

Database Optimization and Repair

As more affordable IP cameras are introduced over time with greater video resolution and data sizes, more efficient database management also becomes necessary. The introduction of firmware v4.0 brought about a new database architecture in order to be futureproof.

 

After upgrading to v4.X, the recorder database will need to be converted and optimized. If you are experiencing issues where playback is expected but not found, make sure "Database Repair" is performed as indicated in the procedures and scenarios below.

 

Preparing the Upgrade

Before proceeding with upgrade, it is recommended that NVR configuration file is exported from the NVR over the network or on to a local USB drive.

 

Upgrading from v3.4.92 build 170518 or Older

  1. All recorders must reach v3.4.92 before proceeding further. Upgrading from versions before v3.4.92 directly to any version of v4.X will likely cause the recorder to fail.
  2. If the recorder is already at v3.4.92, a full factory default is highly recommended before upgrading to any version of v4.X. There is a high chance of unit failure (requiring RMA) if the unit is not defaulted before upgrade.
  3. After reaching v3.4.92 and performing a full factory default, an upgrade directly to v4.50.00 is acceptable.
  4. After the upgrade is completed and the recorder is reprogrammed, it may be beneficial to perform a Database Repair. For details, refer to the section "Database Optimization and Repair" above.
  5. To verify repair progress, you may refer to the HDD status, or search the recorder log for repair started and stopped entries. Note that while the HDD is repairing, new recordings are still being made, but some existing recordings may not be searchable until repair is complete.
  6. If you continue to observe playback issues after database repair, ensure there are no power, network, or motion detection issues. Should the problem persist, contact technical support.

 

Upgrading from Any v4.X Build to v4.50.00.

  1. Any v4.X build can be upgraded directly to v4.50.00.
  2. Export configuration is highly recommended before performing the upgrade.
  3. If upgrading from any v4.X version that was not v4.22.005, a Database Repair is recommended. Refer to Step 4 and onwards in the previous section.

 

Downgrading

Downgrading is not recommended. Due to new features and parameters constantly being added, downgrading may cause the NVR to factory default itself or require a manual default to operate properly.

View the most updated version of this document here:
K-Series DVR upgrade instruction
The Turbo 4 Hybrid DVR K series has multiple models and across different platform and chipset. It also has similar firmware development of other recording product line; DVR K series has also introduced the GUI4.0 to ensure the series to be compatible to the newest technology available. The new database architecture is also brought into the DVR firmware v4.0 to be future proof and for better recording search experience. 
 


Database Optimization and Repair

As more affordable cameras introduced over time with greater video resolution and data sizes, more efficient database management also becomes necessary. The introduction of firmware v4.0 brought about a new database architecture in order to be futureproof.
After upgrading to v4.X, the recorder database will need to be converted and optimize. If you are experiencing issues, where playback is expected but not found, please make sure to perform "Database Rebuild" as indicated in the procedures and scenarios below.
 


Preparing the Upgrade

Before proceeding with upgrade, it is recommend exporting DVR configuration file from the DVR over the network or on to a local USB drive.

 

Action after firmware upgraded 

1. Upgrade the DVR according to the chart above. 

2. Reconfirming Channel's Recording Schedule 

    - Confirm channel's recording schedule is enable. 

    - Check if the channel is on correct recording schedule.

3. Double Check Storage Setting

    - Make sure all channel are assigned to record on its HDD group when the Storage setting is under Group Mode. 

4. Perform Database Rebuild locally. 

    • Some version above support Database Rebuild via web access - K51 and K72

    • Perform Database Rebuild regardless if system is having any database issue symptom. 

    • Database Rebuild process is average ~30 to 60min per TB. The process may still varies depends recording data.

    • After Database Rebuild - Check log to confirm Database Rebuild has went thru properly. 

    • If Database Rebuild Started and Stopped log has been log only within few minutes. Database rebuild may not has been completed properly. It is strongly recommend performing the Database Rebuild again.

    • To check log > System > Log > Information > Database Rebuild Started and Stopped.

    • If the log option is not available - access system via SSH can also obtain similar result.

5. Recording Data is still missing after database rebuild process. 

If the data has not been recorded or has been overwritten, Database rebuild process is not able retrieve those lost data. Have the system upgraded to the latest available firmware version above to prevent any future data lost is strongly recommended for all application.

 

 

 

 

In light of the global semiconductor shortage, Hikvision has made some hardware changes to the DS-76xxNI-Q1(2)/P NVRs, also known as “Q series.”

 

These changes do not have any effect on the performance, specifications, or the user interface of the NVRs. For the ease of reference, these modified units are known as “C-Version” units. This is clearly indicated on the NVR label and on the box by the serial number.

 

The only difference between the “C-Version” and “non-C-Version” is the firmware. The firmware is not interchangeable:

 

  • The C-Version NVRs must use firmware version v4.31.102 or higher.
  • The non-C-Version (Q series) NVRs must use firmware version v4.30.085 or older.

 

Please do not be alarmed if a “Firmware Mismatch” message pops up on the screen during the firmware upgrade. This simply means that the firmware does not match the NVR’s hardware. Simply download the correct firmware and the upgrade will go through without any issue.

In light of the global semiconductor shortage, Hikvision has made some hardware changes to the Value Express Series NVRs

These changes do not have any effect on the performance and specification of the recorders. For ease of reference, these modified units are known as “C-Version” units. This is clearly indicated on the NVR label and on the box by the serial number.

The only difference between the “C-Version” and “non-C-Version” is the firmware. The firmware is not interchangeable:

  • The C-Version NVRs must use firmware version v4.30.216 or higher.
  • The non-C-Version (Q series) NVRs must use firmware version v3.4.104 or older.

Please do not be alarmed if a “Firmware Mismatch” message pops up on the screen during the firmware upgrade. This simply means that the firmware does not match the NVR’s hardware. Simply download the correct firmware and the upgrade will go through without any issue.

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