Merlin 3 enables control rooms to integrate and unify disparate systems and connects to any CCTV system whether using analogue, digital or IP-based cameras. It is compatible with all commonly used alarm protocols and features an intuitive user interface that makes it quick and easy to monitor every event and activation. Significantly, as an alarm activation or video event occurs, Merlin 3 connects to the nearest camera and automatically operates the pan, tilt and zoom functions and displays live images with audible alerts on a predetermined video wall screen. It relieves operators of the responsibility for manually locating and selecting the nearest camera and enables immediate and effective action to be taken. It also enables custom alarm handling processes to be delivered to meet individual customer requirements.

According to Chris Berry, Managing Director of Initsys: “Merlin 3 will enable control rooms to enhance the operational capability of existing security networks without having to upgrade the whole system. This intelligent solution eliminates the need for each type of alarm system to have a dedicated monitoring screen enabling a faster and more effective response to be delivered for every incident.”

Merlin 3 has a powerful self learning event engine which creates monitoring schedules that automatically connect to specific cameras at different times of the day, week or month. These schedules ensure that operators are monitoring the locations where events requiring their attention are most likely to occur. This data can be enhanced with additional information such as advance notifications of road maintenance, traffic management changes and any other event that may have an impact on the surrounding areas. Merlin 3 schedules all such events and automatically connects the nearest cameras for monitoring. The Initsys system also integrates with analytic software applications to automatically raise alerts should unexpected events such as traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns, accidents and unusual gatherings of people be detected.

Full 3D mapping is delivered using both MerlinMap and an interface to GoogleEarth Pro. Merlin 3 also has a unique ability to accept RSS feeds about accidents, fires and other predetermined events from news channels such as the BBC, Sky News. Reports and detailed 3D maps can be displayed on the video wall providing operators with important information that can be used to assist in decision making process to provide most appropriate response. Merlin 3 can also receive live feeds from mobile CCTV systems used by the emergency services during major events, including those from police helicopters.

Compatibility with Private Mobile Radio systems extends the range of applications that can be met by Merlin 3. Lone workers, including security guards and emergency services personnel that use hand held or mobile devices can press a dedicated programme key to trigger an alarm in the control room. This automatically alerts operators to an emergency and live images from the nearest camera can again be instantly viewed to determine the level of response required.

The Initsys Merlin 3 system is very easy to configure and manage, giving control room operators much greater flexibility when setting up the system. Whether setting timed and dated event or determining the position that alert screens will take on a video wall, most functions are intuitive to set with many just requiring a ‘click the box’ action. What is more, it provides web-based access to authorised users to view alarm events and video footage to further enhance the way that situations can be resolved.