Why do you need a video intercom? Top 5 reasons to buy or upgrade an intercom or replace a regular call.

Why do you need a video intercom? Top 5 reasons to buy or upgrade an intercom, or replace a regular call.

Outdated models of intercoms are still used to this day, offering only a conversation with the visitor and in some cases a button to open the door. Buy a video intercom – means to make a decision in favor of safety and comfort, but not everyone understands what its advantages.
Many IP video intercoms are associated only with the presence of a video signal from the door in addition to sound and the presence of a monitor for basic control. However, the installation of such a device has 5 reasons why it should be chosen.
Two-way communication

The main advantage and purpose of the video intercom is the ability to see the visitor with a camera installed in an external communication unit, or through an application on a smartphone. This option is available in all modern models, including from the brands Hikvision, Dahua and others. The visitor hears only a voice, and the host receives both video and audio signals, can open the door by pressing a separate button, if you install an electric lock.
The format has been developed in the form of a call to a smartphone with a branded application installed. The signal goes to the main panel, then broadcast directly to the phone where the conversation takes place. With a smartphone, you can even open the door without access to the intercom, so some manufacturers are abandoning bulky monitors.
It is enough to install a miniature call panel with a camera, speaker and microphone, which connects to a Wi-Fi signal and transmits the call directly to the application.
However, the leading IP video intercoms remain popular, in their favor is the wider functionality than in the light version with one panel, as well as the reliability of technology and the ability to get more features.
Motion detection

Modern exterior panels have a mode in which the area in front of the viewfinder is constantly monitored and motion is detected. This is possible thanks to the IR sensor, which can detect the temperature of the human body and thus distinguish living organisms from inanimate objects. Sometimes a software algorithm is used instead of an infrared emitter – it is no less efficient.
When motion is detected, a message arrives on the smartphone, and through the program you can immediately watch live video and even start the communication process to scare away the visitor or find out the purpose of the visit. Thanks to infrared illumination, the video quality will be high enough to be able to distinguish the details of the appearance, even in low light or, in general, in complete darkness.
Additionally, you can enable motion recording continuously or on a schedule so that the video file of the event is saved in the archive when it is triggered automatically. By detecting suspicious visitors, it will be possible to take measures to improve security and prevent intruders.
Extensive integration opportunities

The monitor, which still remains an integral part of any video intercom system, is not only a screen for broadcasting a signal and a place to place the open button. It allows you to use additional features:
• watch real-time video from IP cameras connected to the system;
• control and check the status of devices included in the “Smart Home” system;
• configure sensors of both wired and wireless types;
• control of exit and input buttons;
• activation of access card readers.
You can even control through a single monitor elevators and lighting, including from other manufacturers. Thus, together with the video intercom, you can buy the possibility of expansion, because, in fact, the system can be scaled to any size.
Access control

Many modern intercoms work well with access cards and key fobs that have special radio tags. They read the signal from the attached pass, record the time of entry and exit, without requiring constant manual control of the entry and exit button. The device’s memory allows you to add hundreds of unique users that will be easily recognizable without additional improvements.
The visit log is one of the most important details for both the family and the company. You can always find out if a child has missed school, is late for walks, and on a corporate scale to assess which employees are late or leave the office earlier.
Demand for access control has created a lot of types of readers. They can work not only with cards, but also receive a Bluetooth signal from the phone, remove the door from the lock when approached, respond to fingerprints or facial images, digital passwords issued, for example, to guests.
Huge auxiliary functionality

The intercom can be turned into a communication node, adding tasks to it with built-in capabilities. There are several useful services available for implementation through digital intercom:

1. Connection to the security panel. Upon receipt of a call from the video intercom to the protected area, the company’s car will leave. In this case, the attacker does not even have to enter the house – suspicious activity recorded

external panel, start the security call process.

2. Communication inside the house. The signal can be forwarded to the concierge both from the outdoor unit and from the monitor installed in the apartment. You can give the employee a power of attorney, send a request and inform about the planned guests or ask not to disturb. In turn, he will accept the call from the visitor and pass the information from the resident. And in apartment buildings, where residents communicate closely, the video intercom can be analogous to the intercom, allowing you to communicate with any apartment through a digital interface.
3. Scalability. The intercom can be used both in home security and to use it in corporate conditions with a large number of visitors. The number of devices that can be connected is almost unlimited, and the reliability of the devices is quite high.
   The latter is worth mentioning a little more: there are many offers on the market with additional protection against dust, moisture, and even physical impact (for example, when you try to remove the outer panel, an alarm is triggered). And of course, almost any intercom works in a wide temperature range, the standard figure: -10- + 50 degrees Celsius.
   Conclusion
   Video intercom is a great option to increase security and improve quality of life. With it, you can easily sort the visits of guests, control the entrances and exits, even turn the monitor into a full-fledged hub for managing the “Smart Home”. There are many reasons to change obsolete devices for modern digital intercoms, including everyone who will find something to love about the intercom.