EverFocus launches 16-CH 960H DVR

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 5/20/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus is pleased to announce the launch of its new ECOR960 X1 16 channel, 120FPS 960H resolution DVR, targeting professional users with the highest image quality and the best recording experience. With a superior function set and an affordable price, while still providing critical CE, FCC and UL certifications, the ECOR960 X1 is especially ideal for homes, retails, SMB, and factory surveillance applications.

Thanks to its WD1 (960x480/960x576) resolution capabilities, the ECOR960 X1 digital video recorder gives users of the latest 960H cameras the ability to capture fast moving objects at enhanced detail levels, with a choice of WD1 or D1 formats. The new 16 channel ECOR960X1 also provides an upgrade to the ECOR264 feature set by incorporating 1080p Full HD Video output capability to VGA and HDMI monitors. Also available is an optional built-in DVD burner to preserve evidence and for secure video and data export.

The ECOR960 X1 can be used in complex multi-site installations when paired with powerful EverFocus centralized management software and tools, and is supported by the EverFocus MobileFocus line of remote video surveillance applications on iOS and Android devices, which help easily extend video surveillance from fixed location to mobile environments using a smartphone or pad devices.

EverFocus partners with Digiever for better networked solutions

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus is pleased to announce their new partnership with Digiever. For almost 20 years, EverFocus has been a leading integrated security solution manufacturer of CCTV cameras, DVRs, HDcctv, IP surveillance solutions, access control systems, as well as surveillance and access control peripherals. With Digiever DIGISTOR NVR series' support, EverFocus' network cameras can now satisfy various surveillance scenarios requests, and users can easily adapt the operation under more circumstances.

Established in 1995, EverFocus has been working diligently in the security business for almost 20 years now, with branches in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, India and China, EverFocus provides rapid response with optimal solutions to meet customers' satisfaction. The skilled R&D team works diligently to bring safety to our life through innovative ideas and advanced technology.

"We are pleased to gain an innovative partner in Digiever. This corroboration helps us to provide robust and powerful solutions for a wide range of applications. Digiever's platform is able to maximize benefits of the full lineup of EverFocus cameras, and allows us to bring value to an even wider customer base." said Joe Jen, Manager at EverFocus. The integration of EverFocus and Digiever is exciting, as it is the first cooperation for both parties. It will bring better service and more satisfied solution for more customers.

"We are excited by the integration between Digiever and EverFocus, as the integration has been smooth and successful. The integration with EverFocus provides users of both parties with solid surveillance bundle solution” said Allen Tseng, Product Manager of Digiever. "As the most reliable and ideal provider of Linux-based standalone NVR solution, Digiever keeps working on expanding the compatibility of IP cameras from reputed global brands and continues to support IP camera partners. Digiever devotes to giving users experience of more efficient network surveillance solutions. "

EverFocus works closely with third party technology partners to satisfy customers' needs in vertical markets such as mobile, city surveillance and banking solutions.

EverFocus wins IP Camera Excellence Award at Secutech International 2013

Editor / Provider: EverFocus | Updated: 5/6/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus awarded the camera Excellence Awards in IP camera contest at 2013 Secutech in Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall last week.

2013 Secutech, International Security Expo held from Apr. 24 -26, attracted over 520 manufacturers and professional visitors from 19 countries to Taiwan. EverFocus - an a&s 2012 Security Top 50 manufacturer -- received 2013 Secutech Camera Excellence Awards with their EAN3300― a 3 Megapixel IP Camera. With this award, the well-known CCTV manufacturer made a clear announcement to the world that they are ready for the IP battle, and once again proved their continuous hard work in IP producing is paid-off.

Earlier this year, the EverFocus EPN4220 IP speed dome received this year's Taiwan Excellence Award. Winning another IP camera Excellence Award at Secutech shows that the expansion of their product line is continuing successfully. The award proved their R&D engineers have also developed an extensive expertise in IP products.

During the contest, organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media, cameras of various brands were set up to monitor the color saturation and restoration, effective frame rate, camera shutter speed, and resolution performance. The contest also had an on-site live demo component, that not only served as a clear buyer's guide for IP Cameras but also a big encouragement for EverFocus and its business partners.

The EverFocus EAN3300 is a box-type IP camera delivering 3 Megapixel image resolution. It features WDR functionality, which can provide clear images even under back light circumstances where intensity of illumination can vary excessively. H.264/M-JPEG multi-stream output is available for simultaneous live monitoring and high-resolution recording. The EAN3300 is designed for simple installation and supports all types of indoor mounting applications.

