Casino IP Video Surveillance Migration Boosts As Economy Improves

Many casino system designs include the integration and installation of access control, point-of-sale (POS), building control and alarm systems

Analog To IP Migration

The economic downturn slowed the analog-to-IP transition process of video surveillance technology used in the gaming market, says Laurie Smock, vice president of sales, North American Video (NAV). As a result, casinos across all North American gaming jurisdictions, for example, have elected to transition slowly from analog to IP – using IP video management systems (VMS) that enable them to leverage existing analog cameras. This hybrid approach has become a common solution for existing properties. Conversely, newly constructed properties almost always choose to install all-IP systems.

Smock says the migration to IP has accelerated recently as economic conditions have improved and the U.S. gaming market has seen business levels increase. New construction and technology-refresh activity have continued to accelerate in 2015.

“When migrating from an older analog system to a new IP platform, it’s important to plan a strategy that incorporates cost-effective updates when the budget allows,” says Smock of NAV. Here is a hybrid example: “For companies that are replacing their VMS and storage, but continuing to utilize their existing analog cameras via encoders, we often recommend additional storage and a larger network that will accommodate HD IP cameras in the future,” Smock says. “This simplifies the transition from analog to HD IP cameras; when an older analog camera fails, it is simply replaced with an IP HD camera with no additional storage and minimal infrastructure changes needed.”

Security Systems Integration

North American Video is a leading systems integrator serving the gaming market. Its primary focus is on designing, selling, installing and servicing enterprise-class video surveillance and management systems that are tailored for casino applications. System designs include the integration and installation of access control, point-of-sale (POS), building control and alarm systems in order to provide a complete security and surveillance solution for NAV customers.

North American Video works with many of the leading corporate and tribal gaming entities that operate multiple casinos across the United States. Clients take advantage of NAV’s full range of integration services, from delivery of a single camera all the way up to the design, build, service and installation of systems with thousands of cameras, integrated access control and other technologies.

Impact Of Budget

Other companies active in the casino surveillance market also point to the economy as a factor in slower technology adoption. Lack of budget still seems to be one of the biggest factors impeding more rapid adoption of new technologies, says Larry Wanvig, senior national account manager – gaming, Tyco Security Products. Generally, IP technology is more expensive than its analog counterparts, although the technology often pays for itself with the efficiency offered by IP, Wanvig notes.

Another security solutions manufacturer, Honeywell, sees an impact of budget on determining the speed of migration to HD IP video. “Most of our customers migrate to HD IP video in a phased approach, starting with high-priority shots such as table games, cage and cash, and choke points,” says Maureen Bruen, vertical market specialist – gaming, Honeywell Security Products Americas. Budget is the single greatest barrier, she adds, and leasing is one option to overcome it.

Technology decisions are usually ROI-driven, adds Ron Grinfeld, director, global vertical marketing, DVTEL. Casino customers must see that an investment can provide return on investment (ROI) and add value, such as improved quality of service, greater business intelligence, global awareness applications, more efficient and secure transactions (through analytics and POS integrations), people counting, crowd management and so on, he says.