Hikvision IR technology provides around-the-clock surveillance for Pakistan’s Lahore Museum

Hikvision's DS-2CC592P-IR3 IR dome camera was installed on the internal ceilings of the museum

Much of Pakistan's cultural history is located in Punjab, Pakistan. Specifically, the Lahore Museum in Punjab. This government-run facility allows patrons to view the millions of coins, paintings, and artefacts that collectively define both Pakistani history and its people.

However, the building itself presented a variety of security challenges. Notably, the building chosen to serve as the museum was both historically significant and famous. However, while beautiful, this huge structure has large halls and lobby areas that were originally designed without surveillance in mind. As proof of this challenge, the museum's previous security solution had proved inadequate with cases of thefts unfortunately resulting.

A successful demo

Museum administrators decided it was time for a better solution. Digital Links, the Pakistani integrator of this project, provided a successful demo that heavily relied upon Hikvision technology and Digital Links know-how.

Specifically, Digital Links chose a solution that offered comprehensive coverage of the entire museum - not just the interior (as the previous solution did). Obviously, the museum's galleries, lobbies, and hallways would be focused on; but now the museum's perimeter, main gates, and parking area would also have surveillance.

Importantly, Digital Links decided that Hikvision's IR technology would play an integral role in this upgrade and provide the around-the-clock surveillance that museum administrators now required.

Hikvision IR technology

Previously, Lahore Museum used lower-quality cameras that did not have any IR functionality. This was partly due to Pakistan's uneven electricity availability. In the museum's case, security camera coverage was virtually non-existent in the evening. After the museum closed, the lights were turned off due to these electricity concerns, and coverage was lost. This was not ideal, and administrators set out to rectify it.

The first step was to place Hikvision's DS-2CC592P-IR3 IR Dome Camera inside the museum. Piggybacked by a generator that provides an uninterrupted power supply when electricity is unavailable, the DS-2CC592P-IR3 does not require museum lighting to operate. This is due to its IR capability.

Hikvision's DS-2CC1192-IR3 installed on boundary walls and main gates provide coverage of entire external perimeter

As noted, the DS-2CC592P-IR3's IR capability was vital. However, its up-to 40 meter range is just as important. However, it wasn't simply a matter of light ... or no light. Instead, the museum presented a variety of lighting conditions that spanned the entire range of dark, to dim, to well-lit, to bright - and all on a daily basis.

Khuram Chohan, Operations Manager at Digital Links explained, "At night, the museum operates at a near zero-light environment. However, during working hours - and due to the museum's architecture - certain areas oscillate between dim to very bright, and back again. So for us, the DS-2CC592P-IR3's IR and IR range are paramount; as is its day / night auto switch function."

Specifically, this dome was placed on the internal ceilings of the museum. And taking advantage of great TVL resolution, it is also placed above display areas that require additional coverage.

On the outside, Hikvision's DS-2CC1192-IR3 650TVL Weatherproof IR Bullet Camera provides security. Placed on boundary walls and the main gates, the DS-2CC1192-IR3 provides coverage of the entire external perimeter and parking areas. "Especially here, outside, a 30 - 40 meter IR range really helps us know exactly what is happening. With an IP66 rating, super low illumination functionality, and excellent resolution, this IR3 bullet fits the requirements of this project to at," noted Mr. Chohan.

Eyes on the museum

Administrators at Lahore Museum decided that a main security control room would largely monitor and control this solution. Inside this room are multiple 52" monitors that split footage of the museum's cameras between them. The backbone of this setup is the Hikvision DS-7216HVI-ST/SN Standalone DVR. 4CIF resolution recording and a VGA output of 1280 × 1024 resolution provide the needed resolution (as well as a significant upgrade over the previous solution) and is exactly what administrators required.

Furthermore, a LAN cable connects this nerve-centre to the manager's office, thereby allowing another set of eyes to observe what is happening  inside, and outside, of the museum. In many respects, this is symbolic of Digital Links new solution: from very limited coverage that was only seen by a few, to a robust 24/7 solution seen by many. And all greatly helped by Hikvision technology.