Rating of the best video intercoms for an apartment and a private house

The video intercom is part of the access control and management system. With this device, you can see the visitor's face and talk, run, find out the purpose of the visit. The video intercom for an apartment consists of a calling panel with a handset. There are monitors combined with a handset and a button screen with a loud call.

The principle of operation and the device of video intercoms for an apartment

Call panel

All intercoms are divided into single-user and multi-user devices. The principle of operation is based on calling the desired subscriber from the door station or automatic identification of the caller, recognizing the visitor, unlocking an electromagnetic lock or electric strike.

Call panel

The panel identifies the visitor in several ways:

  • video camera with or without infrared illumination;
  • microphone;
  • speaker;
  • dial button or numeric keypad for multi-site models;
  • electronic key or tag reader.

The individual key code is programmed into the controller's memory. When transmitting from the reader, the microcontroller compares the key fob with the recorded one. If the decision is positive, the controller issues a signal to open the door lock.

The outdoor panel is made in vandal-proof design - from thick metal with triplex protection of the video camera diaphragm or its deepening into the body. Some outdoor panels have ports for connecting additional video cameras.

If a display is available, the dialing sequence will be displayed.

Inner panel

This is a device without an anti-vandal case inside an apartment or house with control buttons. It can have a tube or not, work as a voice intercom. More often than not, people prefer the classic look of the device with a screen and a connected handset. Such a device allows you to communicate with the visitor without raising your voice.

The indoor unit consists of a means of transmitting audio and video signals, a button for unlocking the locks, a set of control buttons for the panel, a speaker, a microphone.

Locks

There are magnetic and electromechanical latches. They are opened from the door station with a key, a label, from inside the apartment - by pressing the unlock button, the button on the back of the entrance door or wicket. When choosing an intercom, you need to find out which locks it works with.

The electromechanical latch often remains closed when the power is turned off. If an attacker cuts the power cord, they still won't be able to get inside. It can be opened both from the outside - with a key, and from the inside - by pressing the unlock key. The external lock has weaknesses - freezing of the keyhole and freezing of the latch lock.

When buying, you need to pay attention to the way the lock works: normally closed or normally open.

The electromagnetic lock is opened only by the commands of the actuators. When the power supply fails, it automatically unlocks. Therefore, it is used in multi-apartment buildings, so that in case of CHO, residents can freely go outside. This makes them vulnerable, but this is a fire safety requirement for apartment buildings. In a relatively warm room, it is not prone to freezing.During installation, a powerful electromagnet is installed on the door frame, and the magnetic drive plate is installed on the door. Under the action of an electric current, the coil of the electromagnet is energized and the metal plate is attracted. In everyday life, electromagnets with a force of 150 - 400 kg are used. Entrance doors are fitted with 300 - 400 kg models.

Interface box

Almost always goes separately. Required to connect to the entrance control system. The type of ACS changes the operating principle of the unit.

The analog matrix addressing system uses a multicore cable. Different groups are responsible for the transfer of units, tens of subscriber numbers. The interface unit is galvanically isolated. Only 2 wires are selected for the apartment number, connecting the subscriber device to the caller. With a coordinate matrix system, to connect 99 subscribers, not so many wires are required - only 20.

The digital addressing system is connected to the access control system. For correct operation, the apartment number is set with jumpers.

Lock release button

Installed near a door, wicket, gate. Turns off the lock for visitor entry or resident exit.

Power Supply

Intercom systems are powered from it. There are no strict requirements, except for those located outdoors - their degree of protection is IP67 or IP68. Instead of power supplies to increase the reliability of operation, objects are equipped with uninterruptible power supplies with a battery. In the event of a short-term power outage, the ACS will switch to battery power, which will allow it to function successfully from tens of minutes to several hours, depending on the battery capacity.

Intercom

Intercom

Made in the form of a tube, it is no different from a standard telephone set. It is used for communication between a subscriber and a visitor. This maintains visual and audio contact.

