Video Content Analysis Moves to the Edge

IMS Research - 28 January 2007

IMS Research’s latest report on video content analysis (VCA) highlights the rapidly growing trend towards embedding VCA algorithms into security devices, such as DVRs, video encoders and network cameras. DSP-based analytics enables these devices to analyse live or recorded video streams to detect predefined suspicious activities, events or behaviour patterns.

IMS Research predicts that in the short term the biggest penetration of VCA will occur within DVRs and video encoders. This will be due to the large installed base of analogue cameras.

Intelligent encoders offer a cost effective way to convert to a networked system and analyse the video at the point of capture. A number of suppliers are already offering network cameras with a full suite of embedded analytics. IMS predicts that in the coming years there will be even greater penetration of VCA as network camera manufacturers increasingly embed low cost, entry level analytics for advanced motion detection or systems health monitoring. IMS Research predicts that shipments of network cameras with embedded VCA will exceed 800,000 units by 2010.

Market research analyst at IMS Research, James McManus commented: “There will be a greater emphasis on moving the intelligence out into the field devices to enable pre-transmission processing and bandwidth preservation. Intelligent edge devices eliminate the need to transmit all captured video to centralised servers for analysis. This is a more cost effective way of implementing VCA than a server-based approach and will lead to far greater uptake of VCA technology”.

If you would like an interview with an expert in this area, please contact James McManus, Market Research Analyst, at james.mcmanus@imsresearch.com or +44 1933 402255.

About IMS Research

IMS Research is a supplier of market research and consultancy services on a wide range of global electronics markets. The company is supported by headquarters in Wellingborough, UK and offices in Austin, Texas and Shanghai, China. IMS Research regularly publishes detailed research on electronic security markets, such as video surveillance, access control, intruder alarms and fire detection and suppression. www.imsresearch.com