Linux-based DVR cards

	Nuuo's SCB-IP series of software NVR solutions can support up to 64 network cameras.

Makers aim for higher resolutions, compression rates to strengthen the line. Multi-channel models are now available.

As H.264 video compression technology reaches its prime, more and more H.264-based products, including DVR cards, are entering the mainstream market. Next-generation PC processors, such as Intel Core 2 and AMD Athlon 64 X2, are satisfying the hardware needs of multi-channel and high compression rate DVR cards.

Encouraged by growing demand for DVRs and NVRs, most mainland China and Taiwan DVR card makers are gradually shifting to the production of IP-based surveillance systems. They now consider DVR cards a minor or secondary product line.

Europe, North America and Asia are the biggest export markets of most mainland China and Taiwan makers. Total exports in 2007 were estimated to have grown 50 percent from the previous year.

Software compression cards are considered entry-level products, while hardware compression models make up the midrange and high-end segments.

Most makers expect prices to remain stable in 2008, since they have already hit rock-bottom. Prices of DVR cards from mainland China range from $50 to $500. A 4ch software compression DVR card is quoted at about $50, while a 4ch hardware MPEG-4 compression model with CIF resolution sells for $200. A 16ch hardware H.264 compression model with CIF resolution costs about $500.

	MOdel DS4008HC-E from Hikvision is a hardware compression card that supports H.264 format and PCI-E interface.

New-generation PC processors, such as Intel Core 2 and AMD Athlon 64 X2, are strengthening the software compression DVR card line. In the past, DVR card applications were limited by rigorous PC hardware requirements. These new processors are addressing the needs of software compression DVR cards, particularly multi-channel or high compression rate models. They have powerful computing capability and are optimized for media processing, most of them equipped with a new micro-architecture, dual core (or multi-core), enhanced FPU and optimized cache.

DSP and ADC chipsets are the core components of DVR cards, as they determine performance and image quality. For hardware compression models, mainstream solutions include TI’s DM64x series, NXP’s PNX1500 series, and ADI’s BF56x/53x series. Generally, TI’s chips boast high performance, while ADI’s are known for their low price and power consumption. NXP’s chips, on the other hand, have higher performance-price ratios.

For software compression DVR cards, NXP’s SAA7130, Conexant’s CX23881 and Techwell’s TW6802 are the top picks. Some makers consider Conexant’s CX23881 and Techwell’s TW6802 superior to other brands as they come with 10bit ADCs.

	Chengfeng's CF-6004M features H.264 hardware compression, two-way voice communication, multiple workstation support for remote viewing and time line search.

Shenzhen and Hangzhou are considered the major production hubs for DVR cards in mainland China. Shenzhen is home to over 60 percent of DVR card makers on the mainland, while Hangzhou plays host to leading makers such as Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. Shanghai, Beijing and Sichuan provinces are also major production centers.

Mainland China makers offer two kinds of DVR cards—software compression cards or video capture cards and hardware compression cards. Mainstream models support 4ch to 8ch video input, and MPEG-4 or H.264 formats. DVR card makers subcontract PCB making, SMT and auto insertion to local EMS suppliers to reduce production costs. This also allows makers to concentrate on software development, particularly on enhancing coding/decoding algorithms.

Currently popular on the mainland are 1ch to 8ch software compression DVR cards with optimized software solutions. These cards support multi-channel realtime compression at CIF or even higher resolutions. Model
KD-T800 from Shenzhen K&D Technology Co. Ltd is a 4ch realtime DVR card that supports MPEG-4 compression, and displays and records at 320x240, 352x288 and 640x480 resolutions. It has a 1ch audio input, and 120 to 150M/h hard disk usage.

Meanwhile, Shenzhen ANKD Electronics Co. Ltd has also released model AKD-1708, an 8ch realtime DVR card adopting H.264 compression. The model features 8ch A/V input, D1 or CIF display and record resolutions, recording and playback modes, PTZ control, networking function, and 150 to 200M/h hard disk usage.

Model AKD-AV8808, another product from ANKD, features 8ch A/V input, MPEG-4 compression and CIF resolution. Other functions include motion detection, OSD, logo and mask overlay, and PTZ control. ANKD provides a full software development kit and demonstration with source code. K&D’s KD-T808AV is an 8ch software compression card that supports H.264 compression and realtime recording with CIF and D1 display resolutions. The model is compatible with Pentium 4 2.0GHz CPUs.

