Norbain SA
Samsung Techwin SNP3300
July/Aug 2009
Norbain SA and NAC Vision join forces in top stadium security upgrade
Another of South Africa’s host sports stadiums has proved itself ready for 2010 after the successful upgrading of its surveillance system by Samsung Techwin and Norbain SA.
Thanks to Samsung Techwin’s ground-breaking new DSP technology, the upgrade was ready way ahead of schedule - in time, in fact, for the recent Confederations Cup and Lions Tour, says John Loftus, Managing Director of Norbain SA.
Chosen for the stability and reliability for which Samsung Techwin is known, Mr Loftus says the improved system utilizes new-age IP surveillance technology, one of the fastest growing sectors in the global security industry.
“World-class stadium security systems comprise a number of critical components, including real-time monitoring, alarm and event control, graphic mapping and simple recording and playback,” he points out. “With the installation of Samsung’s SNR-32A/16A/9A Network Recorder and high-performance PTZ (point, tilt, zoom) SNP3300 cameras, this particular stadium is now geared up for optimal recording clarity and convenience.”
Network Manager
The SNM-64P Network Manager is an integrated management programme for multi-channel purposes which, when integrated with Samsung Techwin's DVR and network products, makes it possible for up to 64 cameras to be monitored simultaneously on one monitor. It supports various image division modes, allowing for easy screen configuration, screen security management, remote control supports, real-time screen surveillance and control of PTZs, bi-direction audio and the relay of each piece of equipment. Further, says Mr Loftus, it can control user management by group, using a range of authorizations.
The linking of the network manager’s alarm and event control feature to an alarm control station makes monitoring even simpler through the use of pop-up images and lists to flag events or alarm signals in real time.
Add to this is the graphic map image support facility, designed for the surveillance of remote and potentially risky areas, and you have a system that takes its place as one of the best in the world, he asserts.
Recording, playback, search and back-up
Not only is the system capable of recording up to 400fps of high-resolution images in real time, but through the use of MPEG-4 and JPEG compression, it allows users to select the compression algorithm best suited to resolution, picture quality and frame rate requirements, says Mr Loftus.
In keeping with the most exacting of surveillance requisites, it supports a selection of recording and simple search modes. To this end, it also boasts auto recover, external NAS (Network Attached Storage), pre- and post-recording, user IP filtering and Login Packet Encryption capabilities.
Further, he says, the SNM-64P is easily able to locate and play back image data using calendar or timeline criteria. Data storage and back-up is also simple, through a PC.
Cameras
The stadium’s eyes comprise six Samsung Techwin SNP3300 cameras which cover the main 100m walkway into the stadium. According to Mr Loftus, Samsung’s high performance PTZ dome cameras were chosen by the client who elected to replace the stadium’s brands with products that would guarantee excellent picture quality and user-friendly software.
With a total zoom capability of up to 240X (optical = X30, digital = X8) and impressive focusing distance of 3.3 ~ 99mm, the stadium has taken its ability to detect crowding and crowd congestion to a new level. He explains how. “The cameras have a high horizontal resolution of 520TV lines, which ensures clear identification of subjects, even at a distance. Through the use of an intelligent filter-switching (ICR) Day & Night feature, they are able to enhance low-light imagery into high-resolution colour or black and white, ensuring clear recognition and visualization of objects even in the dark. This capability is supported by their ability to eliminate noise and ghosting.”
As a result of their unique and highly sophisticated pixel-level histogram analysis technology, the SPD- 3300s are able to provide 52dB of wide dynamic range (WDR) – according to Mr Loftus, this is 126X better than conventional wide-dynamic ranges.
The expansion of the automatic white-balancing range makes it possible to view objects clearly in the most challenging places and lighting conditions, from building lobbies and airports renowned for backlighting interference to tunnels and motorways illuminated by sodium lights.
What’s more, he points out, the new domes allow the user to specify up to 128 settings of monitoring area as well as preferred times and methods for automatic monitoring. In the interests of increased monitoring convenience, the cameras’ image-hold feature makes it possible to maintain an image while moving in the preset area.
With the use of its motion detection feature, the SPD-3300 enables automatic recognition of subjects under surveillance and the subsequent generation of warning message or alarms. In this regard, up to four detection areas can be specified. There’s also a convenient OSD menu and handy digital flip component to enable the automatic tracking and monitoring of moving objects.
Additional benefits includes its ability to save up to 70% recording capacity of a DVR (digital video recorder) - great news when it comes to cost-saving – and its hardiness. “Able to withstand fairly extreme degrees of heat, cold and humidity, this technology will satisfy the most stringent international stadium security requirements,” he avers.