Nirvana Spa’s original analogue video surveillance cameras were considered high quality when installed years ago, but required additional lighting in dimly lit areas and at night to ensure useable images were captured for recording.

The need to increase the number of cameras in the old system in order to achieve additional coverage was also a major concern since it would be difficult for the surveillance system to remain discrete. The most important issue though, related to the existing pan/tilt cameras, which were not adequately capturing incidents on video because they were usually facing the wrong direction when an event occurred.

All of these issues were completely addressed with the newly installed Arecont Vision Surroundvideo 180° and 360° panoramic multi-sensor megapixel cameras. Their impressive suite of performance features include true wide dynamic range (WDR), motion detection, day/night functionality, remote focus/remote zoom, and vandal-resistant housings – all of which enabled Nirvana Spa to achieve 24/7 wide area coverage with far fewer cameras. In addition to the improved security provided by the Arecont Vision solution, significant cost benefits were delivered by requiring fewer cameras and less supporting infrastructure. The Surroundvideo panoramic megapixel camera solution is also less taxing on the IP network due to H.264 compression and bit rate control capabilities. These collective advantages further reduce the overall total cost of ownership (TCO) of the new surveillance system while increasing return on investment (ROI) for Nirvana Spa.

Arecont Vision Surroundvideo IP AV-8185DN panoramic multi-sensor megapixel cameras were deployed for surveillance of the facility’s parking area and surrounding perimeter areas. Each camera provides a 180°continuous view of the scene which means that fewer cameras are needed to cover the entire area. There are no lapses in coverage, unlike the previous pan/tilt-based solution.

The day/night capability of the Surroundvideo cameras also ensures that high quality video is captured 24 hours a day. In the event of an incident, operators can zoom in live or on recorded video for a closer look or for evidentiary purposes.

According to Graham Walker, Head of Procurement & Security, Nirvana Spa, clients and staff alike appreciate the added coverage without the feeling of being watched. Issues are now quickly resolved because of the exceptional video quality and the ability to capture the moments leading up to and after any incident.

“The image quality of the Arecont Vision panoramic multi-sensor megapixel cameras is excellent,” said Mr. Walker. “They have helped us to improve the level of safety and security without intruding on anyone’s sense of privacy.”

“From a cost standpoint, we have saved time and money,” said Mr. Walker. “Fewer cameras are needed and any problems or incidents are resolved much faster and with less expense.”

The high quality of the video and the combined camera and VMS functionality allows Nirvana Spa to monitor key areas such as the gym and to respond to incidents or issues in real time as they occur. The new surveillance system also provides full coverage and recordings of external areas, minimizing potential losses, and increasing the safety of both customers and staff in a discreet manner.

The system was designed and installed by Lantec Security, a certified Arecont Vision system installer. Digital Sentry video management software from Pelco by Schneider Electric was selected as part of the project. Digital Sentry is Arecont Vision Megalab integration certified.