Door/window sensors

	The MA-8088 magnetic sensor alarm from Sun Fu Cheong includes a digital keypad for setting the security code, exit and entry delay, and auto shutoff time.

New and entry-level users inspire R&D of starter/DIY kits and value-added products. Makers target higher supply of wireless alarms.

The intruder detector and alarm industry in Hong Kong is training its eyes on the home and consumer markets, which are projected to fuel the sector in the next 12 months. Dwindling export figures over the past two years helped provide a wake-up call to suppliers to reinvent their products.

While the old basic detectors and alarms are still being offered, product development patterns are leaning toward value-added low-priced devices that are easy to install, scale up and integrate with other home security systems. For the new user and the one with zero knowledge of security installations, starter and DIY kits are available in retail outlets. The latest releases are also designed with the homeowner’s convenience in mind.

Value-added functions include motion-triggered image and video recording, programmable operation, IR night vision, memory card storage and USB interface. Disguised motion detectors, specialized sensors, and emergency dialers with GSM/PSTN network support and programmable SMS will also be part of upcoming intrusion detection systems.

Suppliers will be focusing more on wireless intruder alarm systems, as well as home automation integration, in 2009. Such manufacturers do not foresee price increases in the coming year.

Hong Kong—with its 20 active suppliers, ODM and OBM business models, in-house design and product development capabilities, well-established sales channels and reliable after-sales services—is undoubtedly a competent source of quality intruder alarms and alarm systems. Customs records estimate a total shipment of 16 million burglar alarms worth $124 million and 10 million units of fire alarms and similar products worth $55 million by the end of 2008.

Over the last couple of years, however, the value of burglar alarms shipping out of the region has waned. This year’s export figures almost equal that of 2007 but are lower by 8 percent than that of 2006. Year-on-year growth is also lower at 2.6 percent, compared with 2007’s 5.5 percent.

Despite this, the supplier base continues to thrive by narrowing its focus to the home security market and ensuring that buyers get a regular dose of new products. Unlike some product lines that suffer from shortening product cycle, most old and basic models of intruder detectors and alarms remain in manufacturers’ product lists, enhanced by a gamut of complementary devices and accessories. Intrusion detection products such as motion sensors have evolved into inexpensive, easy-to-install building blocks for comprehensive home security systems.

Rising crime awareness is one of the main growth drivers for intruder detectors and alarms. Information about safety and security is now more accessible to people wherever they are, creating a continuous reminder and prompting them to invest in the most basic and practical means of keeping their homes safe.

Easy-to-install, scalable and affordable devices are drawing consumers toward home security products. Home starter and DIY kits are available in most retail chain stores. The wide range of products encourages new users to try the starter kits and eventually upgrade to larger, more comprehensive systems.

The latest models are being shaped by the convergence of home security, automation and access control. The solutions offer a natural combination of safety and comfort, while the extra functionality raises the products’ value proposition, particularly among non-professional buyers. If this pattern continues, the dream of suppliers to bring current models closer to the mass market may soon come true. But they have to doubly work on solving current issues in accuracy, range, power and compatibility.

The concept of basic kits is already undergoing gradual transformation. Unlike the two- or three-piece packages of previous years, many starter kits today are coming out with multiple detector and sensor units such as smoke detectors and window sensors. Several current and upcoming systems also support various control modules and remote controllers.

Intruder detectors are among the most important components of a home security system, serving as the eyes and ears of the homeowner. For motion sensing, most suppliers from the special administrative region utilize PIR sensors from third-party vendors almost exclusively, and will continue to source from them in 2009. Low-cost PIR sensors are deemed a mature technology and essential to keeping intruder detectors affordable.

Hong Kong-based makers of value-added intruder detectors will increase their share in new product releases. Many models offer battery monitoring, angle adjustment and sensitivity adjustment. One of the most significant add-on functions that suppliers have introduced is motion-triggered digital camera photo and video recording.

Some of the models that provide this function are programmable, have IR night vision and support memory card storage. Other models can also be interfaced with a computer via USB. With function integration becoming less expensive, new models coming out in 2009 may eventually be capable of sending recorded images and video over a mobile phone network or the Internet.

Disguising motion detectors is another strategy being pursued by suppliers. As traditional motion detectors are easily recognizable, new releases have hidden the detector into common household items such as clocks and lighting appliances.

Suppliers from Hong Kong are further looking at developing more specialized sensors. The most widely available are window/door magnetic sensors and smoke detectors. Meanwhile, the supply of flood sensors, vibration sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, garage door sensors, pressure mats, temperature sensors, power failure detectors and alarm sensors are steadily rising.

Emergency dialers are expected to receive much attention in 2009. Combo GSM and PSTN models will continue to be showcase pieces. Many new releases offer various added functions including auto frequency scanning, date/time display, remote control, built-in alarm, two-way voice communication, programmable entry/exit delay, programmable SMS sending and others. Keypad backlight and two-line displays are also included.

Wireless intruder alarm systems are becoming the central offering of many suppliers. The price difference between wired and wireless systems has been getting narrower every year, and new, more reliable wireless technologies are emerging. The DIY market has a higher uptake for wireless models. The professional market, which has traditionally favored wired systems, is also gradually moving toward wireless systems.

The choice of wireless transmission technology is central to enabling home automation functionality in intruder alarms and detectors. Suppliers have several options in wireless technology. Aside from the traditional RF technologies, suppliers are also tapping ZigBee, Insteon and X10. Although most companies are skeptical to explore relatively new technologies because of high cost, there are some that are more daring. Trisat Digital Ltd, for instance, is now exploring ZigBee applications. Capital Prospect Ltd, for its part, has adopted Insteon.

Lighting control has so far been the most common home automation function integrated into intruder alarms and detectors. Motion-triggered night lamps that house both the sensor and light circuit in a single housing are already a staple in many makers’ product lineups. In the latest models, motion sensors are discrete units that can activate most AC-powered light fixtures directly or via controllers. Other home elements being automated include powering on/off appliances, controlling window curtains, opening/closing garage doors and others.