Megapixel video is providing superior images, cost savings and delivering excellent return on investment (ROI) for important and well-known casinos throughout the world. For the first time, megapixel cameras can deliver to casino operators the high-quality 25 or 30 frames per second (fps) video mandated by local gaming commissions.

Gaming facilities are migrating their core operations to enterprise-level IP networked platforms, and megapixel video cameras are the superior choice for these IP video systems. Megapixel resolution exceeds the limited capabilities of conventional IP and analog cameras and recording devices while delivering unsurpassed imaging performance and economic efficiencies.

Because megapixel IP cameras offer much higher resolution than standard network cameras, they can take the place of multiple standard definition/VGA cameras in many applications. Fewer cameras equate to reduced installation costs and fewer software licenses that play well to the gaming industry‘s focus on ROI. The use of H.264 image compression reduces file sizes to minimize storage space requirements and makes megapixel video streams manageable on the network. The fact is, megapixel camera technology provides gaming customers with a clear and flexible path to a substantially better video surveillance system solution.

Megapixel Video in the Casino
While gaming is a global business, local regulatory agencies stipulate specific surveillance requirements that vary by jurisdiction. For example, Native American gaming establishments in the United States have been using megapixel IP cameras to provide detailed images to monitor gaming activities for several years. The Nevada Gaming Commission, as another U.S.A. example, stipulates regulations that require more specialized surveillance solutions.
Arecont Vision was approached directly by a major property in Las Vegas, USA, that faced a challenge meeting the State of Nevada's video surveillance regulations. One of the key requirements as it pertains to video surveillance is the gaming industry regulation that video be in "real-time," 30 frames per second.

The European analog PAL standard would be equivalent to 25 fps. At that time, no company building megapixel cameras had a solution that could guarantee the 30fps requirement. The gaming facility asked us if we could meet this requirement - and we did.

Arecont Vision management and engineering rose to the challenge. In reality, the Nevada Gaming Commission's frame rate specification plays to the strengths of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras' ability to produce better images at faster frame rates, which has been the company‘s mission since its formation in 2003. We responded to this specific requirement with the introduction of Arecont Vision's Casino Mode on all our high-definition 1080p H.264 cameras. Casino Mode ensures that the frame rate will not dip below 30fps by forcing automatic bit rate and exposure control to maintain specific predetermined settings. This feature provides compliance with stringent regulatory specifications while providing megapixel images that can dramatically improve video quality and functionality and provide rapid ROI for casino operators.

The ability to capture highly detailed real-time video on table games provides several advantages. The higher resolution images provided by megapixel cameras greatly expand the ability to view and identify critical information such as a stack of chips or the numbers and suits on playing cards. At craps tables, megapixel images can capture the dots on the dice. In the past, analog and standard definition IP cameras have often failed to pick up these important details. Megapixel technology also expands the capabilities of high-tech video surveillance by enabling more sophisticated analytics. Additional image detail also enables fewer cameras to be deployed to monitor large areas such as slot areas, resulting in higher overall efficiencies.

Useful throughout Gaming Resorts
Gaming resorts have vast security needs beyond the gaming floor. Gaming encompasses multiple business operations under one roof such as dining, hotel and spa facilities, retail and entertainment. The variety of video needs in the gaming environment is exemplified by the practice of casinos to separate surveillance of gaming activities and facility security as different departments. Surveillance handles the gaming floor, while security handles the other parts of the property. Megapixel cameras support all of these specific "vertical" operations very well.
Megapixel video can be used to secure back-of-house operations, while helping ensure the safety of guests and staff. When viewing a cash handling area, megapixel images capture cash denominations. Video surveillance also helps management to supervise staff, increase productivity and litigate workers‘ compensation claims.