Project Overview

Correctional facilities worldwide require secure, centrally managed video services - delivered on devices such as tablets and fixed screens - to support learning and development, provide entertainment, deliver prison-specific information and enable family and health/legal practitioner connections to incarcerated people.

The GEO Group, Australia’s longest running private correctional service provider, initiated a critical project at Ravenhall Correctional Centre (RCC) to modernise the in-cell experience and replace the outdated legacy system.  

Opened in late 2017, Ravenhall boasts a highly innovative design capable of accommodating and managing a diverse population of prisoners and ensuring each has access to the programs and services they need to reduce their risk of reoffending.

The goal was to deploy a robust, secure and multi-functional solution to deliver media, educational and digital services to inmates directly in their cells. This solution had to be highly secure and capable of facilitating a smooth, block-by-block migration from the existing infrastructure while minimising disruption and supporting ongoing operations.

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Project Requirements

1. Secure Access & Control: Prevent exploitation for unauthorised communication and unentitled content access to protect the integrity of the prison system.
2. Multifunction Terminal: Deliver a unified platform for live TV, educational content and prisoner digital access applications.
3. System Compatibility: The new H200 solution must seamlessly integrate with the existing content and data infrastructure.

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Amino’s Solution

The Amino H200 media player, an award-winning hardened terminal solution, was selected to deliver the secure In-Cell platform at Ravenhall. This comprehensive solution was integrated with CombiTel’s high-availability Omniscreen Pilot software and leveraged the existing media headend infrastructure.

• In-Cell Platform: Enabled a wide array of digital services including live TV, prisoner information and the Omniscreen Video Visit application for selected areas.
• Robust Hardware: The deployment included over 1000 Amino H200 devices, protected by powder-coated steel enclosures, and connected to transparent prison TV displays, with standard USB keyboard and mouse input.
• Operational Integration: The H200s were configured to work in parallel with the legacy infrastructure to ensure continuity and a phased rollout across the facility.

This multi-functional solution was strategically chosen for the ability to deliver a full suite of services at scale, while meeting the stringent security and integration requirements of the correctional environment.

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Key Benefits and ROI

The implementation of the Amino H200 solution provided significant, immediate benefits by modernising service delivery and improving operational security at the facility.

1. Significant cost savings on new terminals compared to the previous terminals.
2. Facilitated the block-by-block migration from the legacy system to the new H200 platform.
3. Enabled delivery of rehabilitative and leisure content directly to the inmate's cell.
4. Eliminated the need for additional costly software upgrades and mandatory service subscriptions.
5. Provided a secure, fixed terminal for video visitation, reducing the logistical burden and security risk of moving inmates for visits.

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Key Highlights

The project was successfully deployed within tight timescales, highlighting the effective collaboration between Amino, CombiTel and The GEO Group Australia. The project's core focus was on both functionality and absolute security within the demanding prison environment.

• Standards-Based Solution: Ensured interoperability with other components such as low-cost clear TV displays and existing media sources thus eliminating proprietary architecture and media format dependency.
• Security Validation: Penetration testing was conducted during the initial install phase, proactively securing the overall solution.
• Rapid System Scaling: The initial hardware deployment comprised 1,000 Amino H200 units, demonstrating the platform’s capacity to roll out and support a large, high-density user base.
• Comprehensive Service: The platform successfully consolidated and provided secure access to live TV, games and key GEO Group applications for prisoners’ daily schedules and information.

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Conclusion

The Amino H200 deployment at Ravenhall Correctional Centre successfully established a secure, multi-functional in-cell media and digital platform. This project effectively consolidated critical inmate services, from entertainment and education to video visitation, onto a single, purpose-built terminal. The security-focused approach, backed by penetration testing, ensured a resilient system that fully met the demanding operational requirements for a controlled correctional environment.