Introduction to the Hikvision DS‑TMC403‑E/3106 and its key features
The Hikvision DS‑TMC403‑E/3106 is a purpose‑built 4 MP ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera designed for entrance and exit applications where reliable vehicle identification and barrier control are essential. As an all‑in‑one unit, it combines a 4 MP progressive‑scan CMOS sensor, a motorised 3.1–6 mm autofocus lens, an embedded ANPR engine and a 9‑LED supplement light supporting both white and IR modes. Additional hardware features like relay outputs and multiple trigger modes make the camera suitable for integrated access control workflows.
Key features include:
- 4 MP imagingat up to 2688 × 1520 (25/30 fps) for clear plate capture.
- Built‑in ANPR enginewith allowlist/blocklist management and on‑device decisioning.
- Motorised vari‑focal lens(3.1–6 mm) with autofocus for flexible mounting distances.
- 9‑LED supplement lightoffering white and IR modes with smart control for night or low‑light scenes.
- Multiple trigger modes and I/Oincluding video trigger, loop, radar and relay outputs for direct barrier/gate linkage.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specification helps installers and system designers determine whether the DS‑TMC403‑E/3106 meets specific site requirements. Below is a consolidated view of the core specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
- Image sensor:1/3" progressive scan CMOS — delivers progressive imagery suitable for fast‑moving targets and reduces motion artifacts compared with interlaced sensors.
- Max resolution:2688 × 1520 (4 MP) at 25/30 fps — balances high detail for plate capture with efficient bandwidth use when combined with modern codecs.
- Min illumination and shutter:Low‑light sensitivity of around 0.022 Lux (colour) and 0.011 Lux (B/W) means usable images under low ambient light, and a fast shutter range (1/30 s to 1/100,000 s) helps freeze license plates at speed.
- WDR:Wide dynamic range support (manufacturer lists up to 140 dB in some regions) for scenes with strong backlighting such as sunrise/sunset capture at entrances.
- Motorised 3.1–6 mm AF lens:Motorised vari‑focal control and autofocus facilitate flexible mounting distances and simplify commissioning; installers can remotely adjust field of view without physical lens swaps.
- 9‑LED supplement light:White and IR modes enable clear daytime‑style illumination or covert IR lighting for privacy or enforcement scenarios. Smart control by time/brightness reduces unnecessary power draw and glare.
- On‑device ANPR:Built‑in recognition engine and support for allowlist/blocklist reduces dependency on external servers and lowers latency for barrier decisions.
- Trigger modes and queue management:Video triggers, loop detection and radar support plus anti‑vehicle‑following options help prevent tailgating and manage queuing at busy entrances.
- Video codecs:H.264 / H.265 / MJPEG support provides flexibility between bandwidth efficiency and compatibility with existing VMS/NVR systems.
- Network:Standard 10/100 Ethernet with support for common protocols (HTTP, RTSP, RTP, DHCP, NTP, FTP) eases integration into IP networks and VMS platforms.
- Interfaces:RS‑485, multiple alarm inputs and relay outputs enable direct interaction with gates, barriers and third‑party sensors.
- Power options:Variant dependent — some SKUs support PoE (802.3at) or 12–24 VDC while other regional versions may use 220 VAC. Confirm SKU before procurement and installation.
- Operating temperature and ingress protection:Typical working range reported from around −20 °C to 70 °C depending on region; some reseller docs list IP54. Verify the datasheet for the supplied SKU for exact ratings.
- Housing and mounting:Outdoor enclosure with anti‑UV coating and support for pole/wall mounting. Brackets and accessories may be required for certain installations.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS‑TMC403‑E/3106 is tailored to vehicle access control and ANPR tasks. Typical scenarios where it performs well include:
- Commercial car parks:Automated access for permit holders and pay‑on‑exit workflows where fast, accurate plate reads reduce queuing and staffing needs.
- Gated residential communities:Permit and visitor management using allowlist/blocklist features to streamline resident entry while maintaining security.
- Logistics yards and distribution centres:Vehicle throughput monitoring, access control for HGVs and record keeping for deliveries and pickups.
- Tolling or fee collection lanes:Secondary lanes where one camera per lane can capture plate data for invoicing or enforcement.
- Security perimeters and restricted zones:Automated alerts for blacklisted vehicles and integration with barriers for immediate response.
- Temporary or new sites:The integrated light and I/O reduce the need for separate illuminators and controllers, speeding deployment in greenfield projects.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When considering ANPR solutions, integrators usually weigh tradeoffs between dedicated multi‑component systems and all‑in‑one cameras like the DS‑TMC403‑E/3106. Key points of comparison:
- All‑in‑one vs modular:The Hikvision all‑in‑one design reduces cabling and simplifies installation by integrating lighting and I/O. Modular systems (separate camera + illuminator + ANPR server) may offer higher flexibility or redundancy but require more space, cabling and coordination.
- Resolution and optics:4 MP is well suited for most ANPR tasks at typical entry distances. Higher resolution (6–8 MP) cameras can capture broader scenes or multiple lanes from one mounting point but increase bandwidth and storage needs.
- Illumination modes:The dual white/IR supplement light with smart control is advantageous for mixed‑use sites where visible illumination at night is acceptable. Some competitors provide more LEDs or strobed illumination for high‑speed capture but with increased power draw.
- ANPR processing:On‑device ANPR lowers latency and can reduce server costs. Cloud or server‑based recognition systems might offer more advanced analytics or centralised management at the cost of added infrastructure.
- Power and environmental ratings:Verify PoE support and IP rating versus competitor models — some devices offer higher ingress protection (IP66/IP67) or extended temperature ranges for extreme environments.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
Official public reviews for specific SKUs may vary by region and supplier. Below are typical, anonymised observations installers and site managers report when deploying cameras of this class, based on common field experience:
- Installer:"The motorised lens and remote focus saved hours during commissioning — no ladder work to adjust framing."
- Car park manager:"Having the ANPR on the device simplified our setup. Entry is faster and we spend less time managing transponders and tickets."
- Security integrator:"Relay outputs and multiple trigger options made barrier integration straightforward. The white/IR light modes handled different site policies about visible lighting nicely."
Note: These examples are representative feedback and not verbatim testimonials tied to named customers. For verified reviews, consult reseller listings or independent integrator case studies relevant to your region.
Conclusion: Why the DS‑TMC403‑E/3106 is a compelling choice
The Hikvision DS‑TMC403‑E/3106 stands out as a practical all‑in‑one ANPR camera for entrances and exits where simplicity, reliability and direct barrier control are required. Its combination of a 4 MP sensor, motorised autofocus lens, smart dual‑mode illumination and built‑in ANPR reduces the need for multiple devices, lowering installation complexity and recurring maintenance points.
For commercial car parks, gated communities, logistics yards and controlled access sites, the camera offers a balanced mix of image quality, flexible mounting options and integration‑ready interfaces. The on‑device recognition engine and relay outputs shorten response times for automated gates and lower dependency on central servers, which can be a decisive advantage for many customers.
Caveats and best practices: always confirm the exact SKU for power input and environmental ratings, check regional compliance certifications, and plan mounting and cabling to match the site’s lighting and traffic characteristics. When those points are validated, the DS‑TMC403‑E/3106 provides a cost‑effective, installer‑friendly solution for modern vehicle access control.
Suggested retail price:1,750.00 (approximate; confirm with supplier). For procurement, compare SKU variants and verify warranty and support options with your reseller.
