From the November 2002 print edition of Professional Security, an article on quality developments in CCTV.
The £250,000 contract went to Plexnet, whose Managing Director Peter Brimble said: ‘Using a structure of Dennard 1050 domes strategically mounted on towers and various fixed cameras, the CCTV system provides complete coverage of the whole park. With the addition of Redwall detection, the security staff can monitor the site from the comfort of the control suite and maintain by remote through the digital recording device.’ Mr Brimble reported the security part of the installation was little different to any back in the UK, but providing a system for commercial use, a major source of the park’s revenue, was a greater challenge. He said: ‘We needed to choose a considerable number of strategic locations to site Panasonic WV-CL830 cameras, which would allow a picture to build up of this unique experience where we could record and save your memories. A large editing suite has been installed, with two full time operators, who capture a sequence of scenes and make up a video of the experience where you can dive from 60 metres or swing in 100 metre arc.’ Cameras were installed for still photography using Plexnet’s own Discovery Software. Technical Director Rob Rosewarne said: ‘We have developed Discovery to allow the operator easy access and retrieval. Simple use of a mouse retrieves stored Digital images and allows the operator to select a print from the most effective frame. The frame is retrieved from the storage device and remotely sent to a printer at the point of sale once a request is made by the customer.’ A bank of Sony video printers and VCRs await the daily work. Within the overall contract Plexnet installed an eight zone
digital public address system with radio operated remote microphone position for entertainment and local announcements. Mr Brimble added: ‘We have also supplied a huge video wall, which not only shows satellite TV, but will switch to the CCTV system when selected. This will prove to be a great feature for fun, but will also be used as a major safety feature when we search for lost children and should give parents a peace of mind.’ The bank of video screens made by Hantarex are three metres by two, using their LCD rear Projection system. Having formed in 2000, Plexnet has reached a turnover of £2.3m in its 2001/2002 financial year. The installer provides systems to universities including Swansea, Warwick and Portsmouth; and local authorities including the London Borough of Camden, and Sandwell. Other customers include retailer Safeway, and BAA at Heathrow, where a IP-based digital CCTV system has recently been installed. After the recent acquisition of Global Surveillance Systems, Plexnet has moved into car park surveillance systems. Mr Brimble said: ‘We acquired Global as they were embarking upon a huge installation at Bristol City Council car park in the city centre. The system, a mixture of Ultrak dome cameras and Sanyo, fixed together with public help points, is the biggest of its kind in the South West.’
