Public transport has had a recent uptake in technological developments, impacted by events including the recent economic downturn and the World Cup, which has encouraged countries to increase their transportation infrastructure and thus security across the countries. Security has long been an issue for transportation with lighting, alarms, installation and maintenance all key factors. Sony Professional works closely with its customers to create bespoke solutions for any industry and has recently worked on solutions for railway companies across Europe.
Railway has its own unique issues associated with video security including lighting contrasts on the platforms, backlit station buildings, long lengths of track, and darkened tunnels. A railway security solution needs to be easily installed and maintained if it is to be cost-effective and efficient in monitoring a large network of outdoor rail.
Sony Professional's video security solutions aim to improve installation time and reduce cost with its complete range of HD cameras from the V, E and X Series including the recently announced SNC-DH180 and SNC-DH240. Each camera has unique characteristics but also includes Sony's over-arching ambition to improve the quality of video security in the market. Demand for HD products is growing but until now there has not been the breadth of products available to motivate customers from analogue to IP. Market research suggests that 2010 will see IP cameras accounting for 35% of security cameras sold and together, IP and analogue equipment will take 50% of the market share in 2012. It's not surprising that with this uptake in IP equipment and developments in transport infrastructures that the railway industry in particular is keen to improve its video security surveillance.
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| Railway has its own unique issues to overcome when it comes to video security |
Sony's security cameras are focused on image quality coupled with the powerful video analytics of Sony's Advanced Distributed Enhanced Processing Architecture (DEPA). The SNC-DH180 vandal-resistant camera, boasts a built-in infrared (IR) illuminator to deliver excellent images even in absolute darkness. The wide dual-stream network camera supports H.264, MPEG-4 and JPEG compression formats and is specially designed for surveillance applications with its rugged features and image-enhancement technology. The SNC-DH240, with easy focus function and zoom, is equipped with various image enhancers including View-DR and XDNR (Excellent Dynamic Noise Reduction) for clear images without motion blur under low illumination.
As well as the technical details of Sony's cameras for railway video security solutions, Sony encourages the use of remote working reducing the need to be present on site each day. This is particularly useful as railway lines can stretch hundreds of miles and being able to remotely access updates along the line can reduce costs and create greater flexibility of the regular maintenance. The solution also includes wireless operation between cameras and the monitors which reduces the need to dig cable trenches near and around a railway line. Sony's complete range of HD cameras has unique characteristics to support a transportation security solution including a 210 degree tilt to cover a sloping railway track and avoid overhead cables. The ball joint mount lens has an advanced mechanical structure to adjust direction, flexibility and tighten the position of the camera by only one screw. This reduces the installation time of the cameras and loss of screws which can increase maintenance time and cost.
Sony's video security solutions for transport, and railway specifically, are unique in their ability to ensure picture quality, intelligent video analysis, easy installation and maintenance, remote connectivity, integration and provide a SaaS (Security as a Service) model. With ongoing changes to many countries transport infrastructure, a bespoke video security solution must be in place to address issues associated with vandalism, theft and accidents. Sony Professional is at the forefront of security innovation, driving transport provision into the future.
