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March 01, 2012
Renowned Museum Chooses Omnicast, Genetec's Video Surveillance System, to Protect Prestigious Art Collection
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.
About the Magritte Museum
Located in the heart of Brussels in Hôtel Altenloh, a magnificent historical building which belongs to the MRBAB, the Magritte Museum displays more than 200 works, including oil paintings on canvas, gouaches, drawings, sculptures, advertising posters, musical scores, and photographs. This multidisciplinary collection, which is renewed regularly, is the richest collection of works by the famous Belgian surrealist painter, René Magritte. The works displayed primarily come from bequests and purchases made by Irène Scutenaire-Hamoir and Georgette Magritte. Many individual collectors and public and private institutions have also affiliated with the Magritte Museum by lending their masterpieces. The Magritte Museum is known world-wide as a reference centre regarding the life and works of René Magritte.
Since its opening in June 2009, the Magritte Museum welcomed its one millionth visitor just over two years later in September 2011.
About Genetec
Genetec is a pioneer in the physical security and public safety industry and a global provider of world-class IP license plate recognition (LPR), video surveillance and access control solutions to markets such as transportation, education, retail, gaming, government and more. With sales offices and partnerships around the world, Genetec has established itself as the leader in innovative networked solutions by employing a high level of flexibility and forward-thinking principles into the development of its core technology and business solutions. Genetec’s corporate culture is an extension of these very same principles, encouraging a dynamic and innovative workforce that is dedicated to the development of cutting-edge solutions and to exceptional customer care. For more information, visit genetec.com.
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