The MCG goes digital

As part of a major security system overhaul, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is in the process of installing over 300 indoor and outdoor IP network cameras. The installation by Integrators Australia includes an upgrade to the existing security software and closed circuit television (CCTV) management system and is expected to be complete over the next few years.

The Axis Communications IP network cameras are being installed with all existing analog cameras migrating over to a full HDTV IP system. In the meantime, Axis encoders have also been deployed for connection with the remaining legacy analog cameras.

The move to an open source IP-based system will allow the MCG to integrate the cameras with advanced security software to make monitoring and controlling the large crowds simpler and more effective.

The MCG blind tested a variety of vendor equipment with the end user security managers and the Axis cameras outperformed the competition on both the image quality and zoom capabilities.

“In such a large stadium, with a total capacity of 100,000 people, plus staff, zoom capabilities are extremely important,” said Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Security Manager Andy Frances. “For example, the new cameras are powerful enough to enable our security personnel to identify patrons who bring alcohol into the ground disguised in soft drink bottles.”

Wai King Wong, Country Manager Australia and New Zealand, Axis Communications, said, “The MCG is an Australian institution that has the unusual function of dealing with very large numbers of people on a regular basis. The MCG’s decision to move to an IP solution will ensure that its security monitoring will be advanced, reliable and intelligent. As Axis cameras are open source based, it also now has the capability for future advanced surveillance applications to be easily added to the system, future-proofing this security investment.

“$3 million will be spent at the MCG over the next five years replacing the existing analog cameras with the full IP system. In total, 480 HDTV IP cameras will be installed, with 15% already in operation. One of the main features of the MCG installation is the ‘intelligent’ video capabilities that the system provides. Advanced surveillance applications like motion detection, alarms and people counting are now becoming viable through IP-based solutions, with the MCG leading the way. “