Some models support both MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Products adopting MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and M-JPEG are available upon buyers’ request. Hikvision’s DS-4016HCSI features 16ch A/V input, H.264 video compression algorithm and OggVorbis audio compression. The DVR card features CIF/QCIF and D1 resolutions, motion detection, OSD, logo and mask overlay. The parameters on each channel can also be set independently. Model DS-4016HCSI can support four units using one PC and 64ch A/V input.

Models offering D1 or even higher recording resolutions are also available. CF7004 from Shanghai Chengfeng Digital High-tech Co. Ltd, for instance, can achieve D1 resolution for recording and preview. The model features H.264 compression, 4ch video input, two-way voice communication, multiple workstations for remote viewing, timeline search and PTZ control. On the other hand, Hikvision’s DS-4008HCI features adjustable recording resolution, and supports realtime 8ch CIF or 4ch D1 resolutions.

	Chateau offers model VG8C-RT4, a 16ch DVR card capable of intelligent detection and recording.

At present, three types of suppliers make up the DVR card industry in Taiwan, namely, CCTV surveillance product makers, IP surveillance product makers and industrial PC (IPC) makers. In Taiwan, there are about 15 DVR card suppliers. However, only two or three of them consider DVR cards their major product line. Most suppliers treat DVR cards as a secondary or service product line, and focus more on the development of software solutions and NVRs.

Kguard Security Co. Ltd is a CCTV solution provider that specializes in software design. The company offers PC-based digital surveillance systems, standalone DVRs, mobile DVRs, access control systems, and CCTV
cameras, particularly CCD and speed dome models. Standalone DVRs account for 30 percent of Kguard’s sales revenue.

Portwell Inc.’s DVR cards are also integrated into other IPC solutions. Established in 1993, Portwell designs and manufactures a wide range of IPC products, embedded computing solutions and DVR platforms.

Although analog units are still considered mainstream, makers are more excited about hybrid DVRs. Aside from supporting both IP and analog cameras, hybrid models are capable of intelligent detection and recording—two key product development trends this year.

Chateau Technical Corp. and Nuuo Inc. are two suppliers focusing on network-related surveillance systems. These makers develop software solutions and/or NVRs that have better interoperability with PC devices. To date, PC-based DVR cards are Chateau’s main product line. The company is however keen on increasing its sales of standalone network DVRs in the coming months. Standalone network DVRs are hybrid models that can work with both CCTV and IP cameras.

Nuuo, on the other hand, offers the SCB series of PC-based DVR capture devices, which provides system integration solutions especially designed for analog camera systems that are scheduled for IP upgrades. The series features H.264 or MPEG-4 compression, dual monitors, 3GPP, GUI recording, realtime A/V viewer and filter, video enhancement tools, instant playback system, event log database and I/O device integration. Model
SCB-5016, a popular DVR card, supports 16ch A/V input and H.264 hardware compression, and is scalable up to four cards.

Specializing in software solutions, Nuuo employs engineers with expertise in video compression, image processing, pattern recognition, networking and DSP platform development.

The company’s latest IP-series can manage up to 64 network cameras simultaneously. This software solution can be installed in any PC or embedded in NVRs manufactured by the company. Special features include dual monitor realtime A/V display, intelligent detection, instant response, PTZ distance operation, GUI recording, realtime reviewer and filter, video enhancement tools and multi I/O support. The model supports 15 languages and is compatible with most hardware PC surveillance devices.

Compression algorithm development is the top priority of makers in 2008. With the H.264 compression format slowly reaching maturity, more and more H.264-based products are penetrating the mainstream market.

To date, MPEG-4 is still the most widely adopted format. H.264 technology, on the other hand, is mainly used in high-end DVR cards. While MPEG-4 is noted for its stability and reliability, H.264 is considered superior in terms of compression rate. Multiple channels and higher resolutions are two major R&D objectives in 2008. Most makers currently provide 1ch to 8ch DVR cards with CIF recording resolution. Other makers such as Hikvision have launched 16ch models. M-JPEG, MPEG-4 and H.264 remain the leading compression formats in Taiwan. Most makers are offering GUI and multi-language functions.

Most of Kguard’s products support M-JPEG and MPEG-4 compression formats. The company is currently focusing on achieving higher compression rates and resolutions, and on IP networking. Kguard’s KG2480 is a 16ch DVR capture card that adopts MPEG-4 codec. It features realtime A/V recording, video looping ports, video matrix output ports and remote site call monitoring functions. The model also supports separated screen modes for video output in one to 16 screens.

Chateau offers VG8C-RT4, which supports full hardware realtime compression. The DVR card adopts H.264 intelligent video compression technology. Its intelligent recording feature applies “image contract” and “separation of front and back images” techniques.