Security management software

	Neotech's PRO-01 supports 802.11g WLAN features.

More models support wireless transmission. High-performance multifunction units expand product applications.

Video surveillance over a network is slowly transcending the realm of traditional security. The greater flexibility, scalability and intelligence enabled by a networked surveillance system are driving its gradual albeit steady adoption in the transportation, public service, home and retail sectors.

Today, surveillance servers supporting up to four input channels, MPEG-4 compression, embedded Linux operating system and 10/100M LAN interface are considered mainstream. Meanwhile, makers are developing network video servers with recorders or all-in-one surveillance servers. Current trends include PTZ control, dual- or multi-streaming, wireless transmission and higher resolution.

Network servers that connect to analog surveillance cameras are gradually evolving into network cameras with embedded server applications. In Hong Kong and South Korea, makers are offering central management system (CMS) or application software.

Prices of surveillance servers are generally determined by the number of camera and network channels, and the type of components used. Makers foresee price decreases in the coming months.

The surveillance server industry in mainland China is still in its infancy. Most makers do small-scale manufacturing with monthly outputs ranging from several hundred to several thousand units.

There are about 50 makers of surveillance servers in mainland China, many of which are aggressively adopting new technologies and solutions.

At least half of Hong Kong's CCTV product suppliers have already released IP cameras or surveillance servers. Others plan to introduce their own models before the end of the year or in 2008. While IP cameras and surveillance servers still account for a small percentage of total output, makers agree that both devices will gradually take away share from analog CCTV products.

In Taiwan, more than 50 suppliers can provide both wired and wireless surveillance servers. Most companies, however, produce digital video recorders (DVRs), security cameras or CCTV monitors, and do not carry surveillance servers as a main product. Those that produce surveillance servers are considered small- or midsized with annual sales of $10 million or less. Almost all have in-house product development capabilities.

Still, interviewed companies insist that the line is much too young and does not call for large-scale production at this point in time.

Surveillance servers supporting one, two and four channels are available in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Mainstream models feature MPEG-4 or H.264 video compression, embedded Linux operating system and 10/100M LAN interface. They also enable realtime monitoring in half D1, CIF and QCIF resolutions and at a speed of 25fps or 30fps. Some high-end models support D1 resolution.

The core technology in surveillance servers is the encoding and decoding algorithm (codecs), which only a few leading makers—such as Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd—can develop in-house. Introduced on the mainland in early 2003, MPEG-4 compression technology is currently adopted by more than 50 percent of surveillance servers sold in the region. By virtue of its advanced compression rate and suitability to IP surveillance applications, it has become the most widely used compression technology today.

H.264, on the other hand, shows much promise, given its higher compression rate and image quality. To date, however, only a few makers venture into in-house development of H.264 products, largely due to the compression format's higher cost and technical threshold.

Enxun Digital Technology (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd has released EN-1481D, which adopts MPEG-4 video compression and MP3 audio compression. The model features 2CIF and CIF resolutions, 10/100M network interface, 1ch alarm input, motion detection, and three password levels. Its 1ch, 2ch and 4ch models mostly support CIF resolution.

Hikvision offers both 1ch and 4ch models. Its DS-6001HCI adopts H.264 compression and supports D1, DCIF, 2CIF, CIF and QCIF realtime monitoring. With four video and audio inputs, the 4ch model supports multi-zone motion detection, mask function, remote PTZ control, multiplex network protocol, ADSL (PPPoE) dialup function, network voice talk and multi-level user management.

Fujian Quanzhou Hengtong Digital Co. Ltd's model HTDVS-F supports either MPEG-4 or H.264 video compression plus G.729A audio compression. It has 1ch realtime or 4ch regular mode and QCIF, CIF, 2CIF, DCIF and D1 video resolutions. The unit's flexible design allows setting of one video coder as decoder for analog output. Other features are 6ch alarm, 10/100M network interface, PTZ control and mobile telephone video connection (S60 series).

Shenzhen Sino Universal Video Tech Co. Ltd offers two 1ch models. The 1ch SUS100 adopts 32-bit RSIC embedded processor and MPEG-4 video compression with 2CIF, CIF and QCIF resolution. Other functions include PTZ control (via RS-485 interface), motion detection, 10/100M LAN (RJ-45 interface), and software or IE browser operation.

	Video streamers from DiSS Tech can support up to four channels in D1 video quality.

Now available in the market are network DVRs with surveillance server functions, such as Hikvision's DS-7000 series and DS-8000 series, and Enxun's EN-1600 series of DVRs. Hengtong's standalone DVR, HTEDVS/R-H4D, works the same way as the HTDVS-F surveillance server. It comes with a built-in 2.5in HDD and supports USB and NAS (network-attached storage).

