Controlware Communications Systems

New solution adds flexibility and functionality of IP networking to the proven crime deterrent of CCTV

February 2006, Telewest Business, the supplier of broadband communications to the public and private sector markets, today announced the launch of its IP CCTV solution available over its Evolved Ethernet service.

Telewest Business has a proven history in supplying and managing networks and CCTV. By partnering with Controlware Communications, the international supplier of IP CCTV solutions and services, Telewest Business is able to provide proactively managed IP CCTV security solutions for new, or existing analogue systems.

Through the convergence of CCTV with Evolved Ethernet, Telewest Business' IP CCTV revolutionises the way video is accessed, controlled and stored. The solution provides both flexibility and resilience ensuring live and recorded video images are stored and viewed securely anywhere on the network. In order to limit the amount of storage capacity required, video images are able to be stored at different resolutions and frame rates to the original viewed video, saving additional costs for storage hardware.

Telewest Business' IP CCTV offering includes transmission, management and recording solutions. The Video codec's convert and compress the video output from cameras for transmission across the Evolved Ethernet network. Data, video, and other IP-based messaging services are becoming common applications over evolved ethernet networks and IP CCTV allows Telewest Business to increase its offering to it's customers.

"IP CCTV is without doubt the future of security solutions, but now this can be truly leveraged by seamless network expertise and intrinsic management that Telewest Business enables," said Julien St.John-Dennis, Director of Products, Telewest Business. "IP CCTV is an important enabler for organisations wishing to embrace future technologies and services and an integrated approach to their strategic security requirements".

Matt Caine, General Manager, Controlware Communications adds that "given the huge number of public surveillance requirements, there can be no doubt that IP CCTV solutions offer a flexible upgrade path and a viable alternative to analogue systems. The partnership between Controlware and Telewest Business will enable many organisations to benefit from a high-quality and cost-efficient IP CCTV service".

North Lanarkshire Council has already joined forces with Telewest Business, resulting in one of the largest deployments of IP CCTV in Europe.

"At North Lanarkshire Council, the security and safety of citizens is our top priority, so it was crucial we chose the right solution", said Councillor Tom Maginnis, Convener of the Economic Regeneration Committee at North Lanarkshire Council. "CCTV is a proven crime deterrent, and implementing an IP solution allows us to expand on this by leveraging the existing network and CCTV infrastructure to provide management, viewing and recording over IP. The cost and resource rationalisation is significant for us, the potential applications are vast and the installation will undoubtedly help combat crime in the area."

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