Video surveillance is one of the right decisions to seriously consider when you need to protect your family, home, or business. Investing in a reliable security system such as video surveillance system will be a good option.
With video surveillance system running in your home, you would have an option to remotely connect to the system and watch the live stream, or playback from the storage.
In today’s HeimVision review, HM541 PoE security camera system is in the spotlight, so we will analyze and draw our conclusion if this video surveillance gear can offer a true security.
Without further delay, let’s get along with the review.
HeimVision – a brand under Shenzhen VanTop Technology & Innovation Co., Ltd, located in the mainland of China has started to earn users’ trust on the market lately.
HeimVision not only became popular for its low price point, but also employ cutting-edge technology in the design of their video surveillance gear.
Last update: 09.01.2020
Effectiveness
HM541 security camera system will continue to provide you security, as long as it is continually connected to the power outlet.
Even though the NVR does not come with a hard drive, the price is fairly inexpensive.
Usability
This is a simple plug and play system, but running the cable is not fun.
Support
Technical support is available via email and live chat on the official website. Support is also provided via discussion in the community by other HeimVision users.
We Like
4X Digital Zoom
NVR is expandable to 8 cameras
The cameras feel sturdy
Audio is recorded on all the cameras at the same time
There is no payment for storing video footage
Remote access is supported on mobile device with HeimKits and on PC with EseeCloud
Does not come with hard drive
Color night vision is not supported on the IP cameras
HeimKits app lacks two-factor authentication (2FA)
Does not support smart home integration
Not ONVIF compliant
Summary: HeimVision HM541 PoE security camera system can be used to protect your home or business. It is an efficient security system that you can rely on.
Main Features of HeimVision HM541 5MP PoE Security Camera System
- 5MP PoE NVR
- 10 Inch High Resolution LCD Monitor
- 5MP Super HD Resolution Security Camera
- IP66 Weatherproof Rating
- 85° Field of View
- Motion Detection and Email Notification
- 65ft Night Vision Distance
- One Way Audio
- Custom Detection Zone
- Remote View Access
Overview of this HeimVision Security Camera
HM541 NVR has the capability of 5MP resolution, which means the NVR can accept an IP camera that is up to 5MP. The NVR provides its own Power over Ethernet (PoE) which is needed for the cameras to operate.
HeimVision NVR comes with an inbuilt 10 inch LCD display monitor which makes the HM541 to be combo NVR.
There is also an additional HDMI port at the rear of the NVR to connect external monitor, in case you want something bigger than the 10-inch size LCD.
Higher-resolution camera usually performs better in capturing image detail, HeimVision included four 5MP super HD PoE cameras alongside the HM541 system. This will allow you to capture a crisp and useful image in high resolution both day and night.
If your application requires audio recording, you don’t need to buy an extra audio pickup device. Each one of the four cameras has an inbuilt audio microphone that can capture sound.
If you are only installing the audio camera in your home, you might be justified because it is private property but nevertheless, you need to check the applicable local laws to ensure it is legal to do so.
When installing HM541 cameras for your business, you must strictly follow the state laws on recording an audio conversation. Many employees consider this intrusive and abuse of personal rights.
For instance, according to the federal wiretap law in the United States, it is a federal crime to record audio conversion between two employees in places where the least of privacy is expected, without their consent.
In the United Kingdom, installing an audio security camera in a workplace without approval and guidelines from the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) is illegal, it is an infringement on the GDPR and also contravenes Right to Privacy section of the HRA 1998.
Hence, recording audio in the workplace would require you to formally inform all the employees that video and audio are constantly being recorded, by placing CCTV decals on the wall where they are visible to be read by everyone.
IP66 weatherproof rating will ensure your security camera is fortified against powerful water jets and dust. It is sturdy enough to withstand temperature from -20°C to 50°C.
The 85° field of view captures a nice viewing angle, but not as wide as you might want due to the small value of 85°.
The cameras are no doubt suitable for outdoor applications such as covering your perimeter, driveway, or front porch.
Motion detection will help you to set a line crossing whereby you receive an alert notification via email or mobile device, whenever movement is detected within the line crossing.
For camera(s) located in a less traffic area, you can have your NVR record only when movement is detected on the camera(s). This way, you will be able to save a considerable amount of hard disk space.
Recording under low light or pitch-black won’t be a drawback, simply because the cameras already have inbuilt 3.6mm infrared LEDs with IR-cut function that is activated when there is low light.
The cameras are able to provide sharp black and white night vision image up to 65 feet distance. Unfortunately, there is no color night vision.
HeimVision 5MP PoE camera has a one-way audio which allows you to listen to your surrounding audio background.
HM541 PoE security camera system has a remote view feature that allows you to remotely access your video system. You must connect your NVR to an internet router with good bandwidth to be able to enjoy this.
Furthermore, you need to install a 3.5-inch surveillance grade hard drive into your NVR, in order to watch video playback.
HM541 PoE NVR is expandable to 8 channel. If your need exceeds the four cameras over time, you can buy additional cameras and connect them to the available ports, and they will automatically fill up the blank channels.
