Dedication Keeps Dahua Ahead

Editor / Provider: BY Tim Shen | Updated: 8/10/2009 | Article type: China Corner

With the economic turmoil impacting the industry greatly, the only way to survive is to make changes. From the second half of 2008, Dahua has reallocated the company's resources and focused on product quality to get through this difficult time. Meanwhile, with in-house R&D capabilities, the company not only provides highly stable DVR products but also offer more front-end devices, becoming a total solution provider. In this issue, A&S China Best Buys talked to Fu, Liquang, President of Dahua Technology, about the company's direction this year.


"While the economic slowdown has impacted every industry greatly, to us, we do not really see it as a challenge," said Fu, Liquang, President of Dahua Technology. "We see it is a perfect time for some changes to keep our company ahead of the security industry in China, as well as overseas."


Dahua has taken critical measures in the second half of 2008. As a listed security company, the organization knows that maintaining investor benefits is just as important as offering good product quality.


Therefore, we carried out some changes. From a managerial standpoint, Dahua adopted several approaches to improve the company's work flow, reallocate resources and grow steadily, Fu said. Dahua has professional management systems in place, such as Integrated Product Development (IPD), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and standardization management systems.


All these investments show the company's dedication to security. Most companies would expand their product line to be more diverse and acquire market share in different industries. "For Dahua, we do things the exact opposite way," Fu explained. "We sold our Dahua Digital unit to Motorola in 2008. We believe that security is not a so-called 'sunset industry,' but is on a steady growth pace instead. Therefore, we want to put all our effort into the security industry, as we believe we have the capability to offer top-notch products."


Quality Assurance
Quality plays a crucial role for products. Through years of cooperation with overseas players, Dahua learned from their experience and demands. "For the high-end market, Dahua is still an OEM partner to major players," said Fu. "But when it comes to mid-end and low-end markets, we can provide our customers with the same quality and design of high-end products. This makes our brand popular in regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Our customers are highly satisfied with it."


Fu pointed out quality is the foundation of long-term development for an enterprise. Dahua has new quality management, inviting experts from major IT companies to advise on how to enhance management planning.


Great Investment in R&D and Production
When it comes to making quality products, 60 percent comes from solid R&D effort, while the rest is from quality control procedures. "We have almost 900 employees and among which, about 400 employees are R&D staff," Fu said. "Large investment in R&D calls for scientific management and innovation to strengthen our core competitiveness."


While the strong Chinese yuan-to-U.S. dollar exchange helps many Chinese manufacturers purchase more affordable components, it does not make Dahua's products cheaper. Dahua invests more in R&D efforts, setting aside nearly 10 percent of its annual revenue. Fu pointed out that R&D is one of the key factors for the company's long-term development. Dahua has a nationally rated R&D work shop, being responsible for several Chinese projects.


Moreover, Dahua opened a new manufacturing base in 2008. Improved manufacturing plays a critical role in product stability. Fu said Dahua purchased surface mount technology (SMT) machines to enhance products and advance its manufacturing capabilities. The advanced Siemens SMTs require experienced professionals to operate them. With more than hundred of experienced personnel, Dahua conducts serious manufacturing procedures and standards.


Staying Competitive
In the international market, Korean and Taiwanese companies are strong competitors. Taiwanese players enter markets and respond quickly to market requirements. Korean providers are strong in developing new applications and functions.


As more Chinese manufacturers invest in IC and DSP design, Koreans are losing their edge in component development. Fu pointed out that with Dahua's in-house R&D capabilities, it offers the best products by performance and price ratio. "Years ago, most people thought that products from China only represented cheap prices with bad quality," he said. "But this is not the case for Dahua's products."


"As we invest greatly in R&D and manufacturing, we believe that price is only an initial strategy to enter the market, but the price-performance ratio is most important, from along-term perspective," Fu said. "Besides, a better understanding of local markets helps Dahua compete with Taiwanese and Korean manufacturers. Our R&D and manufacturing strengths let us offer more options for customization."


Ultimately, as demand in China grows, this will give Chinese companies an edge to improve their economies of scale. The domestic market provides great support for Dahua to launch their new products. As the Chinese market requires the most state-of-the-art products, this situation keeps Dahua's products ahead. Dahua's innovations, Fu said, would be sold in the domestic market before they are introduced overseas. Coupled with attractive price competitiveness, Chinese firms will become even more competitive in international markets.


R&D Trends
Dahua will focus on networking (wireless included), high definition, hybrid DVRs and intelligent functions. For mid- to high-end applications, Dahua provides full D-1 resolution with H.264 compression, real-time surveillance, intelligent functions and support of multiple network protocols.


A cost-effective standalone DVR — the LE-A Series — is recently introduced to the market. This new DVR offers a modest price but sports great performance, featuring H.264, mobile phone surveillance support, D-1 resolution and real-time video monitoring.


Dahua's LE-A Series offers different options for video inputs, from 4-ch, 8-ch to 16-ch. Its real-time live display supports up to 16 cameras with 720 high definition, 400/480 frames per second (fps) recording for CIF and special channel 4CIF real-time recording. The DVR features dual encoding streaming and flexibility for network transmission with powerful network software, including built-in Web server, multi-DVR client and control management software (CMS) and networking access.


Total Solutions from High-End to Consumer Markets
Today, more companies provide total solutions to the market. "It is an inevitable for players to move ahead," Fu said. "Providing total solutions to our partners not only serves them with our in-house R&D capabilities and service, but also leverages our partners' profits."


Dahua's wide ranging portfolio includes infrared cameras, speed domes, network cameras, mobile DVRs, LCD monitors, speeding cameras and stylish residential cameras. All these products boost Dahua's reach into specific applications, such banking, transportation, residential, consumer uses and others.


Meanwhile, Dahua has introduced its new cost-effective DVR to the market, focusing on consumer applications. Fu pointed out that more households or individuals welcome electronic security products into their daily lives. As 3-G has been approved in China, Dahua sees a great demand for video surveillance on the go. Therefore, their new DVR supports online monitoring, 3-G mobile phone and a user-friendly interface.


