Commanding wall!

Command walls, once thought too expensive, are now becoming popular for CCTV command centres in order to view video information. Increasingly today there is the need to monitor a rising number of video and computer data sources within a confined space.

This has led to the emergence of command wall systems consisting of large screen displays coupled with a matrix and multi-source display processors.

Control and command centres are evolving to become complete visual management centres incorporating analogue and digital video, audio, town centre mapping, site plans, security management networks, alarms building and facility access control, licence plate capture, biometrics and facial recognition.

Important aspects to consider when choosing the display device within a command wall are pixel resolution, size, colour fidelity, longevity, running costs and reliability.

Think of the operator

Another important point is that the capability of a command wall to be viewed in high ambient light increases the effectiveness of the control operator's viewing for prolonged hours.

The JVC lightweight – 5.9kg – low power consumption DLA-SX21 projector uses patented DILA projection delivering flicker-free images.

Video and data sources can be changed or scaled for easy identification by the operator. Using specialised software and processing, the display can be automated or changed. New video and data sources can be added or deleted. The screens are ergonomically designed and viewable from all angles and positions.

For these and many other reasons, command walls using projection systems offer considerable flexibility and it is this that has contributed to their popularity as an alternative to the more traditional CRT monitor stack.

Whilst monitor walls offer the benefits of flexibility and scalability, CRT monitors are still being used for certain applications. Consequently a trend is beginning to emerge where CCTV command centres offer a combined solution. CRTs are used in traditional monitor walls in conjunction with both a projection command wall and flat screen LCD monitors. This shows clearly how modern CCTV command centres are combining traditional and new technology to provide the best possible solution for their requirements.

Stockport investment in command wall pays off with results

A command wall system incorporating two high resolution projectors and two rear projection screens has been installed in the revamped Security Control Centre at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.

This concept has generated a great deal of interest from similar centres around the country. Results have been "excellent" and the system has minimised the amount of eye strain for the operators. Importantly, it has also led to an increase in crime detection.

Launched in July of last year, the project was funded through the Safer Stockport Partnership. Since the modernisation of the control centre the new command wall and supporting equipment has enhanced the effectiveness and the monitoring capability.

The additional capacity is being put to good use by Greater Manchester Police, who frequently base officers at the centre to work alongside camera operators during busy periods.

The operation is backed up by a communications network creating links with the police, security officers, shops and stores within the town centre. The system incorporates two JVC DLA-SX21 high res projectors and two CinePro rear projection screens. For critical image viewing, two JVC LM-15G 15-inch TFT LCD monitors have also been installed.

Project takes teamwork

Various companies were involved in the project; however, the core project management was undertaken by Stockport themselves.

Bob Ashley, Security Development Manager, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Managers Association for Public Security Said: "Seeing the finished project and the facility in operation is very satisfying. Like any major project it has had its moments.

“We have been involved with the evaluating of equipment, and meetings with manufacturers, designers, technicians and installers to make sure that all products were compatible. The hardware, software, racking, cable management and furniture all had to be managed. I believe that the key to successful project management is in the planning and ensuring that you get the right people onboard at the outset. We have received excellent support from the installers and manufacturers we used throughout the project."

The visual system was designed jointly with an independent consultant and Stockport Council.

The security equipment, including the two projectors, screens and monitors, were installed by Baydale Control Systems and are supported by Meyertech CCTV software and matrix. Intech were responsible for building ergonomic and user friendly control room furniture for viewing the images.

Viewing in high light

The CinePro rear projection screens have an optical acrylic coating that optimises the contrast levels, ensuring images are always fresh and crisp in low and high ambient light environments.

The super thin 15-inch TFT LCD colour monitors are ideal for security control rooms as a space saving and cost effective solution. For this installation the monitors are being used for the viewing of critical images.

Michelle Ryall, Area Sales Manager at JVC Professional Europe Ltd comments: "The viewing angle of the screens is 170 degrees so perfect visibility of the images are displayed from wherever you are standing in the control room."

Ashley, Vice Chair of the Managers Association for Public Security, said: "The association is aimed at promoting best practice amongst security professionals who have a responsibility for managing a range of security functions within the public sector.

“We have a lot of visitors to the Centre and this concept has generated a great deal of interest from similar centres around the country. “Our security staff have also been fully trained to use the command wall. Since the installation, we have had some excellent results from the system and seen an increase in the detection of crime."

Greg Gregoriou is Senior Sales Manager at JVC Professional Europe Ltd

• The DLA-SX21 from JVC has a contrast ratio of 800:1, and produces high fidelity, crisp images from the SXGAPLUS display resolution of 1,400 x 1050 pixels. Images are produced from three 0.7-inch Direct Drive Image Light Amplification (D-ILA) devices. The projector has an easy to change lamp, and low running costs. It is compact and portable, weighing only 5.9kg. It is said to be easy to install and can be operated remotely.