Video surveillance is not new. In the last couple of years, the applications of electronic systems for security uses have changed dramatically. It wasn’t until the early 1980s that the use of video surveillance has expanded to include the security of property and people. Until then, the predominant electronic surveillance systems were limited to alarm systems aimed at monitoring building and site intrusions. The use of CCTV was limited to the use of alarm assessment for outdoor intrusion-detection applications. One of the major breakthroughs in CCTV applications occurred when solid-state cameras came to the picture in the mid-1980s.
The security and surveillance ecosystem has matured since then and the security industry has grown into large, well-organized association of companies with a refined product portfolio of state-of-the-art technology and hardware. Two such industry leaders in complete video surveillance products and solutions are Digital Watchdog and Hikvision. Both are the leading providers of video surveillance products and related solutions. We take a look at the two manufacturers of security and surveillance products to see which one is better than the other in terms of products and services offered.
Digital Watchdog
Digital Watchdog is the industry leader in complete video surveillance systems and solutions, including surveillance cameras, digital recorders and related management software. It is one of the leading providers of complete video surveillance products and solutions for any application. Founded in 1988, Digital Watchdog (DW) is a single source-provider of value-driven security and surveillance applications with a stronghold in quality, feature-rich surveillance products offering exceptional image quality and advanced hardware capabilities. The DW’s product line includes single and multi-sensor MEGApix IP cameras, digital video recorders, HD over coax solutions, and DW Spectrum IP video management software suite.
Hikvision
Hikvision (Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.) is a privately owned technology company specialized in the R&D, production and sale of CCTV and video surveillance products. Hikvision is the world’s largest supplier of innovative, high-tech video surveillance systems, including data storage and processing equipment, such as audio/video codec cards and hard-disk recorders; and audio/video processing equipment, such as surveillance cameras, ball cameras, and video servers. It is a leader in audio and video surveillance systems and solutions as well as CCTV and video technology including facial recognition software ranging from small business security needs to large-scale business and government surveillance uses. Hikvision is a famous camera manufacturer with its cameras widely deployed in numerous applications. Although, Hikvision is a private enterprise, majority of its shares are owned by the Chinese government. With over 34,000 employees, Hikvision is the world’s leader in video surveillance products and solutions.
Contrast between Digital Watchdog and Hikvision
Profile
– Founded in 1988, Digital Watchdog (DW) is a single source-provider of value-driven security and surveillance applications with a stronghold in quality, feature-rich surveillance products. DW has offices in California, Tampa, and Cerritos, with manufacturing units in Seoul, South Korea. Digital Watchdog is the industry leader in complete video surveillance systems and solutions. Hikvision (Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.) is a privately owned technology company specialized in the R&D, production and sale of CCTV and video surveillance products. Hikvision is the world’s leading provider of CCTV and video surveillance products and solutions, and is based out of Hangzhou, China.
Product Portfolio
– The Digital Watchdog’s product line includes single and multi-sensor MEGApix IP cameras, digital video recorders, HD over coax solutions, DW Spectrum IP video management software suite, and legacy analog applications. Hikvision is the world’s largest supplier of innovative, high-tech video surveillance systems, including data storage and processing equipment, such as audio/video codec cards and hard-disk recorders; and audio/video processing equipment, such as surveillance cameras, ball cameras, and video servers. Hikvision has a diverse portfolio of feature-rich, high-tech products compared to Digital Watchdog.
Video Management
– DW Spectrum is the Digital Watchdog’s powerful, user-friendly IP video management software that takes video management to the next level, keeping you in complete control of your entire video surveillance system. HikCentral is the Hikvision’s comprehensive, AI-empowered central management system to keep the security and surveillance systems unified while keeping it convenient and easily accessible from anywhere where it is needed.
Digital Watchdog vs. Hikvision: Comparison Chart
Summary
Both Digital Watchdog and Hikvision are the two industry leaders in complete video surveillance products and solutions, and related management software. Founded in 1988, Digital Watchdog is known for its wide range of high-tech products including DW Spectrum-powered Blackjack servers and a whole range of IP megapixel cameras. Hikvision, on the other hand, is known for its diverse portfolio of state-of-the-art surveillance products including network cameras, analog cameras, Network Video Recorders, thermal cameras, Digital Video Recorders, etc.