"With 3-G, we expect more applications," Fu explained. "For example, caring for the elderly is easy and quick for end users through mobile phones. Through mobile monitoring, it could be a new security concept, replacing the old hardware — windows, locks and doors. This allows people to check your property or family even when you are thousands of miles away, 24-7."


For middle- and high-end markets, Dahua continues its strength in applications such as banking, transportation and Safe City projects, China's nationwide push for urban surveillance. Dahua is also keen on the Japanese market, which is considered the most difficult market to penetrate for nonlocal companies. "This shows that we are confident with our product quality and we believe that even in mature markets like Japan, our products can succeed," Fu said.


Through great efforts in R&D, manufacturing, facility and management, Fu believes Dahua can provide more value to its customers. "To partners, we can deliver the right products to satisfy their requirements, leveraging their profits," he said. "To end users, they can truly experience our product stability and great performance with competitive prices."

Sunell Boosts its Reputation at ISC WEST and IFSEC 2009

Editor / Provider: TIM SHEN | Updated: 7/23/2009 | Article type: China Corner

Sunell, a surveillance product provider in Shenzhen, China, has been offering quality products and gradually increasing their market share through years of dedication. A&S China Best Buys spoke with Ann Wu, Vice President of Sunell and Director of the Overseas Department, to unveil the reasons behind buyers' credits.

There is always a reason to behind success. For Sunell, it is its dedication to the industry and product stability. The company was first established in 1997 when it acted as a distributor and agent for companies such as Philips, Scantronic (U.K.), Paxton (U.K.) and ET (Italy). Since 2000, the company has undergone a major transformation, shifting to increase investment in its own R&D in an effort to manufacture cameras under its own wing.

Sunell is dedicated to provide surveillance cameras and mobile DVRs. With in-house R&D capability, Sunell introduced several innovations, such as network cameras, featuring H.264 compression, and mini high-speed domes. Today, Sunell's products are trusted by numerous leading distributors and sold to more than 40 countries.

When it comes to new product design, Sunell believes that it is mandatory to know each customer's demands. Most of Chinese manufacturers design products based on Chinese market's requirements while overseas applications are another issue. "We put much effort in product design," said Ann Wu, Vice President and Director or Overseas Department at Sunell. "First, we conduct a thorough study of a product, to get to know the existing problems on the market. We would rather provide a more accurate and advanced product instead of a 'me-too' product. We then discuss with our customers to decide which product suits them and their local market. This is quite important for overseas markets."

Differentiation  - Values and Customization
After attending worldwide exhibitions, Wu noticed that most Chinese camera exhibitors showcased similar products while other camera providers showcased new products with new designs. "Differentiation is the only way out to survive, apart from price competition," Wu added. "If suppliers cannot provide customers with innovation, then you can hardly acquire long-term partnerships."
Wu pointed out that from this year's ISC West and IFSEC, loads of Chinese exhibitors showcased high-speed domes as they all look the same in housing and specifications, but vary in price. "Our in-house R&D capability backs up our product innovation," Wu added. "Besides, our manufacturing and stringent testing procedures enhance product stability."

With the key points mentioned above, the company has the ability to work with customers to provide specific products, catering to different market demands. "We are eager to work with our customers to provide the right product to penetrate their local market," said Wu. "Customization is another crucial factor that we can provide."

New Mini High-Speed Dome
Sunell's mini high-speed dome - SN-SSP4000/Z10 - has become the most eye-catching dome camera at IFSEC this year. It features 1/4-inch interline transfer CCD with automatic dual ICR filter. It offers 100X zoom-in function (10X optical plus 10X digital), 500 TVL (color) and 570 TVL (B/W).

This product features continuous 360 degree rotation with maximum 360 degree a second and 180 degree flip. It supports Pelco's D/P protocol and its joystick provides clockwise and counterclockwise control. Its cruising may be able to add other settings, such as preset point position, scanning and cruising scanning.)
Wu mentioned that it also features dual power supply to enhance its stability, preventing any power failure situation. "Additionally, this product shows good performance, even exceeding 3X zoom-in," Wu added. “Overall speaking, this product received many buyers' attentions."

In order to give a new image to the market, Sunell invested much in the latest technology and housing design.  Its design not only offers a stylish appearance but also takes heat dissipation into consideration. Speaking of the speed dome's inner components, Sunell imports from reliable reputated suppliers overseas and carry stringent reliability and functional tests of all the key components, as they play a crucial role, ensuring product stability in stepping motor, strips and et cetera.

Quality Guaranteed
Years of cooperation with other international players has give Sunell ample understanding of what a stable product needs. Wu pointed out that the organization has evolved its manufacturing, management system and testing procedures from its big partners. For example, in order to meet customers' testing demands, the company invested greatly in testing, in the form of EMC, UL and other certificates.
"We do the initial testing by ourselves and the third party laboratories before we send our products out to our partners for second product testing," Wu added. "Moreover, while there are a lot of fake certificates on the market, ours show more values and credibility."

Sunell has a 9,000 square-meter factory with automated manufacturing equipment and a modernized enterprise management system, which helps it achieve its maximum monthly camera production of 120,000 units.  Offering the market advanced and stable product is always its goal. Therefore, the organization caters to details and cares about each customer's requirements, mostly neglected by other Chinese suppliers. Sunell hopes to win over more customers and to take good care of them in terms of providing good products and service, showing the world that there are decent Chinese manufacturers in the surveillance camera field. Meanwhile, the organization is going to present a new image to customers in terms of products and booth design in the upcoming event, CPSE Shenzhen.

Network Dome Cameras Focus on Security

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 4/28/2009 | Article type: Tech Corner

Network dome cameras offer wide views and the connectivity of IP, forming a combination in global demand.


With the growth of IP solutions, network dome cameras are a major part of new surveillance systems. Combining networked functions and a broader view, network domes provide more comprehensive security. Asia's versatile video providers offer a number of solutions suited for applications requiring effective surveillance.


