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Controlware provides IP CCTV solution for Bahrain Grand Prix

The IP CCTV network at the racetrack runs over a single mode fibre backbone and utilises Bosch VIPX-1 encoders

Leading IP CCTV specialists and value-added distributors, Controlware Communications Systems, has supplied an IP CCTV solution to the Bahrain International Circuit which hosted the Formula 1 Gulf Air Grand Prix from 4-6 April 2008.

Working with LSS Technologies, a leading integration partner, Controlware provided a comprehensive IP CCTV surveillance solution and associated networking equipment to monitor spectators, traffic and car parks at the Bahrain International Circuit.  The initial system remained in situ over the 4-day period of the Grand Prix after which the 20-channel IP CCTV solution is set to expand as security requirements evolve in the future.

"Having worked together on similar projects we have a great working relationship with Controlware and knew that they had a strong technical solution that would deliver the high quality video transmission and flexible management platform that our customer insisted upon," said Abdul Rahim Shaikh from LSS Technologies.

The IP CCTV network at the racetrack runs over a single mode fibre backbone and utilises Bosch VIPX-1 encoders to bring video from 20 cameras to a video wall in the central control room.  Operators monitor live and recorded video at 25 frames per second, 4CIF (Common Interchange Format) resolution - DVD quality.  More flexible monitoring options are made possible through a Web Client feature that enables operators to remotely control cameras plus view and record live video off network.  Video is stored on 6 Tb (Terra byte) RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks) storage devices that are distributed across the network for security and record when specific alarm criteria are triggered. 

At the heart of the new surveillance solution is Cware Prime, Controlware's own advanced management platform.  As an open platform, support of multi-vendor hardware such as cameras and encoders provide users with increased flexibility to integrate leading products from different manufacturers.  A key strength is that Cware Prime is client server based and can therefore be more easily customized to meet individual requirements.  Also by licensing each user at the central server instead of remote client machines, more flexible, cost-efficient surveillance is assured.  This enables the operators at the Bahrain International Circuit to benefit from an easy to use solution that is able to integrate with existing systems and is scalable to support long-term growth of cameras and storage requirements.

One groundbreaking feature that the Bahrain International Circuit benefits from is ICN (Image Content Navigation).  ICN has specifically been designed to make operator navigation faster and easier, taking operator interaction to the next level especially when tracking targets.  Targets can be tracked very quickly in real time with a mouse click.  An invisible mesh of hyperlinks connects each camera together in the video, as a target moves around a location operators simply need to point-and-click where the target goes to change camera view and continue tracking.  This makes tracking targets easier and faster removing the need to switch camera by manually inputting camera id numbers. 

For example if an operator is tracking a target and he moves through a door the operator just needs to click on the door to view video from the next camera situated on the other side.  This interlacing of cameras in real-time video provides greater operator interaction improving response times to incidents especially when operators are unfamiliar with the monitored location.  ICN simplifies site navigation allowing users unfamiliar with the geography of the location to use Cware from day one, instantly reducing training costs.

Commenting on the solution for the Bahrain International Circuit, Matt Caine, General Manager for Controlware UK said: "A range of flexible video transmission, management, storage and networking products enable leading integrators such as LSS Technologies to provide the very best solutions for their customers.  Backed up by Controlware's value added technical services and a worldwide follow-the-sun support network integrators, installers and value added resellers all benefit from innovative solutions from a global company they can trust".

As the and with a total capacity of 50,000 people, the Bahrain International Circuit hosts drag racing, V8 supercar racing, the GP2 series and the annual Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.  The Grand Prix is the biggest sporting and social occasion in the Middle East and in just four years the Kingdom of Bahrain has blazed a trail for the world's biggest annual sporting series in the Gulf region by creating an award-winning event, developing a huge fan base and becoming one of only a handful of Grand Prix around the world to be played out to a capacity crowd.