28 May 2009

MOBOTIX CCTV solution helps the UK's premier skiing and snowboarding centre protect their staff and guests
MOBOTIX AG, a leading manufacturer of digital high-resolution, network-based video security systems has released details of an innovative installation of its MOBOTIX CCTV solution which is helping the UK's premier indoor skiing and snowboarding centre protect staff, guests and helping spectators keep an eye on friends and family enjoying the slopes. The project, carried out by MOBOTIX AMP partner Switchnet Systems Ltd, includes four high resolution Mobotix cameras providing real-time views of the slopes to screens in the bar and spectator viewing areas. The installation has a further 36 Mobotix cameras across the facility to ensure complete internal and external coverage of the 25000 Sq/m site.

The indoor slope at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead has approximately 2500 tons of snow, which is kept at minus 2 all year round to ensure perfect conditions. "The CCTV solutions we originally considered required heaters and obtrusive enclosures to ensure reliable operation and the quality was still pretty poor," explains Stephen Jordan for The Snow Centre: "The Mobotix cameras are much more discreet with no need for an enclosure and just a single Ethernet cable for power while delivering better image quality."

The centre has 40 Mobotix cameras providing complete coverage of every part of the public accessible area of the facility. "High quality and unobtrusive CCTV coverage we feel is essential to ensure that all our staff and guests are kept safe, "explains Stephen Jordan: "We also have feeds into the bar and restaurant area which have proved popular with parents wanting to keep an eye on kids either free skiing or taking part in our instructor led lessons."

Systems integrator Switchnet Systems has also delivered a complete wireless network, IPTV network, complete VOIP system and high-speed LAN at the facility in just 4 months. "The Mobotix cameras have been installed as part of a complete IP gigabit converged, network and provide lots of scope for additional features to be installed as the centre grows," explains Gregg Pike, Operations Director for Switchnet Systems.

MOBOTIX AMP partner Switchnet Systems Ltd installed surveillance cameras at Snow Centre

"The flexibility offered by the Mobotix systems makes them ideal for future applications such as video help points, enhanced door entry systems and number plate recognition," Pike adds.

The centre, which opened on 6th May 2009 was attended by a host of ski stars including World Cup skier Ed Drake, blind skier Kevin Alderton, ski mountain biker Fin Paton and Olympic skier Alain Baxter who all got to grips with the Snow Centre's main slope. The venue is proving to be very popular with Ski lovers as people travel from a far to experience the fantastic snow and facilities on offer.  With Recreational Activities, Snowsports Schools, Freestyle and Corporate events on offer The Snow Centre is proving to be a huge success.

‘The Snow Centre' is located in Hemel Hempstead, on the site of the former dryslope. Located just off junction 8 of the M1 and close to the M25, it also boasts the accolade of being the closest indoor slope to London - meaning it's likely to become a major destination for southern-based shredders.