Product Trends
Several network dome camera providers have experience with analog domes, making that expertise an advantage. "Eyeview has developed our own analog speed domes for more than five years," said Lora Tsai, Sales Manager at Eyeview Electronics. "For three and half years, based on our knowledge of speed dome cameras, we have implemented IP technology into our speed dome product line to offer the latest technology for IP speed dome camera solutions to the market."


Eyeview's understanding of speed domes is complemented by an IP background. "For IP speed dome cameras, the manufacturer not only needs good technology for offering stable and reliable speed dome cameras, but also must possess knowledge on IP networking," Tsai said. The company offers network domes with 530 TV line resolution, wide dynamic range and slow AE response for monitoring areas with abrupt lighting changes.


Some vendors have incorporated unique functions into their network domes, with Huviron's Power over Ethernet model featuring a megapixel progressive scan CCD, IR LEDs and a day/night filter exchange mechanism. "Users can get the best view of low-lux surveillance environments," said Lewis Oh, Sales Support, Huviron. "In addition, the camera successfully met the IP 67 criteria. This means that it is available for outdoor applications without any additional housing."


Other network domes feature smarts. The VIVOTEK solution includes tamper detection, vandalproof housing and wide operating temperature range achieved a built-in fan and heater, said Owen Chen, Chairman of VIVOTEK.


Network functions enable remote surveillance, which is designed into some cameras. "The Video Security network dome uses an original speed dome with IP functions, allowing users to perform remote monitoring over the Internet," said Paul Roan, GM at Video Security. As part of remote monitoring, it supports alarm integration for video verification and has an API for remote manual recording.


A USB port allows operators to quickly locate each camera's IP address, along with allowing system upgrades, Roan said. Onboard storage in an SD card prevents the network from being overwhelmed, as users can choose which files they wish to view remotely and save costs for separate storage.


For optimized remote monitoring, Dynacolor's network dome solution offers dual streaming in M-JPEG and MPEG-4. "The M-JPEG video streaming provides high-resolution image data and is suited for recording through local area networks (LAN), while we recommended switching to the more efficient MPEG-4 compression for remote Internet viewing," said Garrett Li, Marketing Specialist at Dynacolor.


Its network domes come in two types fit for different applications, Li said. The vandal-proof dome is equipped with die-casting aluminum housing and PC dome cover and meet IP 66 standards. The mini fixed one, with anti-vibration design, fits in tight spaces, such as buses for mobile surveillance.


Regions
As networking becomes a worldwide phenomenon, network video is a growing trend. The largest uptake is seen in countries with a stable Internet infrastructure that can support the bandwidth network video devices require.


The West is a key target for Asian vendors. "The majority of our solutions are sold to Europe and American customers, with Japanese and Asian clients making up the rest," Roan said "There is worldwide demand for network cameras, as remote surveillance enables video to be viewed anytime, anywhere on computers or mobile devices."


Dynacolor's solutions are deployed globally, with the United Kingdom and Spain showing strong demand. "Due to security monitoring on public transportation, the demand for network mobile surveillance is increasing," Li said. Its solutions are offered by OEM and ODM to American distributors, who in turn provide them to local system integrators under their own brands.


The real-time video monitoring provided by network cameras depends on a reliable network. "Some countries currently do not have complete network systems, with too little bandwidth or unstable connections," Roan said. "This affects the adoption of network cameras, which are largely deployed in countries with developed infrastructure, high bandwidth and stable networks."


Some emerging markets show promise. "Our products are mainly sold to Eastern Europe, South America and China, which we think have strong demand for IP solutions," Chen said.


Both mature and emerging markets have demand for network video. "Most of our IP speed domes are sold to countries in Europe, Asia and South America," Tsai said.


Verticals
Network cameras require a strong IP network for reliable transmission. As existing analog surveillance systems may not be able to support IP, network video is almost exclusively deployed in new video projects.


Eyeview's network video projects are deployed for city surveillance, power plants, police stations, casinos and copper mines. "Actually, we found that almost all the new government projects all over the world now are requesting IP solutions, like India," Tsai said.


A network's dome wide angle offers a better view of events. "A mini network dome is suited for applications with limited space, such as retail in convenience stores," Li said. Transportation, such as buses and trains, also has small spaces that mini network domes can squeeze into.


Large applications benefit from network video, with Dynacolor providing its solutions for transportation, residential (apartment communities) and gaming, Li said.


Recession Effects
The economic meltdown is already being felt by network dome providers. "The current global financial crisis affects our business, because our major market is the United States," Oh said.


Mature markets that relied on lending were hit hardest. "The global financial slowdown has affected our business, particularly in America, Europe and Japan," Chen said. "The exchange rate will have a short-term impact on our business, particularly in Japan."


Eyeview's business has been impacted by the economic downturn, so it plans on having more customer outreach to understand their needs. "For all costs, we must be very cautious," Tsai said. "Our sales force must work harder to keep close contact with our customers, in order to communicate more often with them. We will continue RD product development to offer the newest and most competitive technology products to our customers."


Dynacolor will continue on its course of offering leading technology. "We take great pride in our R&D and will not reduce our staff," Li said, with the company considering hiring new talent. "When the economy improves, we will able to offer products that are up to specification for our clients."


The company focuses on quality products, rather than competing in the entry level market. "We do not make our products to be the same as other ones, as we want to be above and beyond," Li said. "H.264 compression is now a basic requirement — we plan to offer more advanced features, such as built-in wide dynamic range, multimegapixel resolution and intelligent analysis functions."


Some vendors saw the economic downturn as an opportunity for more education. "While there are fewer camera orders due to the recession, we believe demand for network cameras will grow in the years to come," Roan said. "We will take this down time to train our employees about the differences between analog and network cameras, along with demonstrating to clients the convenience of network solutions."


For Video Security's domestic market of Taiwan, network video has not caught on, due to limited bandwidth and installers with no networking background. "This is the best time to turn a threat into an opportunity, by furthering employee training," Roan said. "Network cameras are not like analog cameras, which simply require cables to be strung — they require bandwidth and transmission settings to fulfill their full potential. Understanding the virtual world of the Internet is the only way to be competitive."


