In the world of security surveillance, visibility is everything. Traditional CCTV systems often switch to black-and-white mode at night, obscuring vital details when they matter most. But what if your cameras could capture full-colour footage, even in total darkness? Enter Hikvision’s ColourVu technology, a game-changer for modern CCTV systems.
In this guide, you’ll discover what ColourVu is, how it works, and why it’s a safe and smart upgrade for your site, whether you’re protecting a school, warehouse, petrol station, or retail outlet.
Understanding ColourVu: What It Is and Why It Matters
ColourVu is Hikvision’s full-colour surveillance technology that captures vibrant, detailed footage 24/7, even in ultra-low light. Rather than reverting to grainy monochrome, ColourVu ensures every detail, from vehicle colours to clothing hues, is visible and verifiable, improving both deterrence and identification.
This technology is invaluable when traditional CCTV would fail: dimly lit car parks, building entrances, tight alleyways, or remote forecourts where lighting is minimal or non-existent.
How ColourVu Works
ColourVu achieves its low-light performance through a blend of advanced hardware and intelligent processing:
- Large F1.0 Super Aperture Lens: Captures significantly more light than standard lenses.
- High-Sensitivity Sensor: Works hand-in-hand with the lens to gather ambient light exponentially.
- Built-In Warm Lighting: Activates subtly in near darkness to preserve colour clarity—without stark infrared glare.
- AI-Powered Image Processing & WDR: Delivers accurate colours across high-contrast scenes and optimised clarity
Advantages of ColourVu Cameras
1. Full-Colour Recording, All Day, Every Day
Your surveillance doesn’t go flat or monochrome at night, unlike standard cameras.
2. Improved Situational Awareness
Colours assist in identifying specific details, like a red van, blue jacket, or unique logo, improving response and investigation speed.
3. Reduced Need for Additional Lighting
ColourVu’s built-in lighting replaces expensive floodlighting and reduces maintenance.
4. Long-Range Visibility
Whether monitoring car parks or perimeters, ColourVu cameras maintain clarity over extended distances.
5. Adaptive Panoramic & Varifocal Capabilities
ColourVu is available in integrated panoramic and varifocal configurations, offering wide-area views without compromise.
Which Environments Benefit Most from ColourVu?
ColourVu cameras shine (literally and figuratively) in settings where ambient lighting is poor or inconsistent:
- Holiday Parks & Car Parks – Guard perimeters, entrances, and pathways even at night.
- Retail & High Street Stores – Capture detailed imagery of customer movement and theft attempts.
- School Premises – Track activity around boundaries and entrances after hours.
- Diesel Forecourts & Remote Sites – Avoid installing external lighting while ensuring reliability.
- Reception & Lobby Areas – Maintain brightness and clarity even in dim interiors.
Upgrading Security with AI: ColourVu + AcuSense
Many ColourVu cameras now include AcuSense AI, which brings smart detection and real-time alerts to your setup. ColourVu’s clarity combined with AcuSense’s filtering means fewer false alarms and more accurate tracking of human or vehicle movement.
Why Upgrade Your CCTV with ColourVu?
If your current system produces grainy footage after dark, upgrading to ColourVu delivers:
- Clearer, more actionable footage for investigations
- Increased deterrence through visible, colourful presence
- Lower installation and maintenance costs
- Overall improved trust and confidence among staff, visitors, and insurers
Why Choose Active CCTV for ColourVu Installation?
At Active CCTV, we are certified Hikvision partners with over two decades of technical expertise. Our services include:
- Free site surveys tailored to your environment
- Bespoke system design to maximise colour visibility and analytics
- Professional installation and on-site testing
- Ongoing 24/7 support and maintenance
We’ve helped businesses across the UK, from North Wales to London, upgrade to ColourVu systems that deliver real confidence and enhanced security.
Get in touch today
Ready to bring security into vivid colour 24/7? Call us on 01492 547997 or email info@active-cctv.co.uk for a free consultation and quote.
