Over the past few weeks millions of people have been looking on South Africa in awe. The exciting Football World Cup 2010 has now come to an end; happily it has also been a peaceful one. This can be partially attributed to the cleverly designed video security system, which was designed and delivered by German video network specialists Dallmeier.
Stadiums, surrounding areas and train stations: The IP video installation oversaw all critical hotspots.
Soccer City Stadium and Coca-Cola Park Stadium
The most important stadium throughout the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa was the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. This is where the opening and closing soccer matches were staged. However, until the opening match of the World Cup, major reconstruction and modernisation works had to be completed at Soccer City. The building works were so comprehensive that they practically equal a new construction from the bottom up. Now, the stadium can accommodate approximately 95,000 spectators. The Coca-Cola Park Stadium in Johannesburg has also expanded its seating capacities. Now, a total of 70,000 enthusiastic fans can be seated at the stadium.
The additional numbers of cheering fans though also consequently increases the risk for potentially dangerous situations. Uncontrolled crowds, a tight squeeze, or physical fights between different fan groups are probably among the scenarios most feared by security staff. In order to be able to prevent any such escalations in the first place a sophisticated video security system by German manufacturer Dallmeier and local system integrator Engineered Systems Solutions, who was subsequently also responsible for the installation and commissioning of the system, provides for the necessary overview. Jose de Oliveira, Manager at Engineered Systems Solutions, explains: "We rely on Dallmeier products because the technology is highly reliable and, yet, at the same time, easy to use for the security operator."
Highly detailed images owing to Cam_inPIX®
When it came to choosing the cameras, it was decided to go with Dallmeier network cameras. The system now includes both fixed dome and Domera® high-speed PTZ cameras. The IP cameras are equipped with the tried and trusted Cam_inPIX® technology, which allows for the recording of clear, high-contrast images, even under the most difficult lighting conditions. Those include frequent changes between shadows and lights as they occur in sports stadiums.
 |
| Dallmeier cameras were chosen to secure the Soccer City Stadium and Coca-Cola Park Stadium |
Reliable recording and intuitive operation
The camera images are recorded on Dallmeier DMS 240 IPS recorders. These video network systems of the "In Memory of Leonardo" series, with up to 24 IP-based video channels, support MPEG-4, MJPEG, and H.264 compression methods.
The systems are controlled and operated using the professional and extremely high-performance Security Management System SeMSy®, complemented by several VMC-1 "Eagle" video management centres. Riaan Kruger, Regional Representative of Dallmeier Southern Africa, explains: "Despite the fact that the installation is highly complex, the operation of the system remains highly convenient and intuitive for the security personnel."
Exterior surveillance and monitoring of train stations
Aside from the stadiums themselves the outdoor areas are also monitored by high-resolution Dallmeier IP cameras. Therefore the complete surroundings of the stadiums, including streets and access roads, are reliably monitored. The security concept is rounded off by incorporating the train stations which are close to the stadiums into the surveillance system.
Flexible for the future
"Actually the stadiums currently have no plan for any further rebuilding and expansion works, but you never know what the future brings", says Jose de Oliveira. In any case, the video systems could easily keep up with any construction developments as its open architecture makes it flexible and scalable. Thus, modifications and adjustments regarding future requirements can be made at any time.
