According to Univision; Project Manager, Tony Man, “In order to minimise the project costs and to cut down on the number of cameras needed, the Governing Departments approached us with the task; suggesting the TC’s (total of 260) cameras would be shared by the three Governing Departments as mentioned above, but it’s important the Governing Departments’ cameras were not to be shared with TC, as reversal favour. Therefore, we had to deploy servers to each of the Governing Departments and set the right system privileges and install firewalls so that the right camera(s), and the right users, can access the TC’s cameras at any time by all departments. We also decided to use fibre optics for the back bone, as this allows for smooth transmission signals and the ability to send videos as well as data signals from the cameras for control of PTZ (pan tilt zoom) to the control room.

We decided to work with AMG Systems in the UK for the transmission solution, and deployed AMG’s award winning 3700 product series for ring topology which has been designed specifically to provide for low cost, multi-channel drop and insert video collection, together with associated Ethernet and low speed data and audio signals. Although initially, the drop and insert feature was not implemented, this facility is available for future expansion. The timescales meant that we had to have all the outstation equipment installed within the first 2 months. This meant speedy supply from the manufacturers in terms of cameras, cable, network devices, switches and last, but not least, the AMG transmitters. It was a very tight project indeed.”

In total, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal CCTV solution has 620 cameras in a mixture of IP, analogue and 360 degree. Of those, 260 comprise the designated TC solution. The 620 cameras are split into 220 IP PTZ cameras, 240 analogue PTZ cameras and 158 fixed, as well as two 360 degree cameras, with panoramic views. The solution has intentionally been designed with the possibility for expansion, and this is significant, as there are plans for further berth extension to be completed by 2018.

According to the Sales Director of Univision, Peter Chan, “We made the best choice of supplier by choosing AMG. Some of the optical links are installed in really difficult access areas. It would take a tremendous amount of man-power as well as effected ‘down-time’ hours to make repairs. To sum up; by choosing AMG’s 3700 series with its very high documented meantime between failure (MTBF) we have cut the chances of repairs and re-occurring repairs, hence we have minimized the possibility of down-time hours, and a very happy client. I am thrilled by the co-operative manner with which AMG approached the project, and their support is impressive and prompt. The equipment passed with flying colours.”