Nigel Peers, Senior consultant at NW Security Group, looks at how modern network-based video surveillance and audio systems can be used for much more than just safety and security
The Axis Q6000-E Mk II features four 2MP sensors, providing a complete 360° field of view over large areas
During my time in the security industry and my previous role as security manager at Chester Zoo in the UK, I’ve seen huge advances in technology that have changed the way surveillance cameras are used by organisations of all sizes. One interesting area of development is the increasing use of network audio, allowing speakers to be connected via the local network.
This article looks at how network video and audio systems are not only helping protect staff and visitors at attractions but how the technology can also help with operational efficiency gains and the capture of valuable business intelligence.
Why network video? Network technology is deployed over an IT network and the use of network video for surveillance camera systems has been steadily growing over the last couple of decades. This growth has been driven as organisations discover the benefits of network-based video surveillance systems over their old analogue CCTV systems, particularly their versatility and scalability.
When the first network camera was created in 1996, it began an era of innovation that’s seen video surveillance transcend low-resolution images recorded on VHS to the detailed, high-resolution images of the digital age that can be quickly processed and searched to support real-time decision making. The term “CCTV” may have stuck, but the technology has evolved.
Network audio complements video Video surveillance allows you to monitor and review. Audio allows you to communicate and interact. When you combine audio with video, your operational toolkit becomes far more effective.
For example, in a large site, using an outdoor horn speaker in conjunction with surveillance cameras can enhance perimeter protection. A common technique is to play a warning message when surveillance cameras detect someone loitering near a fence or entering a restricted area of the site outside of normal opening hours – the message can even be automated.
Often, potential criminal activity can be deterred as soon as the suspect realises their presence has been detected. If you have patrolling guards on site they may still be some distance away, so the use of an audible warning can put someone off the idea of scaling a fence while security personnel make their way to the location.
Another technique is to equip the CCTV control room with a microphone that security staff can use to issue advice or instructions via speakers. With a network audio system, the speakers on the network can be selected individually or in zones, even the whole site. Combining audio and video this way allows staff to manage scenarios where announcements need to be made to select groups of visitors in particular areas, supporting effective communications between personnel at the scene and a central security office or CCTV control room.
As business hours approach closing time, network audio can be used to announce a reminderof the site’s closure, for example. Visitor movement can be monitored via video, allowing staff to quickly attend to visitors that may need some form of assistance. This can be a huge time-saver for sites with large indoor areas as well as outdoor estate.
Beyond safety and security Network audio systems are of course able to play background music or other sound tracks that enhance ambience. The use of network audio is proving popular with retailers who no longer need to run separate systems for announcements and background music – each speaker only requires one cable for connectivity, power and communication, meaning the systems are simple to install and connect.
The scope to curate soundtracks for gift shops, exhibition floors and galleries is huge. For example, Axis Communications network speakers feature a built-in MP3 player, streaming support and scheduling functionality, allowing an optimal communication mix to with planned announcements played at the right time.
Another area where retail is driving advancements in network-based technology is the use of video analytics to capture business intelligence. Visitor attractions are already seeing the potential benefits of people counting, queue monitoring, occupancy estimation, demographic identification and heat maps. A better understanding of customers helps the owners and managers of attractions make informed decisions to improve customer service, staffing levels and site layout.
A final example of a non-security application for network video relates to animal welfare at zoos. Chester Zoo is leading the way in the UK with unobtrusive round-the-clock monitoring, Dublin Zoo in Ireland has been using network video to help study the behaviour and ensure the welfare of their animals, and Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic has been using network cameras to monitor animal births whilst minimising the presence of keepers.
Upgrading for the future Network video surveillance solutions, integrated with analytics software and complemented by network audio systems help attractions keep staff and visitors safe, protect assets, improve customer experience and service quality, and provide operational insight. But, with many visitor attractions still using analogue CCTV and separate audio, what is the most practical and affordable approach to upgrading systems to a network-based solution?
