Less noticeable for customers, but just as impressive, is the sophisticated video security system, which is not only providing the necessary overview at the casino but also in the adjacent hotels and leisure facilities. All in all, a total of approximately five thousand cameras were installed and are being monitored and evaluated at over 50 security workstations. Following intensive and thorough research that took more than a year, the casino operators eventually chose a company which already has years of experience in the casino market and counts the world's most noted casinos among its references: The Regensburg based manufacturer Dallmeier. The company not only provided individual parts but rather the entire installation, ranging from cameras to recorders and right up to management and evaluation stations. The installation by the way is a purely IP-based system. All products come from the company's own development and manufacturing, "made by Dallmeier, made by Germany". Leroy Daniel, Surveillance Director of the CoD, explains the decision: “We did some thorough research in advance. Dallmeier is the only manufacturer capable of realising a system of that size. Ease of use, flexibility and open interfaces for the connection of third-party systems were other decisive factors in support of our decision to use Dallmeier.”

 

High-resolution network cameras are the basis of the elaborate CCTV/IP system. Depending on individual requirements CoD chose a suitable camera from the broad Dallmeier product range. Whether it's CasinoCams with special software and optimised for the conditions in a casino, or vandal-resistant network dome cameras for vulnerable areas, they all share the innovative Cam_inPIX^® sensor technology. It reliably suppresses blooming and smearing effects and is characterised by high colour differentiation. Also, for the first time, the new PTZ dome camera system DOMERA^® are employed in the CoD system. The new camera models allow for flexible planning and are highly maintenance-friendly. During the construction of the buildings, only the location of the cameras had to be decided and the corresponding mounting module had to be fitted (BackBox for in-ceiling mount and BackPlate for surface mount respectively). The CoD was in no hurry to choose the appropriate zoom factors, because the camera module can be fitted subsequently and exchanged if need be. Furthermore, the cameras could be perfectly adjusted to the architectural conditions and integrated into the premises without standing out. They are discreetly placed, for instance, in crystal chandeliers or integrated into the ceiling design.

 

The images are recorded on the DIS-2/M NSU, a one-channel audio and video streamer and recorder with modular design. It is able to receive, record, play back and transmit audio and video streams in various encodings via an Ethernet network. Owing to fact that the data are stored directly at the encoder, the recording is network-independent and therefore remains intact even in the case of disturbances or a complete network failure. Moreover, the recording is redundant. The system therefore achieves an extremely high availability of 99.99994%, which is more than the famous Five Nines that are regarded as a benchmark for high availability throughout the IT world.

The DIS-2/M NSU is designed for installation and operation in a 19” module rack. A module rack can house up to ten individual modules, which means that even the largest systems can be installed in a space-saving and cost-efficient way. The Dallmeier blade technology is not only exceptionally reliable but also highly service-friendly and easy to maintain. If a disruption occurs, the defective components can be replaced channel by channel. The hotplug capability of the modules allows the exchange to be made during operation. Any downtime is thus reduced to minimum. 

 

The complete system is controlled via SeMSy^®, a professional and extremely capable management system. Operational procedures and complex controls can be stored within the system, allowing staff a highly comfortable and intuitive operation. Additionally, by integrating the site plans of the CoD, the graphic user interface provides every operator a quick overview of the cameras and corresponding monitors. Thereby, the software was specifically adjusted to the circumstances at the City of Dreams so that individual wishes and requirements could be taken into account. As with all other Dallmeier products, the motto is: The solution is not a mass product off the shelf but custom-made.

 

Altogether, the security personnel have 54 workstations at their disposal, each fitted with two to three monitors. At each workstation the control is carried out via a VMC-1 “Eagle”, a modular Video Management Centre consisting of keyboard, joystick, Jog-Shuttle and an interactive TFT monitor.

 

Leroy Daniel is convinced by the system: “Although the installation is very large and complex, the operation remains simple and intuitive at all times. Even new colleagues find their ways immediately. We also very much appreciate that Dallmeier had already been involved in the planning of the system and was always responsive to our individual requirements.” And he adds another point: “Before commissioning, the entire system was thoroughly tested at the Dallmeier FAT Centre. We were present during the testing and thus we could see that the system really meets our requirements. Dallmeier has actually invested heavily in order to satisfy our needs. You don’t find that kind of service and commitment anywhere else in the industry. I was truly impressed."

 

Even though the entire video security system comes from Dallmeier, it is equipped with open interfaces and therefore allows for the easy integration of third-party systems. Whether gaming (AngelEye Card Shoe interface, IGT slot interface, RFID chip interface), food & beverage (Micros interface) or security systems – the possibilities for integration are virtually unlimited. “That is one of the great features of our solution”, says Leroy Daniel. “We have got a system from one source, whose components are perfectly coordinated. Nevertheless, we are not restricted and are also able to quickly and easily integrate third-party systems or products."

 

Owing to the many connections the system has meanwhile evolved into a veritable video information system. Gone are the days when it was just about investigating fraud at gambling tables or cases of theft. Video security is rather also used to monitor and optimise entire operational procedures. For instance, the entire course of a game is surveyed and if there are any irregularities, an alarm is triggered. Also, the system is used to control the delivery of goods or to track the movements of cash transports across the casino premises and document them in a comprehensible manner. Those application possibilities create a huge synergy effect. Only by using a virtual matrix can such an effect be realised and eventually help to save both time and money.

 

The Cotai Strip is growing and so will the City of Dreams. If one has been keeping up with the project on a regular basis, they will know that this project had repeatedly undergone changes as early as in the planning phase. Therefore, any figures on the size of the attractions are merely snapshots in time. Some areas are expanded or redone, new ideas are born and turned into reality. Consequently, the CCTV/IP system must remain flexible for any adjustments or expansions.

 

The Dallmeier system has a modular structure. Its open architecture leaves plenty of freedom for expansions or the integration of new technologies. The system therefore stays modern for many years and offers long-term investment protection.