Facing the global downturn, players in Taiwan responded strategically. Given the deceleration of exports, there has been a strong consensus on improving fundamentals to prop up growth.
Facing the global downturn, players in Taiwan responded strategically. Given the deceleration of exports, there has been a strong consensus on improving fundamentals to prop up growth.
Differentiated technology remains the first priority for 2010. Rollouts are underway for network solutions as a realization of increased R&D efforts, especially for megapixel cameras, hybrid DVRs and NVRs and mature H.264 codecs.
Branded solutions increase quality standards and provide long-term benefits for business. Taiwanese manufacturers form closer partnerships with global players, offering vertical oriented solutions and enhancing integration capabilities to penetrate higher-end segments.
By leveraging resources to stay abreast of the latest technologies, vendors are ready to fill the market with value-added innovations.
<The following Taiwanese companies are presented in alphabetical order>
Chateau technical
With continuous devotion to video technology since 1993, Chateau Technical offers a range of capture cards and DVRs. In addition to developing its own DSP technologies, its products boast robust firmware and software. "The DSP enables customized solutions that meet specific requirements, while the firmware and software assure seamless compatibility," said Wells Shih, VP. Specializing in DSP technology also helped the company develop its H.264 codec early, five years ago.
Strategies and Core Competence
Chateau's expertise lies in its compression algorithms and flexibility, maintaining stability and providing greater storage. It will expand its H.264 portfolio in 2010 with a 32-channel PC-based DVR and a 16-channel D1 stand-alone DVR. Demand is growing for higher resolution, with D1 as the minimum requirement for large applications, Shih said.
Future Outlook
Price pressure from China and lack of R&D capability have been major threats. "Increasing IP strength and developing core technology are crucial for survival," Shih said.
Solutions tailored to practical use allow Chateau to reposition itself strategically. Targeting large projects with specific needs for higher resolution and fail-safe systems will help the company gain ground, Shih said.
Deeplet Technology
Deeplet Technology achieved an impressive 200 percent growth from 2008 to 2009, even in the face of economic adversity. "System stability, higher resolution, user-friendly interface and networking capability are key for growth," said Thomas Cheng, President and CEO. Founded in 2005, the company's competence stems from its video technology with a self-developed image processing platform and powerful management system. Its product lines focus on DVRs, network DVRs, video servers and Windows-based management software.
Strategies and Core Competence
Deeplet was one of the first Asian vendors to manufacture a H.264 mobile DVR for 
automobiles. To increase its H.264 product range, the 16-channel real-time D1 DVR and network cameras will be launched before the second quarter of 2010.
Its vertical-specific mobile DVR will be armed with enhanced integration and monitoring software to better protect driver safety. For example, operators will be notified of sudden acceleration, deceleration and collision, based on the surroundings, Cheng said.
Future Outlook
With more than 70 percent of the revenue derived from its branded product sales, Deeplet emphasizes delivering brand value. Keen on building its international sales channels, it will increase its market penetration in the Middle East, Europe and the U.S. The company's branding and vertical-oriented innovation will help Deeplet maintain positive growth for years to come.
DynaColor
Established in 1991, DynaColor has grown into a professional surveillance provider that is climbing the global ranks. Starting out with high-end automatic optical inspection systems, its technical expertise provided a strong foundation for breakthroughs in video surveillance. Building on its strength in R&D and innovation, DynaColor has become an acclaimed brand for cameras, domes and DVRs. "Users benefit from our complete product lines and sophisticated features for expansion and upgrade," said Eric Chiu, Marketing Manager.
Strategies and Core Competence
"IP solutions went through a major change in the last two years," Chiu said. 
"Before, the refresh rate and resolution on network solutions was low, while analog solutions offer stable rates of 30 fps and consistent resolution." This year, IP technology has matured with improved refresh rates and resolution.
Growth for IP products continues to increase. The full IP product lineup is ready, including network cameras, network domes and hybrid DVRs. With its commitment to providing future-proof technology, DynaColor will launch an NVR in the first quarter of 2010.
Future Outlook
Careful planning and smart investments in marketing and R&D are essential, Chiu noted. With major markets in Europe, the U.S. and South Asia, DynaColor's solid quality and global reach will achieve its vision of being a reliable partner and leading innovator.
GKB Security
With a strategic transformation early this year, GKB Security has repositioned itself as a solution provider. Since it was founded in 1996, GKB made innovation its core value. "Making systems attractive with value-added features helps a company stand out," said Peter Jen, President. "Tailored solutions and customized services allow the company to target midrange and premium segments."
Strategies and Core Competence
Established as a solution-driven company, GKB introduced PoS surveillance 
systems, video alarm systems and video fire detection analytics. With video analytics taking a central role, its solutions feature networking capabilities and megapixel resolution for 2010. Integration of voice, access control and intrusion detection will also be available, Jen said.
