2006 News January - June

 

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21 June 2006 - Stuttgart Invests in IP Video for Football World Cup

The city of Stuttgart has installed an IndigoVision integrated IP Video solution as part of its security system for the 2006 Football World Cup being held in Germany.

The new system has upgraded and extended the existing analog CCTV infrastructure to provide monitoring for the city’s transport network in a 16M/30Km radius around the stadium. The CCTV surveillance inside the stadium has also been updated to IP Video to provide a totally integrated solution that delivers continuous high-quality, 25fps video to several control centers around the city.

The overall system is divided into three rings of surveillance covering specific areas. Each ring is monitored by different officials in separate control rooms, for example ring 1 monitors the inside of the main train station and is controlled by the police. Ring 2 is the FIFA area and constitutes the stadium and surrounding area; this is controlled by the event organizer from the stadium and is mainly concerned with crowd control. Ring 3 provides surveillance for the city’s roads, tunnels, airport, tram and rail network and is controlled by the police’s traffic operation. Even though each ring has its own focus and infrastructure, the IP video network allows any camera to be viewed by any ring - a truly flexible integrated system.

‘Control Center’, IndigoVision’s enterprise alarm and video management software, is at the heart of the system and provides the city’s control rooms with the ability to manage the viewing of live and recorded video over the network, from any of the cameras. Video recording is achieved using IndigoVision’s Windows based Network Video Recorders (NVRs). The flexibility of the system and the power of ‘Control Center’ software were the key determinants for selecting the IndigoVision solution. Extensive user access controls can be configured in ‘Control Center’ to ensure video from sensitive areas controlled by the police is not available to the event organizer, for example.

The existing analog CCTV subsystems around the city and the individual cameras within the stadium are all connected to the network using over 60 IndigoVision 8000 transmitter/receiver units. These convert the analog camera signal to MPEG-4 high-quality digital video for transmission over the network and receive PTZ control data for local camera control.

This project shows how easily an existing analog CCTV system can be migrated to a network IP solution. The system was installed in less than 2 weeks by the local system integrator, PKE Germany, a far shorter timeframe than required for a traditional CCTV installation. After the World Cup, Stuttgart City will expand the system further by adding additional cameras to the network for the monitoring of tunnels, roads and pedestrian areas.

For further information contact IndigoVision Ltd., on Tel: +44 (0)131 475 7200, Fax: +44 (0)131 475 7201

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30 May 2006 - IP Video Protects Santa Monica Landmarks

IndigoVision’s complete IP Video solution is providing the innovative technology behind the new $1.3m City of Santa Monica Public Security Video System. Installed by Federal Network Services, the 123 camera system is fully integrated with the City’s existing security network. The advanced CCTV system helps local officials detect and investigate suspicious activity, including potential acts of terrorism, around the Pier and Third Street Promenade - Santa Monica’s popular landmark areas.

Security staff at the City’s Public Safety Facility remotely monitor live and recorded video using ‘Control Center’, IndigoVision’s IP video and alarm management software. Continuous full-frame rate video recording is achieved using IndigoVision’s Network Video Recorder (NVR) Software. Each of the 123 external day/night CCTV cameras is connected to the network via IndigoVision 8000 transmitter/receiver modules. The 8000 units convert the analog camera signal to MPEG-4 high-quality digital video for transmission over the City’s IP network.

The IndigoVision IP Video technology was chosen following an exhaustive evaluation of a trial system installed on the Pier and Promenade. The combination of ‘Control Center’ software and the IP network creates a ‘Virtual Matrix’, which is fully scaleable. This means that the Public Security Video System can easily be expanded in the future simply by connecting new cameras to any point on the network. This level of flexibility could not have been achieved using a traditional analog CCTV system. “We are pleased IndigoVision partnered with Federal Network Services on this project,” said Federal Network Services President Doug Chesler. “IndigoVision’s experience in security and monitoring applications was a critical component in building the Santa Monica Public Video Security System.”

The whole system was seamlessly integrated into the City’s existing computer network. IndigoVision’s unique compression technology allows live 30 fps video from all cameras to be transmitted around the network with minimal impact on the available bandwidth and the other IT services using the network.

For further information contact IndigoVision Ltd, on Tel: +44 (0)131 475 7200, Fax: +44 (0)131 475 7201

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16 May 2006 - Casino Banks on IP Video

The Gala Hotel and Casino complex in Douglas on the Isle of Man has installed IndigoVision’s integrated IP Video solution to provide CCTV surveillance for its gaming operation. The system, installed by Zoom CCTV Limited, uses IndigoVision’s ‘Control Center’ enterprise video and alarm management software. ‘Control Center’ provides control, administration and viewing of the live camera feeds and recorded video over the IP network. Video recording is achieved using three 1TB standalone Network Video Recorders (NVRs). The Casino required a flexible system that could be easily and costeffectively expanded to meet their future needs. The combination of ‘Control Center’ and the IP network creates a ‘virtual matrix’, which is flexible and fully scalable unlike an analog matrix in a traditional cabled system.

