LAS VEGAS--The Casino Royale and Hotel here shined the Vegas light on its security program recently, adding digital recording solutions for its entire property.

The facility adopted the solution from Statistical and Software Analysts to improve the quality of its surveillance operations. The casino class system features video compression algorithms running on Texas Instrument's digital signal processor-based digital media processor to provide resolution that meets Nevada Gaming Commission requirements.

The technology monitors the entire casino, including gaming tables, money exchange areas, exits and entrances, hotel common areas, parking areas and an off-site warehouse.

Juan Garcia, general manager of the property, said the technology enables the surveillance department to quickly identify and review events in real time. He said the implementation also lets the surveillance team focus on monitoring the casino rather than manually changing and cataloging VCR tapes, which they were required to do with the prior solution.

Evangelos Yfantis, president and CEO of SSAI, said the solution makes it much simpler and easier for the casino's surveillance team to resolve potential conflicts. Also, officials can remotely monitor operations.

Yvonne Cager, TI's video security business development manager, said the system is straightforward to use, which is important in an environment where not all staff members are trained in computer systems.

"They can automatically stop and review a piece of video and e-mail that clip downstairs to the pit boss and e-mail to gaming officials if necessary," she said. "They can also print photos from video so if a regular offender comes into the casino, they can quickly identify them. It helps the casino decrease its loss prevention dramatically."