VITEK Industrial Products Director/CEO Greg Bier says HDcctv products will be available in full 1,080p resolution by the end of 2011.
Having been introduced to the security industry little more than a year ago, awareness remains relatively low and understanding even lower about HDcctv.
Developed from technology pioneered for broadcast television, HDcctv is transmitted uncompressed and without being encapsulated in TCP/IP since data is sent over coax. The result is a system in which a camera can be plugged into a receiving device and video can be displayed without latency. As a point-to-point system, HDcctv was designed to be a drop-in replacement for existing analog CCTV, without any additional infrastructure to deploy.
To find out more, SSI spoke to Greg Bier, director/CEO of Valencia, Calif.-based VITEK Industrial Video Products. Bier has 25 years of CCTV industry experience with a background in sales and marketing both with distribution and manufacturing. Here, he speaks to HDcctv-related technology, opportunities, challenges and sales tips.
Looking at the year recently begun, what is the latest and greatest video surveillance technology development in the area of HDcctv?
Greg Bier: In 2011 we will see several advances in the area of HD CCTV over coax primarily in the introduction of standalone digital recorders with increased inputs and hybrid options. Soon to be released are four- and eight-channel HD recorders with real-time 30 images per second recording in 720p resolution. Before long that will be increased to full HD or 1,080p, or two megapixels, by late 2011. Other recording options will include hybrid systems such as two and four HD inputs coupled with 12 to 14 D1 inputs so users will not have to throw away their existing analog cameras but simply add HD in the most sensitive areas. In addition, HD cameras will become much less costly as the technology is standardized and CMOS image devices are implemented. Camera feature enhancements and options will also continue to enter the market as the demand dictates such as dome, bullet, IR and pan/tilt designs.
What are the greatest challenges or hurdles HDcctv technology faces, and what is being done to make it even stronger and more viable?
Pricing and input limitation have been the primary challenges we’ve faced in this technology to date. The price of an HDcctv system has been as high, or in some cases higher, than that of an IP-based system and the recording options have also been limited to a maximum of eight inputs of HD recording on one DVR. Of course, we still have a CMS solution that enables infinite expansion; however, as with any new technology, there is more investment going into R&D than return. The good news is that the popularity of HDcctv is increasing and several other manufacturers beside ourselves have begun driving the development, which will inevitably improve the product options and lower pricing.
Why should installing security integrators care about HDcctv technology? What are some of the specific opportunities it afford them from both services and market niche standpoints?
There is no learning curve and no IT knowledge necessary. It runs off of existing coax cable so installation cost can be greatly reduced. HDcctv is more suited to the CCTV reseller whereas the IT-oriented reseller will always offer IP and usually works off of lower profit margins. This technology is not oversaturated in the market so there will be more profit to be made. HDcctv Is also a brand new technology so the reseller can 'wow' their customers by offering them high definition images with limited installation cost, and satisfy their natural craving for the images and results they see on HDTV crime shows!
Is there anything else you would like to add on HDcctv technology?
When quoting an HDcctv system, always be careful of the cable in place if it is to be used. Although this technology is transmitted over coax, it is very important to have a high grade of cable with no splices, Ts or distribution points. Ninety-Five percent of copper braid is optimum but use a reliable brand. We have a list of compatible, tested cables on our Web site. Always quote with a disclaimer based on cable quality.
Scott Goldfine
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