HDcctv Alliance Competitive Analysis

HDcctv - the move to non-IP megapixel - is gaining an immense amount of media attention. However, how strong will it be against IP, megapixel and Hybrid DVRs?

Details are beginning to emerge allowing us to more carefully analyze this. The HDcctv alliance has released their draft technical specification and begun to share technical and operational details on the specification and the solution. [Background information: see our original original report on HDcctv, SecuritySquared's coverage, SSN's article and SSN's video on the HDcctv Alliance.]

Overview of the Specification

An overview of the specification shows that the 1.0 release in September will support 720p over coax. Future releases plan to support 1080p, audio, data and power over coax and fiber optics.

Founding Members

With the announcement, the 4 founding members of the group has been disclosed. They are:

• Gennum - manufacturer of HDcctv transmitter and receiver chips
• Stretch - manufacturer of HD DVR cards
• Ovii - OEM of HDcctv cameras
• Everfocus - manufacturer of HD DVRs and cameras

The group is now open for membership. An important indicator will be the number and strength of the companies that join the group.

Are You Interested?

Probability of Success?

Success will depend on demonstrating advantages in pricing and logistics versus Hybrid DVRs. The specification is not technologically revolutionary plus a number of key features will not be available for some time. Certainly, the group will advocate the benefits of re-using coaxial cable but it will also need to prove that the migration path and product offerings for HD DVRs will be attractive and cost-effective.