The tube consists of a microphone with a transistor amplifier, speaker. The latter can act as a buzzer. When you press the unlock button, the resistance of the telephone line changes. It is a signal for the microprocessor to open.

When the door is opened, the effect of the electromagnet disappears. Closers are used to automatically close the door leaf - from spring to hydraulic.

The need for video intercoms and use

Safety plays an important role in human life. The intercom, within the limits of its capabilities, helps to ensure it.

  1. Access control that cuts out strangers, intrusive salespeople, advertisers, nasty neighbors, and other inappropriate personalities.
  2. Information about everyone who came in the absence of the owner or was photographed during the conversation. The function is relevant for cameras with a motion sensor - it saves disk space and records everything moving in the field of view.
  3. Peace of mind for the children. No one can pretend to be a relative, the child will open the door only to an absolutely familiar person.
  4. The ability to control the video intercom from anywhere through the smartphone program. Some models allow this as well.
  5. The ability to control the situation. You can make sure that everything is quiet in the corridor, on the street, and only then let the child go for a walk.

Multi-pipe intercoms allow multiple interior panels to be positioned throughout the home. You don't have to go down from the 2nd floor to see who is standing near the gate. Together with the video panel, it is possible to connect an audio model. You can communicate with the intercom throughout the house and even make a call to the street phone.

Top 10 best video surveillance systems for an apartment

Intercom manufacturers make devices for every taste and wallet. Rating indicating the merits in a particular segment:

  1. Tantos Lilu. Top quality Canadian manufacturer from the low-cost segment.
  2. CTV M400B. Domestic apparatus. Very reliable. Optimal in terms of price and quality from cheap models.
  3. J2000DF Christina. The largest monitor among the budget segment is 7 inches.
  4. FALCON EYE FE-4CHP2.The best value for money that makes it a leader even on a budget.
  5. Tantos Rocky. The most technologically advanced device in the middle price segment.
  6. NOVIcam SMILE 4 KIT. Popular model with extended functionality. The KIT prefix speaks of a well-thought-out configuration with additional modules. A favorite of installers in the middle price segment.
  7. Slinex SQ-04. Stylish design. 2 colors, tubeless. The clock on the monitor shows the time in standby mode. A typical device of an average price.
  8. Tantos Violet. Premium class device. Has the ability to pair with 4 video cameras.
  9. Kenwei KW-S701C. The most reliable premium intercom.
  10. Dahua DHI-VTN5221D. The device easily evolves into a tracking network. For commercial use. Connection of 32 cameras, 5 monitors, 8 call panels is possible. Scalable premium model.

Analog

A striking representative of analog intercoms is the Falcon Eye FE-4CHP2. 4 "color monitor allows you to service 2 outdoor panels. An additional tube and security sensors are connected. A small warning system is being created on its basis.

Digital

The entrance intercoms of modern houses are no longer used in analogue. Digital ones are expensive, but they are connected with just two wires. But it should be noted the disadvantages inherent in these models - if the communication is incorrect, the neighbors can listen in on the conversation or it will not be possible to open the driveway from the handset.

A typical representative of the new generation is the Olevs PRO-EM digital multi-apartment intercom. Provides access through the controller using keys or key fobs of the EM-Marine standard. It is used to replace old models. The monoblock replaces the door station and the electronics unit.

With recording function

The Chinese model Slinex SQ-04 is quite cheap and supports memory cards up to 32 GB, where all the records are stored. The same function, but in an abbreviated version, is used by the Korean unpresentable, at first glance, COMMAX CDV-35HM. The built-in storage device stores 5 sec video and photos. But this is a good preventive measure for an apartment and a house.

Expensive IP video intercoms can record video from multiple cameras. For example, Chinese TOP-NET TR-41IP. The 64 GB card records information from 4 cameras viewed on the screen using a quad.

With forwarding function

The same Chinese TOP-NET TR-41IP can forward calls via the Internet to a smartphone and be controlled from it. This is a handy function when a motion sensor is triggered.

