Jewish School Converts to IP
A New York-based private school arms itself with IP video surveillance and a DHS grant to help pay for it. Despite some pitfalls, the project pans out as planned.
“The DHS grant allowed the school to purchase a system that would serve its desired purpose,” says Goldstone. “The grant was helpful for us as the integrator because we were able to provide the customer with a system they otherwise would have possibly not been able to afford. Additionally, it allowed the customer to acquire a system that is truly state-of-the-art with the latest and greatest IP technologies.”
With 75 percent of the $100,000 project courtesy of DHS, SAR was responsible for the $25,000 balance. The installation commenced in August 2009 and continued through the end of the year in the interest of maximizing the system’s performance.
System Weathers the Worst
After blending together all the aforementioned critical factors, Idesco’s solution consisted of installing Arecont Vision 1.3- to 5-megapixel cameras throughout the facilities along with Dell servers and OnSSI’s video management software (VMS) platform. To maximize the cost effectiveness of the solution, Idesco also integrated some of the existing Sony cameras into the OnSSI VMS at the head-end.
Etess supplies more details: “The installation consisted of 25+ indoor and outdoor cameras,” he says. “Each building has its own server running OnSSI. Guard booths and certain individuals have the ability to view the cameras. All cameras are fixed as the need for pan/tilt/zoom cameras was eliminated by 180° cameras from Arecont. Most of the cameras utilize H.264
compression.”
That last element, according to Etess, was the only unexpected technical issue associated with the installation. One of the cameras was not properly processing the H.264 compression, which resulted in decreased amounts of video retention and some minimal bandwidth issues. Fortunately, the issue was resolved and that particular camera is now able to comply with the intended compression scheme.
However, as Etess recounts, there were some other unforeseen and unusual hitches related to the project that were for the most part beyond the integrator’s control. The first of which involved the human element — and a motor vehicle. “A truck hit a camera that was designed to capture images of license plates as they approached the main entry area to the lower school,” he says. “The camera has since been relocated to make certain that this does not occur again.”
The second situation arose thanks to Mother Nature — and the region’s propensity for electrical storms.
“We learned the hard way that lightning is a serious issue in this particular area of the Bronx,” Etess says. “A total of five cameras were affected by lightning. Surge protection has been added at both the camera and server levels, and since its installation we have not had a reoccurrence.”
Fortunately for the integrator and client, the damaged cameras were re replaced by the manufacturer free of charge. Now that is support.
“Anytime the welfare and safety of children are involved, there should be no compromises with security. Arecont Vision’s megapixel cameras deliver the detailed resolution required to identify potential threats, and also to positively identify individuals — most importantly the children who attend SAR,” says Arecont Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Scott Schafer.
With its suppliers backing it up all the way, Idesco ensured the project was as seamless as possible by closely coordinating its efforts with SAR’s IT staff and facilities department.
“Despite the fact that the system resides on its own network, we feel it is important to work alongside the customer, in particular those who will be tasked with operating the system after the installation is complete,” says Etess. “The staff of SAR really took ownership of the system and its functionality. These are clearly people who are vested in the success of the system and it is apparent that their motivation is the children’s safety and security.”
Kinks Worked Out, Value Evident
How dramatic of a difference does the latest in video surveillance technologies make? It is easy to see since much of the preexisting analog system continues to function in support of the new IP system. Dual monitors behind the lower school’s guard desk display both systems, and the side-by-side comparison makes the disparity in image quality obvious.
“There are a lot of outstanding features of the new system,” says Fadda. “The main thing is how nicely the software functions. It’s the image quality, the ability to zoom in and out, as well as adjust the sensitivity on where one wants to record. A PDA can be used to view video anywhere, and greater storage capacity and ease of use are important as well.” As is often the case with today’s robust video surveillance, even though it is likely just scratching the surface in the limited time its system has been online, SAR has already discovered its new solution provides value beyond security.
For example, as with so many educational facilities, the campus has very limited space for vehicles. Thus, double parking has been a problem, but now it is easy to keep track of who is leaving cars where and to track drivers down if necessary. The system has also proved helpful as an additional set of eyes during recess and throughout the day in many varied ways. While the end user acknowledges there were some bumps in the road getting the system to work in strict accordance with the specifications, Fadda says everything is now for the most part fully functional as anticipated. Easing any pain has been Idesco’s responsiveness, which has resulted in SAR already recommending the integrator to similar organizations.
“Idesco has been and remains committed to making sure SAR is satisfied with the product, and that it meets the needs of the school,” says Fadda. As it says on its Web site, “SAR is a place where learning and life come together.” Now, thanks to the power of megapixel video, safety and security can rightfully be added to that description.
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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