The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona, hosts more than 300,000 guests each year to view its collection of more than 13,000 instruments and associated objects, and to attend live performances in the MIM Music Theater. As the world’s only global musical instrument museum, MIM creates an exciting experience for guests, immersing them in cultural traditions from around the world.
With a mission to collect, preserve, and make accessible an astonishing variety of musical instruments and performance videos from every country in the world, MIM offers guests a welcoming and fun experience throughout the day with multiple live evening performances each week. The safety and security of visitors and staff and the protection of the museum’s extensive collection is an essential aspect of fulfilling its mission.
The safety and security of visitors and staff is an essential aspect of fulfilling the museum's mission
To enhance the security of its exterior spaces, the museum recently worked with IES Communications, a nationwide provider of integrated security solutions, to upgrade its outdoor surveillance system. Now, a combination of Bosch AUTODOME IP starlight 7000 HD, FLEXIDOME IP starlight 6000 VR, and AUTODOME IP 5000 IR cameras provide high-quality images of the museum’s outdoor areas, which include an impressive courtyard at the main entrance, an additional courtyard at the student entry, an outdoor café and seating area for guests, as well as special events, and two parking lots.
Full-colour night images
Bosch cameras with starlight technology provide clear images regardless of lighting conditions, delivering full-colour images in the dark beyond the point where other cameras turn to monochrome images. Supported by new exterior LED lights, the Bosch starlight cameras at the museum produce full-colour images throughout the night.
The intelligent cameras also feature built-in video analytics to alert the museum’s security operators to possible risks, such as detecting objects left behind or the gathering of large crowds that may create congestion in an area. With Intelligent Tracking, AUTODOME IP starlight 7000 HD cameras can also automatically track objects of interest as they move throughout a scene.
“The low light performance of the Bosch starlight cameras is completely unmatched. They are producing beautiful colour images all through the night,” said David Burger, security manager at the Musical Instrument Museum.
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| The cameras also feature built-in video analytics to alert the museum’s security operators to possible risks, such as detecting objects left behind |
In addition, Bosch AUTODOME IP 5000 IR cameras are strategically placed in perimeter and other areas of the museum exterior where there is limited lighting at night. These pan-tilt-zoom cameras feature a built-in intelligent IR beam that ensures optimum illumination of objects regardless of the level of zoom.
“The quality of the images, the onboard video analytics that are included without an additional cost, and the reliability of the moving cameras were key factors in our decision,” continued Burger. “Our security operators are thrilled with the quality and operation of the cameras.”
Long distance data delivery
One challenge with the installation was how to deliver data from the security cameras over long distances, between remote locations and the head-end network switches and servers. After receiving recommendations from IES Communications and Bosch, the museum selected Altronix’s PaceTM Long-Range Ethernet Solutions.
Utilising a Pace8PRM multi-port receiver at the headend, along with Pace1ST transceivers at each device, the museum successfully deployed the Bosch high-resolution IP cameras beyond the standard Ethernet range of 100 meters. Using existing CAT6 cable, Pace transmits Ethernet data at 100Mbps at distances of up to 500 metres, which exceeded the museum‘s requirements.The design of the solutions are rugged enough to handle the intense heat and other weather conditions
With the Altronix Pace solution, the museum did not need to replace existing cabling, which delivered a cost savings for the overall project without sacrificing performance. It also provided a higher return on the museum’s initial infrastructure investment.
“We are definitely pleased with the ease of use of the Altronix Pace system,” Burger said. “It’s a completely plug-and-play system. It works great with all of our existing network equipment and infrastructure. It was pretty seamless for us to achieve integration with the new Bosch cameras.”
Real-time video monitoring
In addition, said Burger, the design of the Altronix Pace solution is rugged enough to handle the intense heat and other weather conditions related to Arizona’s weather and climate. “It speaks to the quality of the manufacturers: both Altronix and Bosch,” added Burger.
Video throughout the exterior and interior of the museum is monitored around the clock by utilising Security Center from Genetec. Real-time monitoring allows museum staff to proactively address possible risks, as they are happening, to enhance overall security and safety at the museum.
