Asia Update: Truen stays ahead with IP speed domes

Editor / Provider: Truen | Updated: 3/25/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Founded in 2005, Truen's products are used in transportation, broadcasting, security, and city surveillance. Some of its important clients include the highway authority of Korea, the Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC), and major television and radio network Korean Broadcasting System. With various network solutions to satisfy the needs of system integrators (SI), the company is able to form good working relationships with more than 100 local SIs. Aside from possessing high tech development skills, Truen's focus on the domestic market allowed the company to achieve a better understanding of local user requirements.

Though considered a late entrant of the industry, Truen acted as a pioneer in developing advanced technology. Not only was it the first Korean manufacturer to launch H.264 products in 2006, it was also one of the first in the industry to release a series of cameras and servers with 1,080p resolution at 60 frames per second in 2012, providing even higher resolution images in real time, and also surpassing current industry standards. Staying true to its innovative ways, Truen is also one of the first companies who are able to develop thermal IP cameras compliant to ONVIF and PSIA standards. As thermal cameras usually require higherstandards, in terms of algorithm and computing power, very few companies are able to achieve that. Upon the development of this thermal camera, the company is able to create new verticals as different industries realize its use in various applications. Being one of the first ONVIF members, Truen joined the organization in 2010. Within a year of joining, all of Truen's products became ONVIF-compliant.

Truen entered the foreign market in 2007 to market its own brand name, also with small ODM orders. With growing competition from China, Oscar Yoon, Overseas Sales Team Manager at Truen, believed targeting high-end megapixel network speed domes to be the best way to counter Chinese products saturating the low- to mid-end sector. Truen will continue the expansion of its network HD speed dome products portfolio, NVR, and 128-channel VMS. The company also plans to add intelligent functions to its cameras, so it will simultaneously possess both VMS and VCA functions.

In the upcoming years, Yoon said DVR sales will continue to drop and SDI products will face a similar fate. After all, IP surveillance products are the mainstream, with unlimited potential and room for development. Yoon also had high hopes for 3G-SDI, believing it will also have widespread adoption, as it can provide faster transfer rates of uncompressed HD video. Truen's network cameras are capable of transmitting both HDMI and HD-SDI, fitting the standards of the KEC. This user-friendly flexibility is also why Japanese customers select Truen products.

Moscow airport watches over cargo area and passenger terminal with 2,100 eyes

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/22/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Moscow's Vnukovo airport installed an IP-based video surveillance system consisting of 2,100 Axis Communications IP cameras to ensure a high level of security and monitor its two terminals. German consultant EcoProg was commissioned to design and implement the integrated security system at the passenger and cargo terminals that cover 32.7 hectares (327,000 square meters). The company has operated as an engineering contractor for Vnukovo airport since 2004.

“Airport security and safety cannot be ensured without installation of an intelligent security system,” said Dmitry Shmakov, Head of the Security Department for Vnukovo Airport. “One such system was installed for the 'A' and 'Cargo' terminals.”

EcoProg installed Axis cameras in the checking and registration zones, passport and custom check areas, lobby, halls, entrances exits, elevators, stairways and parking. The maintenance dispatch center monitors elevators, travelators, cargo conveyors and other process equipment, and automated workplaces. This equipment ensures fast response in case of incidents and helps reduce possible negative effects.

The network cameras pre-recording mode support 30 seconds buffer, while intelligent software supports motion detection, virtual cross-line detection, unattended cargo detection, and identification in check zones and registration zones. If unauthorized persons try to enter the terminal outside of the checking zone, a cross-line detector automatically triggers video recording and initiates transmission of video and audio data to airport security service in real-time.

The cameras also integrate with other security systems, including automatic fire-fighting equipment. When the fire alarm system produces an alarm signal, the fire safety station operator receives images from cameras located closest to the alarm area and evacuation routes. Taking into account the large size of the terminals, the new security system assists in decision-making, differentiation of false alarms and effective evacuation in emergency cases.

What makes IP cams tick

Editor / Provider: Tevin Wang, a&s International | Updated: 3/21/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

According to IMS Research's (part of IHS) 2012 forecasts, the global market for IP-based video surveillance equipment is expected to surpass US$5.4 billion this year (overall video equipment market at roughly $13.6 billion). As competition continues to intensify, a&s looks into how mainstream megapixel cameras differ and differentiate in terms of features, promotion, and after-sale warranties and services.

