21 Oct 2010
VIVOTEK network camera serves as “eye” for Chilean miner rescue capsule
One VIVOTEK FD8134 Network Camera was installed in the capsule
  Photo courtesy: Chilevision.cl

People around the world are breathing a collective sigh of relief with the news that the rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean mine workers has been a complete success. The greatest share of the accolades must, of course, go to the courageous miners and their anxious families, as well as the engineers whose ingenuity allowed them to quickly design and build the transport capsule used to extract the workers from deep underground.

However, it is also worth noting that VIVOTEK played an important role in this dramatic operation. By affixing an FD8134 fixed dome network camera to the rescue capsule, this integral piece of equipment was able to provide operators working at a ground level with a clear, real-time view of the conditions in and around the capsule as it made its descent to retrieve each miner and subsequently return to the surface. With its superb HD video quality and compact size, the FD8134 was the perfect choice, as the whole world could see during the actual rescue phase when the video feed from the camera was presented by media around the world, including the BBC and CNN.

While the prominent role that a VIVOTEK security camera played in an event attracting international attention was unprecedented, the VIVOTEK name is not an unfamiliar one in Chile and elsewhere in the region. VIVOTEK surveillance cameras are well-known for their world-class technology and advanced features, which have made them a favourite choice of both end-users of surveillance systems and security system integrators. In addition, VIVOTEK products have been used in many highly publicised projects throughout Latin America, one such project being the UNE Events online video service in Colombia which provides real-time views of Medellin's famous Christmas lights for anyone with an Internet connection.

As it continues to provide best-of-class surveillance cameras to meet the needs of both conventional surveillance installations and special projects, VIVOTEK is proud to have done its part to bring this amazing rescue effort to a happy conclusion and now wishes the miners all the best.