Introduction: What the Hikvision HM-TD1018-1/QR is and its key features
The Hikvision HM-TD1018-1/QR is a compact, privacy-preserving thermal presence detector purpose-built for indoor care and healthcare room monitoring. Combining a VOx uncooled thermal module (160 × 120 resolution) with a short-range 60–64 GHz FMCW radar and an on-board microphone and speaker, the unit is intended for corner mounting in small rooms such as nursing-home bedrooms, assisted-living suites or patient rooms. It delivers presence, out-of-bed/out-of-room, overstay and fall detection modes, on-device audio exception alarms, local storage and integration with Hikvision management platforms.
Key features at a glance
- Privacy-first sensing via thermal imaging (VOx 160 × 120, 12 μm pixels).
- Dual-sensor detection: thermal imaging + 60–64 GHz FMCW radar for improved short-range accuracy.
- Built-in microphone and speaker for audio exception alarms (scream detection, alerts).
- Flexible power: 12 V DC or PoE (802.3af); typical power draw approx. 5–6 W.
- Local microSD storage (up to 256 GB) and support for Hikvision platforms (ISAPI, Hikvision SDK, ONVIF, HikCentral).
Detailed description of specifications and the benefits they provide
Understanding what this detector provides starts with its core sensors and how they work together. The thermal module is a VOx uncooled focal-plane array with 160 × 120 resolution and 12 μm pixel pitch. With a field of view of approximately 90° (horizontal) × 65.2° (vertical) and a very short minimum focus (0.01 m), it is designed to cover a typical bedroom or small care-room corner with a wide viewing angle while preserving patient privacy because there is no visible-light imaging.
The thermal sensor offers frame rates up to 25 fps and supports common video codecs (H.264/H.265/MJPEG) for streaming or recording. Thermal imaging provides temperature-contrast-based detection rather than identifiable visual detail, which is an important consideration for privacy-sensitive environments such as nursing homes or assisted-living facilities.
Complementing the thermal module is a millimetre-wave radar operating at 60–64 GHz using FMCW modulation. The radar provides effective short-range detection in the approximate range of 0.3–4 m, which helps confirm presence, detect small movements like getting out of bed and increase robustness in scenarios where thermal contrast is low (for example when a person is heavily covered by blankets).
Audio hardware includes a built-in microphone and speaker. This is used for local exception alarms (for instance scream or cry detection) and for two-way or automated alerting depending on system integration. The unit supports local microSD storage up to 256 GB for event recording, and it implements a range of network protocols (IPv4, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, RTSP, SNMP, DDNS, PPPoE, UPnP) together with ISAPI, the Hikvision SDK and ONVIF Profile S/G for integration with broader site management systems.
Power options cater to flexible installations: either 12 V DC or Power over Ethernet (802.3af). Typical power consumption is around 5–6 W, which allows PoE operation on most mainstream PoE switches and simplifies wiring in retrofit scenarios. Physically the device is compact (approx. 130 × 102 × 75 mm) and lightweight (~0.38 kg). It is rated for indoor use (IP40) and is specified to operate between −20 °C and 50 °C with humidity up to 95% RH.
- Privacy-preserving monitoring:Thermal-only imagery reduces privacy concerns compared with visible cameras while still providing presence and movement detection.
- Improved reliability with dual sensors:The radar augments thermal sensing for short-range events (bed exits, falls) and helps reduce false alarms that might occur with single-sensor systems.
- On-device alerts:Built-in audio alarm makes it possible to immediately notify or deter, reducing response time in emergencies.
- Easy integration and storage:Local microSD and standard network protocols make it straightforward to record events and tie the detector into existing security or care-management platforms.
- Simple installation:Corner-mount design, low power draw and PoE support simplify deployment in new and existing facilities.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The HM-TD1018-1/QR is aimed primarily at indoor, short-range monitoring scenarios where privacy, accuracy and reliability are important. Typical deployments include:
- Nursing-home bedrooms and assisted-living suites:Monitor presence, bed exits and overstay conditions without capturing identifiable visual images—suitable where dignity and privacy are priorities.
