ᐅ PoE Door Intercom System for New Construction Goliath / Metzler

Hello everyone,

We are currently planning a new build, and I am trying to decide which video intercom system to choose. Basically, I don’t have very high demands but also don’t want to buy an outdated model. I want to use a system with a modern standard.

Therefore, I would prefer a PoE (Power over Ethernet) system. My requirements are:
Two monitors (one on the ground floor and one on the upper floor)
Electric door release function
Camera
No cloud connection or at least the option to disable it
No monthly fees
RFID

Since the intercom system is not the highest priority in our house construction, I don’t want to spend a large amount. My absolute budget limit for the two monitors is 1,000 euros.

I came across two devices:
Metzler VDM10 2.0
Goliath IP video intercom system

There are no really recent reviews or discussions on these. Does anyone here have experience with them? Or can you recommend alternatives?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Have you already tried using the search function here in the forum? I have posted several times about the Goliath.
There is also a thread in the IP Phone Forum, or you can try searching for Dahua. The Goliath is just rebranded by the German importer.

I wrote a longer post about the Goliath yesterday, but unfortunately it disappeared before I could send it, and then I lost the motivation to rewrite it.

So here’s a brief summary of the most important points:
If you still have the option and want to use PoE, run one network cable from the outdoor station to the PoE switch and a second cable for the security module. That way you’re on the safe side. Do the same for the indoor station.
Because Goliath/Dahua uses a unique wiring configuration for the network cables, regular PoE switches can’t be used, and rewiring the cables is complicated since the pinout is unknown. That’s why I opted for two cables.

Otherwise, after several years I’m still satisfied. The fingerprint scanner is not always 100% reliable (for example, with wet fingers), but the RFID works without problems.
The only thing that has worn a bit is the top layer of the RFID reader. It looks like a protective film is peeling off, even though there isn’t actually a film on it.
I have never had to use my emergency key so far.
The Goliath can also read third-party RFID chips. This means you can, for example, use your work RFID chip for both purposes and only need to carry one chip instead of two on your keyring.

I had an automatic lock and electric door opener professionally retrofitted. I installed the Goliath myself.

If you have any specific questions, I’m happy to answer them.

With your absolute maximum budget of 1,000 EUR, you have already ruled out Metzler. At best, if they have another 10% promotion, but even then it will be tight.

At the moment, I would get 15%. I just wonder if the extra cost is worth it. :-)

I can only speak for trash bin enclosures and mailbox or parcel box... but yes, Metzler is worth the extra cost.
The quality is very good, it is manufactured in Germany, and therefore costs more than if it were entirely assembled in China.

Just reading that others use a LAN cable with a different wiring setup, which is not documented anywhere... is a no-go for me.