Edmonton Transit Service uses EIZO IP decoder monitors together with Genetec VMS

EIZO: How has the EIZO solution benefitted ETS in terms of the physical installation?
AB:The big challenge at that station was that it is an older station fitted with analogue cameras, so we have a lot of coax cable. In making the transition from analogue to IP, getting IP connections to these cables can be somewhat problematic. The biggest issue with working in these types of older stations is trying to replace the cabling. With the EIZO monitors, we could connect them directly to the network via Ethernet and manage them remotely with the Genetec VMS. So we avoided analogue to IP issues and improved the setup. The monitors are also very good since they do not require a Windows box or another computer that we would have to maintain and protect. Everything is integrated into the monitor and that additionally reduces the system’s vulnerability from a cyber security perspective.

EIZO: How has the EIZO plugin for Genetec Security Centre benefitted the system?
AB:Our old analogue system was limited. There were no remote capabilities to change cameras if we needed to and that was becoming very difficult for us to manage and maintain. The fact that the EIZO monitor was able to integrate into Genetec seamlessly with the plugin was really key. Being able to easily just drag and drop to make changes and to see the status of the monitor when you log in through the web interface is very helpful – that remote manageability makes things a lot easier from a maintenance standpoint. Shifting to a more centralised VMS solution from Genetec and the EIZO monitors has meant that we no longer need as much equipment in all the stations, and that I can do more from my office without having to go out to site. It makes things a lot more efficient.

EIZO: Do you have any considerations for additional future installations of EIZO products?
AB: One of the things we would like to do is put monitors in a few locations where we have access control, such as facilities with a gate or a door. We would put it near the desk of the receptionist, for example, so they can see who is there before they let them in. Again, we would not have to put in another computer. Another use case would be to use them as a replacement for our large video walls – driving multiple video sources in our control room and sending alerts from Genetec to the monitor. Something like a pop-up that displays on a monitor somewhere else with important notifications for our security staff.