A case study from the annual digital video recorder supplement, with the March 2006 issue of Professional Security.
Clothing retailer TK MAXX has taken a one-stop approach to its CCTV, whether digital video recorders, cameras or domes.
Luke O’Reilly, Technical Security Specialist for TK MAXX, says: "Our prime concern when specifying security systems for our stores is that our staff should be able to work in a safe environment and that our customers can enjoy their visit to our stores. CCTV pays an important role in helping us achieve this and so a system that is both reliable and easy to use is essential.”
SANYO CCTV equipment has been used for a number of years in many of TK MAXX’s stores alongside competitors’ equipment but a couple of years ago Luke O’Reilly and colleagues made a strategic decision to look for a single manufacturer to provide a complete CCTV solution. Luke says: "We took the opportunity to look at a large number of potential suppliers but what helped us make up our mind to commit to SANYO was their ‘yes, we can do it ‘attitude. This was particularly relevant with the SANYO digital video recording equipment. We liked the specification and functionality of the SANYO DSR-3716 DVR although the software was not entirely compatible with our way of working. Within days of pointing this out to SANYO they were able to inform us that the modifications requested by us were achievable and the modifications were in fact delivered on time for the first phase of installations."
SANYO with installer ID Technology Group have supplied TK MAXX with VCC-9300P dome cameras to provide discreet and unobtrusive surveillance. The VCC-9300P incorporates a newly developed Sanyo DSP module which together with a built in auto-focus lens provides clear and sharp images at 520 TV lines resolution. The number of these dome cameras varies at each store but at the heart of each system is the DSR-3716P digital video recorder.
The DSR-3716P which has 16 camera inputs and provides simultaneous recording and playback at 25 frames per second, has a built-in LAN terminal to provide telemetry control of PTZ/Zoom cameras on a network without the need for any special software. It is also possible to view live images, play back recorded video or download images onto a PC. This machine offers a choice of recording methods. The two integral HDD bays can each offer up to 400 GB storage whilst the recorded images can either be backed-up onto CD-R/RW discs via USB terminals or alternatively onto a Compact Flash or Microdrive via an CF Type II expansion slot. There is even the ability to store recorded images on to household VCR or DVD recorders by utilising the DVR’s AV output terminal.
And to control both the dome cameras and DVRs, TK MAXX use the the same manufacturer’s VSP-9000 touch screen keyboard. Luke says: "The keyboard is a very important part of the system. Its graphical user interface can be tailored to individual store. We can use the VSP-9000 mapping facility to indicate where each camera is, making it very easy for staff who might be temporally moved to another store to quickly become familiar with the CCTV system operating at that location. Equally important, the VSP-9000 reduced costs as in smaller stores we can use it in place of a matrix.” Over the last two years 80 of TK MAXX’s stores have been fitted with the manufacturer’s CCTV products with more in the pipeline.
Working with approved installers and distributors, SANYO can offer advice on system design and specification stage and provide technical support before and after the system is commissioned.
