Video surveillance tops upgrades

	The 3G-007M6E model from Shenzhen Chitongda has a PIR sensor, camera, DVR, IR illuminators and up to 16 wireless detectors. It supports 3G communication.

Encouraged by the steady growth in exports, China makers of infrared cameras are emphasizing product development geared toward improving light source configurations to boost quality. With outbound deliveries increasing substantially in 1Q10 over the same period last year, companies are optimistic they will exceed volume shipments by up to 30 percent in the next 12 months.

Nearly all CCTV camera suppliers in China now offer IR models. The selection includes dome, box, speed dome, PTZ and IP types, with the first two dominating the mainstream.

Under efforts to boost quality and competitiveness, manufacturers are prioritizing light source enhancements. IR LED remains the de facto choice but makers are exploring various configurations, adopting units with different emission power and viewing angles to achieve the target brightness level for desired applications.

Some upscale models, particularly those with zoom lenses, are equipped with a switching circuit for automatic or manual adjustment to suit various working conditions. Users can turn to the low-power, wide-angle IR LED for close quarters and shift to high-power and narrow-angle for long-distance setups.

Companies are utilizing modular designs to respond better to diverse buyers requirements. These include external IR light modules and dual-CCD solutions.

The new light sources being explored for the line are IR LED array and laser. More manufacturers are adopting the first for its integration capability, high electrooptical conversion, adjustable viewing angle and longer life span. Adding to its user advantage is the uniform light exposure and no-flashlight effect, which makes it suitable for medium and long-range setups.

Production costs, however, remain inhibitive for this type. IR LED array modules are still two times more expensive than basic ones as they rely on imported inputs from Taiwan and the US. To reduce outlay, several enterprises have started manufacturing components in-house, mainly handling wafer packaging while outsourcing LED wafer overseas.

IR laser, meanwhile, is generally a nascent line in mainland China. The technology is mostly adopted in long- or extended-range applications because of its high emission power, convergence and efficiency. Available units deliver 810, 940 and 980nm wavelength.

Another R&D initiative centers on improving cooling. Suppliers are currently using complex heat dissipation methods to prevent damaging key components and shortening the product’s life span.

Many underscore heat sink optimization. Some adopt dual PCBs and constant current LED driver circuit. Long-range models are fitted with active cooling fans. Shenzhen Rongtianshi Technology Development Co. Ltd is integrating the IR laser diode with a large aluminum heat sink fin, with the latter exposed to air to enhance heat dissipation.

As for speed dome cameras, some manufacturers are placing the IR lights in the upper or lower cover to enhance performance. Several even utilize external IR modules for flexible configuration.

A few have started adopting IR function in IP and wide dynamic range models.
Products & prices
Industry demographics
Taiwan: Midrange, high-end GSM models emphasized

	The YL-007M6B model from Shenzhen Chitongda has a PIR sensor, night-vision camera and up to 50 wireless detectors.

Mainstream IR cameras support CCD sensors with 420 to 540 TVL resolution, fixed or zoom lens and IR cut filter. Several upscale items have special IR lens with a large aperture. Some low-end types use CMOS sensors or do not include the cutting filter to reduce costs. The effective lighting distance often ranges from several to more than a hundred meters.

Outdoor-use models are mostly water- and vandal-resistant, with protection covering IP55 for the low-end to IP67 for high-level ones. Accessories such as wiper, fan and heater are optional.

The operating distances are 15 to 30m for close-range units and 30 to 80m for midlevel types. They are 100 to 200m and more than 500m for long- and extended-range models, respectively. Suppliers expect versions capable of 40 to 100m transmission will gain more traction.

The IR LED is the key component. Mainstream types deliver 850 and 940nm wavelength. The bulk of makers prefer the former because most CCD cameras are IR light-sensitive on such distance. The other variety is applicable to hidden setups.

Mainland suppliers purchase IR LEDs from local companies, although some procure them from Japan and Taiwan. Imported units are regarded as having better performance, particularly longer life span and increased efficiency. Several domestic LEDs, however, are bonded with wafer from Taiwan enterprises Tyntek and Opto Tech, and therefore offer a good price-to-performance ratio.

As for the CCD sensor, the majority of the IR cameras from the mainland adopt the same technology as standard CCTV types. Midrange and upscale versions employ 1/2 or 1/3in for enhanced photographic quality. Sony’s Super and EXview HAD CCD series are widely utilized.

The light source and form factor influence prices. Due to their high costs, IR LED array and laser are generally employed for midrange or upscale products.

Entry-level box items supporting a built-in IR LED with a 15m effective distance and 420 TVL are quoted from $10 to $20. Priced between $20 and $50, midlevel units have 1/3in CCD sensor and deliver 480 TVL and 50m range. Those fitted with LED arrays are $10 more expensive. High-end models capable of working within 100m and combining auto iris and zoom lens, 1/2 or 1/3in CCD sensor and 480 to 520 TVL are $100.

Despite the fierce competition and climbing cost of materials, particularly copper and plastic, manufacturers have no plans of raising quotes in the next few months.

China has about 1,000 IR camera makers, about 70 percent of which are small enterprises. They conduct simple product assembly and churn out almost 5,000 units monthly. Midsize companies represent 20 to 25 percent of the supplier base. They have a monthly capacity of 30,000. Large players have a complete product range and strong R&D capability and can turn out more than 50,000 units.

The main production center is Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Half of the local vendors operate in the city, accounting for more than 60 percent of the country’s output. The area boasts a mature supply chain comprising design solutions and software development, and EMS, mold making and plastic injection.

Shenzhen’s proximity to Hong Kong enables companies to access technology and market information, and facilitates the import of materials and export of finished devices.

Intruder alarm suppliers in Taiwan offer both wired and wireless options but emphasize midrange and high-end GSM/GPRS models to avoid price competition with mainland China counterparts.

The popularity of laptops and smartphones is boosting demand for GSM-based devices, said Fronti Technology Corp. general manager Robert Chiang. The company added that trends are moving toward multifunction systems that integrate with home automation, telephony and security. It has launched models with a touchscreen display.

Entry-level units, priced $100 or below, support SMS notification and control, digital dialing and 900/1,800/1,900MHz GSM/GPRS communication. These usually have a built-in input NC/NO terminal, security console or panic buttons, a USB port and a battery.

Midrange and high-end varieties are quoted between $120 and $150. Such types are equipped with an LCD screen and monitor up to 12 alarm zones. Most incorporate detectors for intrusion, smoke, fire and gas, and support two-way and remote voice communication, backup line, and optional 2 or 3.5G module for Internet access.

The bulk of products are bundled with home security and automation systems, although some are targeted at home DIY and professional applications.

The major players include Everspring, Climax, City Wall Enterprise Co. Ltd, IR-Tec, Nuzon and Scientech.

Makers also provide detectors separately. Wired and wireless PIR versions are priced between $2 and $3.

Photoelectric beam sensors, on the other hand, vary from $30 to $40, depending on the operating range and value-added functions such as selectable frequencies. Mainstream units cover up to 40m distances.

Variants supporting farther than 150m are quoted above $150.

High sensitivity is one of the major R&D directions in this line.

To avoid false alarms, companies such as City Wall and IR-Tec adopt multiple synchronized pulsed infrared beams and digital signal analyzers.

Most detectors have tamper- and weather-resistant housings, lightning surge protection and anti-fog/dew design.