Challenges
Improving network domes will require several steps. Among them include an easier setup, rather than a time-consuming process. "In the future, network cameras will be able to support plug and play for the end user," Oh said.


Offering a cohesive solution is required for network video. "System integration, including the integration of optics, hardware and electronics into a single IP camera, will be necessary," Chen said. "Also, the integration of camera, peripherals and central management software into the service system will be important."


Troubleshooting issues, such as remotely viewing security video, must be addressed. "Image compression affects network transmission time, as it lags and has jerky video when done poorly," Roan said. "When many people are simultaneous viewing video remotely, it results in network overload, lost data and low image quality."


Video Security's network domes include circuits and infrared LEDs, while meeting IP 68 certification. "When chips begin processing images, they generate energy and can overheat, crashing operation," Roan said. "Effectively reducing heat from chips, or heat dissipation, is a developmental issue."


Some components do not deliver strong results, hurting the growth of network video devices. "The traditional CMOS image sensors typically used in network cameras have unsatisfactory low-light performance," Li said. "Dynacolor deploys Sony CCDs and its new advanced CMOS sensors, which have improved light sensitivity, enabling network cameras to capture crucial moments."


Integration on a single platform requires network devices from different vendors to work together. "The third-party software on the market is very versatile," Tsai said. "How to integrate with most third-party software from the market is a big challenge for network camera manufacturers."

TeleEye Surveillance Solution Used at TESCO Shopping Center in Ireland

Editor / Provider: Source: TeleEye | Updated: 3/19/2009 | Article type: Commercial Markets

TESCO is one of the most popular hypermarkets in Europe. Most of the TESCO hypermarkets are more than 30,000 square feet. Illegal acts, such as shoplifting, occur in such a large store. Thus, security has always been an important issue for TESCO. TeleEye helps TESCO in Ireland to install a network monitoring system and safeguards the store.



Installing TeleEye at Irish TESCO

A new TESCO hypermarket in the city of Cashel, Ireland, installed TeleEye network system. As it is an area of more than 45,000 square feet, it needed a powerful network system. Installed by Cashel Lighting & Security, TESCO hypermarket deployed the award winning TeleEye RX360 Series video recording server. Powered by Multi-stream Video Coding Technology SMAC-M, RX360 Series delivers DVD quality recording and fast video transmission simultaneously. With built-in DVD writer and removable hard drive, RX360 Series is suitable for large-scale and long duration monitoring project.


TeleEye professional 36x hi-resolution color speed domes, DM889, are connected with TeleEye RX360 Series and installed at several places in the hypermarket, such as car park, main entrance/exit, cashier and so on. With powerful 432x zooming power, security operators can capture any objects in detail from any distance. DM889 speed domes also fully compliant with IP66 weather proof standard. They can capture high quality image even in severe weather conditions.


After installing TeleEye network monitoring system, security operators in TESCO can manage different sites simultaneously in a control room. Daniel Slattery from Cashel Lighting & Security said, “With the TeleEye system, the center management and security within the onsite control room have the ability to quickly assess and zoom on any situation in real-time both inside and outside the centre, providing a safe and secure shopping experience for everyone.” High security level can be maintained effectively and efficiently with TeleEye video system.

With In-House Capabilities, Tiandy Looks for Strategic Partners

Editor / Provider: By Tim Shen | Updated: 3/13/2009 | Article type: China Corner

Tianjin Tiandy Digital Technology Co., Ltd. was established in 1994, with 15 years of professional experience manufacturing speed domes, fiber optic transceivers, matrices and cameras. Recently, Tiandy is ready to launch an entry-level DVR to provide more overall and integrated portfolios to partners in China as well as worldwide. A&S talks to Francis Jing, Manager of International Department at Tiandy, about the most innovative fiber optic transceiver — TC-FD4013NTR — and Tiandy's overseas strategies.

In China, there are increasingly more manufacturers providing fiber optic transceivers for communications and security applications. With lowering the cost of fiber, more users would adopt fiber-related products into their projects. In a rugged environment with a scarcity of infrastructure or on an easy-to-use basis, fiber becomes more appealing to installers for its fast transmission speed, along with its vast and multiple data capacities. This background gives Chinese manufacturers the perfect grounds to manufacture products and respond quickly to market demands.

Tianjin Tiandy Digital Technology Co., Ltd. is the pioneer among professional fiber optic transceiver providers in China. With 15 years of experience in the security industry, Tiandy offers the market the most reliable fiber optic transceivers.

Innovative 10-bit Series — TC-FD4013NTR
Tiandy's TC-FD4013 NTR, launched in 2008, is the company's latest series. This series features 10-bit digitally encoded video transmission over one multimode or singlemode optical fiber. It is compatible with NTSC, PAL and SECAM camera systems and supports RS-485, RS-422 and RS-232 data protocols. With a plug-and-play design, this product ensures an ease of use for installation and operation purposes. TC-FD4013 NTR also features LED indicators for promptly monitoring system performance.

This series not only provides stand alone, but also offers rack mounting. With Tiandy's 19 inch rack-mount card cage, users can access up to 14 module slots. This function is designed for industrial and large security applications, based on user's requirements.

Ensuring Stability
"Tiandy has an R&D team, with a total of over 100 engineers, many of which develop fiber optic transceivers," said Francis Jing, Manager of International Department at Tiandy. "Additionally, there is also a production line for fiber optic products backed with an experienced staff and inspectors. All products shipped overseas are strictly inspected before they are sent."

With professional testing equipments for fiber optic transceivers, such as the VM-700 series video analyzer, Tiandy offers the industry the most reliable fiber optic transceivers. Taking its sample product as an example, engineers will inspect all specifications for two weeks. It relieves user concerns as many have little experience or contact with professional equipment.