Twenty-six cameras from the casino’s original installation were re-used by connecting them to IndigoVision’s transmitter/receiver racks. The racks convert the analog camera feeds into 25fps, MPEG-4 high-quality digital video for transmission over the network. Three channels of audio from different areas of the casino are also transmitted over the network and recorded on the NVRs alongside the video.

IndigoVision’s IP Video technology provides an ideal platform for the demanding CCTV requirements of gaming operations, which typically need high-definition video images and fast analysis of recorded footage. The casino’s original system was based on VCR recording technology and required tapes from 20 recorders to be changed every 3 hours. The 3 NVRs now record continuous 25fps high-quality video from all cameras for 21 days. ‘Control Center’ allows a specific recorded video sequence to be quickly and easily located which vastly speeds up the resolution of potential customer disputes. The IndigoVision solution is fully compliant with the local Gaming Board regulations and has significantly improved the efficiency of the casino’s security operation.

“Because of the importance of the CCTV surveillance the casino needed a resilient fault tolerant system and this was provided by IndigoVision’s IP Video solution. In the unlikely event of an NVR going down, all live camera feeds are still available and recording is switched to the other NVRs while the problem is resolved,” says Alan Steedman, Zoom CCTV’s Project Manager.

For further information contact IndigoVision Ltd, on Tel: +44 (0)131 475 7200, Fax: +44 (0)131 475 7201

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9th May 2006 - Automotive Center Gears Up with IP CCTV

IndigoVision’s integrated IP video solution is providing state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance for the new £5 million Automotive Center of Excellence at Gateshead College, UK. The center provides automotive, manufacturing and logistics training and includes a vehicle showroom, workshops and specialist welding facilities all fully supported with extensive IT.

The college wanted a leading edge network based solution to CCTV surveillance and chose IndigoVision over alternative IP based systems because of its video quality, system flexibility and the ability to grow with the College’s future requirements.

The system was designed in co -operation with systems integrator SDA Protec and uses IndigoVision’s Control Center IP video and alarm management software. Control Center provides control, administration and viewing of the live camera feeds and recorded video over the IP network. Video recording is achieved using 2 Standalone IndigoVision Network Video Recorders (NVRs). The combination of Control Center and the IP network creates a ‘virtual matrix’, which is fully scaleable unlike an analog matrix in traditional systems.

Surveillance is provided by 21 IP cameras connected directly to the network and 4 external domes connected to the network via IndigoVision 8000 transmitter/receiver modules. The 8000 units convert the analog camera signal to MPEG-4 high-quality digital video for transmission over the network. The IP cameras combine a professional high-quality CCTV color camera with an IP Video transmitter/receiver in one unit and are powered directly from the IP network. Full PTZ control of the external domes is also achieved over the network.

The whole system was seamlessly integrated into the College’s LAN, which in addition delivers IT and voiceover-IP services. IndigoVision’s unique compression technology allows live 25 fps video from all cameras to be transmitted around the network with minimal impact on the available bandwidth. Control Center also provides integration with the College’s existing alarm receiving centre - another important requirement of the project.

For further information contact IndigoVision Ltd, on Tel: +44 (0)131 475 7200, Fax: +44 (0)131 475 7201

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3 May 2006 - Traffic Monitoring Migrates to IP Video

The challenge facing the traffic monitoring system around Adelaide in South Australia is typical of many analog CCTV systems worldwide – the cost to expand the system is prohibitive. This is why they turned to IndigoVision’s IP Video technology to provide a migration path to a fully digital CCTV system.

South Australia’s Department of Transport had been looking to improve their traffic monitoring systems and recognized that IP network Video was the future for CCTV surveillance.

According to Bob Carter, Senior Technical Officer, “We had assessed many manufacturers and felt that IndigoVision was in another league of its own. Picture quality, feature set and the flexibility to control other equipment made the choice easy.”

The South Eastern Freeway Tunnel project, specified by Rexel Video, was a good example of how IP Video technology can be deployed as part of a migration strategy. The existing CCTV cameras in the tunnel were connected to IndigoVision’s 10-way transmitter/receiver racks. These converted the analog video to MPEG-4, 25fps 4CIF hi-quality digital video for transmission over a newly installed fiber-based network.

It was important that these new additions were seamlessly integrated into the existing CCTV system and that the configuration of the Norwood Traffic Control Center, situated 15km from the tunnel, initially remained unchanged. To achieve this further IndigoVision racks were installed in the Traffic Control Center to convert the digital video from the network to analog, this was then fed into the existing matrix for crosspoint monitor switching. The only difference the operators saw was the significant improvement in the quality of the video from the tunnel cameras. In fact live images from the tunnel can be now be seen featured on television as part of Channel 7’s Early Morning Sunrise traffic report.

