Intercoms have been around for several decades, but they have evolved with time thanks to technological advancement. These innovative brainchildren ensure the safety of commercial and residential real estate by allowing concerned authorities to track visitor entries. They are more versatile. Those with video capabilities can offer recorded and live photos, strengthening a property’s security more. Audio systems are also helpful, but a device that harnesses the power of video monitoring can be even better. However, the ultimate decision depends on an organization’s or building’s requirements. If you want to elevate your premise’s safety arrangements, go for one with AI integration.
A quality intercom system from AtlasIED or other reputable brands can meet your expectations. Remember, every brand is unique, and so are its offerings. Hence, it’s better to read product descriptions well before deciding anything. Nonetheless, installing these devices shows you care for your people and are ready to prevent or handle emergencies well. Let’s delve into door intercoms with video capabilities once.
Video intercom systems
Generally, these access management systems come equipped with audio and video capabilities for communication. They can also lock doors. When you put up this system, visitors request access from an administrator to the building through audio or video message. Depending on the environment, administrators can be anybody, such as property owners, residents, or security teams. After verification, they open the door for genuine visitors and block trespassers. The video evidence plays a critical role in this. So, your admin can look at camera feeds through a connected smart device or monitor. They can use message alerts and lockdown functions for the property’s and people’s security. Some intercom systems integrated with door release commands use magnetic or electronic door locks. This feature allows one to unlock the door or temporarily interrupt it.
For those interested in understanding how this technology works, intercoms usually operate through communication between the hardware at the entrance and a monitoring device inside the property. A person can verify the visitor before allowing them to enter. Wired systems contain cables for every video doorbell unit. At the same time, wireless and IP models run on desktop software, mobile phone apps, and the internet to establish the connection between visitor and intercom administrator. If yours is a large office or apartment, you should route access request calls to the designated offices or units.
Types of video intercoms
You want to include these systems in your buildings to take charge of property access with visual evidence. The older intercoms came with hard wires to trigger door release functionality. Modern versions are more flexible than wired intercoms. Some designs or technologies suit your budget, use case, and demands. For instance, you get models running on the internet, allowing users to attach them to Ethernet cables or IP networks. It eliminates the need for any other wiring installation. Many offices incorporate this system and integrate them into a high-speed internet connection. The video signals remain reliable and safe. If you wish, you can encrypt data end-to-end for higher security.
Another alternative is wireless video intercoms. These entry-point security tools can work over a large area requiring extensive wiring. Generally, these machines feed on Wi-Fi, connecting indoor and outdoor network components. Wi-Fi and mobile app should be reliable for exchanging video signals. The other popular option is a cloud-based solution that can be wired or wireless. Administrators can manage this system remotely, regardless of their location. One can check live visual feeds, permissions, and more. Residential and commercial buildings can implement round-the-clock monitoring through this.
Smart-app or iPhone-based intercoms provide all the features in hardware-type video intercom systems. With the power of cloud technology, these configurations offer facilities like video calls, editing, and live feeds. And the ability to manage it remotely increases the convenience of use. However, most mobile phone-based connections serve residences to grant access to vendors, delivery couriers, and visitors. Offices and retail stores can also depend on them without requiring much technical know-how. Installing the device can improve the workload of your security team while ensuring better visitor management.
Parts of video intercoms
Almost all wired and wireless connections contain similar components, such as a monitoring screen, camera, door entry reader, etc. The device includes a camera, keypad or touchscreen, microphone and monitor, doorbell, and speaker. Also known as the base station, it is the thing for the entry door. Basic designs usually contain a doorbell, monitor, and reader for access control and door locking. Some people invest in video intercoms that offer video doorbells and all-in-one reading capabilities. With this system, one can authorize visitor credentials leveraging functionality like doorbell and camera. Advanced techniques typically come with touchscreen directories, enabling easy access to several occupants and points of contact. Modern apartments and corporate offices benefit from this feature.
No matter the complexity, a reader helps visitors send access requests to the occupants, who can further use one or two-way video intercom service. The reader also has an integrated camera to capture and share live video feed to the specific contact over Wi-Fi or a wiring connection. The intercom device can ensure clear and HD-quality footage. Enhanced versions can take care of low-light and night vision-related cases. A place that needs 24X7 monitoring would want to include these systems. Choose something that is weather or vandal resistant. Plus, it’s necessary to confirm that the device stores all types of footage in its content management software. One can return to older images or feeds to analyze intrusion risks and bolster existing security protocols.
All video intercom systems with an integrated camera require a connection with a monitoring device. An intelligent device or hardware monitor can be enough if there is just one security desk or receptionist. But multi-occupant configurations tend to be extensive, requiring the use of multiple substations in each area of the building. While intercoms with monitor stations are common in commercial settings, app-based models are also gaining popularity. Call routing and power supply components also form a part of a well-designed intercom system.
Increased security of the property and its people can be one of the main factors influencing your decision to add one of these devices to your place.
