The IP-networked digital solution, based around IndigoVision’s security management system SMS4, was designed and installed by IndigoVision partner CDS to provide integrated CCTV surveillance across the university’s four campuses.
Replacing an aging analogue system, the new solution allows monitoring and control across all campuses from designated control points while maintaining local recording capabilities.
The university’s main security control area uses ‘Control Center’, IndigoVision’s Video Management Software. Further workstation PCs have been installed at the other campuses, with Control Center allowing operators to view, control and interrogate all cameras from any site and at any time.
The 90 existing analogue cameras have been upgraded to allow remote operation and monitoring with IndigoVision encoders. These are being replaced over time with a mix of IndigoVision IP cameras.
CDS also used the university’s existing IT network to keep installation and transmission costs to a minimum.
Enhanced image quality delivered
The new IndigoVision solution will allow Cardiff Metropolitan University to expand easily as it grows, while improved image quality from new cameras will provide better evidence when it is required.
Using IP-networked digital CCTV has transformed the university’s use of surveillance, as facilities manager Andrew West told Info4Security.
“The central monitoring capability of the IndigoVision solution has improved security across all of our campuses without costing too much,” explained West, “and we know we can expand the system when we need to. The improved resilience, scalability and ease of use of the IndigoVision solution all make this a very positive step for Cardiff Metropolitan University.”
The university’s cameras are connected to 13 IndigoVision ten-channel transmitter racks. These convert the analogue camera signals to high quality digital video for transmission over the IP network.
All cameras record 24/7 on seven RAID 1 IndigoVision Network Video Recorders (NVRs) for 31 days. The storage capacity required is significantly reduced compared to other IP video systems because of IndigoVision’s advanced compression technology and the use of the unique Activity Controlled Framerate (ACF) feature which is built into the IP cameras and transmitters.
ACF controls the framerate of the video stream based on the amount of motion in the scene. When there is no activity, video is streamed at minimal framerate. The instant any motion is detected, video is simultaneously transmitted at maximum configured framerate.
This significantly reduces the bandwidth and NVR storage requirement for cameras monitoring generally static scenes or during quiet periods (for example, during the hours of darkness).
IndigoVision secures Mauritius Prison
The Grand River North West remand prison in Mauritius has vastly improved security by upgrading its CCTV system with IndigoVision’s IP video solution.
Local partner Brink’s (Mauritius) installed the system and worked closely with the prison to ensure all areas are monitored.
Fifteen 9000 PTZ cameras and 104 analogue cameras have been put in place, connected via 104 standalone transmitters, with the full system recording to six NVR-AS 3000 Network Video Recorders. Recording is 24/7, and retained for two months.
Activity Controlled Framerate (ACF) is used, with a maximum bitrate of 512 kbps for recording. ACF controls the framerate of the camera video stream based on the amount of motion in the scene.
The IndigoVision system gives greater coverage inside and out of the prison. IndigoVision’s integrated motion detection, alarms and mapping are also major advantages, while playback of recordings is easy and immediate.
“The IndigoVision network gives a real bird’s eye view of all that’s happening inside the prison – in rooms, corridors and gathering areas, and also outside in the parking lots and round the perimeter – while the alarms and motion detection make sure nothing is missed,” explained Brink’s Mauritius project manager Vikash Augnu.
“It’s a vast improvement on security, with two remote control centres ensuring maximum security control in all areas.”
Workstations are located in the prison’s main Control Centre and also in the main gate and towers. A new network LAN has also been installed, using both fibre and FTP cables.
Compact NVR-AS 3000 Network Video Recorders record up to 20 cameras at full frame rate with audio and simultaneously play back up to 20 cameras, with low power consumption and heat dissipation.
IndigoVision’s technology was chosen because the tough environment demanded a robust solution with high image quality that was easy to install and maintain.
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