System integrators frequently encounter problems with PC motherboards in monitoring applications; one issue is lack of compatibility due to frequent product launches. To solve the problem and enhance system reliability, Seavo — a key Chinese player — has developed a series of motherboards suited for digital video recording applications. ASMAG.com takes a closer look at this player to unveil its advantages.
System integrators frequently encounter problems with PC motherboards in monitoring applications; one issue is lack of compatibility due to frequent product launches. To solve the problem and enhance system reliability, Seavo — a key Chinese player — has developed a series of motherboards suited for digital video recording applications. ASMAG.com takes a closer look at this player to unveil its advantages.
To ensure system reliability, sophisticated motherboards, specially designed for digital video recording systems, are being developed in China. These DVR motherboards are core processing system components, serving as a platform that connects capture, sound and network cards to better enable processing of security functions.
The major difference between DVR and regular PC motherboards is that the former feature greater durability and stability. Unlike its PC counterparts,
DVR motherboard players seldom launch new product families, preferring to provide only updates based on the same structure. This ensures system stability as the products are designed to deliver continuous operation 24/7 for three years.
DVR motherboards also raise the bar when it comes to DVR stability and functionality by reducing testing and manufacturing time. DVR motherboards also save system integrators and customers both time and money.
In addition, intelligent technology and software are easily embedded, including watchdog functions, which monitor operating status. Embedded functions and software thus provide added value. As IDE and SATA ports of hard-disk drives are farther from PCI slots, inserting DVR compression cards is easier. Finally, DVR motherboards enable a greater number of PCI slots for additional security requirements.
Supplier Highlights
One major DVR motherboard innovator is Seavo. In fact, 100 percent of high-end government and financial applications in China use Seavo DVR motherboards, and the company has an estimated 80 percent market share. Furthermore, Key Technology, an American company, uses Seavo motherboards in its financial, transportation, hospital and hotel application products.
Wu Fulu, President of Seavo, sees the main competition coming from domestic PC motherboard players. Wu, however, is determined to take advantage of the company's IT know-how to customize products for niche markets.
Wu's acquaintance with leading Chinese security manufacturers has enabled him to gain a better understanding of the market and its needs. "Our partners have either a solid background in computing (IBM) or CCTV," said Wu.
"Our relationship with Chenova, a major DVR supplier and a subsidiary of CSST, is especially important in penetrating the market," said Wu. Chenova collects installers and end-user feedback, enabling better cooperation.
That does not mean that Seavo always goes along with its partner's suggestions, such as when Chenova proposed joint development of Windows-based standalone DVRs. "Seavo spent nine months working on the concept," explained Wu. "Unfortunately, we had to call it off because Chinese customers were opting for standalone DVRs, DVR cards or PC-based DVRs." Attractively priced Windows-based standalone DVRs, he said, compete with standalone DVRs and thus are a source of conflict. "This was not a recipe for success."
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Seavo also works with other suppliers like Tungson, a DVR compression card and mini-USB DVR manufacturer; SOE, a distributor; and Tiandy, a manufacturer of fiber optic transceivers, cameras and matrices. This has given the company access to core technologies from the U.S., Taiwan and China.
Major products are industrial-grade DVR motherboards that are compatible with multiple video compression cards. This enhances ripple filtration of video signals and improves power supply and image display frequency. "Images," said Wu, "benefit from greater clarity and stability." The company's watchdog software ensures that DVRs run continually when no one is monitoring.
The company's latest product is its SV-T6234DVR motherboard, which supports dual-screen display. "It is," said Wu, "the first of its kind in the world. The cutting-edge product supports two displays or one display and one monitor output. It also provides larger hard-disk drive storage capacity (more than 500 gigabits), including six SATA and four IDE ports as well as video recording up to 2,500 hours."
The dual-screen feature, observed Wu, delivers more effective system resource management. Users can maintain surveillance with one screen and work on other tasks with the display monitor.
Wu is very proud of the fact that Seavo's logo and promotional imagery were created by well-known designer Chen Guojin, who also designed the logo for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"Our logo symbolizes the blend of strength that we have in the manufacture of consumer and professional electronics."