Florida Race Track Uses Axis Video Encoders To Meet State Regulations

Axis Communications recently announced that Tampa Bay Downs Inc. has installed its video encoders, enabling the track to exceed new state regulations for recording surveillance video at gaming facilities in a cost effective manner.

Tampa Bay Downs is the only thoroughbred race track on the west coast of Florida, and is known as one of America's oldest and most well-maintained race tracks. AXIS Q7406 Video Encoder Blades and AXIS Q7900 Racks have been installed for 60 of the track’s existing analog cameras in The Silks Poker Room, which features daily poker tournaments on 30 tables. Cameras are used to prevent, fraud, coercion and provide general security for the room.

Video encoders digitize analog video signals and send digital images directly over IP networks, such as LANs, intranets or the Internet. They essentially turn analog video systems into network video systems and enable users to view live images using a Web browser or video management software on any local or remote networked computers.

The impetus for the purchase was Florida’s new regulations dictating that gaming facilities must have video surveillance capabilities that record in at least 4CIF resolution (704x480 pixels) and no less than 30 fps. Given the issues, the racetrack turned to CDW, which recommended Axis video encoders.

The AXIS Q7406 offers the highly efficient H.264 video compression, which drastically reduces bandwidth and storage requirements without compromising image quality. This six-channel blade used with the video encoder rack enables large numbers of analog cameras to be integrated into an IP-based, high-density video surveillance system. When AXIS Q7406 blades are used with the AXIS Q7900 Rack, up to 84 analog cameras can be supported in one 4U, 19-inch rack.

“Prior to the implementation, we had been using DVRs in conjunction with our analog cameras,” said John Vacha, director of information technologies for Tampa Bay Downs. “The system offered only moderate resolution and had limited upgrading flexibility. In the event that a DVR went down, the poker tables in the affected area had to be closed until the DVR was repaired or replaced.

“We installed the new system in 24 hours without impacting our existing infrastructure. The Axis video encoders more than quadrupled the prior recording resolution to a D1 resolution of 720x480, which exceeds the 4CIF state requirements. In addition to offering a competitive price and superior functionality, Axis video encoders can be installed separate from the server used for recording video so they can be expanded at different times and rates. In addition, if a channel goes down now, we can simply replace the card in a matter of minutes since they are hot-swappable.”

Beyond this, since the video encoders offer H.264 compression, Tampa Bay Downs can now retain video for a longer period. In fact, using the same actual storage as before, it can now store far more than the state-mandated 14 days of video. In addition to the Axis network video products, the track has also implemented Milestone Systems’ video management software.

“Video encoders are the most cost-effective way to turn analog video systems into network video systems and benefit the scalability and cost efficiencies by using video management software on any local or remote computer on a network,” said Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of Axis Communications. “We are excited about how smoothly Tampa Bay Downs was able to transition to a system that now exceeds state requirements.”

The future may bring an expansion of Axis capabilities at the track. According to Vacha, Tampa Bay Downs is considering installing Axis video encoders throughout the race track to improve video clarity and flexibility.

Featured

  • Security Today Announces The Govies Government Security Award Winners for 2025

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 winners in The Govies Government Security Awards. The awards honor outstanding government security products in a variety of categories. Read Now

  • Survey: 60 Percent of Organizations Using AI in IT Infrastructure

    Netwrix, a cybersecurity provider focused on data and identity threats, today announced the release of its annual global 2025 Cybersecurity Trends Report based on a global survey of 2,150 IT and security professionals from 121 countries. It reveals that 60% of organizations are already using artificial intelligence (AI) in their IT infrastructure and 30% are considering implementing AI. Read Now

  • New Research Reveals Global Video Surveillance Industry Perspectives on AI

    Axis Communications, the global industry leader in video surveillance, has released its latest research report, ‘The State of AI in Video Surveillance,’ which explores global industry perspectives on the use of AI in the security industry and beyond. The report reveals current attitudes on AI technologies thanks to in-depth interviews with AI experts from Axis’ global network and a comprehensive survey of more than 5,800 respondents, including distributors, channel partners, and end customers across 68 countries. The resulting insights cover AI integration and the opportunities and challenges that exist with regard to security, safety, business intelligence, and operational efficiency. Read Now

  • SIA Urges Tariff Relief for Security Industry Products

    Today, the Security Industry Association has sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick requesting relief from tariffs for security industry products and asking that the Trump administration formulate a process that allows companies to apply for product-specific exemptions. The security industry is an important segment of the U.S. economy, contributing over $430 billion in total economic impact and supporting over 2.1 million jobs. Read Now

  • Report Shows Cybercriminals Continue Pivot to Stealthier Tactics

    IBM recently released the 2025 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index highlighting that cybercriminals continued to pivot to stealthier tactics, with lower-profile credential theft spiking, while ransomware attacks on enterprises declined. IBM X-Force observed an 84% increase in emails delivering infostealers in 2024 compared to the prior year, a method threat actors relied heavily on to scale identity attacks. Read Now

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection.