On the Case

The new Evelina Children's Hospital in London has installed Bewator's Entro 5 access control system.

The 140-bed hospital is part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Entro system is being used to secure 118 access points, for example at entrances to wards and theatres and areas that require an extremely high level of security, and more than 1,000 access cards have been issued to hospital staff.

Security manager for Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation trust, Jo Hand, said: "It is of paramount importance that patients, staff and visitors alike feel safe and secure on the premises, as well as ensuring all medicines and equipment used in the hospital are stored securely. We need to be able to manage who has access to these areas of the hospital at specific times."

Doors for Careers

DSS Automatic Doors has installed FAAC 950 swing door operators for Careers Scotland's new walk-in centre at Clyde Shopping centre in Clydebank, helping it to meet disabled access requirements.

The existing glass doors had to remain "manual" at the client's request, and armour-plated 'frameless' doors and shopfront had to be retained to preserve visual continuity in the shopping centre.

Shopping centre manager Bill Hunter said: "Most of our retail units have manual doors that are open all day. This automation installation meets the tenant's specific needs without affecting the appearance of our centre."

Zoom in on gaming

Zoom CCTV has installed IndigoVision's integrated IP video solution at The Gala Hotel and casino complex in Douglas on the Isle of Man, providing surveillance for its gaming operation.

The system uses IndigoVision's 'Control Center' enterprise video and alarm management software. Video recording is achieved using three 1TB stand-alone NVRs.

The casino required a flexible system that could be easily and cost-effectively expanded to meet its future needs. Twenty six cameras from the casino's original installation were re-used by connecting them to transmitter/receiver racks, which convert the analogue signals into MPEG-4 digital video.

Perrys shows Farsight

Farsight has specified, implemented and is managing a CCTV-based installation for Perrys Motor Group which employs Redwall external detection technology from Optex Europe.

Perrys has adopted a strategic approach to its security, with a structured solution that can be implemented across its 27 dealerships and 37 franchises. Common to each of the premises is on-site digital recording of all cameras, Redwall detection technologies, and an audio link to warn intruders.

If an intruder enters a site, the Redwall detector triggers an alarm. Images are recorded on-site, and transmitted via Perrys' corporate network to Farsight's dedicated Remote Video Receiving Centre.

Liverpool goes portable

Rainbow's portable DVRs with built-in high resolution digital camera are being used by one of the leading department stores in South America, the Mexican chain Liverpool.

The versatility of the equipment, notably its provision of motion detection with adjustable detect sensitivity rate, makes it suited to the client's varied usage, which includes deployment at shops and distribution centres.

The DVRs support both NTSC and PAL and resume recording automatically after power loss. An intuitive interface allows users to select image compression qualities and frame rates, according to the requirements of the location.

Happy campus

To ensure the safety of its 25,000 students, University of Central England Birmingham has invested in a high speed CCTV communication network from ntl:Telewest Business. The move has ensured that the university is able to put in place a centralised security policy for fighting crime across its multiple sites in Birmingham. Students at UCE Birmingham have already reported a downturn in crime since the early phases of the new CCTV services went live.

Multiple camera installations in more than 12 of the university's campus sites have been connected to a centralised control room using single-mode fibre from ntl:Telewest Business. The control room is manned around the clock and supports advanced capabilities including fire alarm activation, intruder alarms, panic alarms and access to sites via intercom.

Honeywell in hospital

Honeywell Building Solutions is installing a security system to better protect patients and staff at the high-security Rampton Hospital. The system gives hospital staff greater observation, provides flexibility and offers comprehensive and precise coverage of selected areas.

Once the project is complete, by the end of 2007, parts of the hospital will be fitted with a security system that includes 15 Honeywell CCTV security ranging cameras in each ward, each linked to a Honeywell digital video control system. Cameras provide coverage in communal areas. The system is being installed into 16 of the hospital's wards and associated facilities.

Julie Hall, Rampton Hospital's head of performance, said: "We are pleased with the developments which have been made. Use of real time and recorded images means that incidents can be easily investigated with a source of media that we did not previously have access to."

Reflex action

Reflex has installed an integrated access control, CCTV and intruder detection system for Grant Thornton, at sites in Sheffield and Glasgow, with orders for several other sites in the pipeline.

The result is an intelligent detection system that alerts Grant Thornton of any potential risk to its staff, clients and physical assets. Some systems were adapted by Reflex to suit the high standard of architectural design, helping to retain the best possible corporate image for the client.

A Grant Thornton spokesperson said: "Reflex has not just given us an off-the-shelf solution; we have been impressed by the way they have tailored a solution to meet our specific needs."

Retail protection

Retail sector security specialist Systems for Retailers has installed a variety of Ganz cameras for national high street retailer Halfords in both the UK and Ireland.

