Traffic surveillance systems

	ForeTech's NI series allows easy compositing of data from multiple video servers, enabling the user to customize up to 40 channels.

Makers release integrated video management solutions that also emphasize simplified installation and operation.

Video servers are standard video management equipment in South Korea. They operate in a networked environment, are usually bundled with other CCTV products and software, and may have DVR functionality.

MPEG-4 is the mainstream video compression technology used. Models categorized as midrange are the most popular and can support up to four channels, each with an encoding resolution of D1 or CIF at 120fps. The products enable 10/100Mbps Ethernet with RJ-45 connectors. The latest releases have central management systems or CMS, external storage support and motion detection.

	Inkel PA offers the IQVR series of stand-alone servers, which doubles as a DVR and a 4-channel CCTV matrix system.

New entrant Inkel PA Corp.’s first IP video server, the INS-400, provides remote management via a CMS
software. The system can connect 16 servers simultaneously and display 16 channels in realtime. It enables PTZ camera control and management. The content can be recorded from a remote PC.

The device supports both static and dynamic IP. It can be accessed directly using a web browser. In the event of a network connection loss, the INS-400 can automatically store video data onto an external storage media such as a USB flash drive.

The IQVR, Inkel PA’s convergence series, has basic DVR functions and integrates a 4-channel CCTV matrix system. It runs on Linux OS and uses MPEG-4 video codec.

The IQVR-7160CJ boasts pentaplex operation, including live display, recording, playback, archiving and remote monitoring up to 16 channels. It has a motion close-up feature that allows a camera to detect movement, alert the DVR of the event and prompt another PTZ camera to automatically track and zoom-in on the surveillance area. Firmware upgrades can be done through USB or remotely via a network.

	The NI-S400B from Foretech is a large-capacity video server that supports up to 40 channels.

ForeTech Co. Ltd’s NI series of IP network servers offers easy compositing of video data from multiple video servers and enables the user to customize the capability range of the equipment up to 40 channels.

The NI-S400 has four channels in D1 resolution with 2-way audio and PoE, USB 2.0 interface for external storage, motion detection, OSD and privacy masking. The model works with central automation and digital video management systems.

The NI-S400B large-capacity network A/V server can carry a maximum of 40 channels by inserting up to 10 units of the blade-type NI series, including the NI-S400.

ForeTech claims competitive pricing for its D1 products. The NI-S400, for instance, is quoted 20 to 30 percent less than competitors’ devices. The company’s video server is designed to prevent network congestion even at D1 resolution. Using a web browser and its software program, the product allows client groups to monitor local video in realtime while overseeing central clients.

The server’s software and decoding hardware eliminate the need for a separate CCTV matrix system, thereby reducing the initial cost. Solutions with special functions are also available.

IP surveillance specialist CryptoTelecom Co. Ltd, for instance, offers the large-capacity PIMA Server. The model acts as a middleware for different technologies to connect or communicate with each other. It manages the registered users, devices, IP addresses and any related information on the NVRs, access control systems, home servers and networked cameras, A/V servers and DVRs.

The PIMA Server can also send notices to the user via e-mail or SMS when an event occurs, and has a processing capacity of up to 100,000 IP cameras. It is equipped with a 2GHz dual CPU with 1GB memory, and a 120GB HDD. It operates on Linux. Being a relay server, the product can perform multicasting to maximize the limited network bandwidth for multiple users.

The PIMA Server is suitable for CCTV camera, monitor and DVR manufacturers, home network/automation companies, and the security, Internet and mobile phone service providers.

South Korea accounts for 20 to 30 percent of the world’s security products market, which was worth $10.3 billion last year.

Low-cost models from other countries threaten to take a slice of this, but local suppliers continue to develop new products with improved performance, functions and capacity to boost sales.

Despite the stiff competition, interviewed companies share a rosy outlook for the video server segment. The increasing demand for integrated security management systems in large buildings such as offices, shopping malls, educational institutions, airports and banks is the main catalyst for growth.

Makers also see their experience in both the domestic and overseas markets as leverage to secure orders for emerging applications.

There are at least 150 manufacturers of CCTV equipment in South Korea, about 30 of which are DVR companies.

Large-scale suppliers, including Idis, corner 70 to 80 percent of the country’s total output. The majority of makers supply both hardware and software video management systems.

Seoul-based ForeTech, founded in 2000, exports the bulk of its systems, mainly to the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The supplier’s selection includes DVR products, and remote video monitoring and security matrix systems.

CryptoTelecom, established in 2000, provides NVRs, IP surveillance and mobile monitoring software, PoE modules and cameras, network security devices, home security systems and servers to government and military installations, schools and power stations. The Anyang-based manufacturer’s target markets in coming months are North America and Europe.

Incheon maker Inkel PA offers camera, DVR and system controller security products. It supplies buyers in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, particularly to Dubai and Russia. Having a parent company that specializes in A/V equipment, the maker plans to create models with integrated A/V systems in the future.