Hello all, first post here. Been in telecom for a decade and have started doing camera installs lately with an emphasis on Hikvision products. I really like their Turbo HD line for the balance between cost, ease of use, and picture quality. I had always regarded HD analog as two steps forward, one step back, but after realizing that not every situation demands 5 MP and seeing what the Turbo HD units can do, I'm a believer.
Anyhow I've ordered a DS-2AE7230TI-A (1080p Turbo HD IR PTZ) from my distributor to play with so I can get familiar with the PTZ line, then I noticed Monoprice has an identical-looking camera in 720p (1.3 MP) though with a shorter zoom, and unbranded. It is also HALF the cost of what I pay at WHOLESALE for the 7230.
I might pick one up to play around with because for $400, if it really is an older Hikvision unit that is still some serious performance by a name brand manufacturer for an incredible price. I did have an online chat with Monoprice asking them very directly if it's just an unbranded Hikvision and the only response he could give me was "It will work with with a Hikvision DVR". Understandable as they may have agreements not to divulge their suppliers, though my concern would be that this is a knockoff and could potentially have issues with longevity, compatibility, support, etc.
I tried searching the forum and didn't really come up with anything particular to this unit. Has anyone tried it out? If not, I'll order one up and compare it against the 7230.
Anyhow I've ordered a DS-2AE7230TI-A (1080p Turbo HD IR PTZ) from my distributor to play with so I can get familiar with the PTZ line, then I noticed Monoprice has an identical-looking camera in 720p (1.3 MP) though with a shorter zoom, and unbranded. It is also HALF the cost of what I pay at WHOLESALE for the 7230.
I might pick one up to play around with because for $400, if it really is an older Hikvision unit that is still some serious performance by a name brand manufacturer for an incredible price. I did have an online chat with Monoprice asking them very directly if it's just an unbranded Hikvision and the only response he could give me was "It will work with with a Hikvision DVR". Understandable as they may have agreements not to divulge their suppliers, though my concern would be that this is a knockoff and could potentially have issues with longevity, compatibility, support, etc.
I tried searching the forum and didn't really come up with anything particular to this unit. Has anyone tried it out? If not, I'll order one up and compare it against the 7230.