A phased upgrade is often the most viable approach, allowing a return on investment to be quickly realised. Video encoders and audio bridges can be used to convert analogue CCTV and audio feeds during the migration, which means organisations can continue normal operations whilst making the transition to systems that are fit for purpose in the digital age.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2018 issue 3
People profile: Anton Vidal
Anton Vidal is director general of Poble Espanyol which has completed a 10-year, €10m improvement plan
Interview: Coen Bertens
Fairytale theme park Efteling has
gone from strength to strength
during its 65-year history, enchanting
more visitors last year than
ever before. We talk to COO Coen
Bertens about its success
Promotional feature: EAS - Learning curves
This year’s Euro Attractions Show promises to
be the biggest in the history of the event, with
a brand new schedule of seminars to match
Aquariums: High Waters
We visited the brand new Aquatis
Aquarium-Vivarium in Switzerland
for a journey through our planet’s
freshwater environments
Promotional feature: nWave - The big picture
With more than two decades
of experience creating high quality
original content, nWave looks
ahead as it continues to produce
its own industry-leading creations
Analysis: TEA/AECOM Theme Index 2017
The TEA/AECOM Report 2017 shows major theme park
operators had an outstanding year, while stabilised global
economies and strong investment planning bodes well
for the global attractions industry going forward
Analysis: EMEA Focus
Margreet Papamichael, founder of CLEAR Associates about what The TEA/AECOM Report 2017 means for the EMEA region
Review: MuseumNext
Intellectuals from across the
museums sector gathered recently for
the European edition of MuseumNext
Theme parks: Playing the Looney Tune
As new and exciting leisure opportunities
increase in the Middle East, Yas
Island welcomes the US$1bn Warner
Bros World Abu Dhabi. We speak to
the two key members of the team
behind the landmark project
Museums: License to Thrill
A brand new James Bond visitor attraction,
nestled snugly inside a mountain peak
in Sölden, Austria, opened this July. We
talked to the operator and architect
About the author Nigel Peers is a security consultant, data protection practitioner and trainer. With a military background and founder of a workplace compliance training company, Peers possesses a wealth of expertise in conducting security site surveys, vulnerability assessments and delivering Security Industry Authority (SIA) and other industry-related training courses.
About NW Security Group NW Security Group provides security planning consultancy and training as well as planning and physical security equipment specification, configuration and installation services.
Visitor attractions are seeing the benefits from technologies such as heat maps
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Sally Corporation
Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Nigel Peers, Senior consultant at NW Security Group, looks at how modern network-based video surveillance and audio systems can be used for much more than just safety and security
The Axis Q6000-E Mk II features four 2MP sensors, providing a complete 360° field of view over large areas
During my time in the security industry and my previous role as security manager at Chester Zoo in the UK, I’ve seen huge advances in technology that have changed the way surveillance cameras are used by organisations of all sizes. One interesting area of development is the increasing use of network audio, allowing speakers to be connected via the local network.
This article looks at how network video and audio systems are not only helping protect staff and visitors at attractions but how the technology can also help with operational efficiency gains and the capture of valuable business intelligence.
Why network video? Network technology is deployed over an IT network and the use of network video for surveillance camera systems has been steadily growing over the last couple of decades. This growth has been driven as organisations discover the benefits of network-based video surveillance systems over their old analogue CCTV systems, particularly their versatility and scalability.
When the first network camera was created in 1996, it began an era of innovation that’s seen video surveillance transcend low-resolution images recorded on VHS to the detailed, high-resolution images of the digital age that can be quickly processed and searched to support real-time decision making. The term “CCTV” may have stuck, but the technology has evolved.
Network audio complements video Video surveillance allows you to monitor and review. Audio allows you to communicate and interact. When you combine audio with video, your operational toolkit becomes far more effective.
For example, in a large site, using an outdoor horn speaker in conjunction with surveillance cameras can enhance perimeter protection. A common technique is to play a warning message when surveillance cameras detect someone loitering near a fence or entering a restricted area of the site outside of normal opening hours – the message can even be automated.
Often, potential criminal activity can be deterred as soon as the suspect realises their presence has been detected. If you have patrolling guards on site they may still be some distance away, so the use of an audible warning can put someone off the idea of scaling a fence while security personnel make their way to the location.
Another technique is to equip the CCTV control room with a microphone that security staff can use to issue advice or instructions via speakers. With a network audio system, the speakers on the network can be selected individually or in zones, even the whole site. Combining audio and video this way allows staff to manage scenarios where announcements need to be made to select groups of visitors in particular areas, supporting effective communications between personnel at the scene and a central security office or CCTV control room.
