Changing nature of industry evidenced during installation

Throughout the installation process, the challenge of adjusting, moving and modifying cameras to accommodate varying lighting issues and other décor concerns was ongoing. While Dave Lucas of AVS experimented with different positions, angles and lenses, his brother, Jim, handled the software configuration and adjustments to the Pelco Endura digital video system and 9780 matrix switch.

As cameras were brought online, each was titled on the matrix and adjusted for frame rate, resolution and storage time on the digital system. Operators training on the system prior to opening saw the camera count grow and were amazed at how good the video quality was, compared to what had been state-of-the-art just a few years ago.

As the casino construction progressed, no tradesman or construction worker could so much as adjust their clothing without the watchful eye of surveillance upon them. While this was supplemented by formal training sessions, the real-time experience gained during construction was a tremendous help in acclimating people to the system.

One unforeseen problem with the cameras speaks to the changing nature of our industry.

At one time, cameras were all synchronized to the 60Hz power line frequency. By utilizing a camera’s vertical phasing (or “V-Phase”) feature, integrators were able to match up all cameras in the system, eliminating the picture “roll” when switching from camera to camera. In practice, cameras were rarely V-Phased, and customers rarely noticed a roll, but there was no harm in continuing this proud tradition. However, projects that fully utilize online UPS power systems sometimes have slight timing problems and do not deliver precisely 60Hz power. This causes the video images on certain cameras to orbit the screen, moving in a barely noticeable clockwise rotation.

The operators at Odawa noticed it immediately, however, proving that the quality of the tools we were providing for them was well deserved. While we were able to have the UPS calibrated to eliminate the problem, we went to internal sync on all the cameras to prevent this problem from recurring if the UPS ever drifts. Based on our experiences, we will be calling for internal sync on future projects as a precaution and have recommended to manufacturers that they reconsider their default setting.

Team approach and a keen eye for problem-solving ensure success
As the casino progressed through construction and a flawless opening, there were the usual number of challenges, As the casino construction progressed, no tradesman or construction worker could so much as adjust their clothing without the watchful eye of surveillance upon them. While this was supplemented by formal training sessions, the real-time experience gained during construction was a tremendous help in acclimating people to the system. One unforeseen problem with the cameras speaks to the changing nature of our industry.

At one time, cameras were all synchronized to the 60Hz power line frequency. By utilizing a camera’s vertical phasing (or “V-Phase”) feature, integrators were able to match up all cameras in the system, eliminating the picture “roll” when switching from camera to camera. In practice, cameras were rarely V-Phased, and customers rarely noticed a roll, but there was no harm in continuing this proud tradition. However, projects that fully utilize online UPS power but none jumped out as opportunities for “lessons learned.” With a decision process in place that allows for rapid, informed decisions, a manufacturer that is ready to jump in and help as needed, and two experienced integrators on the job, this project was a testament to the success of the team approach.

But the final measure of performance is ultimately customer satisfaction. “In this case,” explains Kane, “we had a client who had suffered from unfulfilled expectations on previous projects. Through our planning, processes, and attention to detail, we were able to exceed their expectations. We created a showcase and raised the bar for future projects.”

I’m sure I speak for the entire team when I say I’m looking forward to the next one.

Robert Grossman is president of R. Grossman and Associates in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
This column was originally published in the September 2007 issue of Security Sales and Integration magazine. Material copyrighted and the property of Security Sales & Integration and Bobit Business Media, with all rights reserved.