Hikvision CCTV & Security — Frequently Asked Questions

Both are major global CCTV manufacturers with solid hardware. NE carries Hikvision specifically because of its wider Kenyan parts and support network, stronger ColorVu low-light lineup, and the Hik-Connect app ecosystem — so replacement parts, firmware and local technical support are easier to get here. For most homes and small businesses in Kenya, the practical difference comes down to local support and genuine-stock availability rather than raw spec sheets, which is why we only stock and back Hikvision.

ColorVu cameras use a larger sensor and a built-in supplemental white LED (instead of relying purely on infrared) to capture full-colour footage in near-darkness. Regular infrared cameras give you a clear image at night, but it's black-and-white — ColorVu keeps colour, which makes identifying clothing, vehicle colour or number plates much easier from recorded footage.

It depends on what you need from the footage. ColorVu is better when you need to identify colour detail (a vehicle, clothing, a face) and there's at least some ambient or path lighting nearby. Pure infrared cameras see further into total darkness and use less power, but footage is monochrome. Many sites use a mix — ColorVu at entrances and points of interest, infrared for long-range perimeter coverage.

A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) works with analog/Turbo HD cameras connected by coaxial cable, and does the video processing itself. An NVR (Network Video Recorder) works with IP cameras that send already-digitised footage over a network cable (often with PoE, so one cable carries both power and data). IP/NVR systems generally give higher resolution and easier scaling; Turbo HD/DVR systems are typically cheaper to install and easier to extend on an existing analog wiring run. NE will recommend one over the other based on your building's existing cabling and budget, not a blanket rule.

Hikvision NVRs are sold by channel count — common sizes are 4, 8, 16 and 32 channels, meaning that many cameras can be connected. Choose based on: how many cameras you need now plus realistic room to grow, the total resolution/bitrate of those cameras (higher megapixel cameras use more of the NVR's bandwidth budget), and how many days of footage you want stored, which drives hard drive size. For most small businesses an 8-channel NVR with room to add 2-3 more cameras later is the sweet spot.

Yes — NE is an authorized Hikvision distributor and retailer in Kenya. Every unit we sell is genuine Hikvision stock with full manufacturer warranty support, not grey-market or counterfeit hardware. Counterfeit CCTV equipment is a real problem in the local market, so buying from an authorized dealer is the main way to guarantee the firmware, warranty and long-term support actually work as expected.

Cost depends on the number of cameras, camera type (Turbo HD vs IP), cable runs, and whether it's a new install or an extension of an existing system. Rather than quote a generic figure that won't match your site, NE provides a free assessment and itemised quote based on your specific property — reach out via WhatsApp or the contact page with your rough camera count and location.

Most small shops and offices in Kenya do well with a 4-8 camera Turbo HD or IP kit covering entrances, the till/cash point, stockroom and perimeter, paired with an NVR/DVR sized for at least 15-30 days of storage and remote viewing via the Hik-Connect app. See our dedicated Small Business Solutions page for a fuller breakdown by business type.

An access control system replaces or supplements keys with keycards, PIN codes, fingerprint or face recognition at a door, gate or turnstile, logging who entered and when. Choosing one comes down to how many doors need control, how many people need access, and whether you need attendance/time-tracking built in — Hikvision's range covers everything from a single office door to multi-building enterprise deployments.

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) features in a dash camera use onboard cameras and processing to warn the driver in real time — for example, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and following-distance alerts. For fleet operators, this both reduces accident risk and creates a record useful for driver coaching and insurance claims. Hikvision's G4 dash cam range includes ADAS features built in — see our Public Transport & Traffic Solutions page for fleet-specific detail.

A typical system needs cameras, an NVR or DVR, a hard drive, cabling (network or coaxial plus power), and a monitor or app-based viewing setup. Basic single-camera setups are DIY-friendly, but multi-camera systems with proper cable runs, mounting and network configuration are usually worth having installed professionally to avoid rework. NE offers full installation and support — see our Installation & Support page for details.

Both add supplemental lighting for better night footage, but ColorVu cameras run the white light continuously for full-colour video at all times. Smart Hybrid Light cameras switch intelligently between infrared and white light — for example, triggering white light only on motion — which is useful where you want colour detail on demand without a constantly lit scene.