When it comes to the PCB board, Tiandy has its own SMT machine to enhance stability. "We double check PCB boards," added Jing. "Not only to inspect them when PCB boards are fitted into the hard case, but also beforehand. Afterwards, we run a 48-hour aging procedure and highand low- temperature testing to ensure the product's stability."

Moreover, because fiber optic transceivers are usually applied in a rugged environment, temperature and weather conditions have to be taken into consideration. To this end, Tiandy developed three designs to ensure product stability. "The first design deals with communication at the port front," said Jing, "RS-485 port is considered the most common port in the market. To prevent damaging of communication ports from thunder and static, we take a few critical measures — resistance to electricity (this function can divert a maximum 3,000 volts to only 150 volts and without disrupting the product's functions) and electric current protection. Secondly, video port protection uses transient voltage suppressor (TVS) to function even when the current is 30 times higher. Lastly, our designs ensure power supply protection."

All these measures have lowered the overall product malfunction rate. Generally speaking, malfunction percentage at Tiandy does not exceed 0.03%.

Overseas Strategies
Fiber optic transceivers are usually regarded as an optional device in a system. Tiandy's fiber optic transceiver, therefore, is focused on being user friendly and easy to adjust, free of software support, and have plug-and-play characteristics. "This is perfect for the overseas market as applications overseas are relatively smaller than those in China," said Jing. "Meanwhile, we train our overseas sales teams to be technically oriented. All new employees must take training courses for eight weeks. Through strict training courses, our sales teams provide suitable products and solutions for our overseas customers."

Meanwhile, Tiandy only cooperates with partners who have their own technical engineers. Tiandy offers training courses and helps them better understand the products so that they can promptly solve their customers' problems. Jing pointed out that in this respect, Tiandy is not satisfied with only playing the OEM partner role. With in-house R&D capabilities, Tiandy constantly looks for strategic partners. Tiandy is capable of providing customization in order to meet different overseas applications.

"To provide better products and better services has always been Tiandy's goal," Jing added. "Tiandy's portfolios offer an extensive range of products — more than 100 models, along with our experienced sales team to provide the most suitable solutions for our customers."

In 2009, Tiandy continues to provide more high quality affordable products, including a wide range of IP solutions — network speed domes, network cameras, matrix systems and DVRs. In spite of the global recession, Tiandy still invests much in R&D while most manufacturers cut down on R&D investment. Tiandy plans to launch a series of new products in 2009, such as node fiber optic transceivers for highway applications, convergence mode fiber optic transceivers, PC-based networking fiber optic management software and fiber optic transceivers integrated with matrix systems.

With these innovations, Jing is confident that, this year, Tiandy's overseas market share can grow from 35 percent to 50 percent. If you are interested in Tiandy's products, please visit at SecuTech Taipei at booth M503 (April 22 to 24, 2009).

A Number of Advantages Distinguish Eastern Chinese Manufacturers from Another

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 2/2/2009 | Article type: China Corner

Manufacturers of electronic security products in eastern China have a number of advantages that give them the edge in fierce global competition. Among these are an eye for detail, a commitment to quality, a nexus of closely related suppliers and access to solid logistics. This is not a new development, according to those interviewed. Eastern China has been long renowned for its craftsmanship. A&S China Best Buys talks to nine players in the region to get their views on the strengths of companies in the region.


The editors of A&S China Best Buys would like to emphasize that the views expressed are those of the interviewees alone. In addition, many of those interviewed also wished to emphasize that, when drawing comparisons and contrasts between companies from other parts of China, there are always exceptions to the rule. Their remarks were intended to provide a general pattern of regional characteristics.


Meticulous Craftsmanship
Eastern China, said Xu Feng, Vice General Manager of Hongben, has had a good reputation for high-quality craftsmanship since well before 2000. The company, which was established in 2001, started out making speed domes on an OEM contract basis for European and U.S. companies. In 2004, it began manufacturing high-speed PTZ domes and, in 2005, Hongben came out with infrared PTZ high-speed pan tilt cameras. Sales have been doing very well and customer feedback has been excellent.


"A number of entrepreneurs in the region have long been active in manufacturing IT, electronics and telecom," said Xu. "That has delivered strong skills when it comes to mechanics, electronics and electronic security."


According to Xu, everyone — whether at home or abroad — began to notice these strengths and the qualities that made companies located in eastern China in 2003. "In East China, we may take longer to innovate, but when we do so with greater precision," emphasized Xu. "We spend more time perfecting the product. That is why our quality and services are better."


There are fewer electronic security companies in eastern China, said William Zhou, Regional Manager of Overseas Market at Dahua Technology Co. Ltd., but their products are much more meticulous than those made by companies in other parts of the country. The company, which was established in 1993, came out with its first DVR in 2001. In 2003, it started exporting and, in 2005, it came out with its second-generation DVR. Since then, the company and its products have become world-renowned.


"Eastern Chinese companies are the strongest in China when it comes to electronic security," Zhou said, while observing that this is not the case in Shanghai — the region's largest and most important business center. “There, companies can make much more money selling products from other companies. Since we do not have the same large market, we have to rely on manufacturing to make money."


R&D, Technology Powerhouse
Guoqing Wang, General Manager, TeleCCTV, agreed: "The first speed domes were produced in northern and eastern China," he said. "Eventually, other Chinese companies got into the act. Many were quick to add new functions and features, but they do not have the same depth of research as companies in the East."


Wang had been in the electronic security business for 15 years when he decided to open his own business — TeleCCTV — in 2007. He had been in charge of European customers at his previous employer and thus had extensive experience and expertise in the field. Besides CCTVs, the company also provides pan tilt zoom (PTZ) cameras that have been much acclaimed for their stable mechanisms.


"Companies in eastern China," said Karl Yu, Sales Manager, Delos International Group Ltd., "invest more in R&D and to target innovation." Currently, the company invests up to 20 percent of annual revenue in R&D. Delos' prowess at research and development is understandable. The company, which was established in 2001, originated from an IT department at a university.


From 2002, the company moved into electronic security through cooperating with a foreign company. Today, its focus is on all-in-one cards for access control and readers and, since 2007, Delos' domestic sales have been quite popular, adding functions to make them more saleable overseas with great success.


