WinnaVegas, a casino resort in Iowa, wanted to streamline its security operations by integrating its access control system with its video surveillance system, matching doors with cameras, and using the integrated solution’s analytics to understand events. In addition, they wanted the option to use the unified security system to connect WinnaVegas casino with its other local casino properties.
WinnaVegas, a casino resort in Iowa, wanted to streamline its security operations by integrating its access control system with its video surveillance system, matching doors with cameras, and using the integrated solution's analytics to understand events. In addition, they wanted the option to use the unified security system to connect WinnaVegas casino with its other local casino properties.
Challenges
With WinnaVegas' recent expansion came the need for expanded security. Expansion areas included the sports casino, hotel and additional parking areas. The security department was particularly concerned about providing a high-level of coverage for the new gaming space.
One specific challenge was how the casino could address issues of latency that have been associated with some IP PTZ cameras. Given the casino's active surveillance needs, possible delays in camera control that affect real-time tracking and monitoring were of significant concern. Also of concern was the amount of bandwidth required for the addition of IP cameras and a new video management system.
The Solution
WinnaVegas Casino Resort is a long-time user of
Tyco Security Products' network client and analog PTZ dome and fixed cameras. With its new project, the resort wanted to move its cameras and overall security system to IP-based technology, but wanted to do so gradually, while continuing to use its already existing analog cameras and infrastructure. The casino also sought a single user interface for a system that could operate its access control and video together.
They ended up choosing the victor Unified Client which allowed the resort staff to manage live/recorded video from all of the facility's video devices in a single interface – including the new VideoEdge hybrid network video recorders (NVR)and the casino's existing video recorders. Tyco Illustra Pro IP PTZ dome, mini-dome, and compact mini-dome cameras were selected to provide the high-resolution video, low latency and discreet size. Using a single user interface, victor provides seamless control of both existing analog cameras and the newly installed IP cameras.
Compared to other IP cameras, the Illustra cameras are capable of low bandwidth usage, which was a requirement for the new system. In all, six 30 TB servers were deployed for video storage, with one designated as a failover server. The PTZ camera uses H.264 compression to deliver lower bandwidth, which reduces network traffic and provides savings on storage costs.
The casino is presently using the victor Unified Client to manage both its video and doors at its event center, with plans to add additional panels and doors so that all of the resort's doors and cameras can be managed through the singular user interface.
The Future
The victor/VideoEdge system solution met all of WinnaVegas' pre-project requirements, including provision of a high ROI for the casino, high quality images, an intuitive user-friendly interface, and adaptability for future needs, business and growth. The unified solution also allows the resort to transition its access control system to IP technology at its desired pace, while giving security staff a single interface with which to monitor doors and cameras. According to the organization's leadership, possible expansion of use includes using the victor solution to manage all three of the Winnebago Tribe's casinos, in addition to WinnaVegas Casino and Resort.