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CNN Live At Daybreak
New Security Technology: Videocrunch Black Box Recorder
Aired November 01, 2001 - 06:23 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Well some airlines are going ahead with their own plans to beef up security. They are installing reinforced cockpit doors on airplanes, and that's not all that's changing.
Reporter Steve Chao of CTV takes a look at another device that's giving controllers on the ground an eye in the sky.
STEVE CHAO, CTV REPORTER (voice-over): On the surface it looks like your average SUV, but inside Amy Williams' vehicle is the latest defense in the war against terrorism.
AMY WILLIAMS: They're watching us right now.
CHAO: They are executives at AVT Technologies, a Victoria-based high-tech firm.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got a good identification of her.
CHAO: With a click of a button, executives can monitor Amy's every move.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Amy's still driving down the road,...
CHAO: ... live,...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She's obviously in a rural area.
CHAO: ... wherever she goes.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's not limited with any type of distance.
CHAO: It is called the Videocrunch Black Box Recorder. What it does is transmit video using a cell phone.
GARRY ROBB, VIDEOCRUNCH INVENTOR: You can have real time information to make really quick decisions about what's happening.
CHAO: Getting information from hijacked planes was a major problem on September 11. Precious moments were lost as air traffic controllers tried to piece together what was happening. AVT's solution is to install cameras in the cockpit and cabin, then using satellites, transmit live pictures to a control tower.
ROBB: It's the difference of going into it with your eyes open or with your eyes shut. Take your choice.
CHAO (on camera): The technology based on the simple cell phone would give authorities more time to decide on how to handle a crisis.
(voice-over): This week, Delta Airlines began testing on board security cameras, but to date, only NASA has been able to successfully transmit video to ground control. AVT predicts they'll have their system in commercial planes by next year. Canadian aviation groups say such technology is vital.
CLIFF MACKAY, CANADIAN AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION: There is urgency. We are looking at it as we speak as part of a package that we -- we'll try to move quickly to put into aircraft.
CHAO: Next month, AVT begins flight trials. The company expects to market the system for thousands of dollars per plane, but they say every penny is well spent if it helps prevent another disaster like September 11.
Steve Chao, CTV News.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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