- Care-home rooms and single-occupancy patient rooms:Detect falls or prolonged inactivity and generate alerts so staff can check on residents promptly.
- Small room or corridor corner mounting:Use the wide thermal FOV and radar range to cover small spaces such as bathrooms, corridors outside rooms, or staff-only areas where discreet occupancy sensing is required.
- Supplemental detection in multi-sensor systems:Combine the unit with door contacts, wearable alarms, or central monitoring platforms to create layered protection that reduces false positives and increases confidence in true events.
In each of these use cases, the combination of thermal imaging and short-range radar is particularly advantageous: thermal provides a privacy-respecting heat silhouette while radar fills in gaps where thermal contrast is reduced (for example, when someone is covered by blankets or in very low temperature conditions where absolute contrast is lower).
How it compares with similar products on the market
There are several classes of room-presence sensors: visible-light cameras, PIR (passive infrared) motion sensors, radar-only detectors and thermal-only detectors. The HM-TD1018-1/QR sits between those options by offering thermal imaging plus radar. Key comparative points:
- Vs visible-light cameras:The Hikvision unit preserves privacy because it does not capture identifying visible imagery. For care environments where consent and dignity matter, thermal is a strong alternative to video cameras.
- Vs PIR motion sensors:PIR sensors detect changes in infrared but can be prone to false triggers from environmental changes and often provide no data for analytics or recording. The HM-TD1018-1/QR provides richer event data, recording options and adjustable detection modes.
- Vs radar-only detectors:Radar-only devices are excellent at motion detection but may struggle to differentiate between types of events (sustained presence vs brief movement). Combining radar with thermal provides both motion detection and a thermal context that improves event classification.
- Vs higher-resolution thermal cameras:Higher-resolution thermal cameras provide more detail and can be used for temperature measurement or wider-area coverage, but they are more expensive and may be overkill for simple room-presence and fall detection. The HM-TD1018-1/QR is optimized for short-range monitoring at a price point and size suitable for room deployments.
In short, this product is a pragmatic compromise: more privacy-respecting and informative than PIR, better event confirmation than radar-only, and more cost-effective and purpose-built than high-end thermal imaging systems designed for broader surveillance or industrial temperature measurement.
Customer testimonials and feedback
There are no official public customer testimonials provided in the product documentation supplied here. However, typical early-adopter feedback for devices with this feature set often highlights:
- "Privacy-first approach made it acceptable to residents and families where visible cameras were not."
- "The combined thermal and radar sensors reduced false alarms compared with our PIR sensors. We saw fewer nuisance calls overnight."
- "PoE simplified installation and eliminated the need for separate power runs to every room."
These example comments are illustrative of common operational benefits and should be confirmed against site pilots or customer references when evaluating the product for procurement.
Conclusion: Why this product is a strong choice for care and healthcare room monitoring
The Hikvision HM-TD1018-1/QR offers a balanced, privacy-focused solution for indoor presence and exception monitoring. Its VOx 160 × 120 thermal module ensures heat-based detection without capturing identifying visible images, while the 60–64 GHz FMCW radar bolsters short-range detection and fall/bed-exit reliability. Built-in audio alarm capability, local microSD recording, PoE support and standard integration options make it straightforward to install and integrate with existing care and security systems.
For organisations looking to deploy discreet, dependable room monitoring—particularly where resident privacy and dignity are priorities—the HM-TD1018-1/QR provides a practical feature set and straightforward deployment model. Before purchase or installation, verify local regulatory markings and compliance, confirm integration compatibility with your monitoring platform, and consider a small pilot to validate detection settings and alarm workflows in your environment.
Note:For full technical guidance, regulatory information and installation instructions, review the official Hikvision product page and datasheet. Pricing and availability may vary by region; confirm current pricing and distributor terms prior to procurement.