Casinos Tighten Security with Network Video Solution

As a result of having previously used the VCR-based technology, the Black Bart Casino security staff was initially intimidated by the advanced technology, however, they soon realized how easy it was to maneuver though the intuitive interface, as well as how simple it was to implement their policies and procedures into the system. “The interface was a huge huge bonus,” said Neves. “There are multiple ways of doing one or two different functions, allowing for so much adaptability. If one person wants to use the mouse to control the PTZ, or the keyboard, they have that option. And if some operators are not comfortable with the new technology, they still even have the option of using the old joystick. Simply put, you can really custom-fit yourself to the system.”[IMAGE]omnicast-diagram.jpg[/IMAGE]

In addition to the flexibility and user-friendliness of the new system, Black Bart Casino’s security team quickly took advantage of its other cutting-edge features. They began using the advanced alarm notifications and motion detection integration to monitor areas, such as cashier posts and highly sensitive entry and exit points throughout the facility. For the table games that were intended to be monitored 24 hours per day, they used Omnicast’s dynamic boost quality functionality to configure cameras to CIF resolution when there was no detected motion, and then 4CIF when motion was triggered within the video. Using this functionality allowed the staff to archive more pertinent data in higher quality, as well as secure significant bandwidth savings.

The new system’s operators have also become accustomed to using the remote access capabilities of the system. Since only commissioners can approve jackpots won over $10,000, Omnicast’s remote access feature has proven to be extremely beneficial, as authorities can access video directly from their homes to approve such wins or even review other video where suspicion or foul play may have been involved. Additionally, in case of unidentifiable technical issues, their integrator, Connections IT of Santa Rosa, Calif., can also remotely connect to the system to identify problems and provide immediate support.

“From an observation and surveillance standpoint, the work is going to be the same. Just the tools that we have to be able to do things, to respond quicker, and to look into events expeditiously are much more advanced. The new system has enhanced everything that we were trying to do.” The tangible benefits of the new system are becoming more obvious. They have been able to immediately validate complaints that had been raised by patrons, as well as spot blacklisted customers, and catch visitors who play club member cards that are accidentally left in machines.

Dealing with VCR tapes is a thing of the past, and the ease of archiving and retrieving video is an additional feature the casino came to benefit from as well. “If the operator happens not to catch [an incident] while watching the video footage, the ease of going back through the archive, pulling it up on screen almost instantaneously and letting the security personnel know the details as they walk out to address the situation, has helped us improve our response times,” said Neves. 

A
ccording to Neves, the flexibility of Omnicast’s open-architecture platform has been the most important benefit for Black Bart Casino. “We needed a system that would conform to our existing setup with analog and coax cables everywhere, give us the ease and flexibility of new technology but yet also, would be able to expand and adapt to our new casino and new environment,” said Neves. “The new solution has enabled us to continue to grow and be a part of the new technology of the near future, and that is a big asset.” The Black Bart Casino will need to triple the amount of cameras in their current location, which the new system can accommodate. The Black Bart Casino plans to build the brand-new facility with an additional 400 game tables and more commercial areas, such as sports bars and restaurants.

 

 

Harold German is a renowned author and contributor, with appearances on CNN and in noted international publications, such as The Economist. German covers IP networks and the future of IT. German is a senior writer for Partner Service Sites.

Copyright © 2009 Harold German. All rights reserved.

 

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