| The hybrid surveillance solution combined analogue video, fibre optics and Ethernet |
The sports complex consists of several best-in-class public sports venues including a large multipurpose stadium with a capacity of 80,000, an indoor gymnasium with a capacity of 15,000, an aqua-centre with four pools and a tennis centre with 20 professional courts, plus a technical operations centre and related facilities.
Given the diverse size and location of the complex, system requirements demanded that the solution be flexible, highly reliable and provide excellent quality video. To achieve these goals, the integrators opted for analogue video from Infinova's PTZ Dome cameras to be directly viewed and controlled through matrix switchers. By using direct control, the integrators could guarantee video quality and real-time PTZ control of the cameras with no noticeable delay between the time operators move their joystick and the time the camera responds. The system also features fixed cameras and fibre optic transceivers.
"This installation shows how Infinova is able to help integrators bring together multiple technologies to ensure customer project requirements are met affordably," affirms Mark S. Wilson, Infinova vice president, marketing. "Even though the Center chose an analogue solution, it did not have to give up the advantages of IP technology because the Infinova matrix switchers and keyboards use hybrid technology, being IP-enabled through their Ethernet ports."
By controlling the distributed network of matrix switchers over Ethernet, system reliability was significantly enhanced. There is no "master" matrix switch that can become a single point of failure for operator control. Plus, the video matrix switchers incorporate advanced video loss detection on each input signal and issue an alarm if the camera fails or the cable is cut.
Multiple cameras are installed throughout the complex, controlled by operator keyboards or video management software. The keyboards can communicate with the matrix switchers either over the network or via a direct RS-232 connection, providing an additional level of flexibility.
Since each sports centre is a long distance from the central control room, the designers selected Infinova fibre optic transceivers to connect all the matrix switchers together. The fibre provides crystal clear video while the distributed robustness of Ethernet yields problem free control. An additional advantage is that fibre optics provides excellent protection against lightning, common in the area. From a financial point of view, using a single fibre for multiple cameras resulted in a significant reduction of installation costs versus traditional coax cable.