Today's mainstream IP cameras are 2-megapixel (MP) ones. “Even if a camera captures images in higher resolution than 2-MP, major displays support full HD only and the whole image cannot be shown in one display,” said Alex Iida, Senior Manager of Visual Security Solutions for APAC, Sony Electronics.

As more pixels do not necessarily translate to clearer and more usable footage, features that need to be highlighted and compared lie elsewhere. “In fact, the higher the resolution, the significantly less the sensitivity is. This is one of the most important considerations in security applications, especially in low-light environments,” Iida elaborated. “Capturing images with higher resolution means data sizes will be larger, which cause problems in network bandwidth and storage, and result in higher expenses in integration and implementation.”

Sensitivity & Bandwidth
Image sensors are the deciding factor between good and excellent megapixel cameras, as light sensitivity becomes tricky with more pixels crammed onto the same piece of silicon. Sony has dedicated significant R&D efforts to this area. “The aspect ratio of our image sensors in the 2-MP cameras we have developed and adopted is 16:9 native. Compared to conventional 4:3 or 5:4 image sensors, 16:9 ones enable a larger pixel size for each pixel.” Thanks to this bigger pixel size, even with full HD resolution at 2-MP, sensitivity improvement is clearly visible.

As a pioneer of network cameras, VIVOTEK has also invested significantly in optimizing image quality, with respect to brightness, contrast, gamma and sharpness. “We have many parameters for image tuning and testing,” said Steve Ma, Executive VP at VIVOTEK. “Another difference would be bandwidth control. For more efficient bandwidth allocations, we advise our clients and integrators on ideal camera settings, such as SVC, CBR, cropping and local storage.” SVC provides more effective bandwidth and processor resource management by simultaneously dividing video data into multiple layers at different resolutions, picture sizes and frame rates, to meet the requirements of different client devices and network conditions. CBR offers flexible bit rate control in terms of maintaining stable bandwidth and allows users to simultaneously set an upper-bound mode for live viewing and choose an average mode for recording.

Multistream
Multistreaming means a number of video streams with different types of compression, such as H.264 and M-JPEG. These streams facilitate bandwidth-efficient viewing and recording. Streaming capability is highly dependent on the camera's processor and brand. Some make the most out of this feature as a key differentiator, while others do not believe it is a game changer.

Most manufacturers offer at least two streams, with some supporting three or even four independent streams. “Currently in our high line portfolio, we have three image sensors representing 720p and 1,080p resolutions. The sensor defines the maximum resolution for four streams and the type of streams that can be generated in HD streams; SD or HD streams, as a copy of the first stream; i-frame only streaming for recording; and MJPEG streams,” said Ad Biemans, Product Marketing Manager for Video Systems in EMEA, Bosch Security Systems.

Avigilon has a proprietary HD-stream management feature. “The feature enables users to manage video signals through the transmission and storage phases, without losing any of the visual quality of the signals,” said Rick Ramsay, Senior PM. “With this feature, only the requested portions of captured images are sent to operator workstations, optimizing the amount of bandwidth required. In addition to reducing client bandwidth usage, the feature also greatly reduces the processing load on the remote client, offering a unique way of working with multiple streams of H.264-compressed video to overcome many trade-offs. When a single stream is zoomed in for more detail, that stream will be automatically sent in full resolution while other streams are kept in low resolution for an overview version of the image.”

Verticalized Approach
Vertical segments such as commercial buildings, education, retail, transportation, city surveillance, traffic monitoring, airports and banking have specific demands for image clarity. “We have a range of cameras that are designed to be used in the most demanding conditions. One example is a vandal-proof corner-mount camera which is specified for prisons, hospitals and elevators,” Biemans said. Another example would be its ALPR line for vehicle surveillance and intelligent transportation applications.

Others like Axis Communications and Brickcom design and manufacture cameras for desert-like environments. “In desert areas — which make up about one-third of the earth's land surface — there are mining sites, oil and gas fields, pipeline installations as well as cities that need surveillance cameras that can withstand extreme heat and harsh conditions such as sandstorms,” said Erik Frannlid, Director of Product Management at Axis Communications. “It is critical for cameras with moving parts to have a high enough operating temperature to ensure optimal and reliable performance. The reason is that a camera with direct exposure to sunlight can be heated to a temperature of at least 15 degrees Celsius over the surrounding temperature, so an air temperature of 45 degrees may mean that the camera has to operate at 60 degrees. Our climate control system can handle rapid temperature changes to eliminate condensation.”

