Sony: full IP-CCTV solution for Palacio Do Gelo shopping centre in Portugal. In 2008 Sony released the news that they delivered an integrated communication solution with networked security at Portugal’s new Palacio Do Gelo shopping centre. GIT SECURITY was in Portugal and had the opportunity to take a look at one of the most modern IP-CCTV solutions. More than 200 full IP cameras, 15 speed domes, 15 day / night cameras, 70 mini domes, around 110 fixed cameras. This is one of the most prestigious projects in the CCTV-World. And yes, it is really working well. Isabel Dias, “Directora Geral” of Visabeira, operator and owner of Palacio Do Gelo, is very happy with this security solution. Sony’s multi-functional network design combines not only more than 200 IP security cameras, but also digital signage and a public address system for one of Portugal‘s largest retail environments.

This 200-camera surveillance and communication system at Palacio do Gelo has been designed to monitor 175,000 m2 of shopping space with over 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, a supermarket and a public swimming pool. With an integrated solution that combines IP network cameras, corporate television, a public address system, access control and intrusion detection systems, Sony provides the shopping mall with video surveillance, digital signage, and public address capabilities.

This was the first time in Portugal that the same supplier has handled the installation and maintenance of such diverse functions in a single project. One of the largest shopping centers to be built in Portugal, Palacio do Gelo is a retail hub for the thousands of people living in the Viseu area, an expanding region in the center of the country. By optimizing use of the venue’s IP network, Sony is providing a diverse range of products and applications that suit the specific needs of a large-scale, sophisticated retail environment.

“Most Advanced Integration”

Simon Nash, Senior Marketing Manager at Sony Europe, showed us this spectacular project: “This is the most advanced integration of surveillance and signage in Portugal to date, and shows the flexibility of Sony’s technology to optimize a building’s internal IP network. In Palacio do Gelo many different activities take place within the same space, and as the 200 IP cameras installed throughout the shopping centre differ in their functionality, we were able to choose the most appropriate camera depending on its location,” he explained.

Sony has installed a selection of their mini-dome, fixed and pan-tilt zoom intelligent network cameras, supported by Sony’s Distributed Enhanced Processing Architecture (DEPA) technology. DEPA allows for intelligent video analysis and the means to deploy high-performance IP monitoring networks without overloading the existing IT infrastructure.

By using the multi-service IP network, Sony’s cameras throughout the shopping centre can be centralized within a single control room, and managed using Sony RealShot Manager software. Their ability to distribute images over a network means the cameras can offer near real-time analysis reports and a remote video-verification facility, providing a more accurate representation of activity in a given venue.

Sony’s digital signage solution for Palacio do Gelo is also on a large scale. 25 hardwearing LCD screens running Sony’s Ziris View software have been installed across the site, providing a centrally controlled networked communications platform.

Intelligent Video Analysis with a “Real Shot Manager”

IP-based video security and surveillance offers outstanding performance, features and flexibility when compared with analog CCTV systems. Installation and operational costs can be dramatically reduced, so it‘s equally applicable to either a single surveillance station with local monitoring or as a multi-camera, multi-site operation with remote monitoring.

RealShot Manager V4 represents a new generation of management software; images are processed, analyzed and archived in real-time, with many automated functions employed to reliably detect intrusions or incidents. In addition to the extensive, award-winning features of previous versions, Sony RealShot Manager V4 provides Intelligent Object Detection (IOD) and Intelligent Motion Detection (IMD).

Up to six filters can be configured and set to trigger alarms or perform a variety of other actions, such as locking doors or turning on lights. Active intelligence means crucial events aren‘t missed – for example, a suspicious package being left unattended or movement outside of expected patterns. And when an alarm is triggered, an onscreen box appears around the suspicious object or person – making it immediately obvious what has caused the alert situation. These new features have the added bonus of minimizing false alarms conventionally triggered by simple repetitive movements. Combined with the latest range of intelligent Sony surveillance cameras and storage devices, the network of Palacio Do Gelo gives real state-ofthe- art proactive performance.

Artur Correia Can Be Proud

The local managers at Sony Portugal, lead by General Manager Artur Correia, have every reason to be proud of this installation. Not only for Portugal is this a real lighthouse in IP-CCTV, but also for Sony worldwide. So if you are travelling in Portugal, don‘t miss a visit to the city of Viseu with its beautiful historic district and, of course, Palacio Do Gelo. And, when you‘re there, don‘t forget to buy a gift for your partner!

Steffen Ebert

Contact:

Simon Nash
Sony Broadcast & Prof. Europe,
Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44 1256 355011
Fax: +44 1256 811110
simon.nash@eu.sony.com
www.sonybiz.net/videosecurity