Taiwan's Pixord Corp. is developing a network video server recorder (NVSR) that supports H.264. The unit is set for release in 2008.

TeleEye Holdings Ltd is one of the first suppliers in Hong Kong to release network video surveillance products. Its RX series is a range of video recording transmitters that combine video transmission, high-resolution recording and flexible connections in one device. For instance, the RX360 has a built-in CD writer, removable hard drive, and composite video output for standalone and remote operations. It supports up to 16 video and 16 alarm inputs, and video transmission via LAN, ADSL, PSTN, ISDN and mobile network.

Neotech Photoelectric Inc.'s all-in-one surveillance servers integrate video recorders, network router and TV tuners around ADI and Techwell controller chips. The company has 15 R&D engineers who develop multifunction models.

Hong Kong-based DiSS Technology (HK) Co. Ltd offers video streamers with up to four channels, each with a speed of 25fps/30fps. It supports various video codecs, including MPEG-4 ASP L5, MPEG-2 main profile, MPEG-1 and JPEG. It offers a 128-bit encryption function and RS-422/485 interface for PTZ control.

DiSS Tech has also released a module for converting analog surveillance cameras into IP cameras. The IP-501 supports 1ch camera input and 30fps transmission at D1 resolution, using MPEG-4 compression. It supports full time, schedule, motion and alarm recording modes, multi-zone/multi-channel motion detection, remote monitoring, searching and PTZ control via TCP/IP. Four sensor inputs and an RS-485 pan/tilt control input are also included.

Webgate Inc.'s most popular model, WebEye B101M, is a network solution for existing analog PTZ cameras. It enables multi-streaming (maximum 60fps at D1 resolution) and supports the latest dual compression methods, MPEG-4 and JPEG, at full D1 resolution. WebEye B101M also allows smart area PTZ and 64 preset positions. For professional management, the company provides CMS for 3,000 sites. Webgate will release HD level server (1280x720) in H2 2007.

Pixord's surveillance servers support dual-streaming functions, MPEG-4 and M-JPEG, and NTSC or PAL TV standards. Some models have 10/100M Ethernet connection, and RS-232, RS-485 and USB 2.0 ports.

Join Link International Ltd recently released a dual-codec video server that supports MPEG-4 and M-JPEG compression and guarantees 30fps (NTSC)/ 25fps (PAL) speed at full D1 resolution. SV-301S comes with a built-in Web server, BNC video input with loopback output, audio input, and all-in-one RS-485/RS-232/GPI/video-out connector port.

The product also features network video recording software with GUI, smart search for motion live playback, realtime video enhancement tools, remote PTZ control, missing object detection, and an optional 802.11g wireless module.

Complementing SV-301S is the SV-301C IP camera, which is embedded with video conferencing function, an internal microphone and DC iris lens.

Interviewed companies in Taiwan can provide WLAN connection for their surveillance servers. Some companies offer models with built-in WLAN, while others provide interfaces for external WLAN connection, such as USB or Ethernet ports.

Taiwan-based manufacturers generally use an industrial-grade single-board-computer (SBC) board and video capture board that can support multiple channels of external video cameras. Some companies can provide integrated models that may include a DVR, TV tuner or IP camera. Products made by the interviewed companies can be connected to a LAN or to the Internet.

Manufacturers either provide hardware platforms and software drivers (including software development kits) to aid buyers in developing their own solutions, or offer complete systems.

The latest trends and developments in the surveillance server domain are the implementation of the 802.11n standard for WLAN, and WiMAX support for longer range and faster transmission. The 802.11n standard assures better performance than what the current mainstream 802.11g connection allows.

Neotech's surveillance servers support 802.11b/g and can be connected to LAN via RJ-45 Ethernet port. Most of the company's models adopt MPEG-4, MPEG-2 and MPEG-1 video codecs, and boast 30fps (NTSC) or 25fps (PAL) frame rates.

Agni Technology Inc. launched three surveillance server models in 2007. The products have recording and playback rates of 30fps, and support M-JPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 compression, and hardware DivX. Connection to a network is enabled by wired Ethernet or 802.11b/g-compliant WLAN. Buyers can avail of ActiveX software drivers and software development kits.

Employing three R&D engineers, the company has been developing surveillance servers that support WiMAX for wireless transmission. Noting future trends, however, Agni is focusing its product development efforts on the adoption of H.264 compression format.

Pixord supports wireless network connection via USB 2.0 interface. Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is also available upon request.

In South Korea, wired networks still reign in the surveillance domain. According to the interviewed companies, some wireless networks are unsuitable for security applications, as their transfer speed and capacity still fall short of what security systems require.

