Why Casinos are Now Considering the Move to IP
Filed under: CCTV Articles, General Technology, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
The casino industry has one of the largest installed bases of surveillance systems of any market. However the migration to IP has been slower than anticipated due to regulatory requirements and the business critical nature of casino surveillance operations.
Surveillance requirements in gaming are driven not just by business and operational requirements but also gaming regulations that set stringent specifications for the monitoring of gambling businesses and the surveillance function. The gaming industry’s growing acceptance of IP-based video surveillance systems, including cameras, recording devices and information management software, is based on advances in technology that demonstrate improved overall performance and a confirmed ROI.
Video surveillance systems in casinos are subject to strict regulations that govern deployment. These regulations dictate such matters as frame rates, retention time and camera positions. Early versions of IP cameras and network based recording systems could not meet many of the mandated technical requirements or deliver results in a manner consistent with the regulations.
Hybrid systems incorporate encoders and other transition devices to allow a partial move to network based systems that can add digital cameras while allowing the continued use of the original analog cameras. Over time, new digital cameras can be added to the system as old cameras begin to reach their life expectancy or as facilities expand and reconfigure.
Manufacturers have also started to respond to the market opportunity by developing products that address the particular needs of the gaming industry. One example is the development of specialist analytics that can track high value chips or identify irregular gambling patterns in high stakes games.
The growing use of megapixel security cameras is an example of the additional capabilities found in digital technology. The high definition resolution of these cameras provides greater detail for analysis when viewing activity. While it is technically possible to deploy fewer cameras to capture the same views as comparably positioned analog cameras, the initial deployments of megapixel cameras in gaming have been to augment and not replace existing camera set ups.
Along with improved technology, advances in network equipment and increased infrastructure have solved much of the bandwidth issue. New and remodeled gaming properties are deploying network infrastructures capable of supporting IP systems. The ROI is seen in reduced installation and operational costs and higher, more sustainable levels of operational efficiency. IP based systems are inherently easier to install than analog systems due to reduced cable and hands on programming time at the camera.
Operational costs have also been reduced with PoE Compliant IP cameras that are powered over existing/new network Category 5 cabling that delivers standard 10/100/1000Mb Ethernet service. Power is transmitted over Cat 5 Ethernet cabling, enabling the transition to a network platform to be achieved in a centralized, more simplified, and easy to manage environment. Additionally, new PoE power supplies are available that also allow non compliant PoE cameras to be powered over the network using simple, inexpensive adapters. High performance, system integration, scalability and lower cost of ownership will be the factors that continue to drive the expansion of IP cameras in gaming and other markets.
Security Sales Training
Sales professionals have to become enthusiastic and empowered to differentiate their company outside of the normal criteria of price, technology and products. All of those elements are what everyone is competing with and it is the responsibility of the sales professional to be able to grow and separate their company from the competition. Unfortunately, for many, it’s not happening.
Much of the training occurring right now is generic. There are a few people who do it well but there are others, who lose focus on what really works in for the security industry. By solely providing training on product and technology, while investing nothing at all in sales, retention and customer service training, you’re creating an environment that will result in a lack of energy, passion and the competitive advantage needed to grow.
Bringing an industry trainer in from the outside to work with your team, can not only help boost employee morale, but can also culminate in new ways of approaching sales and customer service. When it comes to your seasoned sales people, most of them may feel they do not need any training. Some may get angry at the mention of it. No matter how good you already are, today is perhaps the best time to train your team to take full advantage of every growth opportunity you have. Sadly, too many security dealers still provide little more than product and technical training for their employees.
It only takes one person bringing forward tangible specifics or even a new program full of effective tools, in order to rejuvenate a sales professional who feels beat up, tired or unenthusiastic. It’s all about generating new ideas that can make someone who has been in the security industry for 30 years say, ‘Oh! I didn’t think of that!” And it works. Just like any good team, Amateurs need training so they get it right. Professionals need training so they don’t get it wrong.
Site Surveys – Planning for Your Customer
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, CCTV Security Camera Lenses, CCTV Security DVR Cards, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
Most of us have heard the old saying “Prior planning prevents poor performance” and nowhere is it more important than planning out a video surveillance system. Taking time upfront to make sure your survey is complete and accurate will save great amounts of time, money and energy for your installers, making both you and the customers bottom line better.
Making the sale and picking the right product are only parts of the puzzle. Camera placement, lens selection, mounting options and cable planning are all equally important to the success of a job. These elements will also help you gain the loyalty of your customer. If you’re a salesman, project manager or an estimator, at some point you’re going to have to put a project together and it will help if you know what to look for.
Of all the various parts of a CCTV system, the one thing the customer is going to notice above all else is a picture that doesn’t meet his expectations. He won’t care what kind of cable you used to get the picture in front of his eyes, nor will he worry about whether there’s a space in between each piece of equipment mounted in a rack. But he will know right away if he can’t see what he thought he was going to see or if what he can see is out of focus.
Picking camera and lens combinations are one of those areas that have become far easier over time. More sensitive cameras and varifocal lenses have taken most of the work out of the selection process. It is still important however to have a good grasp of the concepts.
Focal length of a lens refers to two main things, the distance a lens can see clearly and the width of the scene a particular lens can see. Focal length is rated in millimeters. The lower the millimeter number, the wider the scene. As you go higher in millimeters, the lens becomes more telephoto and the scene width is greatly reduced. Taking the time to pick the right camera and lens combination will make for a smoother install and a happier customer and reduce the need for return visits.
One aspect of a site survey and system design that is frequently over looked is the environment itself. Not only conditions like temperature and weather extremes, but also physical aspects of the environment. I was recently out at a customer’s site looking at a parking lot through the view of his cameras. The customer told me the view was good now but in the spring when the trees bloom he cannot see anything. His system was installed in the winter when all the trees were bare. Please remember that trees grow. Those newly planted saplings will become towering oaks in a few years. Make sure they won’t impede your view now or ever.
Physical obstruction aren’t only limited to the great outdoors. Warehouses are notorious for large shelving and stacks of product. Shelves and products are subject to reconfiguration at any time. Make sure your camera placement is high enough so that it doesn’t get blocked by a stack of boxes.
It seems obvious to take things like that into consideration but I can tell you it doesn’t always happen that way. In times like we are experiencing today the need to get in and out of a project quickly becomes very important to the bottom line, but we can’t let it compromise the integrity of our system design.
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