CCTV is being rolled out across Halfords' 420-strong stores network, with an average of 12 cameras being fitted at each site. CBC has supplied products including its Ganz ZC-L1210PHA high resolution spot cam, as well as internal dome camera units from the ZC-D3000 range.

Additionally, Ganz CDV vandal-resistant day/night dome cameras assist in providing protection at the rear of stores, where break-ins and even ram raid attacks may occur.

Safer hotels

Reflex has upgraded the security systems at two landmark hotels in London – Thistle Royal Horseguards and Thistle Charing Cross. Thistle Hotels also owns Number 1 Whitehall Place, which houses the Liberal Club, which was also subject to a review as part of the Horseguards contract.

The hotels now have extremely high quality image recording and playback capability, with the ability to retrieve information instantly through a smart searching interface.

Thistle hotel manager John Beacroft said: "We now have an even safer environment for staff, visitors and guests at a time when these issues are of paramount importance."

Historic installation

CDS Integrated Security Systems has implemented a new CCTV system throughout the centre of historic market town Thame, in Oxfordshire.

CDS used Conway's Titan Heritage dome units because of their aesthetic integration and compatibility with existing transmission and video management systems. These work with DVRS from Vigilant and a Synectics matrix.

CDS engineering services manager Jonathon Moon said: "The Conway dome assembly suited our purposes well. The customer wanted video and control cabling to be unshielded twisted pair and Conway included its own baluns in the domes. These allowed seamless connections between the camera units, the Town Hall, and a fibre transmission link to the police control room.

Getting their man

Systems integrator Northern Video Systems and consultants Securac Inc have installed a complete IndigoVision IP video solution in the Barrie Police service headquarters in Ontario, Canada.

The system provides 24-hour surveillance for all parts of the police operation including interview and booking rooms, sally ports, operation centre and detention cells.

The IP video system provides DVD-quality full frame rate images for both routine monitoring of the station and recorded video for evidentiary purposes that meets the requirements of the Canadian Federal and Provincial Crown Attorney and Courts of Law for admissible camera evidence.

Easy access

Total Security Protection has installed a Honeywell access control solution and integrated ID card system at easyJet's Training Academy and at airport bases in Bristol and Milan. It is also rolling out the solution to 12 other easyJet bases across Europe.

The new system enables easyJet to centrally manage all doors, from any location across the internal IT network, at all bases around the UK and Europe.

In addition to the access control system at the Training Academy, TSP also installed a Honeywell DVR in the Emergency Evacuation Training room, which captures images of all staff training on aircraft emergency slides. The recordings are required for health and safety purposes, and for future reference to check events.

Cameras on Rutland

Secom has installed a surveillance system designed by CBC (Europe) Ltd at The Rutland College, to improve safety and security for students and staff at its Leicestershire campus.

Secom's Mick Taylor said a combination of CBC's C-Dome surveillance units and ZC-D3000 domes were specified, along with a Ganz 16-channel DVR.

"The surveillance system proved its worth shortly after installation, when recorded images of a graffiti incident on-site were obtained for use as part of a subsequent police prosecution," he said. This function fulfils part of the system's operational requirement – evidence gathering – in addition to its long term deterrent function.

Estates secured

Reflex has re-engineered a number of systems for Protego, which owns several industrial estates in the north of England.

Intruder detection systems were replaced with new Honeywell technologies. Perimeter detection technology, CCTV transmission and electronic access control were enhanced, providing the ability for remote operation to manage security site wide, and remotely operate access control for visitors.

As well as site wide security across all five locations, each of the many tenants now have their own individual alarm system, monitored by a British standards approved remote monitoring station.

Mesh for Turbigo

Verga Sistemi Srl has installed a wireless video surveillance system for the city of Turbigo, near Milan, using Fluidmesh 2200.

"We decided to install a system which guarantees reliability and flexibility," says Verga manager Danilo Girasole.

"Fluidmesh technology provides a redundant solution with unparalleled performance – operating simultaneously on two different frequencies, it guarantees to be a reliable system not subject to interference."

No fire at Gleneagles

ADT has installed a fire detection system in the switch room of the Gleneagles hotel in Perthshire, Scotland. This room houses the central controls for lighting, heating and ventilation throughout the hotel and its leisure facilities.

ADT aimed to find an early detection system that isolated the fire and an extinguishant that was safe, environmentally sound, and would not damage any electrical equipment as it tackled the fire.

Its solution was Sapphire, a system featuring 3M Novec 1230 fire protection fluid, a clean agent with no electrical conductivity. This means it extinguishes fires, but does not short out equipment and leaves no residue.

Chain equipped

Stanley Security Solutions has equipped four hotels in the south of England with new internal staff communication systems as part of its rolling contract to supply the Millennium & Copthorne Hotel Group.