Similarly, Brickcom has launched cameras exclusively for places such as Russia, the Middle East, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, for their volatile weather conditions. These cameras are IP67-rated with built-in fan and heater to cope with outdoor environments, said Max Fan, Sales Director for Brickcom.

With the rapid growth of cities, Hikvision is eyeing the opportunity of traffic monitoring. “With detailed recognition and fast image capture speed, our solutions bring smarter surveillance and relief to traffic monitoring,” said Adler Wu, PM at Hikvision Digital Technology. “The improved resolution allows authorities to not only assess situations more quickly, but to allow them to respond in a timely manner.”

Regardless of the countless opportunities that megapixel cameras bring, manufacturers are advised to look at creative service models and solution offerings, to stay in business amid difficult trading conditions. Although reliability has always been key, it is financially and operationally sound to think outside the box to cater to the needs of customers of different verticals, regions or even cultural practices.

Making a Sale
The HD benefits are clear. What is not clear is how users should approach this new technology and what they should expect from it. As seeing is believing, live demonstrations are gaining popularity.

Brickcom started out as a network gear provider and prefers using toy trains to display full HD images via wireless transmission in real time. “We also designed an interactive demo of 2-MP cameras to highlight the plug-and-play, easy-to-use and auto-focus features,” Fan said.

With the omnipresence of the Internet, Secubest puts detailed product information and live demonstrations of its 2-MP cameras online. “Customers can experience live HD footage, along with the durability and design of our cameras through online demos anytime,” said Eva Chu, GM of Sales and Marketing at Secubest.

Sensing the proliferation of social-media marketing, LILIN has readjusted its marketing and promotional strategies to better cater to local taste and unique requirements, with the help of its seven subsidiaries worldwide, said Steve Hu, PM at Merit LILIN.

Securing the Investment
Customers do not want to purchase disposable cameras that need to be replaced or require maintenance constantly. Camera maintenance can be a huge expense, which is why end users pay attention not only to specs, features and algorithms, but also to warranties and after-sale support. Most manufacturers provide two- or three-year warranties. If other types of warranty are requested, some solution providers offer extension programs.

To further differentiate itself, IQinVision offers an all-inclusive five-year warranty on the majority of its products. “The only products which come with our shorter, three-year warranty are those with auto back focus or motorized zoom and focus lenses,” said Alex Doorduyn, Director of Product Marketing. When certain models are no longer manufactured, “we charge for repairs but still offer free telephone support for cameras outside of warranty.” IQinVision believes that customers should not allow manufacturers with poor-quality products and manufacturing processes to dictate the life span of a technology, especially in such a vital industry like security.

Hikvision launches network speed dome series

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 3/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Hikvision unveiled a new series of state-of-the-art surveillance cameras – DS-2DF5274 1.3MP and DS-2DF5284 2MP network speed dome cameras –which are specifically designed to provide the ideal solution for airports, industrial parks, harbors, and any large area where high performance PTZ functionality is required.

The models incorporate true day / night cameras with an IR cut filter and are capable of a 1/3” progressive scan, works extremely well in low light environments and, with the benefit of 3D DNR functionality, the images are further enhanced since it greatly helps to reduce noise and motion blur.

The DS-2DF5274 offers a 1280x960 resolution at 25 to 30 frames per second, and a 20X optical zoom of 4.3mm to 86.0mm. It also has a zoom speed of 5s and 54.1–3.2 degree angle of view. Whilst the DS-2DF5284 is a similar camera with slightly different capabilities, gives consumers another option. It has an HD 1080p resolution at 25 to 30 frames per second, as well as a 20X optical zoom of 4.7 to 94mm. Its zoom speed is 2.7s with a 58.3–3.2 degree angle of view.

With a pan speed of 540°/s and an endless range of 360°, they are extremely effective in capturing the most minute activities when deployed. As network cameras, they can be integrated in a surveillance network through an RJ45 Ethernet connection, providing seamless functionality with other compatible network surveillance devices. The products offer dual streaming and H.264/MJPEG/MPEG4 compression to optimize bandwidth consumption. It even supports up to 10 users simultaneously monitoring live images at different locations. ONVIF and PSIA protocols are also supported for the integration with other equipments, to meet the requirements of different surveillance needs.

