An upgrade of surveillance, using the latest video technology from IDIS, has put Circuit Zandvoort in pole position as host venue for the 2020 Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Netherlands.
As well as wider improvements to the track, a top priority at the circuit was a complete overhaul of the video monitoring capability to meet the requirements of Formula 1.
For Track Manager Niek Oude Luttikhuis a key objective was to rapidly implement a solution that would be much easier than the previous system to use, maintain and adapt in the future. To achieve this, he brought together a team including IDIS – Korea’s surveillance manufacturer.
Significantly improving security and safety surveillance of the track, their solution will also let the Formula 1 organisers temporarily receive functional authorised access of video data for the duration of the competition.
At the heart of Circuit Zandvoort’s new system is IDIS’s server-crunching, 64 channel DS-IR300 NVR technology, pre-loaded with IDIS Solution Suite video management software (VMS). This allows all the track’s existing cameras to be easily integrated and operated alongside the latest IDIS 5MP speed dome PTZs and 12MP bullet cameras. It also delivers impressive new functionality, including ultra-high-definition monitoring capability using IDIS Smart UX Controls. The system now provides real-time image capture of the highest quality, with no lag, ghost-shadowing or stuttering of images, even when cars travelling at high speed are displayed.
Images on the racing control room video wall are now crisp and clear. And looking ahead, the IDIS Solution Suite VMS will make it easier to sustain this high standard by allowing cost-efficient, remote firmware updates and system maintenance.
Circuit Zandvoort will also now be able to take advantage of IDIS Critical Failover technology as a service module within the IDIS VMS. This protects against video data loss due to a wide range of potential fault conditions, such as network instability or power failure. It ensures that recordings are automatically updated without the need for engineer callouts and with no risk of gaps in recordings while the fault is resolved.
The entire upgrade was completed while the original system continued to run in parallel, confirms Track Manager Niek Oude Luttikhuis. This meant there was no interruption to surveillance during implementation, which was vitally important as the track is in almost continuous use.
“There is fantastic mutual communication between IDIS and the different suppliers – they think ahead and complement each other,” says Mr Luttikhuis. “And, from the start, IDIS demonstrated a deep understanding of the security and operational requirements of our circuit and a passion for motor racing.”
With the new system operational as promised, in the control room a rotating team of 10 people work with the IDIS Solution Suite VMS, with minimal training required to use all its features and functions – including easy search and retrieval, and silky-smooth control of the ultra-high-definition (UHD) PTZ cameras for tracking in real-time.
Authorisation levels can be set, giving each individual specific user rights, and during the Grand Prix itself the Formula 1 organisers will also be given access to the system. If necessary, this will also include the ability to view and retrieve footage on mobile devices via the IDIS Mobile app – helping the 2020 Formula 1 Grand Prix to run smoothly behind the scenes.