The new hotels, in Slough, Reading, Mayfair and Gatwick, have seen Stanley install its DECT cordless telephone system, interfaced, where necessary, with other security features to allow real-time employee communication and enhanced staff security.

The DECT system allows the hotel management to keep in touch with key staff, including housekeeping and maintenance teams, wherever they are in the hotel. It also allows immediate access to essential information and ensures the hotel is more responsive to its customers' needs.

Prestigious surveillance

Scottish Communications has upgraded the CCTV surveillance system at the prestigious St John's Shopping Centre in Perth.

The existing system, which was installed by Scottish Communications nine years ago, was replaced with six state of the art, fully functional speed dome cameras, with the current video recording facility renewed with the latest digital technology, including a CD writer for archiving material.

This will provide enhanced coverage of the external and internal areas of the mall, including delivery and fire escape areas. The system will be continuously monitored by the centre's own security staff.

Local security

Blue Rock Security Solutions has been working closely with the loss prevention team for Sainsbury's Convenience to implement a new IP-based security system throughout the company's 120 Sainsbury's Local convenience stores.

Blue Rock worked with IP security providers Initsys to develop a new system to suit these specific requirements. Each Sainsbury's Local now has an Initsys IAF network video recorder, as well as up to 19 Panasonic IP cameras.

The system provides enhanced playback quality as well as a Graphical User Interface that makes the system highly user friendly. This new software package, iRecord, includes advanced video motion detection and a secure interface to the network.

Terry Poole, head of profit protection at Sainsbury's, said: "Our remit for Blue Rock and Initsys was to come up with a security system that our store managers could be trained on in 15 minutes. The system is proving highly successful and has the benefits of dramatically reducing maintenance time and costs."

Keep on rolling

Quadrant Security Group's Integrated Systems Division has installed a high-tech CCTV system to protect the rolling stock of South West Trains' at its main rail depot at Farnham.

Panasonic vandal proof WV-CW 864 PTZ dome cameras were chosen to monitor the exterior of the building. Panasonic WV-CW370 cameras also monitor the railway sidings, and the train shed entrance and exit points.

Integrated into the system are 48 PIR detectors, which detect any movement in the security and health and safety sensitive main gantry track area, as well as entrance and exit points to the train shed.

Other equipment used in the system included a Panasonic WV-CU650 system controller, 17-inch JV monitors, and Panasonic WJ-HD316 digital recorders.

CCTV in comfort

Thinking Space Systems has undertaken three CCTV control room upgrade and refurbishment projects for Bournemouth and Winchester City Councils and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Company MD Wayne Palmer said: "Each council contract has its own unique requirements and specification, and our highly-skilled team draws on its expertise and technical know-how for every project.

In Bournemouth, this meant designing, supplying and fitting custom-made 19-inch racks as well as a review console. The Tower Hamlets project involved creating and installing the enclosed rear projection monitor wall and designing and building a three-position master control console, while in Winchester Thinking Space provided new bespoke technical furniture.

Hospitals monitored

Reflex has completed a quarter of a million pound contract at Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust, near Slough. HWPH wanted to upgrade existing technologies and provide and integrated remote monitoring facility that could control camera positions across both sites.

Phase 1, which has been completed, incorporates existing camera locations onto a new matrix system with the capability to be expanded ultimately to cope with up to 128 camera sites at Wexham and 96 cameras at Heatherwood. A monitoring centre on-site at Wexham Park in Slough will also monitor Heatherwood.

The system has been engineered for it then to be operated by Reflex's close working partner, car park management specialist CP Plus.

Traffic controller

A CCTV system from Vicon is contributing to improved traffic management in Durham City Centre. Vicon's Surveyor dome cameras and Kollector DVRs are assisting the local authority to encourage visitors to use the centre's shopping and recreational facilities while discouraging them from travelling in their cars.

The CCTV system is contributing to the security of vehicles in Park and Ride facilities at three location on the outskirts of Durham. It is considered particularly important that vehicles should be safeguarded at these sites since potential thieves and vandals know that cars are likely to be there for a large part of the day.

The scheme is overseen by Durham County Council and run by NCP. The principal site is Belmont, with satellite locations communicating by fibre network over a LAN using the ViconNet software platform.

Security in Paradise

IEP Systems of Scottsdale, Arizona, in the US, has installed a custom-built digital video recording system designed and manufactured by Vigilant Technology at Paradise Casino in Arizona.

The system is comprised of 13 Vigilant Elite DVRs, which are able to record and store real-time high resolution images from 198 cameras located throughout the 30,000sq ft casino. Twelve of the systems each have 3,200Mb of internal RAID-5 storage to allow continuous real time recording at 4CIF while the last Elite has been equipped with internal and external storage of 6TB. Operators in the casino's control room can instantly retrieve recorded video captured by any of the cameras while continuing to view live images. IEP Systems will also install a similar system at Paradise Casino in California.