Makers aim for higher resolutions, compression rates to strengthen the line. Multi-channel models are now available.

As H.264 video compression technology reaches its prime, more and more H.264-based products, including DVR cards, are entering the mainstream market. Next-generation PC processors, such as Intel Core 2 and AMD Athlon 64 X2, are satisfying the hardware needs of multi-channel and high compression rate DVR cards.

Encouraged by growing demand for DVRs and NVRs, most mainland China and Taiwan DVR card makers are gradually shifting to the production of IP-based surveillance systems. They now consider DVR cards a minor or secondary product line.

Europe, North America and Asia are the biggest export markets of most mainland China and Taiwan makers. Total exports in 2007 were estimated to have grown 50 percent from the previous year.

Software compression cards are considered entry-level products, while hardware compression models make up the midrange and high-end segments.

Most makers expect prices to remain stable in 2008, since they have already hit rock-bottom. Prices of DVR cards from mainland China range from $50 to $500. A 4ch software compression DVR card is quoted at about $50, while a 4ch hardware MPEG-4 compression model with CIF resolution sells for $200. A 16ch hardware H.264 compression model with CIF resolution costs about $500.

DSPs, ADCs determine card performance

New-generation PC processors, such as Intel Core 2 and AMD Athlon 64 X2, are strengthening the software compression DVR card line. In the past, DVR card applications were limited by rigorous PC hardware requirements. These new processors are addressing the needs of software compression DVR cards, particularly multi-channel or high compression rate models. They have powerful computing capability and are optimized for media processing, most of them equipped with a new micro-architecture, dual core (or multi-core), enhanced FPU and optimized cache.

DSP and ADC chipsets are the core components of DVR cards, as they determine performance and image quality. For hardware compression models, mainstream solutions include TI’s DM64x series, NXP’s PNX1500 series, and ADI’s BF56x/53x series. Generally, TI’s chips boast high performance, while ADI’s are known for their low price and power consumption. NXP’s chips, on the other hand, have higher performance-price ratios.

For software compression DVR cards, NXP’s SAA7130, Conexant’s CX23881 and Techwell’s TW6802 are the top picks. Some makers consider Conexant’s CX23881 and Techwell’s TW6802 superior to other brands as they come with 10bit ADCs.