IP solution transforms retail hub in Portugal

Palacio do Gelo is one of the largest shopping centres to be built in Portugal. It has quickly become a retail hub for the thousands of people living in the Viseu area, an expanding region in the centre of the country.

A comprehensive security and safety solution was required to monitor the 175,000 square metres of shopping space that houses over 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an ice-rink and a supermarket.

The Palacio do Gelo shopping centre

 

By optimising the venue’s existing IP network, Sony Professional was able to provide a diverse range of products and applications to suit the specific needs of such a large and sophisticated retail environment. But also the capability to expand the infrastructure through the addition of new network cables.

The extensive project included the installation of a 200-camera surveillance and communication system at Palacio do Gelo through the installation of IP networked cameras, corporate televisions, a public address system, access control and intrusion detection systems. Significantly all areas of the mall – public, technical and private – are managed using the same software. While improving integration and control, this also enabled Sony to create a highly customised solution.

From IP phones to the camera infrastructure and complete wireless network, the ability to distribute content over a network means that the system can offer near real-time analysis reports and a remote video-verification facility, providing a more accurate representation of activity in any given location.

Working with Sony Professional Services, Palacio do Gelo selected a range of mini-dome, fixed and pan-tilt zoom cameras. The use of Sony’s Distributed Enhanced Processing Architecture (DEPA) technology to support the network was critical to the success of the deployment.

SNC-RX550

 

DEPA technology assists intelligent video analysis, enabling businesses to deploy high-performance IP monitoring networks without overloading the existing IT infrastructure.

This also aids the control and management of the cameras; the IP network enables all 200 cameras to be managed in one central control room using Sony RealShot Manager software.

The digital signage solution further enriches the experience. The mall boasts 25 large and hard-wearing LCD screens complete with Sony’s Ziris View software that support the centrally controlled networked communications platform.


This was the first time that the same supplier had been used for the installation and maintenance of such a diverse project in Portugal. Sony’s understanding of the specific market challenges was essential to the success of the implementation.

By installing cameras with a range in functionality, Sony was able to choose the most appropriate camera for a specific use, improving monitoring quality significantly. This was critical as the mall drew record numbers with 7.5 million visitors expected in the year ending April 2009.

Above all, Sony offered the most advanced integration of surveillance and signage, providing both an advantage in risk mitigation but also cost savings through improved efficiency. “Sony has brought innovation and efficiency to our security plans and strategy, it is a great solution,” said Isabel Dias, Director, Palacio do Gelo.