Other features include 24 programmable privacy masks, with a maximum of 8 zones masked on the same video screen. These customizable zones stay in place even though the cameras are moving, which meets the needs of today's users who wish to block certain parts of the cameras' view for privacy, without compromising their impeccable surveillance of the environment.

Axis releases indoor vandal-resistant PTZ dome series

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/20/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications announces indoor, vandal-resistant, hard-ceiling mounted PTZ dome cameras. Axis M50-V PTZ dome network cameras are a solution that can for example, help to cost-effectively monitor train platforms and boarding areas, entrances, exits and waiting halls. They also make it possible to manage one or more locations while improving security.

"Axis M50-V cameras are affordably priced, vandal-resistant PTZ domes that give the big picture," says Erik Frannlid, Director of Product Management of Axis. "These cameras bring the flexibility and benefits of PTZ cameras, and adding the high-quality of the sturdy casing, the cameras find their ideal application in those public places where many people are gathered, such as schools, train stations and warehouses. It's perfect for getting an overview of the ongoing synergy of the people and objects being monitored. If the layout of the place changes, the camera's view can be changed without having to relocate the camera."

Axis M50-V cameras provide a number of advantages and benefits when public areas need to monitored and secure. They offer a wide range of capabilities that provide an even safer and more efficient environment. These include automatic alerts, e.g. at motion, camera tampering or when someone enters a restricted area. The robust casing also provides protection against vandalism.

Axis M5013-V and Axis M5014-V are planned to be available in Q2 2013 through Axis distribution channels.

Further features of the AXIS M50-V include:
- Axis M5013-V provides SVGA 800x600 pixel resolution. HDTV 720p in Axis M5014-V entails a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution, progressive scan, HDTV color fidelity, full frame rate and a 16:9 format
- The camera is compact, lightweight yet tough and is both IP66- and IK10-rated, making it resistant to water, dust and vandalism
- Edge storage is included
- The cameras are powered using PoE IEEE 802.3af, which simplifies installation since a standard network cable will carry power, video and PTZ controls
- The network cable is protected in the ceiling mount to enhance tamper protection
- The camera can easily be integrated with existing security systems and with other products

Axis releases small HD bullet cam

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis M2014-E network camera is a compact, bullet-style HDTV camera, designed with focus on full flexibility and easy placement. It is adapted for an easy-to-install video surveillance solution ideal for indoor and semi-outdoor environments where the camera may be exposed to rain or water.

The smallest HDTV bullet-style network camera on the market, Axis M2014-E, measures only 3.2 cm (1.3") by 7.6 cm (3.0").

Axis Communications presents Axis M2014-E, a network camera which is no bigger than a lipstick. The camera′s functional and compact form factor makes it particularly suitable for installations such as in retail stores, boutiques, hotels or small offices that need easy-to-use and future-proof video surveillance, at a very attractive price.

"Axis M2014-E network camera, being the smallest HDTV bullet-style network camera on the market, is perfect for video surveillance solutions in small- to mid-sized systems." says Erik Frannlid, Axis' Director of Product Management. "This new camera, with its unique design concept comprising a main unit and a separate camera unit, allows for maximum flexibility and ease of installation, in areas where installation has previously not been possible."

AXIS M2014-E provides HDTV 720p image quality at full frame rate. The camera delivers multiple, individually configurable video streams in H.264 compression, greatly optimizing bandwidth and storage without compromising image quality. Motion JPEG is also supported for increased flexibility.

Further features included in AXIS M2014-E:
- Supports video motion detection, tampering alarm and includes an I/O port for connecting devices such as sensors and external relays to activate alarms or access control.
- The camera unit is IP66- rated, which ensures protection against dust and heavy rain.
- Offers easy installation features, including PoE, as well as power from a power supply.
- Includes support for Axis' unique Corridor Format allows the camera to deliver a vertical field of view.

N. Italian hotels ensure peace of mind on IP

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/15/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

The Baldisserri Hotels Group deployed new IP-based surveillance solutions during renovations made on its Sangiorgio hotel (in Forli) and Globus hotel (in Milano, Marittima) to ensure the security of hotel premises, assets, staff and guests during the redesign phase. RCM, an Axis Communications partner, installed two different video surveillance solutions to meet the specific interior surveillance requirements for the Sangiorgio hotel and exterior surveillance requirements of the Globus hotel.

