MYTHS and FAQS
Setting the Record Straight ...
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Myths
- MTI's products are "proprietary" and, therefore, replacement parts are hard to find and the system is more difficult to maintain... MTI's Response>>
- MTI's systems are "cutting edge" and are therefore less stable. MTI's Response>>
- MTI's digital video visitation system is theoretically impossible. MTI's Response>>
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FAQ's
The Control System
- How long should a security control system last?
- If the system is installed and maintained property, an MTI system should last for at least 10 years. Please see the question on "Upgrade Schedule" for more information about upgrading plans.
- What are the pros and cons of a PLC-based control system?
- Pro: PLC systems are easier to configure.
- Pro: PLC systems allow for more flexibility and features, such as complex inter-lock groups, conditional group releases, etc.
- Pro: PLC systems allow for the use of touchscreens.
- Pro: PLC systems are capable of being networked to provide complex functionality over a large physical area.
- Pro: PLC systems are easily upgraded and expanded.
- Con: If automotive PLCs are used, the lifecycle and availability of the PLC can be short.
- What is the life expectancy of a typical touchscreen control station?
- The average life expectancy of a flat-panel touchscreen monitor is three (3) years.
- For more information on the benefits and risks of a touchscreen system, see the next question.
- Which interface is most reliable and cost-effective: a touchscreen or a hard graphics panel?
- Overall, there is very little difference between the life expectancy of a membrane graphics panel and a touchscreen monitor. Both will last about the same amount of time (3 years).
- Any type of panel, whether membrane or AML, is innately difficult and expensive to modify. Touchscreen systems, on the other hand, are relatively simple and cost-effective to modify after install.
- What factors should be considered when thinking of using wireless locking controls?
- Purpose - Wireless devices are best used in a direct supervision area. These devices typically have control of I/O devices within a dayroom, but no boundary doors or exit doors would be controlled by these devices. It would be unwise to give these devices access to corridors or outside doors.
- Coverage - While wireless technologies are advancing rapidly, it will never be the case that dense objects will not affect wireless transmission. Most jails have thick, re-enforced concrete walls that disrupt the wireless signal. This means that extra care must be taken in laying out the location of wireless access points. MTI can advise on this point to ensure best coverage.
- Security of Information - Any network, whether wireless or wired, must be designed for the protection of information. MTI always advises that a control system should operate on its own dedicated network. On top of this, wireless access points should be secured with no less than 128 bit WEP encryption. At this point, security settings are the perogative and responsibility of the owner.
- What can be controlled from a wireless device?
- Doors can be unlocked.
- Lights can be turned on and off.
- TVs and power outlets can be turned on and off.
- Water supply can be turned on and off.
- The operator can talk and listen to intercoms.
- Basically, any device that can be controlled by a touchscreen can be controlled by a wireless device.
- What different types of wireless devices are available?
- Wireless Handhelds - MTI utilizes SymbolŠ handhelds. These handhelds are ruggedized and come ready to use in a detention facility. The benefit of these devices is their size. Attachments can be purchased that allow the operator to attach the device to his utility belt. The drawback to these units is that they do not provide for a graphical representation of an area.
- Wireless Tablet PCs - MTI provides a tablet PC that is ruggedized and ready for use. The benefit of this device is that it provides the same functionality as a touchscreen computer, including a graphical interface. One drawback is its size. While it is not a very large unit, it is not as easy to handle and carry as the handheld units.
- What routine maintenance must be performed on an MTI control system?
- With respect to touchscreen systems, the computer should be cleaned out at least every quarter. This depends on the environment of the control room. Log files created by ProVision should be archived on a quarterly basis. It would be wise to do a standard disk clean-up and defragmenting at least semi-annually.
- I/O Cabinets should be cleaned out at least quarterly, maybe more frequently depending on the environment.
- Faceplates should be cleaned out at least quarterly, more frequently if needed.
- Heat is the worst enemy of electronic equipment. Dust and dirt serve as an insolator that locks in heat. Simple physical maintenance is the best and easiest form of maintenance you can perform.
- What sort of replacement\upgrade schedule should we have?
- Touchscreen control computers should be planned for replacement within 4 years of purchase, with a maximum plan to replace of 5 years.
- Faceplate graphics usually need replacing within a year or two.
- Faceplate buttons can last up to 4 years.
- PLCs should be upgraded every 8-10 years. This is done to avoid component obsolescence.
- Field termination boards and relays can be replaced as needed.
- MTI recommends a system upgrade every 8-10 years.
The Video Visitation System
- What is the typical layout of your video visitation system?
- What staff is required to operate or oversee the operation of the equipment?
- A staff member is required to assign inmates and visitors to their stations and monitor visits from the control computer.
- What amount of time does it take to initiate the connection between visitor and inmate?
- It takes less than 20 seconds to make a connection.
- Can a conversation be recorded?
- Using an MTI DVR, both audio and video can be recorded for up to 8 sessions per DVR.
- Is there a "recording \ warning" to visiting parties that conversation and\or video is being recorded?
- Using the "Doc-Scroll" feature, warnings and notices can be posted electronically so that each unit displays the warning.
- What is the audio recording capability of your system?
- Audio and video are recorded into a Windows Media File on the MTI DVR.
- What is the video recording capability of your system?
- Is there any mechanism where operations staff can monitor the video visit?
- An operator can monitor any session from the control computer by clicking the "Monitor" button on the given session. This will bring up the audio and video for both participants.
- An operator can also break into a session using the "Break-In" feature. This feature will display the video and audio from the control computer on both participant stations. The participants will hear and see the operator, but they will not see each other. The operator can use this to correct bad behavior or make a special announcement.
- What kind of storage mechanism and media does your system use for audio and video recording?
- An MTI DVR is used to record video and audio. This DVR is a Windows Server-based system that provides enough disk space to store the recordings of 8 sessions for 8 hours a day for 30 days. The DVR automatically cleans out archived video each day. The DVR comes with a DVD-R/W drive which can be used to back up recordings. The recordings are stored as WMV files and can be played using Windows Media Player.
- Any chance the system can be hacked?
- If configured per MTI specifications, the system is hacker-proof. To achieve this, the visitation system should be placed on its own dedicated network with no tie-ins from other networks. This completely removes outside interferences. If a tie-in to another network is required, a Firewall Router should be used to separate the networks and a VPN should be used for access into the network.
- What is the dependability of the equipment and system?
- Each unit is designed to be almost completely solid-state, with the exception of a cooling fan. This means that there are no moving parts, which increases the life expectancy of all components.
- The electronics used are embedded components, which means that they are designed to produce little heat and are engineered to last longer than normal computer components.
- Therefore, if provided with a stable power supply (MTI recommends a dedicated UPS and surge protection for the system), then each unit should last at least 5 years.
- What routine maintenance must be performed?
- Each unit should be cleaned out at least quarterly.
- The control computer should be cleaned out at least quarterly.
- The lexan should be cleaned with water or lexan cleaner. Do not use a standard glass cleaner, as it will cause the lexan to burn.
- What sort of replacement\upgrade schedule should we have?
- The control computer should be planned for upgrade within 5 years.
- Individual units should be planned for upgrade between 5-8 years, depending on the environment.
- Is a sound barrier or buffer necessary?
- Sound barriers may be desirable in the visitation area. Within a dayroom, a buffer of a 8-10 feet is usually feasible and should be used.
- Are there options for ADA accessability and TTY?
- The unit itself can be mounted to just about any structure, so ADA accessability can be achieved in a number of ways. The units can be equipped with a keyboard to provide text-based messaging for the hearing or speech impaired.
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