The HD-SDI Demonstration was also a highlight of the Secutech. HD-SDI cameras and DVRs were installed to monitor banking activities in a simulated environment. EverFocus showed off their EPHD04 DVR and EQH5202, providing a total banking solution and achieved resounding success in this demonstration.

The EverFocus EPHD04 DVR supports 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 resolution HDcctv cameras and offers real time HD recording and playback for all cameras at 1080p resolution. At the same time, all cameras are available for remote live display with reduced bandwidth. The built-in HDcctv DVR web server enables live display and playback of video footage without the use of specific software - a PC with web browser is all you require. Users can search video by date, time and event or filter by type of recording quickly and efficiently.

Bringing Security 50 to life

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu, asmag.com | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Held from April 24 to 26 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in Taiwan, Secutech International concluded with a resounding success, garnering more than 25,000 visitors and buyers from all corners of the world; one of Secutech's highlights was the Security 50 press conference, bringing the security world's top performers (by product sales revenue) to real life. Four representatives from Bosch Security Systems, Flir Systems, Milestone Systems and Verint Systems were very generous in sharing their respective company's latest developments in product innovations, partner recruitment/training and growth strategies. The event, along with a Q&A session, attracted more than 30 industry media professionals from across the world.

Organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media (formerly known as the A&S Group), Secutech is an annual international trade show for the electronic security, information security, and fire and safety industries. “Secutech is an ideal platform to highlight the Security 50,” said Parson Lee, MD and a&s Publisher. “Many will be interested to know who the top players and growers are, and I believe they can learn a lot from the elite companies in the rankings.”

a&s started the original Security 50 ranking in 2003, two years after 9/11, when security was booming as a business and a fairly high number of new players popped up all over the map by the day. Solution providers, distributors, resellers, integrators and government/MNC end users worldwide were in dire need to keep tabs on who was who. As the industry and market shift from analog and wired to digital/IP and wireless, more new names have surfaced to address new niche market needs, in terms of location, vertical and technology. One annual ranking, based on pure product sales revenues, is no longer enough for us to reflect emerging trends, prospects and best practices in real time. That is why asmag is introducing the all new asmag Rankings microsite and mobile app. asmag and a&s teams are going to great lengths in collecting, processing and presenting the latest news/financial updates, product releases and feature stories, from the security world's movers and shakers: by sales revenue (Security 50), innovation and growth performance (Fast & Furious), Asian prowess (Asia 50) and popular vote/feedback (Customer Satisfaction 50).

At this year's Secutech, 25 companies listed on the 2012 Security 50 ranking were present at the show ground, showcasing their latest solution offerings with special “50” signage. In addition to the four panelists mentioned earlier, other exhibitors included Arecont Vision, Assa Abloy, Axis Communications, C-Pro Electronics, Dahua Technology, Dali Technology, Dynacolor, EverFocus Electronics, Flir Systems, Hdpro, Hi Sharp, Hikvision Digital Technology, Honeywell Security, Infinova, Itx Security, Mobotix, Optex, Tamron, Tkh Group, VIVOTEK, Win4net and Yoko Technology.

More than 2,000 downloads/shares took place at the Security 50 Gallery on-site, where a few from the 2012 ranking, along with asmag staffers, were invited to demonstrate their latest and interact with visitors. A frequent compliment on the Security 50/asmag Rankings app was how practical it is for those who are always traveling or rushing between sites to stay connected to the industry's largest in real time.

Watch this space and stay tuned for exclusive video interviews!

Mongolian bank banks ATM security on EverFocus solution

Editor / Provider: EverFocus | Updated: 4/22/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

From now on, staff and customers at Mongolian Khan Bank are better protected with the installation of IP-based video surveillance systems on its ATMs.

Due to increasing ATM robberies in the past few years, Khan Bank worked with EverFocus Electronics for the first time to install IP-based surveillance cameras on their ATMs to improve security. More than 250 IP cameras were installed at Khan Bank's 21 provincial branches. Two models were chosen: Outside the cabin, EHN3260 is capable of capturing people around the machine while customers are operating it; NVR-202, on the other hand, is much smaller in size, making it perfect for the confined space inside the ATM stall.