Future Outlook
GKB lays a foundation for the future by branding through distributing in more than 75 countries. To develop a strong standing worldwide, China will be a focus region for the next several years. Although transformation means a tough road ahead and will take years to complete, Jen assured that GKB is on the right track.
Merit LILIN
Founded in 1980, Merit LILIN provides a wide spectrum of video technology: DVRs, cameras, domes, IR and network cameras. Its branded solutions, sold in 11 countries, account for more than 85 percent of the company's sales. Given the industry's intensified price competition, LILIN believes that targeting the higher end of the market is the way ahead, said Ben Hsu, VP.
Strategies and Core Competence
In addition to its complete H.264 product line, LILIN is ready to roll out megapixel 
cameras and D1 real-time hybrid DVRs for 2010. Its megapixel cameras will be available in CCD and CMOS models for various applications, Hsu said. The LILIN hybrid DVR enables customized video streaming, allowing end users to create their own combinations of digital and analog inputs.
Future Outlook
LILIN has leveraged its technology and marketing expertise to develop solutions for a smooth migration to IP. The recent launch of the world's first ONVIF-compliant network video products shows its devotion. "As buyers today are opting for quality and price, LILIN will continue to grow with sensibly priced products and a strategic market position," Hsu said.
Qnap Systems
With a solid IT background, Qnap Systems entered the security industry in 2004 with ambition. The company features three major product lines to develop its competitive edge: NVRs, NAS storage and network multimedia players. Its flagship product is a complete range of stand-alone NVRs, from four to 40 channels, with embedded CMS for up to 120 video streams. "Without an additional charge on the software licensing, system expansion has become easier at one-third of the cost," said Jacky Cheng, Product Management. "In addition, the Linux-based operation platform allows for stable performance and a secure system."
Strategies and Core Competence
Vertical-oriented solutions will be the primary focus for 2010. The embedded video analytics offers enhanced features, including people counting, detection of objects 
entering or exiting areas of interest, integration with PoS and many more. The analytics suite will be integrated with Qnap's new NVRs in 2010.
Window-based CMS solutions will also be available, targeting large projects with more than 120 channels, Cheng said.
Future Outlook
With its base in Asia, Qnap eyes Japan with great interest. "The retail industry in Japan presents an immense market for replacement, as a large number of business owners installed video surveillance around three years ago," Cheng said. "By integrating a PoS system, the upcoming NVR will enter the market at the right time." By extending its IT channel, Qnap will continue to increase its global footprint.
Tibbo Technology
Tibbo Technology has provided robust firmware and software since 2001, which has shortened product development time for its clients. The company's strength stems from technology innovation, where more than 50 percent of the revenue is reinvested in R&D, said Jennifer Kuo, Sales and Marketing Manager. With an 
emphasis on cultivating brand identity, nearly 100 percent of sales stem from branded solutions.
Strategies and Core Competence
Tibbo sees growing demand for integration and networking among industrial users, particularly time and attendance applications. With a full range of serial-to-Ethernet products, Tibbo adds networking capability and flexibility to existing systems. More solutions are planned for release with value-added features in 2010, Kuo said. In the meantime, expanding online marketing and partnering with trustworthy channels are the company's primary tasks.
Future Outlook
While technical prowess is the company's first priority, service is a close second. All inquires must be resolved within 24 hours, and flexible inventory management allows for instant product delivery, Kuo said. Despite the economic downturn, sales have picked up since summer and regained momentum in September and October, Kuo said. With major markets in Europe and the Americas, Tibbo will expand its reach to China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Yoko Technology
Established in 1992, Yoko Technology is known for its comprehensive product portfolio. This includes a full analog camera line, DVRs, quad processors, portable security recorders, network cameras, video servers and peripherals, making it a one-stop shop. "Timely market response, competitive pricing and a global presence in more than 70 countries differentiates the company from others," said Paul Wang, Chairman and CEO.
Strategies and Core Competence
In addition to a full range of H.264 DVRs, Yoko will expand its IP portfolio with a series of megapixel network cameras in 2010. Products launched in the third and fourth quarters of 2009 are expected to yield higher growth next year. "Our revenue 
is expected to be boosted by the completion of an IP product line and overseas sales," Wang said.
Future Outlook
China has been an aggressive player in the entry- and middle-level camera market for the past two years, Wang noted. Focusing on innovation that adds value will allow Yoko to position itself at the higher end of the market.
"Targeting the upscale market hasn't taken effect in 2009, as multifunctional network cameras have not picked up in demand due to the current recession," Wang said. Cameras will continue to bring in the largest share of revenue, with stabilizing economic conditions leading to a sales recovery.