Page 79 - Security Today, November/December 2021

"One of the main challenges related to installing a hybrid system is getting the analog images into a digital IP system."
lem by connecting the analog cameras to Hanwha Techwin’s HRX- 1621 DVRs. These DVRs convert the images into a digital format and then makes the IP video available to Wisenet WAVE.
“The cameras connected using the existing coaxial cables are HD+ analog cameras that provide a two or four-megapixel image. Those cameras were connected to the HRX-1621s, which were then licensed back into Wisenet WAVE,” said Dan DeCristofara of PLT. “The result is that from the user's perspective, there is no difference. While the image may happen to be going over coaxial cable, when you pull it up on the WAVE VMS, it appears the same from the interface.”
Keeping Schools Safe with 24/7 Video
Completed in the summer of 2020, all six buildings come together at a single location at the middle school, which also acts as the hub.
With this project, CCSD 89 increased the number of cameras on its system to 197. This comprehensive coverage means that the district is now better equipped to ensure the safety and security of its students and assets.
Designed to record 24/7, this system is important because CCSD 89 uses video surveillance footage mainly for post event investigation. The set up makes it easy for principals and assistant principals to retrieve necessary footage and use it as required.
If an incident in one of the halls at the schools has been reported, the assistant principal would go through the video footage, pull it up, and either download it or access it from any browser or mobile device,” Romani said. “Then they would look at the video with stu-
dents to show what occurred and then with parents to ensure that the incident would be dealt with appropriately. With the new system, we're able to use video footage to ensure that kids are safe and to keep them honest.”
Improving Operational Efficiency
Using WAVE Sync, Romani is now able to grant permission to vari- ous stakeholders to remotely access the system from anywhere at any time. For example, he can turn access on and off quickly and easily for the integrator or other members of the low voltage solutions team, who might need to perform any remote maintenance or software upgrades. He can also grant access to members of his own team, school administrators, and members of the Building and Grounds Department. This has been especially useful for investigating alarms after hours.
“We have a third-party alarm company that notifies us if an alarm goes off in any of our buildings. Now, the grounds crew is able to access the system remotely at whatever hour of the day,” Romani said. “And, because all the clocks are synchronized across all the systems, they can easily find the associated video to determine if the alarm is false or if someone has entered the building.”
Having remote monitoring capabilities on mobile, tablets and lap- tops was another key feature that the district relies on.
Early on, CCSD 89 was interested in saving money by keeping as much pre-existing cabling as possible. Working with PLT and Low Voltage Solutions, the district was able to create a hybrid system based on Hanwha Techwin technology that met all of its needs. Says Romani, “This has been a very collaborative and successful process. The team was very responsive and provided answers quickly,” Romani said.
Aaron Saks is the product and technical manager at Hanwha Techwin America.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | campuslifesecurity.com 27 6/17/21 10:02 AM