Hikvision Introduces Guanlan Encoding, AI Technology That Cuts Video Storage Costs by Up to 50%
HANGZHOU, CHINA – Hikvision has launched Guanlan Encoding, an AI-based video compression technology capable of reducing storage requirements by 30% to 50% without compromising the quality of critical recordings.
As camera resolutions, monitoring channels, and long-term data storage needs increase, video security system costs are increasingly dominated by storage expenses. Hikvision developed Guanlan Encoding using the international H.265 standard and its own Guanlan Large-Scale AI Model, extending the application of Guanlan from video analysis to encoding processes.
In large-scale security systems, Guanlan Encoding can halve hard disk drive (HDD) and server rack space requirements while reducing long-term energy consumption, significantly lowering the total cost of ownership over a project’s lifecycle.
Focus on Key Objects, Save Storage Capacity
Conventional compression treats all pixels equally, forcing users to choose between high image quality or storage efficiency. Guanlan Encoding resolves this by identifying key objects like people and vehicles, preserving their visual quality through Region of Interest (ROI) segmentation, while aggressively compressing less important background data.
“Until now, video storage efficiency has almost always come at the expense of image quality. Guanlan Encoding changes this approach by first understanding the content of the image, then determining which parts must be preserved at the highest quality,” said Jason Yang, Vice President of Hikvision’s International Business Center.
The technology combines two main modes. Dynamic Sensing automatically adjusts bitrate allocation to maintain detail in complex, fast-moving scenes. Static Optimization applies high compression to low-motion recordings, drastically reducing data size. The combination delivers a smarter, adaptive video encoding approach tailored to specific needs.
Tested Across Multiple Scenarios
Internal tests comparing conventional H.265 with Guanlan Encoding showed consistent bitrate savings across various scenarios:
Cafeteria (24 hours): 49% savings during daily activity fluctuations.
Office building entrance (30 minutes): 42% savings during peak traffic.
Corporate lobby (2 hours): 38% savings in standard indoor environments.
Busy commercial area (1 hour): 18% savings in high-activity, complex conditions.
Compatible with Existing Systems
Using the H.265 standard, Guanlan Encoding works with existing H.265 decoders, including Hikvision and third-party devices, while maintaining advanced AI analysis features. Encoding format, resolution, and frame rate remain unchanged, making implementation straightforward for both new and existing systems.
Available Across Hikvision Product Lines
Currently available on Hikvision’s DeepinView(X) network and PTZ cameras, Ultra series cameras, ColorVu 3.0 cameras, and Hikvision DVRs, Guanlan Encoding will expand to more product lines. Designed for diverse needs—from office complexes and retail networks to public facilities and critical infrastructure.
By integrating AI directly into video compression, Guanlan Encoding marks a shift from pixel-based compression to context-aware visual compression. Further details are available on the Guanlan Encoding website or through Hikvision’s regional representatives.
Source: Hikvision