As the DVR market diminishes over time and imaging signal processor (ISP) chips can efficiently reduce the board size and total cost in a camera, Next Chip will concentrate on developing ISPs for security cameras. Next Chip, a total turnkey solution provider, is expanding its portfolio of components which can be used for HD, HD-SDI, network, and analog cameras with improved WDR performance.
As the DVR market diminishes over time and imaging signal processor (ISP) chips can efficiently reduce the board size and total cost in a camera, Next Chip will concentrate on developing ISPs for security cameras. Next Chip, a total turnkey solution provider, is expanding its portfolio of components which can be used for HD, HD-SDI, network, and analog cameras with improved WDR performance.
Customers, such as purchasing personnel, are also able to benefit from one - stop shopping for different cameras. It is easier and more convenient for them to make comparisons when everything is in one location. Young-Jun Yoo, Sales Department GM of Next Chip, said the company fared better in 2012 than in 2010 in terms of sales revenue. Before, ISPs were sold on their own, but they can now be sold with an additional image sensor, boosting the company's revenue.
As the first company to produce ISPs for HD-SDI cameras, the company sees good prospects for HD-SDI in the upcoming years. Network PTZ cameras will probably experience a delay in growth, as there is little new construction in the current economy. HD-SDI equipment allows the reuse of coaxial cables, making it a great alternative. However, the market appeal will be even greater if HD-SDI prices are lower.
The company will soon launch a second-generation HD-SDI ISP with better wide dynamic range, at 60 frames per second in HD quality, utilizing 3G-SDI. Generally known as the successor of HD-SDI, 3G-SDI increases bandwidth and allows higher resolution and frame rates through a single connection.
In a separate move to counter increasing competition, Next Chip is planning to target the automotive market by providing ISPs for mobile DVRs, black boxes, and onboard cameras. Preparations have already been made, as Next Chip is the first ISP maker in the Korean industry to be AECQ 100-certified, a certification for the automotive industry.
The company plans to release its third-generation ISP especially for automotive applications. The ISPs can incorporate motion detection through its intelligent sensor, so even when the car is moving, it will be able to make the correct calculations. The sensor can also be used in black boxes, which is essentially a one-channel DVR integrated with passenger safety and navigation. This has good growth potential in Europe, Russia, Turkey, Korea, and other countries in Asia. In China, the black box market is quite mature but in Europe, it is still in the early stages.
Next Chip sees great opportunities in the future, when video quality in the automotive industry upgrades from VGA to HD quality. Its target clients are Asian DVR providers and navigation software developers who produce black boxes.
As most rear-view cameras used in cars have VGA resolution, blind spots are a common problem. If the cars were to switch to fisheye cameras, image distortion would be a problem as well. Overcoming these imaging issues will provide ample opportunities for ISP providers.