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| The flexibility of IndigoVision's IP Video technology allows ‘hybrid' analog and digital systems to be easily developed |
MITIE Security Systems designed and installed the IndigoVision system having worked closely with the centre to select the best solution to replace the ageing DVR recording system. Meadowhall's IT department wanted a scalable, modular and flexible solution to replace proprietary "black box" DVR technology that was difficult and costly to develop further. It was important that the new system could be supported by its own IT department and that standard network attached storage, such as Networked Video Recorders (NVRs), could be used. Field-proven technology, excellent video quality, first-class local support and the ability to use as much of the original CCTV investment as possible were other reasons IndigoVision's IP Video technology was chosen.
The flexibility of IndigoVision's IP Video technology allows ‘hybrid' analog and digital systems to be easily developed. This means ageing analog systems can be updated or expanded with IP-based digital technology, whilst maintaining much of the original investment in CCTV equipment. In Meadowhall's case this was achieved by replacing the old DVR equipment with 12 IndigoVision standalone NVRs. The original 120 cameras, analog matrix and control room monitors were all kept. 120 IndigoVision 8000 modules, configured in twelve 10-channel racks, were connected to each of the camera feeds. The 8000 converts the analog signal into MPEG-4, full framerate digital video for recording onto the NVRs.
‘Control Center', IndigoVision's IP Video and alarm management software, provides a suite of tools that allows the operators to quickly analyse and retrieve recorded footage. Tamper-proof high-quality video clips can be easily exported for the police for evidential purposes should the need arise. The 12 NVRs provide the Center with over 30 days of recording. The upgrade was achieved in less than a week with both recording systems running in parallel ensuring zero-downtime during the migration.
| Field-proven technology, excellent video quality, and the ability to use as much of the original CCTV investment as possible were other reasons IndigoVision's IP Video technology was chosen |
Meadowhall are now trialling standalone 8000 modules with separate analog cameras and IndigoVision's IP cameras connected directly to their existing corporate IP network in remote parts of the Centre. This is the next logical step in the migration process to a fully IP-CCTV solution. IndigoVision's advanced compression technology ensures the highest-quality video can be transmitted around the network with minimal impact on the available bandwidth. Meadowhall sees this as a strategic phased approach to replacing their current analog CCTV system whilst taking advantage of their existing IT infrastructure.
Mark Higgins of Meadowhall commented: "Meadowhall was one of the first shopping centres to install site wide data network infrastructure to utilize building control systems. We are now pleased to use it for delivering high quality CCTV without the need for an additional communication network. Our IT department has more control and knowledge than ever before for the delivery and support of CCTV across the site and this has utilised our in house skills further, providing increased service for the centre."
IndigoVision's IP Video solution can also be used to provide benefits beyond store security. Many retailers are accessing in-store footage to help analyse merchandising, in-store promotions and footfall trends. This can be achieved locally and nationally, with central marketing teams accessing live and recorded video from any store at any location across their corporate networks.
