HD
HD-SDI solutions are all the rage, providing a transition point for the analog-to-IP migration. With more camera options than ever from analog video manufacturers, HD-SDI combines coaxial transmission with high-definition (HD) resolution. Norbain's Vista range included HD-SDI solutions, as well as EverFocus Electronics. As Norbain knows the UK market as the largest distributor, carrying HD over coaxial cabling shows this is a definite market need.
CNB has also launched a range of HD cameras. “Our customers are questioning us about HD-SDI and IP,” said Sean Kim, GM of CNB Technology. “We think it could be very booming.”
HDcctv video systems will be ideal for the analog market, Kim said. “It's hard to predict the growth,” he said. “It's a good idea but there's not a complete system.” Customers are confused about what HD-SDI is, with its cabling. They are also unclear about how HD-SDI differs from IP.
Sony has taken a different tack on HD with its hybrid camera with Intersil. It has not adopted the HD-SDI standard, despite its broadcast TV know-how. Intersil's Security Link over Coax (SLOC) technology enables transmission of IP and analog signals over a single cable. This would allow a network megapixel camera to use the same cabling system with analog cameras to transmit images up to 500 feet.
“For Sony, we are showing we are totally committed to IP,” said Mathieu Lesieur, Video Security Regional Trade Marketing Manager, South and East Europe, Sony Corporation. “It's getting really fast and big.” HD-SDI adopts a broadcast transmission medium as the basis for HD development. As the signals are uncompressed, there is no image lag or TCP/ IP protocol issues. The completeness of the HD-SDI transmission standard offers a high resolution plug-and-play camera that works on any HD display. The development of HD makes it a serious competitor in the face of megapixel's biggest advantage: Detail. The Sony solution emphasizes displays with HD and IP, while Intersil's SLOC emphasizes transmission to the backend. As HD-SDI launches continue, they satisfy a demand for a midway solution between analog and IP.
Innovation
IP has enabled greater connectivity and handy applications such as remote monitoring. The CheckMyCCTV diagnostic from CheckMySystems offers health monitoring on video surveillance systems for installers and monitoring centers. Instead of going out to each location, the software acts as a virtual 24-hour engineer, checking for network connectivity, camera status and more. Another technology that saves installer time is the iLOQ, a battery-free IP access control system. While each mechanical key is identical, access privileges are programmed into each key. Locks and the IP access control system are powered by the insertion of the keys, requiring no wires and cutting installation space and costs. The UK market remains stable, with continued demand for solid solutions. As newer players make their mark, they bring vitality to a stagnant market.