More models support wireless transmission. High-performance multifunction units expand product applications.

Video surveillance over a network is slowly transcending the realm of traditional security. The greater flexibility, scalability and intelligence enabled by a networked surveillance system are driving its gradual albeit steady adoption in the transportation, public service, home and retail sectors.

Today, surveillance servers supporting up to four input channels, MPEG-4 compression, embedded Linux operating system and 10/100M LAN interface are considered mainstream. Meanwhile, makers are developing network video servers with recorders or all-in-one surveillance servers. Current trends include PTZ control, dual- or multi-streaming, wireless transmission and higher resolution.

Network servers that connect to analog surveillance cameras are gradually evolving into network cameras with embedded server applications. In Hong Kong and South Korea, makers are offering central management system (CMS) or application software.

Prices of surveillance servers are generally determined by the number of camera and network channels, and the type of components used. Makers foresee price decreases in the coming months.

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