Mobile DVRs

	4-channel model DH-DVR0404ME from mainland China's Dahua uses H.264 compression at CIF to D1 resolution.

Intelligent shock-, dust- and EMI-resistant models run on GSM and CDMA networks, including GPRS and EDGE.

The key product development trends for China-made mobile DVRs are diversified software functionality and enhanced hardware engineering. Total-solution devices that can withstand harsh operating conditions have crossed over into the mainstream. Improved image quality and ease of use are also emphasized.

New models have in-vehicle black boxes connected to the CAN bus that monitor speed and throttle, and braking and steering status. These devices are equipped with GPS for satellite navigation and recording. The multimedia feature enables TV and radio signal reception.

While standard mobile DVRs’ remote surveillance capability is limited by existing bandwidths, recent releases are 3G-compatible. Basic models from China suppliers can only support 5fps realtime transmission in CIF resolution, often resulting in time delay and dropped frames. But makers are now rolling out additional intelligent devices that run on GSM and CDMA networks, including GPRS and EDGE, to avoid such problems.

Units produced in the country usually have a video input with no more than four channels. Dual-compression MPEG-4 and H.264 are commonly adopted. These high-compression algorithms are suited to low-bandwidth transmission applications. MPEG-2 and M-JPEG, however, are becoming prevalent mostly because of compatibility issues arising from the H.264 standard.

Most in-vehicle security products manufactured in China have CIF to D1 resolution. The former targets remote surveillance applications, while the latter is for localized storage and playback. The majority supports adjustable image clarity and frame rate.

Many of the mobile DVRs’ OS allow face and license plate recognition. USB mice and infrared remote controls facilitate user-friendly operation.

Shock- and dust-resistant mobile DVRs with high resistance to EMI are mainstays. These usually exhibit dynamic power adaptability and a broad operating temperature range, and come in miniature form factors.

HDD storage is more common than flash memory. The hardware usually comes in 2.5 and 3.5in sizes. Some makers offer external drives. Standard units have card readers and USB 2.0 ports. Upscale models can interface with SATA or eSATA. Others feature a LAN port.

To protect the HDD, entry-level mobile DVRs from China are fitted with springs, wires, rubber gaskets and air or liquid bags for passive shock absorption. High-end versions have active omnidirectional impact protection achieved through the use of electronic acceleration sensors in the magnetic head.

To prolong the operating life and increase thermal dissipation, suppliers use cooling fans instead of heat sinks. Some mobile DVRs have an automatic temperature control function that switches from cooling to heating mode when the range deviates from preset values.

Voltage and current fluctuation occurs when the driver turns on the ignition, accelerates or brakes. China companies are producing units with 6 to 36V automatic power adjustment to protect against over- and undervoltage, short circuit and overcurrent. High-end versions have external power supplies that also support in-car cameras and monitors.

Mainstream models come in compact form factors no bigger than 300x200mm. These usually have aluminum alloy or iron housings, some with an add-on lock box. Products for the high end are reinforced with multicore input-output aviation connectors that prevent data loss due to shock and impact.

Suppliers are adept at customizing specifications, making their mobile DVRs suitable for applications in public transport, law enforcement, and banking and finance. Buyers may also choose the wireless networks with which the products interface.

Mobile DVRs from China are priced between $50 and $200 each, depending on the number of channels and functions, type of chipset, compression and algorithm. Most makers forecast that quotes will stay at current levels throughout 2009.

Mobile DVRs have hardware structures similar to those of embedded versions. Linux OS, DSP and ARM9 processors and ASIC chips are mainstream.

TI’s DM64x series, NXP’s PNX-1500 and 1700, and ADI’s Blackfin BF53x are the most common DSP chipsets used by China suppliers. Midrange models typically have ASIC chips but many companies are now using HiSilicon’s Hi3510.

To streamline product structure, reduce power consumption and keep costs low, most suppliers adopt SoC solutions such as HiSilicon’s Hi3510 and Hi3511, TI’s DaVinci platform and NXP’s PNX8550 and PNX8950.

China’s mobile DVR segment, a subdivision of the embedded line, emerged in 2003. It is composed of about 40 makers, most of which produce units for buses, coaches, trains and the metro transport system. Medium- and large-scale manufacturers dominate. Among these are Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co. Ltd, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd and Coship Electronics.

The cities of Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangzhou are the major manufacturing hubs. The established business infrastructure and low overhead in Shenzhen in Guangdong province, which accounts for half of China’s mobile DVR output, makes it a prime location for factories. Hangzhou in Zhejiang offers access to the latest production technology, while Shanghai has strong R&D capability.

In spite of the global financial crisis, supply is expected to increase in 2009 because of steady demand. Shipments are forecast to rise by at least 20 percent, notwithstanding high production costs and fluctuating exchange rates. North America, the EU and the UK are the major overseas destinations. To extend their export reach, makers are eyeing the Middle East, Eastern Europe, South America and Southeast Asia.

According to interviewed companies, security products have consistently enjoyed stable demand, unlike consumer electronics. Further strengthening the industry are China’s economic stimulus policies, including export subsidies. Most makers continue to leverage their price advantage over foreign counterparts.

Even so, some suppliers are now concentrating on the domestic market to ride out the financial crunch. About 100,000 mobile DVRs have been installed in local bus lines plying 20 cities. Makers are raising their capacity, expecting more public utility vehicles to the product.

Downsizing the form factor is the main product development priority of Taiwan mobile DVR suppliers. To achieve enhanced portability, many prefer flash memory to HDD. Some new models, however, feature memory cards. Other makers are enhancing image resolution.

Taiwan has 30 to 40 makers, most of which specialize in marine and automobile applications, particularly those for commercial transport.

Neotech Photoelectric Inc. is an R&D-centric manufacturer of surveillance solutions, including its latest Car-01. The model is a compact unit with a 2in LCD, infrared remote control and cradle. It is used in trucks, buses, police cars and yachts.

The company exports 90 percent of its output to North America and the EU. It also offers mobile surveillance kits, cameras and speed domes. OEM and ODM services complement its own-brand business.

Competition with suppliers in mainland China remains the biggest challenge for Taiwan companies. Profit margins are in danger of plummeting due to competitors’ rock-bottom quotes and design piracy practices.

Suppliers on the island are positioning their products in the high-end market, sourcing components from Japan or producing them in-house to better control quality.