Cobra Integrated Systems (CIS) was chosen to supply and install a complete upgrade of the existing video security system to prepare BC Place for the Winter Games, and the new system had to be digital, scalable and able to accommodate at least 160 security cameras.

At the centre of the completed networked system is Ocularis, the video-centric physical security information management (PSIM) software platform from Onssi. Installed in time for the big event, the system also includes four servers with three RAID5 storage arrays, three client workstations using touch screens and a total of 106 megapixel security cameras. The complex job also involved integration of existing pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) and fixed analogue security cameras and video encoders. The system that has been installed allows for expansion as BC Place undergoes its next phase of revitalisation and operation.

Cobra Integrated Systems completed the entire project in just 9 days, 13 technicians worked 12-16 hour shifts so that the systems was ready for the Games and the Opening Ceremonies. Access to communication rooms was not permitted in the interest of security, which added a significant challenge to the installation. In addition to BC Place security, both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and security for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Winter Games used the systems.
“Onssi is proud to have been chosen to participate in this important installation,” said Mulli Diamant, VP of Sales, Onssi. “We designed Ocularis with open architecture and advanced features to meet the challenges of demanding security applications like BC Place.”

“The Onssi video solution was appropriate for this application because it provides a seamless migration path to future expansion and added functionality,” said Geoff Thomas, Senior Account Manager, Cobra Integrated Systems. “The software-based network video recorder (NVR) platform is a completely scalable, open-architecture, non-proprietary solution.”

Benefits of Ocularis include the ability to accommodate megapixel security cameras and existing video encoders, user-friendly touch-screen monitors and easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI), video analytics, and access for multiple users. Onssi's Universal Camera Support enables legacy security cameras to continue working alongside newer models.