High resolution vandal-resistant color dome cameras from Rainbow CCTV are being used at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. The 550-TV line units have a 4~9mm lens and are protected from attack by a tough aluminum housing and polycarbonate (IP66) dome. Local integrator Omni-1 Electronics Inc. installed 350 of the cameras, with the principal aim of the surveillance being to promote visitor and delegate safety at the convention center, which is located northwest of Chicago.

The Rainbow domes benefit from a 1/3-in. Sony Super HAD CCD and will operate at a minimum illumination of 0.1 lux. They measure ø4.1 x 3.2 in. and weigh 1.2 lb.

The distributor, who has been active in the project at every stage, was Windy City Wire. John Callahan of Windy City says, “This is a major hub for trade shows and management wanted to make optimum use of surveillance. We were able to liaise closely with Omni-1 Electronics who work throughout the convention center and the Rosemont airport village area. An initial consideration was the ‘IP or analog?’ debate and we recommended this DC auto-iris model.”

The cameras give visitors and staff reassurance in public areas and walkways as well as guard against theft from parking garages, Rainbow CCTV claims. Footage is transmitted to a recording bay of up to 30 digital recorders, and compression algorithms allow remote monitoring by the center's management as well as civic authorities.

The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (formerly the Rosemont Convention Center) features 840,000 square feet of exhibition space for trade fairs and public shows. A sky bridge connects the convention center to three hotels.