Hikvision + UniFi Protect: Smarter CCTV with AI + Seamless Integration

     🎥 Combining the Best of Both Worlds in Modern CCTV

      At Pro Media Solutions, we often get asked:

“Should I go with UniFi Protect or Hikvision for my CCTV system?”

      The truth is, you don’t always have to choose…

We design hybrid CCTV systems that pair Hikvision’s industry-leading cameras with the user-friendly UniFi Protect platform – giving clients the best of both: AI tech, crystal-clear recording, and reliable remote access.

Here’s how (and why) we do it.

🧠 Why UniFi Protect Makes a Brilliant CCTV Backbone

UniFi Protect is Ubiquiti’s in-house video surveillance platform. It runs on dedicated hardware (like the UNVR or Dream Machines) and manages everything from basic doorbell cams to large camera arrays – all from one sleek interface.

🔑 What We Love:

  • Clean, easy-to-use interface – ideal for homeowners
  • Smartphone & desktop apps with instant event playback
  • Smart detections – person, vehicle, face, and motion filtering
  • Expandable local storage – no monthly cloud fees
  • Multi-user remote access – perfect for families or second homes

⚠️ But It Has Limitations:

  • UniFi’s own camera range is decent – but doesn’t match the lens quality, low-light performance, or variety offered by Hikvision’s professional range.

📸 Enter Hikvision – Industry-Leading Cameras with Serious Performance

Hikvision is one of the most widely used CCTV brands in the world, offering exceptional image quality, long-term reliability, and powerful built-in analytics.

We specify professional-grade Hikvision IP cameras, which offer:

✅ Key Features:

  • 4K ultra-HD resolution
  • ColourVu tech – full-colour night vision without floodlights
  • PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) models for wide area coverage
  • Audio recording, built-in mics, and active deterrents
  • AI detection (line crossing, face recognition, number plates)
  • Massive choice of form factors (turret, bullet, dome, covert, etc.)

But traditionally, Hikvision systems require a dedicated NVR and software – not always ideal for homeowners or Control4 integration.

🔄 The Hybrid Setup: Hikvision Cameras + UniFi Protect

We’ve developed a solution that allows Hikvision cameras to feed video into UniFi Protect, using the third-party integration available in UniFi Protect.

This gives you:

  • Hikvision camera quality
  • UniFi Protect interface and ease-of-use
  • All stored locally on your UniFi NVR
  • Optional mobile alerts + remote viewing

It’s not plug-and-play – it needs careful network design, camera config, and static IP addressing – but when done right, it’s a perfect blend.

🧩 Control4 Integration – A Unified Smart Home Experience

Because UniFi Protect doesn’t have a native Control4 driver (yet), we often route CCTV integration through Control4 + Hikvision directly, while still offering UniFi as a standalone viewing platform for day-to-day access.

🔧 Typical Setup:

  • Hikvision cameras linked to Control4 (via native driver)
  • UniFi used for management, recording and mobile access
  • Touchscreens + TVs show live feeds on demand
  • Events like “Gate opened” or “Motion detected at Driveway” trigger Control4 lighting or notifications

🚨 Example: Smart Perimeter Detection in Action

Imagine this:

  • You receive a smartphone alert that a person crossed the line at your driveway at 10:47pm.
  • A snapshot image appears in your UniFi Protect app.
  • Control4 turns on the driveway lights and triggers your Sonos system to play a deterrent sound.
  • The camera footage is logged and viewable via app or wall-mounted touchscreen.

That’s not science fiction – that’s today’s tech, when designed well.

📦 Why Not Just Use One Brand?

In many cases, we do – if the client just needs a basic setup or already runs a full UniFi or Hikvision system. But combining both gives:

  • More flexibility in camera choice
  • Better software UX for the client
  • Seamless mobile access without monthly fees
  • High-performance industry leading AI detection

🧰 Our Typical Hybrid Kit Includes:

  • UniFi UNVR or Dream Machine
  • 4–12 Hikvision ColorVu or AcuSense cameras
  • UniFi Protect for mobile alerts + playback
  • Control4 for touchscreens, TV popups and smart responses

🎯 Want CCTV That’s Smart, Secure, and Seamless?

We design CCTV systems that work with your lifestyle, not against it. Whether you need powerful coverage, smart AI features, or full Control4 integration – we’ll make it simple, secure and scalable.

We are Surrey based integrated CCTV security specialist supporting residential and private clients throughout Berkshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and London.

Contact us 0345 505 1760 or via our Contact page to liaise with one of our experts about your external garden audio solutions – for any space or to arrange a FREE home garden demonstration.

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