For the Sangiorgio hotel, small unobtrusive MPEG-4 network cameras, suited for discreet surveillance, were installed indoors, while interior network cameras housed in outdoor enclosures were deployed in the exterior. At Globus, the aim was to monitor the outdoor areas, including garden, garages and side entrances effectively. Due to poor lighting conditions, D/N network cameras were chosen.

An easy-to-use and highly reliable system was needed, with round-the-clock recording of images and the possibility to monitor and record video remotely, both in real time and deferred time. For recording and viewing images, the system design included a Camtrace server, specifically developed to manage images with two 1-Gbps networks one for the camera network and remote viewing. The server system was chosen, thanks to its scalability of increasing the number of cameras to 100, and its possibility to customize groups of network cameras and the convenience of not having to install any software on the remote computers.

“Thanks to the Axis video surveillance system, both the inside and outside areas of the hotels are monitored effectively and discreetly,” said Pierpaolo Baldisserri, owner of the hotels. “Our guests feel safer and, thanks to the network cameras' small form factor, are not bothered by their presence.” The excellent quality of images obtained even in poor light conditions has enabled uninterrupted monitoring of areas at risk in both hotels, thus guaranteeing the safety and peace of mind of the guests.

Axis releases affordable wireless HD cam with one-touch setup

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/13/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications announces the small and cost-efficient Axis M1004-W Network Camera with advanced wireless connection capabilities, 720p HDTV video quality and Axis' unique One-Click Camera Connection technology. With support for Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), easy hosted video connection and edge recording to a network attached storage device, Axis M1004-W is an ideal match for small retail, office and residential surveillance users searching for a simple-to-install, flexible and affordable indoor IP camera solution.

Support for WPS protocol simplifies the process of configuring logical security on wireless networks with a push-button for automatic WLAN pairing. This helps installers or integrators save installation time and easily set-up high network security in Wi-Fi areas, especially where it is not possible to install Ethernet cables.

AXIS M1004-W network camera also features support for AXis video hosting system with One-Click Camera Connection, making the cameras ideal for a hosted video solution. In addition, it includes an I/O port (one input, one output) for connecting devices such as sensors and external relays to activate lights or open/close doors upon video motion.

The camera will be supported by the industry's largest base of VMS through the Axis Application Development Partner Program as well as Axis Camera Station. AXxis M1004-W also includes support for Axis video hosting System with One-Click Camera Connection for communication with cloud-based video systems, ONVIF for easy system integration and AXIS Camera Application Platform for third-party application developers to create additional intelligent video capabilities.

Brazilian prison adopts integrated platform

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/12/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Francisco Helio Viana de Araujo State Prison in Pacatuba, Fortaleza, Brazil recently became a pioneer in the implementation of an integrated security platform. The prison that houses 400 inmates installed a security solution that combines 180 Axis Communications network cameras (mostly HD), ISS facial recognition software (for turnstiles), motion detection, access control and IR cannons on ramparts. The platform was funded by the Ministry of Justice and Treasury of the State of Ceara, and implemented by local system integrator Imagem Seguranca, who is experienced in network video and prison security. The project serves as a model for other jails in Brazil.

The prison is privy to a comprehensive monitoring system, covering eight different areas and 20 vacancies for individual isolation. The facilities include social and legal care for the prisoners held in custody, medical facilities, library, computer room, classrooms with capacity for 120 students and workshops, as well as an industrial kitchen, bakery and multipurpose hall for social activities. Of the 180 cameras, 30 are fixed HD, four PTZ domes, six small HD and 140 small IP models. Steel boxes were installed on some cameras to combat vandalism. Imagem chose specific camera models to withstand internal or external environments and took into consideration video quality, real-time access and scalability. The network cameras, together with the ISS software, monitor the prison perimeters and movement among points of collective facilities.

"The main advantages of this design are the simple way to operate the system and the seamless integration of the entire security project,” said Mario Jorge, official responsible for the project at the Department of Justice.

Asia Update: LILIN revamps to embrace IP

Editor / Provider: LILIN | Updated: 3/11/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Merit LILIN, a company that is no stranger to the security industry, was established in 1980 in Taipei, Taiwan. Under the charismatic leadership of Cheng Chung Hsu, President of LILIN, it is one of the few dynamic Taiwanese companies that was able to confront and overcome the turbulent times associated with the economy. Today, it has successfully transformed and shifted its main strength from analog to IP video surveillance.