The EverFocus compact size NVR-202 offers real-time recording and display of up to 2 IP cameras. Videos are recorded in MPEG-4, M-JPEG and H.264 formats at a maximum rate of 60 fps. The footage is stored in a highly compressed format that can be viewed on the monitor in order to avoid time loss in case of any requirement at the ATM site. Also, video inputs can be simultaneously viewed on a single screen using the multiview feature. For investigations and preventive measures, video footage is to be monitored by a team of security experts, to retrieve evidence in crimes such as credit card skimming, armed robbery, card swapping and the use of explosives on ATMs.

EHN3260 is an outdoor, vandal-proof IP dome delivering image quality up to 2-megapixel. It is equipped with a P-iris Lens, which enables the camera to automatically and precisely control the iris opening in all lighting conditions for optimal depth of field and image quality, including sharpness and clarity. It supports both H.264 and M-JPEG compression formats. The weather-proof IP68 rating makes EHN3260 water-, dust- and weather-resistant — perfect for extreme outdoor environments. Its WDR capability provides clear images even under back-light circumstances where intensity of illumination can vary excessively.

The EverFocus IP cameras guarantee the highest level of customer satisfaction for various vertical applications. With new video surveillance, the stakeholders at Mongol Khan Bank can now rest better knowing ATM operators and users are better protected.

Sponsored by:

EverFocus Electronics is an integrated security solution manufacturer. Our lineup includes of CCTV cameras, DVRs, HDcctv, IP surveillance solutions, access control systems, as well as surveillance and access control peripherals. EverFocus has offices globally, including the U.S., Germany, China, Japan, India, Taiwan and the U.K.

Asia Update: EverFocus gets ready for IP

Editor / Provider: The a&s Editorial Team | Updated: 4/17/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

EverFocus Electronics, a leading manufacturer and integrated system solution provider, is headquartered in Taiwan. Its global offices are located in six other countries – the U.S, Germany, China, Japan, India and the U.K. The company has overcome many hardships and is now transitioning to the sale and manufacture of IP video surveillance. “EverFocus just completed its video surveillance product lines in analog, HD-SDI, IP and plug-and-play IP by the end of last year,” said Jessy Lee, Director of System Planning and Development Center of EverFocus Electronics. “We only spent eight months completing the integration of more than 20 major VMS and NVR third parties.”

The process of switching from analog to IP required a great deal of time and effort. IP video surveillance tends to be concentrated in the project market. Therefore, to penetrate the IP video market, EverFocus actively develops new clients apart from its existing analog clients and also works closely with partners to win more projects. “We also introduce our clients to our partners and so do our partners,” Lee said. “Through partnership, we can quickly increase our sales in IP video.”

"After we made this significant change to our business, our IP projects grew quite fast," Lee said. “We have supplied a project with 10,000 network cameras.” EverFocus is active in both large-scale projects and mid-to small-size projects. In general, the company serves as an IP surveillance device provider and works closely with third-party suppliers, while it also has its own easy-to-setup IP solutions that cater to the needs of mid-to small-size projects.

The company does not compete in the red sea of price. Instead, EverFocus markets its own brand of localization. Its marketing strategy for IP video surveillance is planned at its headquarters and then applied to other subsidiaries. “We have a global presence with seven subsidiaries, which allows for significant differentiation from other companies, especially in providing instant local support,” Lee said. “We have tried very hard to communicate to all of our subsidiaries and even our partners to provide new technical services and training for IP video surveillance.”

The EverFocus strategy has paid off in the Middle East region, which has seen rapid uptake for IP video. India also has huge potential.

Even though IP video surveillance is now the focal point for EverFocus, Lee emphasized the importance of supplying the right products that correspond to the actual needs of the customers. According to different applications, budgets, and infrastructure environment, EverFocus provides its clients with a wide range of solutions through quality analog, HD-SDI, and full IP products. “In some vertical markets, such as casinos, banks, and retails, where end users need a zero latency, real-time solution or require a more cost-effective and plug-and-play solution, we are able to offer them an HD-SDI solution instead. They are quite happy about it and are pleased with the results,” said Lee.

When it comes to being customer centric, EverFocus is confident in meeting the demands of its clients by providing a solution that best fit their needs.

EverFocus IP cams now compatible with Qnap NVRs

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 4/12/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus Electronics is pleased to announce the integration of its new 1.3, 2.0 and 3.0 Megapixel IP Cameras with QNAP VioStor Pro Series Network NVR. This integration provides Home to Enterprise level consumers a wide array of robust and secure megapixel video surveillance solutions, with up to 128-channel monitoring, 16-channel simultaneous playback, as well as powerful search, scheduling, mapping, and alarm/event management tools.

