Reliable camera and recording technology from Bosch Security Systems has been selected by Clacton-based installer EJ Thurston Ltd, as part of a major CCTV upgrade at Walton Pier, Essex.
Stretching some three quarters of a mile out to sea (793m), Walton Pier is the second longest pier in the UK, and home to the largest undercover funfair in East Anglia with over 30 rides and amusements. As a major tourist attraction in the area, security is understandably a key priority to ensure the safety of the thousands of visitors each year.
The existing surveillance and recording equipment, installed some 10 years ago, was in need of an upgrade, and so the owners once more approached EJ Thurston Ltd, the original installers, as Clive Thurston explains, "The original security system had served the pier extremely well, but with technology changing at such a rapid rate, it was felt that the time had come to take advantage of new developments.
"The management had been happy with our pervious recommendation, and once more approached us to find the best possible solution to meet its security needs. They had already bought into the benefits of quality systems, and so we opted for the latest solutions from the Bosch product range.
"A total of 32 new cameras from the Flexidome and Dinion range have been installed, offering superb picture quality in various environments and lighting conditions," he continues. "The cameras transmit images to one of two Divar Digital video recorders housed within a state-of-the-art management suite, complete with two control joystick pads and LCD Monitors. In addition we are still using some of the pre-existing cameras. This is all linked to a fixed IP address, meaning that the images can be accessed anywhere in the world."
The Bosch Flexidome cameras installed utilise advanced 15-bit imaging technology - the same technology already proven in its Dinion cameras - to exploit the full potential of today's imaging chips. With their 540 TV-line resolution, Flexidome cameras are able to produce extremely sharp and detailed images and handle difficult lighting conditions, including an Auto Black feature to counteract the effects of fog or glare, NightSense to compensate for fading light, and backlight compensation to ensure clear images when viewing entrances.
The Bosch Divar digital versatile recorder series are compact, low profile units that combine flexible digital recording and multiplexing, not only saving space but also ensuring integrated functionality. Designed with both the installer and operator in mind, Divar allows simultaneous recording and playback of video images, and an ‘overwrite protection' feature of marked video clips prevents the loss of evidential material.
"On the whole we found the system very easy to install," Clive adds. "When we did encounter a couple of teething problems, Zak Jussab from Bosch came on site to help us, and we were extremely pleased with the level of customer service and support provided.
"The system, though comprehensive, is very easy to use, and we have had excellent feedback from the customer. They are very impressed with the new system, so much so in fact that we will be working with them again to install Bosch technology at another of their sites," concludes Clive.
The system installed at the pier incorporates Billinx, another innovation in CCTV technology from Bosch, which allows technicians to check status, change camera settings and even update firmware without having to physically access the camera.
