Introduction: Meet the Hikvision DS-KIS704EY 2‑Wire HD Video Intercom Kit
The Hikvision DS-KIS704EY 2‑Wire HD Video Intercom Kit brings modern video entry and access control to homes and small businesses with a practical mix of durability, convenience and retrofit-friendly installation. At its core the kit pairs an IP65/IK08 aluminium outdoor door station with a 7" capacitive touch indoor monitor and a 2‑wire distributor that supplies the system and enables plug‑and‑play calling. Key features include a 2 MP door camera with IR low‑light support and WDR, a 7" 1024×600 touch display, HikConnect mobile integration for remote calls and unlocking, and the ability to reuse existing two‑wire cabling — making it a strong choice when you want modern functionality without re‑cabling an entire building.
Key features at a glance
- 2 MP door station camerawith IR supplement and wide dynamic range for clearer images in challenging lighting.
- 7" capacitive touch indoor monitorwith 1024×600 resolution for intuitive operation and live view.
- 2‑wire operationenabling retrofit installations using existing wiring; distributor provides 48 V channel supply.
- Rugged outdoor stationin aluminium with IP65 weather protection and IK08 vandal resistance for exposed entrances.
- HikConnect supportfor P2P mobile access — receive calls and unlock remotely from a smartphone.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-KIS704EY is engineered to balance performance, resilience and straightforward installation. The door station houses a 2 MP camera with a wide field of view (approximately 133° horizontal × 82° vertical), IR low‑light supplement and WDR. Together these features produce usable images in backlit or dim conditions, improving visitor identification both day and night. The aluminium frontplate is not only aesthetic but also rated IP65 for water and dust ingress and IK08 for impact resistance, which matters at street‑facing entrances where devices face the elements and potential vandalism.
Inside, the 7" capacitive touch monitor delivers a responsive user interface and a 1024×600 colour display. The monitor has modest onboard memory (32 MB RAM, 128 MB ROM) and supports microSD cards up to 128 GB for captured pictures. It can be linked with up to three indoor stations, enabling multiple points of control within a residence or small business. Typical monitor dimensions (190.2 × 138.2 × 20 mm) keep it low‑profile on a wall, and its operating range (-10 °C to 50 °C) suits indoor environments.
From a systems standpoint the kit is built around a 2‑wire architecture. That means installers can often reuse legacy two‑wire cabling rather than running new Ethernet throughout a property — a major cost and disruption saver. The distributor in the kit provides the required 48 V channel supply (common distributor models include DS‑KAD7040EY or DS‑KAD7060EY), while the door station itself can accept optional 12 VDC input for some setups. Lock control is provided by two lock outputs (relay and pulse), with relay ratings suitable for most electric strike and magnetic lock devices (relay max 30 VDC, 2 A plus pulse specifications).
Network features include support for TCP/IP, SIP and RTSP protocols, H.264 video compression and G.711 audio. The system includes omnidirectional microphones and a speaker with noise suppression and echo cancellation to keep two‑way communication clear. For installers and owners, HikConnect provides P2P mobile access for call notifications and remote unlocking — convenient for property managers, homeowners and delivery handling.
The kit is intended for DIY‑friendly installation but final wiring and commissioning should be performed by qualified personnel to comply with local electrical codes. Check supplied labelling and documentation for CE/UKCA and other regional approvals before sale and installation. Hikvision installation guidance recommends isolating power during wiring and testing lock outputs in a controlled environment.
Use cases and scenarios where this kit excels
The DS-KIS704EY fits several practical scenarios where cost, durability and retrofit capability matter:
- Single‑family homes:Homeowners who want a reliable, weatherproof intercom with smartphone notifications and remote unlock without the expense of running new network cable will find this kit attractive.
- Small retail and office premises:Shopfronts and small offices needing a compact access control solution with vandal resistance and remote management can use the kit to manage deliveries and visitors during out‑of‑hours periods.
- Renovations and retrofits:Properties with existing two‑wire door entry wiring benefit most — the kit reuses cabling and reduces labor and material costs compared with full IP re‑cabling.
- Secondary entrances and gated properties:The rugged door station and lock‑control outputs make it suitable for gates, side doors and other exposed points where weather and tampering are concerns.
- Multi‑room control within small sites:With support for up to three linked indoor stations, owners can place a monitor in a hallway, bedroom or office and still manage access centrally.
How it compares with similar products
When evaluating the DS-KIS704EY against other door entry solutions, a few comparisons matter:
- 2‑wire kits vs full IP systems:Full IP intercoms (SIP or PoE) can offer higher resolution cameras and richer integrations with video management systems, but they usually require Ethernet cabling and PoE power. The DS-KIS704EY’s 2‑wire approach is compelling where re‑cabling is impractical or costly.
- Wired vs wireless/Wi‑Fi monitors:Wi‑Fi monitors simplify network setup but can suffer from unreliable wireless connectivity at entrances. The DS‑KIS704EY relies on a wired two‑wire path to ensure consistent call and unlock performance, with 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi available mainly for monitor configuration.
- Vandal‑resistant aluminium vs plastic door stations:Many consumer intercoms use plastic housings which are less robust in exposed or high‑risk locations. The aluminium IP65/IK08 station here is better suited for street‑facing doors and commercial use where durability matters.
- Feature parity with competing brands:Competing two‑wire kits from other manufacturers may offer similar retrofit convenience; however, Hikvision’s ecosystem and HikConnect integration can be an advantage for users who want mobile P2P access and a familiar installer channel. Evaluate local support, firmware update practices and the distributor/parts list when comparing across brands.
Customer feedback and reviews
Specific customer testimonials for individual SKUs should be checked on reseller pages and independent review sites. Common themes that buyers often highlight for kits of this type include:
- Ease of retrofit: installers and DIYers appreciate the ability to reuse existing two‑wire infrastructure and the plug‑and‑play nature of the distributor in many installations.
- Build quality: users in exposed locations commonly praise aluminium, IP65 and IK08 ratings for longevity and resistance to vandal attempts or harsh weather.
- Mobile convenience: owners frequently note the value of HikConnect notifications and remote unlocking for deliveries or letting guests in when away from the property.
- Configuration caveats: some buyers comment that initial setup (networking, HikConnect account linking, lock timing) benefits from careful reading of the datasheet or professional installer help.
If you need real user reviews, check the product page on reputable reseller sites, installer forums and Hikvision’s own support channels to read verified customer experiences relevant to your region and SKU variant.
Conclusion: Why the DS-KIS704EY is a strong choice
The Hikvision DS-KIS704EY 2‑Wire HD Video Intercom Kit blends practical convenience with rugged hardware and mobile capability. It’s particularly well suited to retrofit projects, small businesses and homeowners who want reliable visitor verification and remote unlocking without the time and cost of running new Ethernet cable. The aluminium IP65/IK08 door station gives confidence for exposed installations, while the 7" capacitive monitor and HikConnect integration make day‑to‑day use straightforward. Before purchase, confirm the exact sub‑SKU contents (some variants include a keypad or surface enclosure) and verify regional approvals and warranty terms from the seller. At a suggested retail price of around 399 (prices vary by region and reseller), the DS-KIS704EY offers a balanced mix of durability, functionality and retrofit practicality that makes it a compelling option for many entry‑control projects.
Practical next steps:Confirm the SKU's parts list with your reseller, verify compatibility with your chosen locking hardware, and consider professional installation to align with local electrical and safety regulations.