IDIS’ end-to-end video is protecting a new, purpose-built visitor center at Canterbury Cathedral, part of a $34 million renovation project transforming one of the UK’s UNESCO Heritage sites.

The seven-year program, preserving and safeguarding the fifteen-centuries-old masterpiece of English Gothic architecture — and mother church of the worldwide Anglican communion — includes the addition of a new welcome center for visitors. The center, housing retail facilities, a viewing gallery and community studio exhibition space are protected with a best-in-class video solution which combines discrete monitoring with high-performance image capture.

Specialist systems integrator Hall & Kay Security Engineering was tasked with delivering a solution that would be affordable, easy-to-use and allow for comprehensive real-time monitoring, while ensuring reliable recording without data loss. And because this was part of a much wider project, the video technology also had to be fast and easy to install — essential for avoiding project overruns in this complex, multidisciplinary construction environment. 

Based on previous experience, Hall & Kay had no hesitation recommending IDIS’ end-to-end tech, incorporating cameras, recorders, VMS and essential peripherals. This tech also gives Canterbury assurance of trusted manufacturing origin and high-level cybersecurity protection, with its inherent, multi-layered encryptions and proprietary protocols to safeguard sensitive video data. 

To give high-definition video coverage, Hall & Kay installed IDIS Full HD DC-4223WRX IR dome cameras. These vandal-resistant models come equipped with varifocal lenses, true WDR and IR LED to deliver crisp, clear images even in challenging and variable lighting conditions. They connect to three 16-channel DD-1216 NVRs to handle recording and deliver 480ips live view with no visible latency. 

The license-free IDIS Center VMS gives the cathedral constable and his security team complete visual awareness and easy control tools for efficient management, plus the ability to configure specific user permissions to give senior staff and system administrators timely access to video footage. The IDIS cameras, NVRs and VMS discretely blend with the center’s architecture without detracting from the visitor experience, while providing effective real-time monitoring. 

“The solution is now protecting property, enhancing safety for visitors and staff and providing a complete record of events at one of the UK’s busiest and most important heritage sites,” said David Stokes, divisional director, Hall & Kay Security Engineering. “The IDIS end-to-end solution allowed us to present this important customer with a compelling business case, with no upfront or ongoing licensing fees, extended warranties and a low total cost of ownership. The solution is also highly flexible and scalable, thanks to long-term hardware support and forward- and backward-compatibility, which future-proofs the cathedral’s investment.”