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Duncan Leavitt took up the position of Head of Security at the G-Mex MICC (Manchester International Conference Centre) two years ago. The first thing he did was to rip out the existing CCTV system and have it replaced with a purpose-designed system from Vicon Industries.
While the CCTV system certainly performs a security role it is mainly in the area of the overall management of the site that it comes into its element, says Mr Leavitt.
"The site covers 15000 square metres and it requires managing 24 / 7 all year round," says Mr Leavitt. "The monitoring system plays a key role in the smooth running of the site by protecting visitors and assets.
"Although we have caught people on camera committing offences, its most valuable contributions include helping monitor traffic flow on and around the site itself."
Among the main benefits G-Mex now enjoys with the Vicon system is a much easier method of managing the acquired images in accordance with Data Protection Act requirements, thanks to Vicon's Kollector 9000 digital video recorder. Working in conjunction with Surveyor 2000 domes and Vicon Vistar PTZ units (20 cameras in total), the image retrieval and pixel quality are superb. Duncan Leavitt says that not having to clean and change tape heads or collate and store video cassettes is a big advantage for him and his 16-strong security team.
Storing video on a 60 Gb hard drive, the Kollector provides continuous recording times well above its nearest competitor. Additional drives can be fitted for extended recording. The Kollector can record from 16 cameras simultaneously and video is viewed through a PC monitor. Video scenes can be exported easily from the system to a network drive or in standard JPEG format to removable media. The unit not only removes the need for tape back up, but also acts as a powerful multiplexer.
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