"We pay a lot of attention to design," continued Yu. "We are currently consulting with some design companies with experience in IT to help us improve our electronic security products. There are not many suitable firms at home in China so we go overseas to do so."


Hangzhou, pointed out William Zhou, is a strong DVR and technology center with more specialized techniques and capabilities. "Other areas of the country," he added, "are more production centers of consumer goods."


Take Hikvision. It was the earliest to develop and promote the H.264 compression algorithm in video surveillance in China. "We have developed well in the domestic market but international markets require a lot of research, constant contact to get feedback and coordination with overseas sales departments. It also involves a lot of working together with third parties, particularly when software is required. Overseas, this takes a lot longer to develop than in China," said Oliver Zhang, International Business Center, Europe Department Manager at Hikvision.


To further enhance the software capabilities, Hikvision is currently working with the major video management software suppliers, such as Milestone, in order to complete the whole product infrastructure. "We are working with Milestone on the integration between our IP surveillance products (IP cameras and digital video servers) and their video management software."


Xue Shenyue, Marketing Director, Dali Technology Co. Ltd., explained that, when it comes to DVR manufacture, most companies are located in eastern China, particularly Hangzhou. "All of the talent is here," he said. "That is less obviously the case in the rest of the country."


Dali manufactures DVRs and portable infrared thermal imaging cameras. Previously part of a research institute, the company began commercial operations in 2001; its first venture into electronic security was MPEG-1 DVRs — one of the earliest into this field. Over the years, it has beat out the competition to become a major force and trusted name both at home and abroad.


The skill set and level of precision present in the region ensured that, early on, Hangzhou also became the center of IP research in China. "This was taking place here as far back as 2000," said Tony Shi, General Manager, OB Telecom Electronic Technology Co. Ltd., "way before many overseas companies dared to venture into the field."


OB Telecom, which was established in 2000, specializes in digital fiber optics and uncompressed digital. "We have relied on innovation to move ahead," said Shi. "We were first in the market (2000) and nearly three years ahead of the competition, which entered mostly in 2003."


In 2001-2002, noted Shi, OB Telecom started manufacturing telecom transmission products for sale overseas. "We wanted a comprehensive product that would be able to do everything, while reducing occupancy (use) of fiber optic. In the last two years, we have come out with all-in-one fiber optic transmission products that fuse into one line and then branch out again at the other end. Sales have been spectacular."


Entrepreneurial, Management Acumen
Also, in Xue's view, eastern Chinese companies are far more entrepreneurial. "We are always on the move, looking for new business opportunities. Eastern China was one of the first areas in the country to develop. We need to source a lot of materials from other companies and all of them are located right here. Development of these industrial clusters guarantees very fast deliver and steady supply. We can get products or materials, in many cases, within a day."


Eastern Chinese companies, said Shi, have always benefited from their location in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces as these were relatively prosperous even when the rest of China was quite poor and undeveloped.


"Companies in the region," said Shi, "have always been known for their business and management acumen. Development was from the bottom up not top down as in Beijing, where the government tended to dominate business. People here really understand how to make things happen; they are natural-born business people."


In East China, continued Shi, companies are not engaged in fast production. "It takes us longer to get it right because we do not cut corners. That is why you will not find our products being sold on street corners. We take a long-term approach to doing business. That is part of our management culture."


According to Vido CEO Dai Zhijie, his company is also offering companies trouble-shooting in addition to OEM services. "We crack open the product to look inside to determine what if anything is causing a problem or how the electronic security device can be made better. This is characteristic of the eastern Chinese approach to total management."


In fact, Vido has been involved on OEM projects since 1996 with its own Vido brand enjoying strong popularity in Europe since 2002. Today, it exports its high-quality, reasonably priced products to more than 30 countries.


"Our R&D team," continued Dai, "develops new products every year so we can always offer the latest. We also customize products with customer logos and provide strong after-sales service like customer support and product maintenance. This is very characteristic of the approach that businesses in eastern China have adopted."


"It is easier to find businesspeople and entrepreneurs in eastern China," said Charlie Wang, General Manager, Pearmain. "We recognize that we have strong opportunities overseas. It does, however, take time and effort as well as money to develop international markets. You have to look at the long term, and that requires careful planning. We have made a lot of effort and it is paying off. Today, companies are emailing, faxing and calling us not the other way around."


Pearmain, which was established in 1996 as a manufacturer of matrices, started making speed domes in 2005. The company exports 20 percent of its products mostly to the U.S. and Europe.


Service Excellence
Getting supply and replacement parts from eastern Chinese suppliers is also a lot more reliable. "Europeans, in particular," said Xu, "do not want to deal with new models when all they are looking for is a replacement. If it is out of stock or no longer available, they are very dissatisfied. This is why many are choosing to source from companies in East China. The companies here are less fly-by-night."


Area businesses have also learned to adopt the same careful approach when it comes to marketing. "We used to come up with products first and then do marketing," said Zhang. "We often found to our regret, however, that the market did not accept our product or functions. Today, the company gets market feedback first to incorporate new ideas into its designs from the very beginning."


According to Zhang, however, the company does not just sit back and incorporate customer feedback. "We also lead the market by anticipating what will sell well or what kinds of functions may be required in the future. This stems from our background as a research institute."

DynaColor Believes in Solid Foundation

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 12/30/2008 | Article type: Hot Topics

With a strong R&D team and solid background in system and camera development, DynaColor has all the recourses it needs to be the preferred, professional supplier of surveillance systems. Its shift from automatic optical inspection systems to surveillance ones is not without a history.


Started slightly later than the majority of DVR manufacturers based in Asia, DynaColor's annual sales are now among the top three of Taiwan's DVR industry. Founded in 1991, the company's products at first focused mainly on high-end automatic optical inspection (AOI) systems. Anthony Yeh, Vice President, attributes DynaColor's current success to its unwavering dedication to high-end systems. "We made our own AOI precision cameras after Panasonic stopped its production," said Yeh. DynaColor was also specialized in making microprocessors for monitors, so its eventual migration to surveillance systems is not without background.


