Dallmeier electronic: GIT-Interview with Dieter Dallmeier about the latest developments. Just two years after Regensburg-based company Dallmeier launched its first camera, its range of high-resolution colour box and dome cameras now comprises 14 models. GIT SECURITY + MANAGEMENT talked to company founder and CEO Dieter Dallmeier about the latest developments...

Mr Dallmeier, your company has now established itself in the market as a camera manufacturer with its own Cam_inPIX technology.

D Dallmeier: Indeed. Our cameras with Cam_in- PIX technology are now being used in many projects around the world. From the beginning, it proved right to bank on the latest Pixim DSP technology and use it as the basis for our in-house Cam_inPIX development. Dallmeier is the world’s only developer and manufacturer of this advanced technology, which is already being used successfully in many CCTV/IP projects.

This innovative camera technology resolves the well-known technical issues of video security, which were deemed irresolvable with CCD technology. The most difficult lighting conditions, such as backlight or everchanging scenarios due to environmental influences, can even be mastered under extreme conditions, thanks to this technology. Users are convinced by the outstanding picture quality, regardless of the project scale: whether in a small application with just a few cameras or in a huge project.

Speaking of scale: at this year‘s Ifsec, Dallmeier presented the so-called ‘Picodome’. A great name… Is it just clever marketing or is there a distinctive feature that distinguishes the camera?

D Dallmeier: With a housing diameter of just 80 mm and a dome measure of 57 mm, our Picodome DDF3000APV is the world’s smallest vandalism-resistant dome camera with Cam_inPIX technology. A Picodome is therefore many times smaller than a ‘microdome’ and hence presents the logical continuation – minidome, microdome, picodome.

True to the motto ‘Less is often more’?

D Dallmeier: ‘Less, yet more’ would probably better describe the Picodome. ‘Less’ in terms of physical size, ‘more’ regarding the technology. Owing to the Cam_inPIX technology, it provides high-quality footage otherwise only seen with larger cameras. The ultra-high dynamic range of the camera (up to 120dB), in combination with its high-resolution sensor technology (540 TVL, 720x540 pixel), supplies extremely sharp pictures with colour fidelity.

With this, blooming or smearing are things of the past. Additionally, the DDF3000APV features a push-point-and-lock functionality to allow for quick and easy installation. The installer is therefore able to make very accurate adjustments to the camera to any area of surveillance. Another advantage of the small dimensions is that the camera represents a highly discreet security solution, providing high-quality footage without being an annoyance.

I must agree with you... However, besides the Picodome, I noticed a few other special camera models at Ifsec. Is Dallmeier entering the designer market?

D Dallmeier: We decided to develop our ‘Design Cams’ against a background similar to that of the Picodome. Customers increasingly demand more than just a technically flawless product; they also view cameras from an aesthetic point of view. Many of them consider it important that the cameras seamlessly integrate themselves into the overall design concept.

Imagine how many building owners spend large sums of money erecting an architecturally stunning building. Naturally, security products need to comply. They should blend in with the environment, not stand out like an afterthought. That is why we offer all our camera models as ‘Designer Versions’ as well.

Customisation is no problem of course, and requirements range from the stuccoed ceiling of a museum to the burl wood interior of a casino. The cameras are available in a compact design and can be ideally integrated into the building’s design due to different housing colours, without standing out. The ‘Design Cams’ also have the advantage of not giving guests and visitors a feeling of constant surveillance.

Therefore, the atmosphere is much more pleasant because nobody feels as if they are being watched all the time. And of course the architects are happy…

Will those special ‘Design Cams’ primarily be used in new, modern environments?

D Dallmeier: Well, one cannot generalise like that, for another important application area is the protection of historic buildings and monuments. Cultural monuments must be preserved for the future. Hence, the prevention of vandalism and wilful destruction is the main focus here. However, a video surveillance system, which stands out too much, would spoil the atmosphere and fascination that monuments create.

Your company headquarters are located in the medieval city of Regensburg, which has just recently been named a World Cultural Heritage site. Are there any current examples of applications there?

D Dallmeier: At the moment, IP cameras are being installed all over the city which a local TV station will use to broadcast images of the World Cultural Heritage site of Regensburg. We have consulted with authorities in advance to ensure that the requirements of urban planning regarding appearance and historical authenticity are met.

Modern surveillance technology and aesthetics are no contradiction. The aspiration should be to capture the whole scene in detail and display it in high quality, without the cameras disturbing the overall picture.

Mr Dallmeier, thank you very much for your time.

Contact:

Dallmeier electronic GmbH & Co. KG,
Regensburg, Germany
Tel.: +49 941 87 00 0
Fax: +49 941 87 00 180
info@dallmeier-electronic.com
www.dallmeier-electronic.com