Belgian museum uses IP video management system to protect works of art

Montréal, Canada, March 1, 2012 — Genetec, a pioneer in the security industry and a provider of world-class unified IP security solutions, is proud to announce that the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (MRBAB) (the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium) has chosen Omnicast to protect their prestigious collection of art work as well as that of the Magritte Museum. The Omnicast system currently manages over 270 Axis Communications IP cameras, for a total surface area of 45,000 m 2.

Renovations at the MRBAB and in the restaurant section, as well as the 2009 opening of the Magritte Museum, led to a rethinking of the facilities' security and surveillance systems, and a desire to take advantage of recent IP developments in this field. The MRBAB security team contacted G4S, a certified Genetec reseller in Belgium, with whom they had previously worked on numerous occasions. G4S was happy to recommend the Omnicast system, whose wide-ranging serviceability perfectly met the needs of the MRBAB.

The choice had to meet serviceability and performance criteria — a cutting-edge IP video surveillance system, compatible with the existing equipment, and open to other systems, such as the fire and intrusion detection system. Also, because it is an evolving system that wasn't prohibitively expensive, Omnicast was selected.

Digitizing the existing analogue cameras and updating the available equipment was achieved quickly, which allowed the MRBAB to adopt an intelligent IP video system without needing to change all of the equipment at the same time. The system now has 270 cameras connected to the global system. One of Omnicast's key advantages is its easy integration with the specific components of external equipment, such as the Axis cameras. Regular software upgrades helps to ensure optimal compatibility between devices.

"Involvement by museum management at all stages of the project and G4S's know-how were key to the successful implementation of the solution. During the pre-selection period and visit to the pilot site, museum representatives were very explicit about their needs, and asked very clear questions, resulting in a system that meets their demands. G4S demonstrated its experience in system migration and its ability to minimize the need to replace all existing equipment," explained Jean-Philippe Deby, Genetec Director of Sales – Europe.

All cameras can be viewed from several stations, and an integrated alarm system warns the security teams of any irregular situations. Surveillance is conducted both outside the buildings, to prevent any risk of vandalism, and inside, to detect possible incidents.

Thanks to the high-tech, multi-purpose Omnicast system, the staff is perfectly equipped to provide surveillance and security. The simple, intuitive user interface helps cut down on staff learning time and on training costs. The interface offers the added advantage of allowing the security staff to make all necessary changes themselves, without needing to contact G4S.

Finally, Genetec's top-of-the-line technology will allow the MRBAB to project the image of a modern museum that uses the latest technologies to ensure optimal surveillance and security conditions for its visitors, and for the institutions and collectors loaning their masterpieces.