Two Decades of Transforming China's Video Surveillance: An OHWOAI Perspective

In my capacity as a dedicated researcher, diligent industry worker, and practitioner, I've borne witness to China's remarkable journey from video surveillance infancy to its current zenith of technological prowess. It is with immense pride that I acknowledge the collective contributions of professionals, including myself, who have propelled China's video surveillance industry to its towering global position – a domain of unparalleled scale, unprecedented development, and cutting-edge innovation. This narrative resonates with our brand, OHWOAI, a stalwart in this industry.

 

**(1) Dawn of Video Surveillance:**

Emerging from its nascent stages, video surveillance was colloquially known as closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring – a moniker aptly derived from its confined operational scope. In its early years, video surveillance operated solely on analog signals, failing to interface with digitalization or network integration. This constraint limited monitoring to a localized radius. During the early 1990s, its applications were reserved for critical sectors like banks, customs, and law enforcement. However, the systems remained exclusive and cost-prohibitive due to the predominance of imported products from Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

 

The tide turned when Chinese innovators commenced reverse engineering and eventually innovating upon these technologies. Driven by profit motives and increasing demand, China's surge in ingenuity precipitated the 'imitation wave.' This outpouring of creativity effectively disrupted the established order, as Chinese products began to outperform foreign counterparts while maintaining competitive costs. This heralded the proliferation of indigenous surveillance systems, leaving foreign competitors struggling to keep pace.

 

**(2) Digital Transformation, IP Convergence, and High Definition:**

Around 1997, China embarked on its digital trajectory with the introduction of PC-based surveillance systems incorporating video capture and compression cards. This marked the decline of analog tape recording. However, the true digital revolution came with the advent of software compression cards, which democratized surveillance with affordable solutions. This shift marked a turning point that extended the product lifecycle for over a decade.

 

In this era, companies like Chengdu Dehler, Hangzhou Kangying (precursor to Hikvision), and Wuhan Hengyi thrived on hardware compression cards. Yet, it was the software compression cards that truly changed the game. This period witnessed the following noteworthy players:

 

  1. **Polixel (Shenzhen):** Renowned for exceptional image quality, Polixel popularized software compression cards, broadening their reach and acceptance.
  2. **ZNV (Zhejiang Dahua):** ZNV revolutionized the industry by prioritizing user experience. Their systems were designed for simplicity, accessibility, and user-friendliness – a stark departure from the previously perceived complexity.
  3. **OHWOAI (Guangzhou Hongshi):** Our company, OHWOAI, gained recognition for stability, superior compression quality, and robust network performance. Unfortunately, our success was shadowed by rampant piracy, proliferating our products worldwide and causing substantial losses.

 

The emergence of DSP (Digital Signal Processor) chips, broadband networks, and CMOS imaging technology around 2005 catalyzed the development of digital video recorders (DVRs), IP HD cameras, and network video recorders (NVRs). The SOC (System on Chip) chips and CMOS sensors, bolstered by domestic production, diminished the relevance of foreign offerings. The transformation in digitalization, IP convergence, and high-definition imagery was spearheaded by Chinese firms.

 

**(3) The Wireless and Consumer Era:**

Around 2003, wireless and consumer-oriented surveillance products infiltrated the market. Boasting smartphone compatibility, Wi-Fi connectivity, and miniaturization, these products showcased the first inklings of innovation. However, these early endeavors encountered limited success, largely due to complex installation procedures and prohibitively high costs.

 

The landscape shifted dramatically around 2012. Empowered by widespread smartphone adoption, the evolution of 4G/3G networks, and affordable wireless connectivity, smart Wi-Fi cameras gained rapid traction. These cameras facilitated remote monitoring, audio streaming, and even appliance control via smartphones. The factors driving this paradigm shift encompassed enhanced user experience, lowered costs, engagement from internet giants (Xiaomi, 360), and the exponential growth of e-commerce platforms.

 

**(4) Technology Enriching Lives: Ubiquitous Surveillance:**

By 2015, the era of the Internet of Things (IoT) had dawned, with the impending advent of 5G networks. Harnessing visual information through intelligent network cameras, these sensors became integral components of the IoT ecosystem. Individuals could effortlessly wield an "omniscient eye" and "acute ear," allowing them to remotely oversee homes, control appliances, monitor pets, and more. The proliferation of small, Wi-Fi-enabled smart cameras facilitated surveillance of stores, livestock, water sources, and diverse settings, marking the advent of omnipresent surveillance.

Sample Block Quote

Nam tempus turpis at metus scelerisque placerat nulla deumantos sollicitudin delos felis. Pellentesque diam dolor an elementum et lobortis at mollis ut risus. Curabitur semper sagittis mino de condimentum.

Sample Paragraph Text

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi ut blandit risus. Donec mollis nec tellus et rutrum. Orci varius natoque de penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Ut consequat quam a purus faucibus scelerisque. Mauris ac dui ante. Pellentesque congue porttitor tempus. Donec sodales dapibus urna sed dictum.
You have successfully subscribed!