If one could add another structure to the list of the 7 Man-Made Wonders of the World, it might be Dallas Cowboys Stadium, an architectural and technological marvel that opened in 2009 and was host to last month’s Super Bowl game. The stadium was also host to a unique event put on by Bosch Security Systems recently, where it welcomed more than 400 guests for a day of learning, networking and entertainment. Bosch’s Ultimate Sound & Security Challenge included product demonstrations, tours, and educational sessions covering the latest security and communications systems.

“The largest domed stadium ever built, it presents a multitude of sound and security challenges, providing the perfect venue to demonstrate the problem-solving capabilities of our products and systems,” Bosch reported in a special video the company produced, recapping the event. (View the video at http://www.boschcommunications.us/dallas2010/) As an example, Bosch’s cameras were demonstrated on the stadium’s massive HD video screen, said to be the world’s largest, stretching from nearly one 20-yard line to the other.

The highlight of the event, for SDM’s readers, was Bosch’s announcement of a brand new, complete portfolio of HD video surveillance, recording and storage solutions. Complete with fixed and pan-tilt-zoom cameras, video management software, storage solutions, and monitors, this new portfolio takes image quality to the next level, Bosch announced, adding that with Bosch HD video from scene to screen, operators can distinguish small features that are important for facial recognition and similar applications.

“It’s a full solution — it’s about every element of the job,” said Rene Van Gils, director of Product Management for Bosch Video Solutions, headquartered in Fairport, N.Y., in describing the HD portfolio to the group of security and communications professionals assembled at Cowboys Stadium.
Van Gils posed a question to the audience: Why HD now? “Three things are coming together — technology, cost and need,” he explained. “HD does not mean a totally new era, just more capabilities.”

He emphasized that the HD solutions were designed around Bosch’s “video values” of image quality, ease of use, and smart systems. For example, he said the design includes the same user interface for both HD and standard definition (SD) products. Also, all of the cameras have intelligent video analysis (IVA) built-in. “Analytics are a part of our entire HD line that we are going to bring to market,” Van Gils said.

“Now is the ideal time for introducing a complete HD solution for capturing, viewing, storing and managing HD video,” said Gert van Iperen, director of Bosch Security Systems, in a press release issued after the live event. “And, all the products in our Bosch HD portfolio are specifically designed to deliver HD image quality. They feature advanced H.264 video compression, intuitive operator software, ONVIF conformance and a 16:9 aspect ratio.”

Bosch HD cameras — including the AutoDome pan-tilt-zoom family, the Dinion and FlexiDome series of day/night fixed cameras, and the IP Camera 200 Series for small businesses — provide 720p or 1080p resolution.

In addition to the HD announcement, Bosch’s Ultimate Sound & Security Challenge event was comprised of more than a dozen different product demonstrations and trends sessions, as well as tours of the stadium, and a Punt/Pass/Kick challenge. But no trip to Dallas Cowboys Stadium would be complete without seeing the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Attendees were treated to a dance performance and had the opportunity to have a photo taken with a select group of cheerleaders and to take home an autographed picture.

Visit www.boschsecurity.us/HD