Cisco bolsters video security at Harrah's casino chain

IP-based surveillance network spans 31 Harrah’s properties worldwide

Cisco has signed a 10-year deal with the Harrah’s casino and hotel chain to deploy an IP-based video surveillance network in 31 properties worldwide, along with several technologies designed to make the customer experience more interactive.

Cisco is capitalizing on the casino market’s transition from analog to digital video equipment, says Howard Lock, director of transportation and hospitality for Cisco’s Internet business group.

Harrah’s is still using analog cameras, and Cisco so far has not enticed Harrah’s to buy its IP surveillance cameras. But the casino chain will use Cisco technology to convert analog footage to digital feeds capable of being sent over an IP network.

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Cisco has signed a 10-year deal with the Harrah’s casino and hotel chain to deploy an IP-based video surveillance network in 31 properties worldwide, along with several technologies designed to make the customer experience more interactive.

Cisco is capitalizing on the casino market’s transition from analog to digital video equipment, says Howard Lock, director of transportation and hospitality for Cisco’s Internet business group.

Harrah’s is still using analog cameras, and Cisco so far has not enticed Harrah’s to buy its IP surveillance cameras. But the casino chain will use Cisco technology to convert analog footage to digital feeds capable of being sent over an IP network.

Previously, Harrah’s cameras were linked by coaxial cable to control rooms, requiring employees to watch video from specific locations, says Steve Collen, director of business development for Cisco’s physical security unit. With the Cisco deal, the Harrah’s system will allow access to live and recorded video from any point connected to the network.

Cisco, through its integrated service platforms, is providing camera connectivity, storage and Video Surveillance Stream Manager software, which handles switching to connect cameras, keyboards, monitors and video storage. (Compare storage products.)

While this makes it easier to track security threats, the software can also interface with various casino management systems focused on improving customer service. For example, video systems can be used to identify areas that need more staff.

While casinos employ some of the most extensive use of security technologies of any industry, the gaming world has actually “been resistant to progressive adoption of digital surveillance,” Lock says. Cisco clearly thinks its 10-year agreement with Harrah’s is a big deal, but it’s hoping for more.

“Cisco has a new range of IP cameras,” Collen says. “We’re definitely hoping that over the course of time they take advantage of that.”

Cisco and Harrah’s both declined to reveal the monetary value of the 10-year agreement. Harrah’s officials weren’t available for a phone interview Friday.

In addition to surveillance, Harrah’s will use Cisco’s Digital Media System for digital signs. While it’s not clear exactly how Harrah’s will use this, the technology allows a number of innovative techniques that seem right out of science fiction. Collen says a sign could be activated when a customer passes by with the help of integration to video analytics. Signs can also be changed based on a user’s level of interest, which can be tracked by analyzing the customer’s eye movements. Digital analytics can identify a person’s age and sex, allowing the casino to change a sign’s content to fit the demographic looking at it, he says.

While these are possibilities, Collen stressed that it’s not necessarily what Harrah’s will use the technology for.

Harrah’s will use Cisco’s TelePresence videoconferencing in several locations, however, and improve service in guest rooms with IP phones and simpler check-in and check-out processes.