After twelve months of intensive engineering trials, Iarnród Éireann has approved the COE X-NET® MPEG4 video codec system for rail level crossing surveillance across the country. Each system delivers high quality real-time images to the operation centre and is a critical element in the management of the many remote crossings on the rail system.
COE Group Plc, the developer and supplier of advanced video surveillance systems, has many years' experience of designing and manufacturing high reliability, safety critical video systems for Network Rail, UK, where it supplies video codecs for level crossing surveillance.
Video is transmitted from the crossing sites over 100 km to the Control Centre where it is displayed in real-time for the Operators to verify crossing status. "This technology allows us to safely operate the rail corridor whilst keeping running costs to a minimum," commented Rinaldo Paollozi, manager Telecommunications.
"COE has worked closely with us in proving the technology and system concepts prior to roll-out and their experience, product reliability and provenance was a key factor in the selection process."
Iarnród Éireann plan to upgrade a further 38 crossings with more to follow. All of the video will be transmitted on their existing network thanks to the low bandwidth required by the codecs.
COE Ltd specialises in high reliability video transmission systems and has for many years supplied its safety case approved codec to Network Rail for use on the mainline rail network. Andrew Wallace, CEO, said: "This project presented us with unique technical challenges and having worked closely with the client the resultant system is a powerful tool for the ongoing management of their rail system."