While wireless technologies such as 802.11a/b/g have been serving the industry for quite some time, some network solution providers are looking at various wireless alternatives such as CDMA, WiBro and HSDPA, which are viewed as more practical and cost-efficient.

iCanTek Co. Ltd's latest network server model, IcanServer510(W), can be used in both wired networks (Ethernet, ADSL and cable modem) and WLAN (802.11b/g). The product adopts MPEG-4 compression and intelligent bit rate control for various network environments, and offers 30fps rate at D1 resolution and full D1 resolution with de-interlaced filter.

South Korea-based mCam IT Co. Ltd has three types of network servers: wired, wireless, and wired-and- wireless. Model MCSS220 connects directly to Ethernet or Fast Ethernet and complies with IEEE 802.11b standard. The product supports RTP- and HTTP-based video streaming, and is interoperable with RTP, RTSP, SDP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, PPPoE and DHCP protocols. Using MPEG-4 compression format, it offers a transmission speed of 25fps at VGA (640x480) and up to 30fps at CIF (352x288).

MCSS220 can be interpreted by third-party software and Apple QuickTime viewer. Supporting Java Script with ActiveX controls and properties, the model allows camera list management and fast switching among security cameras.

	SecuInfo's 4ch network video server model NVS 2004, transforms video signals from analog cameras into digital video images. The unit connects directly to a TCP/IP network.

Network servers and network cameras share the same technological roots. Thus, network server suppliers can very well develop and produce their own network cameras. Essentially, the same technology is used in the development of standalone devices such as network servers and embedded devices such as network or IP cameras.

Security product manufacturers in South Korea initially made strong growth projections for the analog camera market. The earliest surveillance servers released in South Korea connected to analog cameras and performed network functions.

However, companies specializing in network servers soon recognized the growth potential of network cameras and started developing the line in 2006. Leading the market today are global makers and South Korea-based network solution providers that have released both network cameras and network servers.

mCam IT spent its early years developing network servers. But noting the soaring popularity of network cameras, mCam IT has decided to start its own network camera business.

Axis Communications Korea Co. Ltd, a leading global supplier of network cameras and surveillance servers, said network servers account for just 40 percent of its total sales revenue. Webgate also reported that network servers represent only 40 percent of its total output.

Network camera and network server makers provide CMS as a value-added feature that facilitates use and control of the products. Webgate and iCanTek pride themselves on their strong networking technologies and expertise, and their ability to develop network-based CMS. The companies' R&D teams are currently focusing on higher resolution and alternative compression formats.

With analog surveillance cameras accounting for 95 percent of total security camera output and demand for network functions increasing dramatically, growth prospects for network servers remain bright. Axis predicts that the network server industry will grow by 45 percent annually until 2009. The network camera business is expected to grow at an annual rate of 53 percent.

The network security business in South Korea is driven by suppliers/providers of security products, network solutions, Internet services and network-related equipment such as routers and switches.

The DSP chip is the key component in surveillance servers. As such, it determines the server's price and performance. Entry-level models in mainland China with 1ch input, MPEG-4 compression and CIF resolution are priced below $100.

Midrange models with 4ch input, MPEG-4 format and CIF resolution sell for about $200. High-end models with 4ch input, H.264 format and D1 resolution are quoted at more than $300.

Interviewees foresee a 20 percent price drop for surveillance servers in the coming months.

DiSS Tech's video servers are priced from $200 to $400 per unit, while its IP-501 sells for $50 to $70 each. Actual unit price depends on order volume, supported channels and optional features.

TeleEye's video recording transmitters are priced at more than $1,000 each.

Join Link's SV-301S costs $200, while SV-301C is quoted at about $220 FOB Hong Kong. Video monitoring and recording software are sold separately, with 4ch support at about $200 and 64ch at $3,000. Average prices are projected to rise by 10 percent to 15 percent in 2007.

Prices of network servers in South Korea are determined by the number of camera channels and network. A 1ch network server sells for $300 or less, while a 4ch model sells for $400 or more. An additional $50 is charged for wireless connection.

Products that support multi-streaming are quoted at $250 to $350, while those that do not, go for $200 to $300.

All interviewed companies in South Korea project a slight decline in the average price of network servers. Webgate forecasts a 7 percent to 8 percent price decrease in 2007.

In Taiwan, entry-level 1ch or 2ch M-JPEG models are pegged at $100 to $200, FOB. Multi-channel models thatadopt MPEG-2 and hardware DivX codecs are priced at about $250. Those that support WLAN connection cost $20 to $30 more. Units that come with a DVR or hard drive are priced $100 higher. Most companies expect lower prices next year.