“We clear the way – but only for honest customers”. Tweaking the well-known slogan of the VR-Bank Vilsbiburg in this way could reflect the recent security measures there. Now, Dallmeier video surveillance system reliably ensures safety, protecting both cash and property, as well as employees and customers, from robberies, theft or fraud.

The VR-Bank Vilsbiburg in the Lower-Bavarian Landshut administrative district is comprised of the main branch in Vilsbiburg, as well as nine further branches and two self-service centres. As part of extensive renovation work, the video surveillance system was modernised as well, with Dallmeier recorders from a variety of generations in use together.

Good experiences
It all started when VR-Bank Vilsbiburg decided to modernise its burglar alarm system, commissioning Franz Sicherungstechnik for the job. Andreas Franz, one of the managing directors at Franz Sicherungstechnik, was familiarised with the existing video system on the premises and thus the existing cameras were replaced with new monitoring cameras during the modernisation. At some branches, Dallmeier recorders had already been in use for several years. Since they still ran without issues and the connection with the new cameras worked without a hitch, the recorders are still in operation. At the other branches that had previously not used digital recorders, the bank decided to install new recording systems by Dallmeier – thanks to its positive experiences with the company.

All recording devices meet the standards of the Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Vorschriften (BGV – regulations of the Employer's Liability Insurance Association) and are certified by UVV Kassen. In addition, they have the LGC certificate (formerly Kalagate), which means that the recorded images are admissable as evidence in court.

All ATMs, the foyer and the counter areas at the various banks are monitored. In addition, the self-service points are equipped with an ATM camera. The data of the cash dispensing machine are shown in a video image, enabling comprehensive search options. A particular highlight of the new bank recorder is the so-called ATM activity survey. This allows the recorder to regularly check whether transactions take place at the ATM. The survey intervals can be set individually. If no transactions take place during the defined interval, the recorder issues a warning. This prevents an accidental recording failure and ensures that it does not go unnoticed if it does occur. Such failures frequently occur due to changes in ATM protocols. The ATM activity survey ensures that, in case of need, no important data is missing.

Central control
The control of the entire video system takes place via a central evaluation station at the main branch in Vilsbiburg, to which most of the branches are also connected. The PView management software not only allows new configuration and management of all recorders via a network, but also offers comprehensive query options for current or recorded data. Different image compression processes and transmission codecs (H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, Wavelet, JPEG) for the live and recorded pictures can be decoded at any time, which guarantees compatibility with the entire Dallmeier family of products. This is an important feature for the VR-Bank Vilsbiburg, since recorders from different generations are running in one system here. Manfred Gruber, authorised signatory and the head of the company control division explains: “Our current Dallmeier recorders still function perfectly, so obviously it was a huge benefit for us that we did not have to replace the entire video surveillance system, but could simply add new recording devices as necessary. Thanks to the backward compatibility of the PView software, different recorder models can be run effortlessly and utilised in one system. We also conduct the UVV-compliant rounds in a semi-automatic manner and remotely.”

But there was still one issue that needed to be addressed, according to Andreas Franz: “Since some of the network connections are very slow, using them to connecting the recorders was a real challenge. But with the help of PRemote, images can be transferred quickly and smoothly even at ISDN speeds.” PRemote is a transmission method developed specifically by Dallmeier. Here, the codec is optimised for low bandwidths, enabling fast image transmission even at low bit rates. In contrast to other low-bandwidth transmission techniques such as Dual Streaming, PRemote allows not only the transmission of live images but also of recorded footage. A multisplit is also easily possible.

Fast on-site service
The VR-Bank Vilsbiburg is not only satisfied with the products but is pleased with the service as well. The security officer and IT administrator, whose name is also Manfred Gruber, obtained in-depth information before deciding on a new video surveillance system. He also studied the latest technological developments at various expert workshops at Franz Sicherungstechnik. “The solutions were then adjusted to the specific requirements by Franz Sicherungstechnik. The video system runs flawlessly! And if we should have questions or need repairs, they can be carried out quickly and easily on site. Dallmeier and Franz Sicherungstechnik are ideal partners who provide us with optimal support.”