Panasonic Announces i-PRO Transit Solution At APTA EXPO 2014

Customized mobile security solution helps bus and rail transportation agencies better address safety and security concerns

Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, a leading provider of integrated security and video surveillance solutions, recently announced its new i-PRO Transit Solution at APTA EXPO 2014. Purpose-built to help transportation agencies address their most pressing security and operational challenges, the innovative solution is built around Panasonic’s industry leading i-PRO camera line and an open-platform network video recorder—enabling transit agencies to better protect riders, transit personnel, and physical property while improving their ability to investigate criminal activity, safety violations, accidents and liability claims.

The end-to-end mobile security solution for transit agencies features Panasonic’s industry leading open platform cameras including the i-PRO MEGA Super Dynamic HD 720p (WV-SW155), i-PRO Super Dynamic Full HD 1080p (WV-SW158) with microphone capabilities and 360° Full HD 1080p (WV-SW458) vandal-resistant dome network cameras inside and outside of each vehicle to deliver improved video quality and wider fields of view. Integrated with other software and hardware components for recording, file transfer, viewing and management, the ruggedized surveillance cameras deliver high quality HD video with exceptional clarity even in the most difficult lighting conditions. Optional external microphones can record clear audio to accompany the wireless video stream to enhance situational awareness.

In addition, the i-PRO Transit Solution is designed to withstand the rigorous environment on buses and trains since dirt, grime and near constant vibration can impact image quality and system performance as well as longevity. Panasonic’s vandal-resistant cameras are IP66-rated for water and dust resistance and exterior cameras are secured in specially designed shroud housings for added protection against weather fluctuations and impact from branches or other potential damage. The open platform network video recorder utilizes video management software for viewing and managing video files and also includes an optional IEC 60068 certified anti-vibration kit to ensure smooth, reliable operation on moving buses or trains.

The complete mobile security solution allows transit staff to quickly and wirelessly off-load flagged video files associated with specific incidents from the in-vehicle network video recorder. This eliminates the need to manually remove hard drives and search through video files during incident investigations, saving transit agencies significant time and cost savings. Cameras are also equipped with an intelligent LSI processor that provides video analytics functions that can automatically trigger a system wide response for faster, more efficient security response.

Panasonic worked closely with Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) Transit Police Division to conceptualize and design a solution to improve system performance and video quality, increase safety and security for employees, the public, and transit assets and improve operational efficiency, collaboration and data security.

“With public transportation ridership continuing to grow, we wanted to build a security solution that addressed the unique operational challenges of both bus and rail transportation agencies,” said Scott French, Vice President, Government Sector, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “Our new i-PRO Transit Solution equips transit agencies with the tools they require to provide a safer environment for bus passengers and drivers, protect the vehicles from theft and vandalism and reduce unnecessary manpower hours manually uploading video data.”

“The installation of the i-PRO Transit Solution has been a valuable upgrade from our aging analog-based system. Our security personnel used to physically retrieve hard drives from bus security cameras to investigate incidents—an average of 25-30 times a day,” said Bob Grado, RTD Transit Police Commander and Manager of Integrated Security Operations. “Panasonic’s i-PRO Transit Solution has helped us improve the safety and operational efficiency of our system which supports 101 million passenger trips each year and we now have a high-quality video surveillance and security system to provide our customers with the safest ride possible.”

i-PRO Transit Security Solution Key Features Include:

• Super Dynamic Vandal-Resistant Dome Network Cameras: Super Dynamic and Adaptive Black Stretch technologies deliver exceptional clarity in difficult lighting conditions. H.264 real-time recording helps conserve storage space without compromising image quality.
• Super Dynamic Vandal-Resistant 360° Dome Network Camera: Provides 360° images in Fisheye mode, 180° images in Wall Panoramic mode and 90° images in Quad PTZ and Single PTZ mode. Supports M12 Ethernet connection.
• I-PRO Transit Network Video Recorder: Transmits HD video from up to four IP cameras; capable of supporting up to16 cameras with optional expansion switch. Powered by Intel Core i7 Processor for high-speed performance.
• Anti-Vibration Kit: IEC 60068 certified anti-vibration kit withstands harsh conditions to ensure smooth, reliable operation.

Pricing and Availability
The i-PRO Transit Solution is available now. For more information please visit us.panasonic.com/i-pro-transit.

About Panasonic Solutions for Business
Panasonic delivers game-changing technology solutions that deliver a customized experience to drive better outcomes—for our customers and our customers’ customers. Panasonic engineers reliable products and solutions that help to create, capture and deliver data of all types, where, when and how it is needed. The complete suite of Panasonic professional solutions for government and commercial enterprises of all sizes addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance, retail point-of-sale, office productivity, visual communications (projectors, displays, digital signage) and HD video production. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and solutions for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. In Interbrand’s 2014 annual “Best Global Green Brands” report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. As part of continuing sustainability efforts, Panasonic Corporation of North America relocated its headquarters to a new facility, built to meet LEED certification standards, adjacent to Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com.

About APTA EXPO 2014
Held every three years in conjunction with the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Annual Meeting, EXPO is public transportation’s premier showcase of technology, products and services. More than 15,000 industry professionals are expected to attend to see and experience the latest innovations on display by the 750+ global exhibitors. For more information, visit APTAEXPO.com.