As business hours approach closing time, network audio can be used to announce a reminderof the site’s closure, for example. Visitor movement can be monitored via video, allowing staff to quickly attend to visitors that may need some form of assistance. This can be a huge time-saver for sites with large indoor areas as well as outdoor estate.
Beyond safety and security Network audio systems are of course able to play background music or other sound tracks that enhance ambience. The use of network audio is proving popular with retailers who no longer need to run separate systems for announcements and background music – each speaker only requires one cable for connectivity, power and communication, meaning the systems are simple to install and connect.
The scope to curate soundtracks for gift shops, exhibition floors and galleries is huge. For example, Axis Communications network speakers feature a built-in MP3 player, streaming support and scheduling functionality, allowing an optimal communication mix to with planned announcements played at the right time.
Another area where retail is driving advancements in network-based technology is the use of video analytics to capture business intelligence. Visitor attractions are already seeing the potential benefits of people counting, queue monitoring, occupancy estimation, demographic identification and heat maps. A better understanding of customers helps the owners and managers of attractions make informed decisions to improve customer service, staffing levels and site layout.
A final example of a non-security application for network video relates to animal welfare at zoos. Chester Zoo is leading the way in the UK with unobtrusive round-the-clock monitoring, Dublin Zoo in Ireland has been using network video to help study the behaviour and ensure the welfare of their animals, and Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic has been using network cameras to monitor animal births whilst minimising the presence of keepers.
Upgrading for the future Network video surveillance solutions, integrated with analytics software and complemented by network audio systems help attractions keep staff and visitors safe, protect assets, improve customer experience and service quality, and provide operational insight. But, with many visitor attractions still using analogue CCTV and separate audio, what is the most practical and affordable approach to upgrading systems to a network-based solution?
A phased upgrade is often the most viable approach, allowing a return on investment to be quickly realised. Video encoders and audio bridges can be used to convert analogue CCTV and audio feeds during the migration, which means organisations can continue normal operations whilst making the transition to systems that are fit for purpose in the digital age.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2018 issue 3
People profile: Anton Vidal
Anton Vidal is director general of Poble Espanyol which has completed a 10-year, €10m improvement plan
Interview: Coen Bertens
Fairytale theme park Efteling has
gone from strength to strength
during its 65-year history, enchanting
more visitors last year than
ever before. We talk to COO Coen
Bertens about its success
Promotional feature: EAS - Learning curves
This year’s Euro Attractions Show promises to
be the biggest in the history of the event, with
a brand new schedule of seminars to match
Aquariums: High Waters
We visited the brand new Aquatis
Aquarium-Vivarium in Switzerland
for a journey through our planet’s
freshwater environments
Promotional feature: nWave - The big picture
With more than two decades
of experience creating high quality
original content, nWave looks
ahead as it continues to produce
its own industry-leading creations
Analysis: TEA/AECOM Theme Index 2017
The TEA/AECOM Report 2017 shows major theme park
operators had an outstanding year, while stabilised global
economies and strong investment planning bodes well
for the global attractions industry going forward
Analysis: EMEA Focus
Margreet Papamichael, founder of CLEAR Associates about what The TEA/AECOM Report 2017 means for the EMEA region
Review: MuseumNext
Intellectuals from across the
museums sector gathered recently for
the European edition of MuseumNext
Theme parks: Playing the Looney Tune
As new and exciting leisure opportunities
increase in the Middle East, Yas
Island welcomes the US$1bn Warner
Bros World Abu Dhabi. We speak to
the two key members of the team
behind the landmark project
Museums: License to Thrill
A brand new James Bond visitor attraction,
nestled snugly inside a mountain peak
in Sölden, Austria, opened this July. We
talked to the operator and architect
About the author Nigel Peers is a security consultant, data protection practitioner and trainer. With a military background and founder of a workplace compliance training company, Peers possesses a wealth of expertise in conducting security site surveys, vulnerability assessments and delivering Security Industry Authority (SIA) and other industry-related training courses.
About NW Security Group NW Security Group provides security planning consultancy and training as well as planning and physical security equipment specification, configuration and installation services.
Visitor attractions are seeing the benefits from technologies such as heat maps
London Museum will open four new food and drink destinations when it launches its new home
at Smithfield on 28 November, making hospitality a central part of the visitor experience at one
of the capital's biggest cultural openings of the year.
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger
cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance,
hospitality and public programming.
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