This project illustrates the simple migration path an IP Video solution can provide. Existing analog cameras and matrix/switching equipment can be used so that new digital video signals can be integrated into existing configurations. Eventually the analog matrix could be replaced with a “Virtual Matrix”, using IndigoVision’s “Control Center” IP video and alarm management software. This provides a more flexible and scaleable solution for the future and introduces features such as advanced analytics that are difficult to implement on analog systems.

For further information contact IndigoVision Ltd, on Tel: +44 (0)131 475 7200, Fax: +44 (0)131 475 7201

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29 March 2006 - IP CCTV Aids Medical Training

A complete IndigoVision IP Video solution is at the heart of smots™ - a medical training system designed by Scotia UK for the prestigious Oxford Brookes University School of Health & Social Care. Based in a simulated 24-bed ward facility, the innovative system uses specialist cameras to allow tutors and medical students to interact in a live patient care environment.

‘Control Center’, IndigoVision’s IP video and alarm management software, is used to manage the viewing of live and recorded network video and audio from each bed. The flexibility of the system allows the tutor to simultaneously monitor all 24 beds remotely and enter into a two-way conversation with students at the bedside - no longer does the consultant have to peer over the student’s shoulder.

Even though ‘Control Center’ is primarily designed for security applications, it was chosen because its features and high quality video and audio easily meet the standards demanded by this type of ‘video conferencing’ application. The video and audio from all training sessions is recorded at full frame rate on 6 IndigoVision standalone Network Video Recorders (NVRs). The system allows the export of video and audio clips to show best practice and allow student review. Each bed is monitored by a dedicated camera which is connected, together with a bedside microphone/speaker, to an IndigoVision 8000 transmitter/receiver unit. The 8000 then transmits MPEG-4 hiquality 4SIF video and two-way audio onto a local private network. Each camera is under complete PTZ control by the tutor.

For further information contact IndigoVision Ltd, on Tel: +44 (0)131 475 7200, Fax: +44 (0)131 475 7201

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16 February 2006 - IndigoVision Wins 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino

IndigoVision’s IP Video technology is providing the platform for the entire CCTV system at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. The system, spanning the entire Olympic site, consists of 500 cameras managed by ‘Control Center’, IndigoVision’s enterprise video & alarm management software. The system was installed by Elsag, one of Italy’s largest system integrators, and represents the second Olympic Games protected by an IndigoVision solution, following on from the success of the 2000 camera system at Athens in 2004.

Each camera is connected to an IndigoVision 8000 transmitter/receiver module that encodes the analog signal into MPEG-4 digital video, which is then transmitted to several security command centers via the IP network. Site-wide video recording is achieved using IndigoVision’s Windows based Network Video Recorders (NVRs). Recording and playing back high-quality 25 fps video, the NVRs were installed independent of camera positions, in various locations around the network providing a high level of redundancy – a recording solution that cannot be achieved using traditional DVR technology.

The Control Center software and the network combine together to create a ‘virtual matrix’ that ensures the correct camera feeds are available at the appropriate command centers. ‘Control Center’ also provides all the management and analysis of recorded video from the NVR. Video analytics are used by Elsag to automate the low-level scene monitoring functions, freeing the operators to monitor higher risk areas.

By implementing a CCTV system based on IP Video technology the organizers have ensured a high-degree of flexibility. Existing cameras can easily be moved and new cameras added if needed. All that is required is a connection to any point on the network. This type of wide area CCTV surveillance is just not possible using traditional analog equipment – IP Video is the only practical solution.

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20 January 2006 - High Quality IP Dome Cameras

IndigoVision has developed a range of dedicated IP Dome Cameras for internal and external applications. The units are compatible with IndigoVision’s “Control Center” Video and Alarm Management software and its range of Network Video Recorders (NVRs). These cameras are the latest components to be added to IndigoVision’s integrated IP Video solution.

The domes incorporate a high quality Sony camera module, robust pan, tilt and zoom mechanisms and IndigoVision’s world-leading MPEG-4 encoder technology. Two versions are available; internal and external, with options for wall mounting, ceiling mounting and flush mounting on false ceilings.

These new dome cameras enable simple and easy deployment of IP based video systems as they only require local power and a single CAT 5 cable connection to the network. IndigoVision’s integrated solution also allows advanced features such as Activity Controlled Framerate (ACF) and camera-based Analytics, to be deployed in the dome itself – a feature not normally available on stand-alone IP cameras. Incorporating these types of features within the camera provides the user and system with many benefits. For example they reduce the bandwidth and NVR storage requirements during periods of scene inactivity and allow the user to deploy advanced analytics to identify events as they occur in real-time. This coupled with the advanced search tools available for recorded video in “Control Center” provides the best of both worlds for the operator – facilities that can only really be implemented with an integrated IP Video solution.

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