Until recently, the peephole was the only device that could tell who was behind the door. The viewing angle was small, the glass was turbid, and the picture was distorted. Today eyes are replaced everywhere with video intercoms. What characteristics should be taken into account when choosing this extremely useful and important device?
Type of connection
The doorphone in your apartment can be connected to the driveway or run autonomously. In case you want to see what is happening at the access door, you need to contact the service organization( its coordinates are usually indicated near the device) and specify which models are compatible with the collective system. Access doorphones are divided into:
- coordinate( Vizit, Cyfral, Metakom) and
- digital( Marshal, Keyman).
The type of apartment video door phone must match the access system. This condition can be neglected, if you need a review of only the pictures in front of the entrance door. Also, the apartment doorphone can be connected to the access door using the interface module. This small device will allow you to get an image from the access door and open it with a button on the monitor.
Manufacturer
Today almost all manufacturers of security equipment and access systems offer apartment video intercoms. The models of the Korean manufacturers of Commax( and its Chinese budget version - Quantum), Kocom, Kenwei are renowned for fault tolerance. They have long been on the market and adapted to the Russian conditions.
Camera
Apartment doorphones are equipped with several types of cameras. Pinhole is one of the most popular options. Its diameter is only a few millimeters, and it perfectly masks on the call panel or in the wall nearby. Another way to hide the camera is to install video eyes, which we recently told about. Outside, it does not differ from the usual eye, but in fact translates the picture to the monitor. The quality of the incoming image is much higher than that of micro-diameter cameras.
Additional cameras
Sometimes it is necessary to control not only the front door, but several sections, for example, a vestibule door, a landing. The second chamber can be directed to the entrance door, placing it in an inconspicuous place or mounted in a wall. In this case, preference is given to models to which several video cameras and call panels can be connected.
Monitor
The camera image is sent to the monitor in PAL format. In the apartment video intercoms monitors with a diagonal of 3.5-10 inches are used, in most cases enough 7-m. However, if you plan to install several cameras, then the monitor needs more, so that it can simultaneously display a picture from all sources. Monitors designed for use in apartments can receive a signal from 2 or 4 cameras at the same time. The larger the monitor, the higher the cost of the device.
Useful functions of
On sale there are 2 types of apartment doorphones - with a tube and speaker. The choice depends on personal preferences, but you need to take into account that models without a tube are more compact. In some luxury models, additional wireless handsets with a small screen and a control panel are provided, which are especially convenient in large area apartments.
Some intercoms have a special output for connection to the TV.This is a great option if the hallway is located far away.
Memory
Almost all new models are equipped with built-in non-volatile memory, in which can be stored from 128 frames. The camera captures the space near the door when the call button is pressed or at the master's request. Any action that occurs on the landing, you can take pictures without attracting attention.
For those who often and for a long time there is no need to choose a video intercom with a large amount of memory, the ability to shoot short videos and program the frequency and recording time. Such devices usually support additional memory cards, which allows viewing the results of shooting on a TV or computer.
Tips for
- Most problems when using a video intercom are associated with an incorrect installation. To avoid them, contact the installer of the vendor or the organization that manages the intercom.
- The distance between the call panel with the camera and the monitor should be greater than 1 m, otherwise noise and hum may occur.
- If you are often absent at home, pay attention to models that can send notifications and pictures to the phone or via the Internet.
