Hurray for Hollywood Casino’s Video Solution
What happens when an educated end user sets out to design its own 2,100-camera surveillance system? In the case of Indiana’s Hollywood Casino and its new superboat, tremendous success – thanks to a cohesive partnership among end user, integrators and suppliers.
Flexible Solution Is Sought
Confronted with a property expansion and plans for future growth, Burnett knew the new solution had to be scalable and compatible with the casino’s existing systems. Also of great importance was choosing a system that would be user-friendly for anyone from entry-level operators to IGC agents who require their own onsite review station. “I wanted to be assured that we could get the system installed and running quickly, and that our operators could start actively using the system without having to memorize all the camera numbers,” he says.
After evaluating the range of surveillance and technical needs, Burnett assigned Krabbe to conduct initial research and compile equipment lists, quotes, integrator information, etc. The duo then reviewed the findings and Krabbe prepared a master list of pros and cons for each integrator and solution provider.
“A large portion of our decision was based on using the systems during 10 live demos, as well as during site visits to other casino properties where we considered the range of their systems,” says Burnett. From the technical side, Krabbe notes, “We were looking for a stable system that was simple for operators to use and also easy to maintain. It also had to be cost effective and deliver high quality video to meet the regulatory recording requirements of the IGC.”
Of particular concern for Penn National Gaming is the ongoing pressure to maintain IGC compliance. If Hollywood Casino steps out of compliance, the property may be assessed substantial fines. Manny Becker, supervising agent for IGC, is located on property to oversee agents assigned to 24/7 watch of the casino’s gaming activities.
“The new surveillance system meets the most updated requirement for gaming establishments to go to a digital system,” says Becker.
As Hollywood Casino would be adding more Pelco equipment, the new surveillance system had to work seamlessly with the manufacturer’s cameras and matrix, as well as integrate with the casino’s Micros point-of-sale (POS) software. Nearly seven years of research led Burnett and Krabbe to recommend the casino purchase a digital recording system from Synectic Systems Inc. (Synectics), a U.K.-based supplier with U.S. headquarters in Carpinteria, Calif.
“When the first Synectics demo was brought in, it was an eye-opening experience for us because of its ability to integrate to analog and third-party systems. We knew this kind of hybrid solution was exactly what we needed,” says Krabbe. Burnett adds, “Synectics’ Synergy video integration software has the easiest mapping system and most user-friendly interface of those we evaluated. The system is very reliable.”
Building The System’s Brains
Hollywood Casino’s new control room is one of the country’s largest. Access is monitored by IGC, so a mantrap and separate review room was built to streamline the process. The round-the-clock demand placed on agents led Krabbe to design a comfortable, user-friendly work environment.
Also taken into account was the casino’s anticipated 60,000-square-foot expansion of undeveloped space. Thus, the control room and neighboring equipment room plans changed about 10 times to accommodate the best configuration.
Krabbe worked with ADS to design the functional flow and layout of the room, utilizing the latest technology available from the manufacturer. The team had planned to use analog outputs to projectors for the monitor wall but instead decided to install Synectics’ IP Video Wall, a solution enabling the functionality of a unified monitor wall at a fraction of the cost.
“While in concept we understood what the IP Video Wall could do, now that it’s installed and working we are very pleased we went this route and were able to save money through this innovative solution,” says Krabbe.
ADS’ Pulver adds, “By learning about Hollywood’s functionality requirements, then applying leading technology to the best of its ability to meet those needs, we were able to maximize the value proposition. This is how we bring power to the solutions we install and the greatest benefit to the end user.”
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