IP Video Chosen For Large-Scale Rail Network Upgrade In United Kingdom

  • Aug 20, 2008

Integrated IP video technology has been deployed as part of a massive CCTV central monitoring and recording project for First Capital Connect (FCC), one of the UK’s newest train operating companies.

FCC operates trains between London, Brighton, Bedford, Peterborough, Cambridge and King's Lynn over the UK's busiest rail network. As part of its five year, $15 million, network-wide Station Improvements Program, FCC selected IndigoVision and its partner ATEC Security to install a new IP-based video surveillance, recording and transmission system. The project involved the upgrade to 1,194 existing analog CCTV cameras across 63 train stations, which are now all monitored at a new central control room at Enfield, using the company’s existing network infrastructure.

The challenge was to bring together the various local and independently monitored analog CCTV systems in order to monitor and manage them centrally. In addition the existing CCTV systems had to be fully operational while the new IP-based solution was installed. IndigoVision’s advanced compression and bandwidth management technology were vital for the success of a project of this size. Multiple video streams from each camera can be configured for different applications, for example, high-framerate/high-bandwidth for recording and local viewing and low bandwidth for remote monitoring over the WAN.

‘Control Center’, IndigoVision’s enterprise IP video and alarm management software, is used by operators, both locally and in the central control room to view and analyze live and recorded video. A ‘Control Center’ workstation can be located at any point on the network and allow an operator with the right permissions to view video from any camera or NVR no matter where they are located. As ‘Control Center’ software is license-free, workstations can be deployed for no more than the cost of an entry-level PC.

Thanks to extensive research and development by ATEC Security, a new server platform enabled over 100 IndigoVision Windows-based NVRs to be installed at the 63 train stations and throughout the network, providing 31 days of recording using a total of 473 terabytes of RAID 5 storage. Special server configurations were developed that allowed physical discs to be quickly and safely replaced in the event of a major incident, where the very highest quality evidential video is required for analysis and investigation by the police and other agencies.

More than 947 fixed and 95 PTZ cameras are each connected to an IndigoVision 8000 IP Video transmitter/receiver module. The 8000 converts the analog camera feed to DVD quality MPEG-4 digital video for transmission over the network. IndigoVision’s compression technology allows high-quality, low-latency video to be transmitted around the network using FCC’s existing WAN. The combination of the network and ‘Control Center’ creates a virtual matrix that allows video feeds to be ‘switched’ to any workstation or NVR. This replaces the many original local analog hardware matrices and removes the ‘islands of video’ that have come to represent the fundamental shortcoming of large scale analog CCTV systems.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services

  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.