Transformation took place between 2000 and 2003, which resulted in the production of high-end DVRs and speed dome cameras. Currently, DynaColor's main products in security are MPEG-4/H.264 DVRs, speed dome cameras, megapixel network cameras, control keyboards, extended storage and software. What makes it one of the most outstanding companies with splendid sales, said Yeh, is its "solid technical foundation."


SETTING THE BAR
Another key strength that distinguishes companies in this industry, Yeh believes, is their ability to produce powerful and reliable systems. With 10 years of experience and hard work put into R&D, DynaColor has evolved to be a company capable to deliver reliable products with sophisticated functionality — an achievement not many Asian vendors can measure up to.


DynaColor's first MPEG-4 DVR entered the market in 2005, and sales picked up drastically in 2007. Today, 40 percent of Dyancolor's revenue comes from the United Kingdom and United States, with Germany and Italy closely behind. Yeh thinks quality products with powerful functions are DynaColor's key to gaining its customers' trust.


According to Yeh, DynaColor is still positioned as an OEM partner, given its limited marketing resources. For now, perfecting its products, with customized features, is still the company's main objective. "No matter what kind of request our clients have, we can make it happen," said Yeh.


BRIGHT FUTURE
With intensifying competition in the video surveillance space, DynaColor's strategy for maintaining its foothold is to develop more diverse products, spanning across high-end and entry-level systems for wider clientele that is increasingly looking for one-stop shopping. The company, for example, set up a factory in Suzhou, China earlier this year to target local, price-sensitive buyers.


"We have our own pace, and we will remain flexible in the face of growing competition from China and Korea," said Yeh. With its formidable R&D capability, DynaColor is poised to offer more demanded, tailor-made, sophisticated solutions to the market in the years to come.

Opportunities for Guangdong Security Industry

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 12/29/2008 | Article type: China Corner

The Chinese electronic security industry started out when international brands made contact with local distributors. Agents in Guangdong, in particular, benefited given its close proximity to Hong Kong. Today, these electronic security players come in the following three varieties: local manufacturers, those with foreign investment and R&D support, and distributors.


Vendors with strong R&D capabilities in Guangdong province are improving solutions to remain competitive. ATI, for example, produces video doorphones and CCTV equipment; NPE features products with Australian and Japanese technology; Linbell benefits from Hong Kong connections; and Lan Castle and Goldenlan combine the best of what both China and Taiwan have to offer.


According to Zhang Yeling, General Manager of Linbell, up to 50 percent of digital light processing (DLP) products are made in China. To further improve quality, Linbell has partnered with Mitsibushi.


Lan Castle is enhancing competitiveness with Taiwanese IC chips. "We are the only DVR supplier that makes our own IC chips," said General Manager Yang Yanfei. To provide quality products at a reasonable price, Lan Castle has fully automated production. This has also made it possible to offer greater customization of housings and software interfaces.


Goldenlan, which specializes in IP networking solutions, is looking to advanced audio and video coding standard (AVS) transmission to provide better image quality when bandwidth is limited. "Chinese manufacturers have their own algorithms so there are no legal problems when exporting," explained Hu Wei, General Manager of the company's Technical Support Center.


Goldenlan has also teamed up with a Taiwanese company, a digital media institute at Beijing University and the Shanghai Institute of Computing Technology to promote AVS in video monitoring applications. The new solutions include software management platforms and AVS system on chips (SoCs).


Function ATI Telecommunications has been manufacturing electronic security products since 1995. Today, it has R&D centers in the U.S., Taiwan and Shenzhen. According to Teddy Li, Chief of the Marketing Department, the U.S. center provides the R&D direction. "We are targeting domestic vertical markets like the military and campuses," said Li. "Our new solutions feature WiFi to enhance flexibility of applications and transmission efficiency."


Video doorphone systems, said Li, are usually purchased by real estate developers rather than installers or home owners. "Some functions may not be practical for overseas markets, but Chinese real estate developers want fancy products to earn bigger profits."


Protruly understands that intrusion alarm systems with stylish appearances are more profitable. It launched its latest intelligent door lock to target value-added applications. "We offered US$7,500 to anyone who could force the lock, but no one succeeded," said Chen Daoqing, Marketing Director of Protruly. "Some visitors even tried interrupt the alarm control panel to open the door; nothing that they tried, however, worked." The only way to open it, he said, is via a key embedded with a chip.


According to Chen, the advanced mechanism lock features intelligent functions to trigger alarms for vandalism and illegal copying of keys. To enhance safety, it works with Daunting home safety alarm systems to disarm itself for home owners. Furthermore, not only is quality guaranteed but also owners are protected by China Pin An Insurance up to $15,000 for losses stemming from intrusions.


New-Tech Protective Electronics (NTP) has incorporated Australian technology to deliver video monitoring and multiple access management suited for crucial areas. "Our company hired a Japanese research professional with expertise in optical technologies," said Luo Cheng, an engineer in the Technical Support Department at NPE.


This, he continued, has enabled NPE to promote cameras with Sony third-generation wide-dynamic-range solution and blaze-retraining for harsh lighting conditions on roads. The cameras are also equipped with Tamron lenses for better image quality and stability.


According to Huang Jing, Manager of Aony, many products on the market fall into the me-too category. Aony is planning to set up a dust-free factory to enhance IR LED assembly for its IR cameras. "We do not want to get involved in price wars; that is why we are working only on high-end IR cameras." Huang pointed out that while Chinese manufacturers provide excellent products, the major bottle neck is the huge investment required to perfect manufacturing facilities.


Take Chinese-made speed domes. "They perform well only with specific camera modules because the housings do not offer good ventilation," said Huang. "Chinese manufacturers lack prowess in product finishing; they are not able to drill perfectly smooth ventilation holes like the Japanese.


" Eagle is working on sophisticated alarm sensors with high-quality optical lenses and light filters, among others. Its patented connections, for example, reduce installation time and effort, thus driving down installation costs. Kewang and Jianbiao are tailoring equipment cases for central monitoring systems. Even though these products are mostly for the Chinese market, Jianbiao has developed a desk with an embedded two-drawer space on the top to enhance user-friendliness.


TBL is promoting intelligent IR chips that offer better performance over IR LED arrays. The design enables nighttime viewing with regular box cameras. Bestech has launched IR speed domes with nanometer technology to ensure water-proofing in outdoor environments. Finally, Dikai, Xierli and Jiali are marketing anti-lightning and anti-strike devices.


Key Distributors
Major distributors in Guangdong include Aoxing, Baoshijie, Billion Technology, Ding Li, JWS, Qihan, Ruixun, VisionCom and WinHi. Major partners include Bosch, JVC, Panasonic and Samsung. Agents also provide key feedback.


Many find it easier to introduce international brands since image and reputation are well-established. "Almost 90 percent of alarm products sold in richer cities like Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao are foreign brands, even though they cost twice as much for the same functionalities," said Peter Yu, General Manager of VisionCom.


Most distributors find much to like about Chinese products as well. "One developed a fluorescent intrusion sensor," said Yu. "When it detects suspicious targets, a light flashes and a buzzer sounds.


Another example where Chinese products outdo the competition, he continued, is wireless alarm control panels. "Imports support only short-distance transmission. Chinese suppliers, however, are customizing products to reach distances up to one kilometer."


Chinese video doorphones impress with CAT-5 transmission and IP functions, said Xia Bing, General Manager of Aoxing. "Also, international brands do not respond as quickly when it comes to differentiating themselves or keeping up with the latest trends."

Asia 25 Manufacturers Discuss 2009 Product Trends (Ⅴ of Ⅵ)

Editor / Provider: by a&s International | Updated: 12/2/2008 | Article type: Security 50

Emphasis on Asian R&D will continue in 2009. Surveillance will get more networking, better compression formats and higher resolution. Video is also expected to integrate more with other systems.


Incorporating legacy equipment into new solutions will be a trend. "Opportunities will be in hybrid surveillance for the next few years," Tai said.


Hikvision's hybrid DVR series will be developed further in the coming year. "The new architecture of the product, using the latest high-performance Texas Instruments DSPs, is designed for the new requirements from the market, which includes the need for IP surveillance as well as intelligent functionalities," Yang said.


Hitron has ambitious plans for its surveillance line. "For next year, Hitron plans to release advanced video analysis IP products, megapixel hybrid cameras, smart speed domes with network functions, advanced video management software (VMS) and awide dynamic range (WDR) camera series with more than 600 TVL resolution," Choo said.


H.264 has become a standard specification for Asian DVRs, with Yoko, Hikvision and CSST all planning to incorporate its powerful processing into their 2009 offerings.


More convergence is ahead. "In 2009, Commax will reinforce and strengthen the variety of security products offering security phones, access control, door phones and surveillance," Byun said.


This convergence benefits from improved communication technologies.
"New products launched in the first half of 2008 were Z-Wave items," Ho said. "The new plan for coming year will be for the same wireless protocol, but includes a home control center gateway to operate automation or security remotely."


Company Opportunities
Taking advantage of their strengths is how some companies have an edge. "An opportunity VIVOTEK has is increased visibility for its brand name," Chen said.


Chinese vendors count on domestic growth for business opportunities. "Continual market growth, especially in infrastructure, will result in more demand for security," Pang said. "Large international events, such as the Olympic Games and the World Fair, will require high-level security."


Corporate Strategy
Asian vendors supply globally and remain eager to expand their market reach. Strong technology offerings is their survival plan.


"The strategy in 2007, 2008 and 2009 is expansion," Yang said. "Hikvision, as a newer comer for international markets, has to be able to flexibly adjust strategy accordingly, to successfully penetrate international markets."


CSST's strategy includes technology partnerships. "We are partnering with an agreement with FLIR Systems, a leading thermal imaging company," Yap said. "We plan to encourage international partnership, increase distribution and add product features."


Having unique offerings is Dali's plan for success. "We seek to be distinctive in our products, channels, markets and clients, to prevent excessive competition," Pang said.

For the whole picture on the report, please visit  here.

Shuttle Cameras Protect Extensive Area

Editor / Provider: Submitted by TEB | Updated: 11/4/2008 | Article type: Tech Corner

TEBˇs TUB Camera covers extensive length and surface area, providing great efficiency and security for end users. For the past 25 years, the French manufacturer TEB has been continually updating the design of the TUB cameraR Evolution 6. The shuttle camera moves with speed and precision within a tube-type structure.


It is a high quality concept that offers 100 percent visual coverage of large areas without blind spots, surpassing the performance of traditional fixed cameras and domes. The camera also offers discreet design (reinforced by the new look of the camera shuttle), high speed (up to six meters per second), and full PTZ functions with 100 preset positions.


With more than 200,000 meters of track installed throughout the world, the camera system has proven its efficiency as an indispensable security tool for the end user. Moreover, TEB has developed and integrated the latest innovation into the TUB camera, which brings more reliability and precision in the deceleration of the camera.


The camera is equipped with TPM (Telemetry and Power Multiplex) technology to optimize the transfer of data signals, as there is no telemetry or power joins throughout the length of the track.


This solution is ideal for protecting large areas and applications, such as retail installations, airports, train stations, data centers, distribution centers and industrial plants.


The furnishings retailer IKEA installed three TUB cameraR systems to secure the self-serve flat pack furniture section of its store in Essex, England.


The camera operator benefited from having complete coverage of this section of the warehouse with only three cameras moving backward and forward within the TUB tubular housing. The Shuttle camera moves at speeds of up to six meters per second and can be operated from the TEB Neopad controller or from an existing control system.


TEB is the only company to manufacture an external version of this product that is especially designed to cope with harsher environments.


In a market overloaded with speed domes and static cameras, TEB solution is an alternative for end users wanting to achieve extensive coverage without installing many cameras.