The EverFocus camera lineup includes advanced box, bullet, dome type and speed dome cameras for a wide range of applications, supporting popular features such as H.264 and MJPEG compression formats and built-in support for SDHC cards for optional event recording. Current models also feature WDR functionality, enhancing the ability to deliver clear images even in conditions of extreme illumination intensity differences, such as strong backlighting.

The lineup also boasts EZN bullet and the EHN dome cameras, designed for rigorous operating conditions, and feature weatherproof housings rated up to IP68, as well as up to 40M IR LEDs for extreme low-light applications. Our dome models offer P-IRIS capabilities, allowing for precise control over the camera iris aperture. This enables greater control over the camera image, resulting in greater depth of field, enhanced contrast, as well as improved image sharpness and clarity.

"The combination of EverFocus image quality with the stable and powerful QNAP NVR platforms is a development that will benefit both of our customer bases" said Jessy Lee, Director of System Planning and Development at EverFocus Electronics. "We are excited about this integration with QNAP, a company with a long history of innovation in the technology sector, and look forward to increasing customer value through our partnership."

State of HD-SDI in 2013

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 4/11/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

Real-life HD-SDI deployments have been scarce, due to practical issues such as component options, truly full HD performance (1,080p at 25 to 30 fps per channel) and pricing acceptability; the relatively high costs of 8- and 16-channel packages have limited uptake by the traditional channels. Things are changing for the better in 2013, however, and this feature looks into what the future holds for this common broadcast technology in security.

HD is an unstoppable trend, thanks to advances in consumer electronics. Security surveillance has been bitten by the same bug; once you go for sharper images, you never go back. Previously, the only way to get better-than-analog surveillance footage was through megapixel cameras and NVRs. Not any more. According to IMS Research, HD over coax products (SDI, SLOC, 960H) are forecast to capture around 5 percent of the video surveillance market revenues by 2016; with the overall worldwide projection at US$20.5 billion, that means a slightly over $1-billion business.

Price has been a chief stumbling block. Choices in deliverable HD-SDI DVRs were limited and at a premium, until late 2012. “The average price for 4-channel HD-SDI DVRs has dropped about 30 percent,” said Danny Tang, VP of Sales and Marketing at Shany Electronic. “As more manufacturers and chip developers, more models are coming out. We are looking forward to the increased competitiveness this year.”

Tony Lin, Manager of EverFocus Electronics, agreed. “We foresee SDI prices coming down to a level on par with high-end traditional analog devices, with a better chance to win over customers looking to upgrade. We believe the improved product availability will hit squarely in the middle of the traditional analog market. This will include any market that hasn't already turned to IP.”

Applications That Could Benefit
Most of the approached industry contacts found it hard to see large-scale HD-SDI deployments, but some saw unique potential. “Our SDI solution is ideal for recording legal proceedings and can be used across multiple courtrooms simultaneously,” said Vanne Lin, Executive VP at iCatch. “Advantages include ease of use, no lag time or frame-rate interruptions, free from bandwidth limitations, stability and reliability, and high image quality.”

Keeping existing analog cabling infrastructure intact is another advantage. “For example, there are quite a few historic sites in Europe, and changing all the wiring to Ethernet might be out of the question,” Tang said. “We already have some European customers asking for HD-SDI solutions. Japan also shows great potential, due to a large analog installed base. To offer customized solutions and meet local needs, we designed features to include power over coaxial and remote control.”

More cost-effective HD-SDI bundles could spark increased deployment in retail. “In the U.S., chips and PIN codes on credit cards never caught on, and they still prefer to sign slips or checks,” said Alan Hayes, founder and MD of AMG Systems. “This slows down payment processing. Currently, there are considerations in terms of introducing ‘touch panel payment solutions' that the customer simply touches their credit card to a pad. [In this case], there may be a requirement for HD for proof of identity solutions.” Dahua Technology targets market segments that require HD but have huge existing coaxial infrastructure, such as banking, gaming and traffic monitoring. “Korea and Japan are leading SDI deployment in the APAC region,” said Xuping Zhong, Product Engineer at Dahua Technology. “Growth in other countries is moderate in verticals such as banking, casinos and city surveillance.”

Gas stations may also benefit from HD-SDI. “Gas stations mostly install only limited or basic surveillance,” said Lin of EverFocus. “We have noted, however, the need for increasing resolution in this sector, especially in self-service areas. Due the fact that gas stations are potentially dangerous environments, we believe that SDI is the perfect solution because it can provide resolution increases over existing coaxial cable.”

