Huvitech's model M290HD HD IR rear camera with a 1MP CMOS sensor and seven IR LEDs has a water-resistant die-cast aluminum housing.

HD units represent an emerging trend in makers' efforts to boost product performance.

Upmarket emphasis drives South Korea suppliers of rearview cameras to keep improving product features. One developing trend is HD among major companies looking to offer better-resolution units than popular D1 and VGA types.

Huvitech Co. Ltd, which exports mainly to Japan, markets 1920x1080-pixel models, including variants that support HD-SDI. HD releases, however, are more expensive by about $20. Even so, the supplier benefits from the budding category as it also suits applications requiring high-definition images such as CCTVs, widening the market base.

Hieltec Co. Ltd is planning to purse the HD objective as well to variegate its VGA selection. Newest One Tech Co. Ltd is watching the response of the automotive market, which is slow to accept new technologies, according to overseas sales division general manager SK Shin.

So far, the cost of venturing into HD is a challenge to the largely small businesses making up South Korea’s manufacturing pool, which has fewer than 50 players. Huvitech said its advantage lies in molds, of which the supplier owns about 40. “A mold is about $9,000. We have invested in them as we are exporting to 34 countries,” said technical team sales manager Brian Song. “Rearview cameras have different shapes for various vehicles such as cars, trucks, forklifts, cranes and tourist buses.” The company plans to introduce 4-channel HD units for buses and trucks.

To enhance camera performance, especially in low-light conditions, some makers use high-power instead of IR LEDs. Hieltec said the former light source enables the capture of color images in such situations without the glare or white-out effect. This feature, however, increases quotes by more than $20.

Product initiatives include kinds with a flexible parking guidelines system as well. Hieltec launched a model in January this year. In terms of external improvements, suppliers emphasize anti-corrosion properties. Despite the impact on cost, Huvitech employs three or four layers of chromate coating to boost the water resistance of its die-cast aluminum camera housings.

As a further upgrade, local makers such as Hieltec are also eyeing the addition of Wi-Fi capability once the technology’s frame number and resolution degradation issues are resolved.

Encouraging sustained R&D is the expanding automotive electronics sector, especially the larger aftermarket segment. Competition in the last is intense due to the influx of low-priced rearview cameras from China, spurring South Korea companies to aim for greater product differentiation in the high end.

Makers such as Huvitech and Hieltec are boosting exports, with many continuing to focus on Japan. Besides the last, the former ships to Australia and is eyeing prospects in England and Mexico.

In the long term, manufacturers are upbeat about the line, citing autonomous vehicles as future growth drivers.

Product gallery

Hieltec Co. Ltd
Model: HCR-100PL
MOQ: 500 units
Price: $58
Delivery: 56 days
Description: Rearview camera; for trucks, buses; 1/3in color CCD; NTSC, PAL; power LEDs; 7 to 40VDC, maximum 500mA at 24VDC; -30 to 70 C; aluminum housing; 790x440x440mm; 1.1kg; IP69K rating; CE, E-Mark, EMC, FCC, KC

Hieltec Co. Ltd
Model: HCM-550
MOQ: 1,000 units
Price: $30
Delivery: 56 days
Description: Rearview camera; for cars; 1/4in color CMOS; 300,000 pixels, NTSC; parking guide; 12VDC; -30 to 70 C; zinc housing; 64x38x32mm; 280g; IP68 rating; CE, E-Mark, EMC, FCC, KC

Huvitech Co. Ltd
Model: M177HD-SDI
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 14 days
Description: Rear camera; HD-SDI; 135-degree viewing angle; 12 to 24VDC; die-cast aluminum housing; water-resistant

Huvitech Co. Ltd
Model: M290HD
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 14 days
Description; HD IR rear camera; 1MP CMOS; seven IR LEDs; 0.3 lux illumination, 0 lux LED on; 136-degree viewing angle; die-cast aluminum housing; water-resistant

Newest One Tech Co. Ltd
Model: SDC-20C
MOQ: 50 units
Delivery: 21 days
Description: Rearview camera; 1/4in Sony Super HAD color CCD; normal, mirror image views; built-in microphone; manual vertical tilting; die-cast aluminum housing; IP68 rating

Newest One Tech Co. Ltd
Model: SDC-31C
MOQ: 50 units
Delivery: 21 days
Description: Rearview camera; 1/3in Sony Super HAD color CCD; 0 lux illumination LED on; normal, mirror image view; up to 30V; built-in microphone; self-heating system; die-cast aluminum housing; IP68 rating