Hokuden Information Technology

Since launching its data center operations in 2001, the company has maintained strict security protocols and robust facilities. Initially, EIZO’s IP decoding monitors were used for monitoring purposes in the data center. However, between 2021 and 2024, six additional EIZO IP decoding boxes were installed. We spoke in detail with the responsible personnel about their reasons for choosing EIZO and the impact of these new implementations. 

“The data center’s primary service is ‘housing,’ which involves the secure storage of customers’ servers and network equipment in racks within the facility. Security is the cornerstone of our operations. Given that the building is also occupied by external tenants, we have installed approximately 100 IP cameras in common areas, including refreshment rooms and outdoor spaces. The surveillance footage from these cameras is displayed on monitors in each monitoring room using EIZO's IP solutions. Essential functions of the data center include access control, prevention of unauthorized entry, and record management in the event of an incident."

“The first EIZO products we introduced were four 46-inch IP monitors installed in the data center monitoring room in 2019. Previously, images from the IP cameras were aggregated on a switch and displayed on a large monitor connected to a PC via VGA using a software viewer. However, this configuration posed a risk of losing visibility of surveillance footage in the event of a PC or transponder failure, especially since the monitoring room was in operation 24/7. Furthermore, there were concerns about potential image quality and resolution degradation due to VGA conversion.

While exploring alternatives to using a PC for displaying footage, we discovered EIZO’s IP monitor, which connects to IP cameras directly via a LAN cable and switch. After testing the demo unit, we decided to install it because it allowed us to display video from multiple cameras simultaneously and offered a wide range of layout patterns that made it ideal for data center monitoring. The various functions were easy to set up without needing to read a detailed manual, and the installation went smoothly.”

EIZO’s IP decoding monitors connect directly to IP cameras via a LAN cable and switch, enabling the simultaneous display of video from up to 32 IP cameras.

“In 2021, we installed three IP decoding boxes in the data center and disaster prevention monitoring rooms.

Previously, the monitors in these rooms, except the 46-inch IP monitors, relied on PCs to display IP camera footage, raising concerns about the potential risks of PC failure. After consulting with an EIZO representative, they recommended an IP decoding box. Given our perception of EIZO as primarily a monitor manufacturer, this suggestion was certainly unexpected!

Following the representative’s advice, we tested a demo unit and found that it could simultaneously display footage from 32 cameras and support output to two monitors. This proved to be a significant improvement over the previously installed 46-inch IP monitors.” 

EIZO’s IP decoding box connects directly to IP cameras via a LAN cable and switch and enables output to a connected monitor. Its ability to connect to a monitor of any size makes it a versatile surveillance solution to suit individual user requirements and installation environments.

“Our testing further showed that when video from 16 cameras was output to two monitors and the video signal cable to one monitor was disconnected, the video from all 32 cameras would automatically display on the other monitor. In the unlikely event that one of the monitors failed, monitoring could continue without interruption. What’s more, in the event of a temporary failure of the IP decoding box, monitoring could continue simply by replacing it with a spare unit that has the settings preloaded via CSV. This is a huge advantage in terms of strengthening security.”

“We also decided to install the IP decoding box because of its other advantages: it reduces the number of devices managed and IP addresses used, features a fanless design that minimizes heat buildup, and starts up quickly when powered on.

After that, it was time to consider replacing the four 46-inch IP monitors that were initially installed. Following further discussion, we learned that the IP decoding box has two HDMI output connectors and can display surveillance video on each of the two monitors. So, by installing two boxes, we could display camera footage on all four existing monitors.

Attracted by the significant reduction in installation costs compared to replacing four IP monitors, as well as the aforementioned advantage of uninterrupted monitoring even if one of the monitors fails, we decided to install three additional boxes in March 2024. The PC-less IP decoding box takes up little space and switching between camera images is highly convenient as it can be done easily using the mouse.”

“Well, we would like to have a rack or box that can accommodate the IP decoding box. While this item could be constructed as a DIY project, having the option available would provide companies with peace of mind when it comes to installation. Additionally, adding more HDMI output ports would provide greater convenience in terms of continued monitoring in the event of a malfunction.”