Advances in Components
HD-SDI reference designs are now available from Altera, Ambarella, Hisilicon Technologies, Texas Instruments and Xilinx, possibly making overall solutions more price-competitive. Increasing availability of ISPs also means that integrators and installers may need to pay more attention to different combinations and developments of sensors, FPGAs and reference designs, said Alf Chang, Senior Technical Consultant at a&s.

Design and Installation Considerations
The situation for video system designers has improved markedly over the last year with the widespread availability of HDcctv equipment, which makes any installer experienced with regular CCTV equipment already prepared to make the move to HD surveillance, said Todd Rockoff, Executive Director at HDcctv Alliance. “Despite this simplicity, newcomers to HDcctv should be aware of some technical points in interoperability, cable length, storage and integration. The next-generation HDcctv standard is on track for ratification mid-2013, bringing new capabilities and benefits for integrators and installers. The chips soon to be introduced that implement next-generation capabilities of the HDcctv standard promise to further accelerate the migration of security to HD surveillance video.”

HD-SDI Enabled
Some manufacturers are thinking ahead to offer easy migration or hybrid solutions for installers and end users. For instance, Hi Sharp offers HD-SDI and analog hybrid DVRs so that users can choose the most suitable cameras for different locations.

Shany provides DVRs with 2 channels of SDI and 8 channels of analog, along with embedded management software, to target the SMB market. Tribrid solutions, with IP, are available as well. “We will continue our efforts in easy-to-use remote configuration design and increased transmission distance to cope with the needs of installers,” Tang said. “SDI for nonsecurity applications and SDI speed domes are our R&D focus as well.”

Webgate (a Daemyung Enterprise company) will focus on integration of HD-SDI DVRs and ONVIF compliance to accommodate diverse user needs. “Since our HD-SDI DVR has network connectivity, video from our HD-SDI cameras can be acquired through a DVR or IP encoder,” said Chris Kim, Marketing Manager. “Hybrid products for analog and HD-SDI will lose their merits soon. We are preparing a long-term plan for hybrid products with IP and HD-SDI.”

iCatch concentrates on management software and mobile applications. “We are one of the first to develop 16-channel HD-SDI DVRs with real-time record/playback function in Asia,” Lin at iCatch said. “Users can fully enjoy the bundled CMS feature. In addition, the DVR also supports Windows/Mac OS and app (iOS/Android) platforms, so users are able to keep an eye on what they care about most, regardless of where they are. Users might not care or know whether their surveillance solutions are IP-based or HD-SDI, but they will care whether the surveillance system can be viewed and managed remotely.”

EverFocus receives Taiwan Excellence Award for EPN4220

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 1/24/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus IP speed dome, EPN4220, has received this year's Taiwan Excellence Award.

Delivered by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Taiwan Excellence Award recognizes technologically innovative products produced by enterprises in Taiwan. As an award winner for five consecutive years, EverFocus continues to impress.

EverFocus EPN 4220 is network-based speed dome camera specifically designed for professional applications. This masterpiece offers 2-Megapixel resolutions and a built-in 20x optical, guaranteeing impeccable image quality, in addition to cutting-edge features, such as digital slow shutter, wide dynamic range, dynamic noise reduction and digital image stabilizer.

Equipped with IP66-rated housings and true day/night function with removable IR cut filter, the EPN 4220 is certain to withstand all environments. The advanced motion detection function also meets the needs of every end-user.

On the installation side, the speed domes boast the unique feature of one-click easy installation and up to 192 preset positions, deserving of the name as user-friendly surveillance camera devices.

"EverFocus is proud to be named once again as an award winner and will deliver more award-winning products for the years to come," said Jessy Lee, Director of System Planning and Development Center at EverFocus.

The Awards Program invites an international panel of judges to participate in the selection. Criteria include R&D, design, quality and marketing. Proven to have exceeded expectations of all four categories, EverFocus indeed sets a fine example for all other surveillance camera manufactures in Taiwan.

Asian manufacturers re-evaluate and regroup

Editor / Provider: Alyssa Fann, a&s International | Updated: 1/9/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Growing awareness of the importance of security amongst the general population over the past decade has hastened the development of the industry. The need for new applications, quality products and reliable manufacturers spurred the development of Asian security industry during the same time period. In recent years, Asian security players reevaluated their market strategies and positions in face of changing market conditions. a&s speaks to top industry players for the inside scoop.

