Haunt Video Security Systems

I like to share with my fellow haunters tips and tricks I have learned over the years. Since it is that time of year when we are all rebuilding our shows this topic is something I have been dealing with lately.

For the past 5 years I have had infra red cameras recording Spookywoods to VHS tapes nightly. As the technology has progressed into DVDR and the prices have come down it is a good time upgrade to DVDR. These type of infra red cameras can record in total darkness making them perfect for our industry. I mentioned this to the NightMare on 13th owners from Utah at Transworld a few years ago and now they have like 50 cameras recording their show and I hear NetherWorld is installing them also.

We have a video booth located in the middle of the haunt that has cameras from all over the haunt being recorded to a hard drive. We use this technology not only to record guest that may cause problems, but also to watch for bottle necks in the show. My insurance rep loves this to help fight against insurance claims as well. Another cool feature is you can network these recorders and sit in your office and watch them over the network on your PC or anywhere in the world via the internet. Posting signs that your guest will be video taped is also a good way to keep the honest man honest while going through your show. We also have a system in and around our ticket booth, got to keep an eye on the boo bucks!

Another angle to use this video booth is to show TV reporters that come to your haunt for a story. Seeing people getting scared is good entertainment and something to help get you in the news.

I have been buying from Super Circuits and have had no problems with their products and they have great customer service. You can find them on the web at www.supercircuits.com . I don't like to plug any one company, but this is one of the best.

You can get a outdoor 16 camera complete DVDR system for the cost of a typical animated prop.

_________________
Tony Wohlgemuth
Kersey Valley, Inc.
www.spookywoods.com

Good tips Tony! We use the same type of system at Ghostly Manor. Probably the best benefit we get out of it is the guests knowing there are cameras located inside the haunt. I think that keeps people a bit more under control. If we ever have any problems like "your actor grabbed me" or "some guy touched me" we always ask them where it happened so we can check the cameras. 9 times out of 10 it never goes beyond that point.

We have also used the cameras for line entertainment. Sometimes we will have certain cameras activity shown on an outside monitor so customers in line see guests getting scared without giving away the scare.

We also have cameras outside in the parking lot, at admissions and in the waiting line. Those cameras are linked back inside the haunt so our "starter" can see what is going on in those areas.

On a side note I also have the ability to access the main camera computer from anywhere via the internet thru www.gotomypc.com. We are open every day now during the summer and I can't be there every day so as long as I have access to the internet, I can see what is going on at Ghostly Manor.

Awesome info guys!

_________________
Dan Faupel
Sally Corp.
www.SallyCorp.com

IAHA Director
Chairman IAHA Vendor Committee