Digital CCTV surveillance systems have revolutionised the ability to monitor and ensure surveillance in a multitude of locations, installers of a local authority CCTV upgrade suggest.
When Wansbeck District Council in the north-east required a new surveillance network to replace their existing system, they chose c>ways to provide them with a networking solution.
Wansbeck had a CCTV monitoring system spanning the region, using a coaxial network which had however limited functionality, the local authority reports. The council wanted a new system that would be able to transport video footage to multiple locations to enhance their monitoring capabilities. c>ways were able to utilise the current data network within the region, to provide a digital solution for the council.
John Kelly, IT Director for Wansbeck, says: "By transporting CCTV video over our extensive metropolitan data network, we have managed to capitalise on our investment. Through the support and dedication of the c>ways team, the project has been implemented successfully, surpassing any of our original expectations." Scarborough-based network and IT installer c>ways designed the CCTV network to ensure, the firm says, that additional users and cameras could be added into the network with minimal disruption.
Bob Miller, Senior Technical Officer for Wansbeck, says: "The flexibility of the new system was crucial to us making the decision to adopt networked CCTV. We can now introduce cameras within days in any location where our data network resides, and at the same time we can introduce monitoring facilities anywhere within the district."
Digital pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras, were installed throughout the district, which incorporate user-friendly interfaces to simplify monitoring processes, the installer reports.
In addition to the main monitoring CCTV station, each of the three users of the CCTV network have two monitors, each displaying real-time CCTV footage. One screen is used to display a maximum of 24 camera locations, providing maximum security within the region. The second screen is used to display one camera location at a higher-resolution, to allow users to analyse areas of interest more closely.
"For 10 years our CCTV system had failed to deliver a reliable quality service," said Neil Storey, Principal Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager for Wansbeck District Council. c>ways, using IP products from manufacturer DVTel, worked alongside Rapier Systems and Raey Security to establish the needs and expectations of all parties involved in the CCTV network. This ensured that a more flexible and high-quality monitoring system was designed, which fulfilled the specifications set by all users of the system, according to the installer. c>ways implemented a new CCTV network, using digital cameras utilising the existing data network and by installing wireless connections between each monitoring station.
"The new network merges the monitoring systems of several towns, enabling all users of the system to work together as an effective team via the use of sophisticated technologies," said Mr Storey.
The new network allows each monitoring station to view the same camera locations and pre-recorded data, maximising the ability to work effectively as a team. By using existing resources available to the council, a cost-effective solution was devised and implemented.
"The new CCTV system introduced numerous challenges which were met and overcome by the skill and knowledge of the c>ways technical team," said Richard Mumford, Technical Director for Rapier Systems. "Video over data networks were successfully implemented, without hindering any other service on the network."
After the new CCTV had been installed, problems were highlighted within the data network which had previously been overlooked. "Once the new system was implemented we discovered areas in which we could optimise the flow of information, which in turn has made the network more efficient," said Mr Mumford. The new network has not only brought the council the most effective monitoring capabilities available, but has also provided the council with the ability to upgrade the system, without any significant disruptions, the council adds. "Since the implementation of the DVTel system, we have experienced a significant improvement in our monitoring capabilities," said Steven Saul, Shift Manager for Raey Security.
The new system enables users to view real-time images from multiple camera locations, via a digital network. This not only allows monitoring stations to effectively collaborate when faced with an issue, but also enables instant access to recorded data on the system from any monitoring location.
"We are now able to access multiple cameras from numerous locations simultaneously. The new system enables us to conduct instant processing on the video footage from any camera location, which significantly enhances our surveillance services," said Mr Saul.
c>ways were able to provide users of the system with training, to ensure that the system was productive from its inception. "Training for our staff, provided by c>ways, greatly benefited the transition to the new technologies, as staff were able to discuss any queries directly with the c>ways team," said Mr Saul.
