Genetec, a pioneer in the physical security industry and a leading provider of world-class unified IP security solutions, announces the availability of Omnicast, its IP video surveillance system, for onboard mass transit applications. Omnicast is the video surveillance system of the Security Center, Genetec's unified security platform, and the only video surveillance system certified as an approved product from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Using Omnicast, there is no need to have disparate or partially integrated video systems for fixed and mobile surveillance. Mass transit authorities can now deploy Omnicast as their single video platform throughout their terminals and onboard their fleet of vehicles, using one interface to seamlessly manage all cameras in their transit operations.
Omnicast's other main advantages include its native IP capabilities for real-time video monitoring and its automatic video transfer via wireless connectivity over WiFi or cellular networks. Omnicast's open architecture provides mass transit authorities with the ability to custom design their system one component at a time. Mass transit authorities decide which cameras and servers they wish to have onboard their fleet of vehicles. Therefore, unlike other mobile-based solutions that subject customers to proprietary restrictions, Omnicast provides the flexibility of choice and the ease of future hardware upgrades as new technology emerges.
Mass transit organisations can also choose between server-based options or even decide to go serverless thanks to Omnicast's unique feature called Video Trickling, reducing total cost of ownership and allowing savings on hardware for years to come. Other capabilities include Omnicast's ability to manage multiple video-stream qualities and support many video compressions including H.264, offering superior video quality without overloading the network.
Omnicast's Federation also becomes key when information needs to be shared with authorities, first responders or other transit personnel. Mass transit organisations can securely share access to their video feeds with authorities so they can quickly identify the best course of action in case of an emergency, reducing response time and increasing personnel safety.
Mass transit personnel can also access system data via mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry or Android, so they are always connected to the system, even on the go. Additionally, Omnicast can also be seamlessly integrated with GPS, accelerometer systems and interactive maps for vehicle tracking, so all pertinent information is consolidated within one easy-to-use system, with or without the assistance of our custom solutions development team, depending of the scope and complexity of the integration.
"IP-based security systems continue to gain traction throughout fixed transportation applications, and it's time customers start reaping those benefits onboard their fleet of vehicles as well," says Danny Peleg, Director of Business Development - Transportation Market. "Omnicast has helped countless international transit authorities be more pro-active in responding to incidents, so it makes sense for them to extend these capabilities beyond their terminals into their mobile operations as well."