Design of the Product and its Installation
HeimVision HM541 5MP PoE security camera system is suitable for securing your home and business. It is built with quality and reliable hardware.
Whether you are planning your first video surveillance security or trying to upgrade the existing one, you can never go wrong with the HM541 system.
The PoE NVR is considerately built to accommodate 8 high-resolution IP cameras without bandwidth conflict.
HeimVision adopted the H.256+ compression technology on HM541 NVR, to be able to reduce the video file size used during video storage without hurting the video quality, hence providing enough room to accommodate more videos.
Find a suitable location for your security camera and fix your 65feet Ethernet cable. You can choose to shove it into the wall or conduit, but it is a good practice not to make the cable visible.
Install the camera by using the included screws and anchors if you are mounting on a concrete wall, use the Allen wrench to set your camera to the best angle.
Repeat the step for other cameras.
Unscrew the NVR with a Philip head screwdriver, and connect your 3.5-inch surveillance grade hard drive. The included hard drive screws can be found in the quick start guide plastic bag.
YouTube Video on How To Install Hard drive into NVR:
Connect other ends of the Ethernet cables to PoE port 1 – 4 respectively. Connect the USB mouse, use the short Ethernet cable to connect the NVR to your router if you plan to remotely access the system, and finally connect the power adapter.
Turn on the NVR and the initialization process will begin, follow the on-screen guide.
Next on the screen is QR codes, you need to scan your preferred mobile platform (Android or iOS).
If your smartphone is unable to scan, then head over to your respective app store and install HeimKits.
Open the HeimKits app and login or register to create your account, tap “+” to add your device.
There are many ways to add your NVR system to the app but adding via Networked devices seemed to be easier.
Tap the QR icon at the top right of the app to scan your cloud ID displayed on the monitor, or on the sticker located on the NVR. Ensure your NVR is properly connected to the router, hence it may not be discovered.
User Experience and Performance
The setup process for HM541 is easier than that of HM311, except you have to spend more time to run camera cables.
Other than the cabling of the security cameras, the setup is a piece of cake.
There was 4.7 of 5.0 rating on Amazon from verified users which is just amazing, it clearly means HeimVision is gradually getting accolade from the market.
Most users loved the crisp image that the security cameras produce, and also attest to the fact that the setup was pretty easy and straightforward.
Only a user was disgruntled over the missing hard drive. HeimVision clearly stated in the condition of contract that HDD is not included.
HeimKits App
The app requires iOS 9.0 or later to run on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It is discouraging to see the app has 2.1 of 5.0 rating. There was a report of a bug in the app by many iOS users.
Whilst on Android, the requirement to run the app is not stated. The app has recorded 5,000+ downloads, and there is 4.3 out of 5.0 ratings/reviews. Few users also reported bugs.
HeimKits can only get better over time.
What’s in the box?
HeimVision HM541 included the necessary tools and accessories to get the security cameras mounted and NVR setup.
- 1X 8CH 5MP PoE NVR
- 1X 48V/2A Power Adapter for the NVR
- 4X 5MP PoE IP Camera, Wall Anchors, and Allen Wrench
- 4X 65FT Ethernet Cable
- 4X Hard Drive Screw
- 1X 3FT Ethernet Patch Cable
- 1X Quick Start Guide
- 4X CCTV Window Decal
Advantages
- HM541 has active resolution of 2560 by 1920 pixels which is more efficient than 1080p
- HM541 camera system is a true definition of plug and play system, even a beginner can set it up
- The camera has inbuilt audio microphone which is pretty amazing
- The 10 inch screen is too small but comes in handy if you don’t have an external display monitor
- There is no lag time between the cameras and the NVR
- The 3.5mm female audio jack works for headphones, amplified speakers, and non-amplified speakers such as Bluetooth speakers that support auxiliary.
- There is a screen button to turn off the display monitor when it is not needed
Disadvantages
- The cameras do not have an audio speaker to support bi-directional audio
- There is no option for cloud storage when NVR is stolen or hard drive crashed, there is no option to retrieve video files
- HM541 PoE NVR does not come with included hard drive
- It is unfortunate that HM541 is not ONVIF compliant, which means you can’t use a third-party IP camera on the NVR.
The Warranty
HeimVision HM541 5MP PoE Security System is covered with a two year limited warranty, and 3-month refund policy.
If you are not satisfied with HM541 for good reason and you feel like returning it, then you need to make sure the items remain in their original package to avoid rejection by HeimVision.
The Final Verdict
If you are just looking out to install your first video surveillance, or probably trying to upgrade your existing system without spending extra cash on the cloud storage, HM541 is worth the selection.
Also, if you are looking for a system that can assure continuous operation, without the fear of interference which would sometimes affect the Wi-Fi system, you wouldn’t be disappointed with HM541.
With HM541, you get to manage your own video storage.
But if what you are looking for is a 100% wire-free, then HM541 is far from what you can use.
Conversely, if you like the HM541 due to its features but you can’t handle the cabling, then you might need to consult an installer or electrician to handle the cabling.
Home security is definitely not what you want to overlook, you need to beat intruders to their own game at all times.
If you have any questions on the HM541 system, please feel free to use the form below to start a discussion and we will try to answer your question.