Sony brings 4K video security solution to Harton Technology College in global first education installation

7 Jan 2016

Since its foundation in 1936, Harton Technology College in South Shields, Tyne and Wear has set a precedent for excellence in education. Now, the school has added two of Sony’s SNC-VM772R 4K video security cameras to its existing network, becoming the first educational institute in the United Kingdom with a Sony 4K surveillance solution.

Background

When looking to upgrade its existing security technology, Harton Technology College made it clear that optimum image quality was a top priority in order to ensure the most effective monitoring of key areas of its site. With a busy main gate carrying students, staff, parents and visitors through it every day, it was crucial that the solution was able to capture the minute details of a scene to provide maximum safety and security. The installation is a leap forward for the school, which already has an extensive network of around 100 cameras.

Challenges

Educational environments require a sturdy security solution which offers broad coverage and the best quality images, without intruding on teachers and students. The school also required a security system which integrated into its existing network but captured two specific wide points of interest: the entrance gate and the school field. The solution needed to deliver all the benefits of 4K technology, particularly high image resolution, but without adding to the strain on the video network.

Sony Solution

Sony’s 4K SNC-VM772R cameras were selected for monitoring the entrance gate and school field. They perfectly fit the customer’s requirement to cover a wide field of view on the field and gate whilst simultaneously having the ability to zoom in to areas of interest within the scene.

Results

A fully integrated, easy-to-manage system has delivered comprehensive security at Harton Technology College. Higher-resolution imaging has traditionally come at the cost of low-light sensitivity but the new 1.0 type 20MP Exmor R™ sensor used in Sony’s 4K camera means that high resolution recordings are achieved regardless of lighting levels, even in low light situations and complete darkness with the in-built IR illuminator. The transition to 4K in key areas has created a streamlined security solution at the school, with swift, easy identification.

Why Sony Was Selected

Harton Technology College tasked Universal Systems Solutions (USS) with providing detailed coverage of its entrance gate and sports field. The school entrusted USS to deliver the quality security solution it needed and thanks to the depth of USS’s expertise and strong partnership with Sony, the company was able to seamlessly fulfil its customer’s requirements. This was achieved by implementing a reliable system which fitted with the existing Sony models, providing 4K image coverage in the required areas at a low bandwidth. USS was impressed with the SNC-VM772R’s hassle free fitting and ease of installation on site, including use of the SNC-Toolbox Mobile App. The system not only secures the school and its students, but also protects the investment by delivering quality 4K video security at a competitive and affordable price.

Quotes

Sir Ken Gibson, Executive Head at Harton Technology College explained: ‘When we were looking to upgrade our security technology, we wanted a top of the range solution which made staff, students and parents feel secure. We’ve been using Sony cameras at the school since 2003 and USS recommended that we select Sony to navigate our move to 4K. The easy installation meant minimal downtime for our system, as the new cameras were installed quickly and with minimal disruption. Since installing the solution, we have been very impressed with the enhanced image quality and wider scene capture. Our students feel safe and secure and parents have peace of mind, which is of paramount importance to us.’

Kevin Bruce, Director at USS says of the solution: ‘Having worked with Sony for many years, we remain impressed by the breadth and quality of its video security solutions which meet the high standards of our customers. The combination of the 4K camera’s lower bandwidth, night time viewing and back light compensation made it the ideal option for Harton Technology College. Sony’s technology has been core to delivering against the brief and migrating to the latest future-proofed surveillance systems for this and other installations.’

Product List SNC-VM772R: 2 units

System Integrator Universal Systems Solutions

Application Provider Milestone Systems