Revenue Growth Stagnates
The majority of the products exported to the global market most likely originated from Asia, and it is no different in the security industry. Korean and Taiwanese companies flourished in the industry during the past decade, but many have found recent years challenging. While some companies are reviving themselves and have embarked on a survival path, most are still lost. In short, Asian security industry players need to adapt to remain on course.

Internal and External Factors
The difficult situation faced by many Asian companies can be attributed to several factors. Internally, many of them are struggling because the ship for IP has sailed and they have missed it. When the IP market took off in the 2000s, many of the traditional security companies continued to focus on their analog product lines. Now that the migration to IP is well underway, these security companies find themselves struggling in vain to enter a market that is already occupied by early adopters.

These internal factors are compounded by external factors that came into the picture around the same time. Global financial uncertainty and the rise of Chinese manufacturing have hit Korean and Taiwanese manufacturers alike. First, financial turmoil cooled global demand and second, the rise of Chinese manufacturing is a force that Asian manufacturers simply cannot dismiss. With its vast resources and low labor costs, China is quickly carving out its own reputation as an OEM partner and manufacturer. OEM competition in Asia is no longer between Korea and Taiwan, as Chinese products are rapidly dominating the market with their lower priced products. For example, IMS Research (an IHS company) ranked Hikvision as the No.1 worldwide supplier of DVR products and video surveillance equipment categories in 2011. While some argue that Chinese products tend to be standardized and of lower quality, Chinese companies are maturing and some are producing higher quality products with attractive prices. The situation is clear — the past three years have been tough for Asian manufacturers.

Product Strategy
Many of the Asian companies have charted out to new territories in their road of transformation. There appears to be two directions in the product development strategies of Asian companies. Taiwanese manufacturers prefer to play it safe and develop several technologies at the same time, such as IP alongside HD-SDI and 960H. On the other hand, Korean manufacturers are more ambitious and tend to place all their bets on developing a single technology, such as HD-SDI. “In the aftermath of the 2008 recession, Taiwanese manufacturers repositioned themselves and focused on either IP or HD-SDI, while most Korean manufacturers tend to focus on HD-SDI,” observed Garrett Li, Manager of Product Marketing at DynaColor.

Placing bets on several technologies as Taiwanese manufacturers do may be playing it safe in the short run, but it may be harder to expand in the long run. In contrast, focusing on a single technology may seem risky in the short run, but placing the right bet could raise the company up to market leader status and reap in vast rewards in terms of profits and market share.

Differentiation is another strategy. In the DVR market, which is currently dominated by China's Hikvision, Asian companies differentiate themselves with non-standardized DVR products. For example, Taiwanese c ompany EverFocus Electronics is offering something new to the maturing DVR market. “EverFocus sees tremendous potentials in the high-performance 960H DVR solutions and that it is indeed trending. This means that EverFocus will not be dropping DVRs in the product portfolio any time soon within the foreseeable future. We see potentials for growth in the HD-SDI market. EverFocus is one of the pioneers to penetrate and invest in this market,” said Tony Lin, Manager of Strategic Planning at EverFocus Electronics. In doing so, EverFocus is betting on both HD-SDI and IP. “At the same time, our R&D continues to strengthen our IP product roadmap, with a series of high-quality and cutting-edge IP solutions, perfect for specific vertical markets,” added Lin.

For other Asian companies, their product strategy involves M&A, so that they can expand and increase their product lines within a short period. Win4NET, for example, merged with Indigo Security to bring standalone DVRs to its product offerings.

Branding
For companies such as Win4NET and AVTECH, transformation involves branding. They have introduced their own brands alongside their traditional OEM businesses, as China is quickly replacing Korean and Taiwanese manufacturers in OEM partnership deals. Andy Lee, Marketing Manager of AVTECH noted that the company plans to reduce the percentage of OEM projects from the current less than 20 percent of its portfolio to focus on branding instead. “In the past years, we devoted ourselves to manufacturing quality security products to our distributors, dealers and loyal customers around the world, and put less emphasis on marketing and advertising. With IP-based products being the future, AVTECH is going to focus on end-user market and cooperate with our business partners to build a global brand.”

Future Direction
Overall, the 2011-12 figures suggest that Asian companies are in a tough environment. Faced with both internal and external challenges, some Asian companies have embarked on a new path. As the market is still debating over HD-SDI or IP, Asian companies have each placed their bets on the winning technology, whether in OEM or branding. Some are playing it safe, while others are going all out. The verdict will come when the market decides.