With motion sensor

Slinex SQ-04 has the function of recording after triggering the built-in motion sensor. Considering the frequency of recording, 32 GB of memory is enough for hundreds of records. The premium model of the Chinese manufacturer TOP-NET TR-41IP also has a motion sensor for all 4 video cameras, the information from which is reduced to 1 screen using a quadrator. Considering the number of cameras, the memory card has a higher capacity. Choosing a premium video intercom is a great option.

With electric lock

The best choice is to choose a ready-made set of products from one manufacturer. Video cameras, electromechanical, magnetic locks from the same manufacturer are supplied with intercoms. For him, this is an increase in passing sales. For the buyer - knowingly compatible products.

For example: the set of wired video on-door speakerphone Eplutus EP-2291 + Anxing Lock - AX042, in addition to the 8-inch monitor-recorder, is equipped with an electromechanical lock Anxing Lock 1074. It can be opened with a button on the monitor panel or with a key in the door.

With registrar

New in 2020 - HDcom S-710-IP color IP video intercom. A 7-inch touchscreen monitor functions as a screen and a DVR, and Touch Screen technology facilitates the function of communicating with the device. It has remote notification of events via the Internet - if there is no one at home, the call will come to your mobile phone. Equipped with a high definition video camera. Connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi.

Popular manufacturers

The range of manufacturers is wide enough. Some try to make budget models, others - elite ones with wide functionality.Even among the cheaper models, there are already more functions. Elite for a wide range of uses in some models are reduced to reduce the price.

The most famous manufacturers:

  1. Commax. An old Korean company that started production in 1968. A wide range of products for residential and office premises. Quite budget models. UL, TÜV certification has ensured brand awareness in the world.
  2. Falcon Eye. Chinese company established in Hong Kong in 1993. Exporter of studio equipment. It produces security sensors, controllers, and other equipment for individual housing construction. Video doorphones are not the basis of production. Analog models with a color screen are more often produced. Market certification - CE, RoHS.
  3. Kenwei. Has been operating in China since 1984. Video door phones are not mainstream products. The company produces various electronics, including all types of video surveillance. Included in the TOP-10 in China.
  4. Kokom. Produces security systems with intercom functions.
  5. Tantos. Develops and produces complex intercom systems with scaling up to a full-fledged security system. Part of the Canadian company STR. Wide functionality, remote access. The company ranks among the largest suppliers in the world. Video surveillance of this enterprise appeared in Russia in 2004.
  6. Vizit. The most famous company of multi-apartment intercom systems in Russia and the CIS. Started in 1984 with locking and opening functions. The line for private traders is small.
  7. Hikvision. A large company from the Middle Kingdom, operating since 2001. It produces video cameras, access control systems, intercoms, alarms. Expands the line with premium products.
  8. JVC. Works in Japan since 1927. It produces a wide range of video cameras, audio and video equipment. Became known for the release of reliable TVs in the 50s.
  9. CTV. Russian company that has been operating for 5 years. Introduces innovative solutions in the production of intercoms. Maximum comfort, individual design, quality.

Advantages and disadvantages of video intercoms for an apartment

Modern video intercoms for apartments have a lot of pros and cons. It all depends on the choice of video intercom for the apartment.

The undoubted advantages are:

  1. Ensuring the safety of the house and apartment through visual observation of the visitor. Looking at the monitor, it is easy to weed out an unwanted guest or drunken neighbor.
  2. Saving and using video.
  3. Use as an intercom in a large apartment.

Installing wired models in apartments requires laying kilometers of cables. This is a long and laborious job. Sometimes the apartment unit is not installed immediately, but after a while, which complicates the switching.

Wireless models have a high rating of intercoms for an apartment to eliminate problems of incorrect connection. They are easy to adjust, but distort the signal in bad weather. Thunderstorms, rain, snowfall impair signal transmission up to its disappearance. For communication between the apartment unit and the outdoor panel, the distance should not exceed 100 m. The reinforced material of the walls further reduces the range.

Video intercom is a complex device. It cannot be repaired at home. Therefore, the service must be carried out by a specialized company.

home.techinfus.com/en/
Add a comment

Foundation

Ventilation

Heating