Security matrix systems: Analog models dominate mature security matrix systems line

Even though digitization has begun, most security matrix systems from China are still based on analog technology.

Consisting of models that can support up to 384 cameras and 64 monitors, this mature line has been saddled with interoperability issues in control and communication protocols.

In an attempt to standardize the industry, the national government through the Ministry of Public Security released the GA/T 646-2006 in October 2006. This covers the general technical specifications of a matrix switcher for video monitoring security systems.

The measure reduced incompatibility only to a certain extent because most suppliers continue to put a premium on product differentiation. Those who compromised have adopted instead multiple protocols to support front-end device control, or offered protocol converters.

Regardless of their stand, most makers are one in supporting further upgrades. At present, efforts are directed toward achieving higher capacity, new functions and networkability, including system management.

Many companies, for example, have integrated Web servers to enable centralized control through the Internet or intranet on any computer with multilevel management authority. With this enhanced macro programming technology, preset commands can be implemented easily and efficiently.

The latest releases usually support multiple topologies, including star, ring, hierarchical and hybrid.

Redundant power supply and hot-plugging function are adopted for enhanced reliability.

Many new midrange and high-end models come in preassembled modular designs, allowing flexibility in configuration. Depending on the requirements, customers can specify power supplies, network switchers, video encoders, and modules such as video and audio matrix, alarm and fiber-optic.

Most mainstream analog systems adopt 32-bit CPUs and embedded realtime OS. These have multichannel-video and alarm inputs and outputs, multilevel switches, PTZ controllers, OSD, RS-485 communication and keyboard interfaces, and BNC connectors.

The typical specifications are 1Vp-p at 75ohm input/output impedance, 10MHz video bandwidth, ±0.5dB 5 to 10MHz frequency response, over 50dB channel isolation and greater than 55dB S/N ratio. The operating temperature range is -10 to 50 C and humidity at less than 90 percent.

The majority of models come with 19in rack mounts. Midsize and large versions have a blade structure that allows extensions. Many units also support cross-point cascade connection for expanding the system through multiplex nodes.

Makers usually accommodate buyers’ switch sizes. Systems with more than 64 channels for video input and 32 channels for output are considered large. Some suppliers, however, already offer models with 384 and 64 channels, respectively, for video output and input in one node.

Prices are forecast to remain atcurrent levels or decrease slightly in the latter part of 2009. Quotes depend largely on switch size, and added modules and functions.

A basic matrix system with 32 channels for video input and eight for output goes for $400 to $800. A midsize model with 64 channels for video input and 32 for output is between $1,500 and $3,000. Large versions with a blade design and 256 and 32-channel video input and output exceed $4,000.

Launched in mid-2000, digital systems currently account for 5 percent of total output but are expected to gather supplier support in coming years as the technology base gains strength.

Products that can process, control and exchange long-range digital signals make up this developing line. These are mostly PC-based and embedded DVRs with multiple inputs and one or two-way video output. Matrix cards and embedded units are available as well.

Designs are optimized to suit matrix application. Most adopt MPEG-4 or H.264 video compression technology, transmitting and decoding digital video streams through the TCP/IP network.

Makers said DVR functions, including OSD and image overlay, private mask and motion detection, can serve the matrix market well. To further align with requirements, more intelligent functions such as facial and action recognition, and zone protection will be introduced in coming years. Encoding efficiency is also in the agenda, targeting improved image resolution from CIF to D1, although there are new models reaching 1080p.

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd offers a PC-based solution with HC series cards for video input, encoding, recording and transmission. The system also comes with MD cards for video decoding, switch and output to monitors or TV walls. It has multichannel input, up to 64-channel decoding and 32-channel output.

Shenzhen Hongdy Industrial Co. Ltd’s HNET300-R embedded model supports up to 2,048 channels for video input and 16 for output. The unit employs the H.264 compression format and supports multiple network protocols. It has a QCIF to D1 resolution and an RJ-45 10/100Mbps network interface.

Suppliers are also bridging analog and digital technologies during the transition. One of Pearmain (Hangzhou) Electronics Co. Ltd’s recent releases, the PE90FHD model, supports multiplex video signal input, including analog, digital, compressed and uncompressed. The unit can convert and produce the output in analog and digital monitors.

To boost overseas business, makers are working to close the technology and quality gap with their competitors. Many are also participating in international trade shows such as Intersec Dubai and SecuTech Expo in Taiwan.

At present, the security matrix systems industry in mainland China is largely geared toward the domestic market. Only a portion of the line goes to North America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe.

The manufacturing pool consists of about 60 suppliers. The majority comes from the CCTV surveillance sector, while the others are from the broadcasting and multimedia matrix system fields. Tier 1 makers have in-house R&D capability, many with more than 50 dedicated personnel. These include Pearmain and Tianjin Tiandy Digital Technology Co. Ltd.

Tier 2 companies mainly follow the lead of major domestic and overseas players in product development.

The Yangtze and Pearl River deltas and the Beijing-Tianjin area are the primary hubs for security matrix systems in China, representing more than 90 percent of the country’s total output.

Hangzhou in Zhejiang province and Shanghai have the most number of suppliers in the Yangtze River Delta. These cities boast advantages in technology and skilled human resource.

Companies there mainly offer back-end surveillance products, including matrix systems and DVRs. Among them are Pearmain (Hangzhou) Electronics Co. Ltd and Shanghai Security.

Within the Pearl River Delta, Shenzhen in Guangdong province is the largest manufacturing center for security products. It has a special economic zone with support industries for product design, components, plastic injection molding and EMS. Further, the city’s proximity to Hong Kong is advantageous to overseas trading.

Tianjin is the traditional manufacturing base of security products in North China. The major companies there are Tianjin Tiandy Digital Technology Co. Ltd and Yaan. The city is adjacent to Beijing, China’s political and cultural center. Modern traffic facilities connect both locations, guaranteeing Tianjin-based companies easy access to the capital’s many universities and institutes for engineers and technology support.

This article "Security matrix systems: Analog models dominate mature security matrix systems line" is originally posted in Global Sources.

Tianjin Tiandy Digital Technology Co. Ltd
Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd
Pearmain Electronics Co. Ltd