Hsu, the personification of honesty and determination, embodied his ideals into his company. Since LILIN cares a great deal about the quality of its products, its high manufacturing costs make it almost impossible for the company to accept orders for OEM/ODM. Hsu once joked that he had no other choice but to set up his own branches to sell his products. All humor aside, it is evident that LILIN is a company dedicated to upholding its ideals of product quality and company image. Over the past 30 years, though LILIN did not invest in flashy marketing hype, the company still earned a reputation for quality based on exceptional product performance.

Determination to Go IP
LILIN had originally focused mainly on hardware and analog video surveillance products, but the falling prices for analog products, along with the increase in competition from China, from 2006 to 2007, drove Hsu to redirect his focus to IP products. Slowly, Hsu led his company to embark on its journey of IP development. LILIN took four years to launch its IP line into the market. Underlying factors can be attributed to a number of reasons. IP requires vast software proficiency, but LILIN's strength had been in hardware. In comparison to analog, which required a team of no more than 10 to develop, IP needed a much larger team, including network communication and software specialists. To produce and manufacture IP products, LILIN sought experts in IP and software design.

After encountering a series of obstructions in its early stages of development, LILIN was able to overcome its obstacles and ensure the compatibillity of its products with third-party solutions. The company successfully launched its IP products in 2011. Currently, its products are fully compatible with the top 15 leading VMS brands.

LILIN's network cameras are aimed at the mid-to high-end market, and emphasize excellent quality and reliability, Hsu said. Taking into consideration its late entrance into the IP market, LILIN's prices are set to be more flexible, providing end users with more quality products at an affordable price.

Aside from network cameras, LILIN also developed back-end storage systems, such as NVRs, available in four, nine and 16 channels. LILIN launched the industry's first embedded stand-alone touch NVR that supports a multi-touch screen and records 16 channels in full 1,080p HD at up to 25 frames per second. This NVR is currently at the forefront of its kind, as NVRs of other brands can only record four channels in 1,080p or 12 channels in full D1. Hsu reasoned that if the NVR was stand-alone, it should not resemble traditional models with regular front panels. Thus LILIN incorporated touch-screen technologies into the device. When connected to LILIN's own network cameras, the NVR will automatically detect and connect to them, simplifying the setup process for end users.

The NVR touch is also supported by LILIN's own software, a VMS capable of face recognition, tamper detection, masking and other functions. LILIN had strict requirements for the VMS, since it plays a crucial role in an IP system. Not only does it have to possess smooth and reliable performance, it must not skip any frames, lag, or freeze. After all, each frame is critical in terms of video surveillance. As of now, LILIN's software is free for up to 36 channels, while registration is required for 72 channels and above.

Furthermore, LILIN wants to strengthen its solutions for vertical markets. The field of IP revolves highly around system integration, and that is something LILIN plans to concentrate on. It is focusing on the retail sector, which requires highly integrated solutions with POS, alarms and audio systems.

Reforms in Products, And New Organization for IP
Today, LILIN has successfully established 12 branch offices all over the world, including the U.S., the U.K., France, China, and even Germany and Australia. This is something rarely seen from companies founded in Taiwan.

In the five years since the company made the decision to go IP, about 70 percent of its foreign sales are from IP products and the remaining 30 percent come from analog. Each of the foreign branches is able to rapidly grasp the IP technology within a short period of time because each product manager must enroll in all the trainings. Strict implementations were set in place for new hires as well. Even new sales candidates must have prior knowledge of this technology or have previous experience in an IT-related environment. They must also be able to develop new clients, while they educate existing clients about the benefits of IP video. New employees with IT-related knowledge hired in foreign branch offices rose to 60 percent.

Staying Ahead
As for 2013, LILIN is more than ready to embrace this new year with a fresh start and leave 2012 behind. LILIN will begin a total restructuring of all of its offices worldwide. The company's regulations will also change accordingly to allow for further advancement. Not only will Hsu continue an internal review of all his branches, Hsu plans to have all marketing for its different branches centralized at its headquarter in Taiwan. As of right now, LILIN's US office assumes first priority since the U.S. makes up a larger part of the global market share. Hsu intends to increase the number of employees in his US branch and distribute the remaining employees evenly throughout his different branches. LILIN's Chinese branches assume the next priority of total restructuring, as the market potential is enormous and proper management must be put in place.

An industry veteran, LILIN humbly reforms its teams and products to accommodate the swift transformation to IP. The company is striding into the new world of IP with the same serious dedication it started with