A video intercom system manages building access. It includes a camera, audio communication, a connected door lock, and an access platform. When a visitor requests access, the system sends video and audio footage to the administrator. The administrator may be a security team member, resident, or property owner.
Admins can then visually verify the visitor before unlocking the doors to the building, helping to prevent unauthorized individuals from trespassing on private property, and providing building management teams with video evidence of potential intrusion events to help deter crime.
Depending on the type of door video intercom system installed, admins are able to view and access live camera feeds either through an on-site monitor or remotely via a connected smart device. Further integrations can facilitate automated alerts, lockdown functions and time-based locks.
How do video door intercom systems work?
A video intercom doorbell system creates a video call between the hardware at the building entry point and a monitoring device. The tenant or property owner controls the monitoring device. After establishing the connection, they can visually verify the visitor’s credentials. Then, they can choose whether to unlock the door from their position.
Video entry systems often include I/O relays to connect to door release mechanisms. This feature lets users control the lock remotely from their substation. A wired video intercom system uses cables to link each video doorbell device and unit. IP and wireless systems, however, use the Internet, desktop software, and smartphone apps to connect users to visitors.
In multi-tenant buildings, such as apartments or large offices, the video intercom systems need to be able to route visitor calls to specific units or offices. Here, a visitor will request access using the main video intercom doorbell device installed at the entry point. In many cases, they will then be presented with a directory that can be used to locate the tenant that they wish to speak to.
Some wired video door release systems connect visitors automatically to specific users by entering a code or pressing a specific button that calls that unit, depending on the video intercom system installed.
Types of video intercom entry systems
IP video intercom systems
An IP intercom with camera functionality describes any intercom network that operates over the internet, with IP standing for Internet Protocol. These systems are often able to connect to existing IP data networks or via Power over Ethernet (PoE) cabling, meaning no additional wiring work will be required during installation.
IP video intercoms are commonly utilized in offices and multi-tenant complexes. When connected to a high-speed corporate data network, the video signals sent between visitors and residents are often protected by advanced security features and reliably maintained by IT staff.
You can protect these configurations with end-to-end encryption and other security features. This helps company IT and security teams create comprehensive strategies. They can focus on both cyber and physical security. These strategies better protect a business’s internal systems and important data networks.
Wireless video intercom doorbell
Wireless video intercom systems are becoming a popular alternative to traditional wired video intercoms. An ideal entry point management solution for situations in which extensive wiring work may be too time-consuming or expensive to carry out, wireless video intercom systems are particularly suited for use in areas where no permanent structural work will be required.
A wireless video intercom system with door release uses Wi-Fi to connect internal and external components. Residents need a strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection. They also need the respective mobile app to transmit video signals effectively.
Cloud-based video intercoms
Cloud-based video entry systems work with either wired or wireless intercoms. These systems let administrators manage access remotely. They don’t need to be on-site to control or monitor the system. This flexibility is the main advantage of using a cloud-based setup.
Security teams and property owners can connect to a cloud-based video intercom door release management portal. They can access live camera feeds and edit permissions. The portal also allows them to engage with any additional security features installed on the property. A secure internet connection enables 24/7 monitoring of both commercial and residential buildings.
Cloud-based intercoms enable security teams to manage entry permissions without being physically present, which is especially helpful in routing after-hours requests for late meetings, maintenance staff, deliveries and contractors.
Video intercom that works with iPhone and smart-device apps
Like cloud-based video intercom networks and IP intercom systems, many modern configurations come equipped with their own dedicated smart-device applications. Once connected to the internet, these can be used to manage, adjust and operate the hardware components of a video intercom installation.
These configurations provide all the same features as a hardware-based video doorphone system, like making and receiving video calls, accessing live camera feeds and editing settings, with the added convenience of this functionality always being accessible via the user’s own personal device.
Cellphone network video intercom systems are popular for residential use. They allow tenants to grant access to visitors, delivery couriers, and vendors without being home. These intercoms are also useful in retail and office settings. They are easy to operate and require minimal technical knowledge. Additionally, they reduce the need for security staff to manage visitors constantly.
The components of a door video intercom system
Readers for video intercoms
The main focal point of a front door video intercom system with camera is usually the reader unit: a device that features an integrated camera (a video intercom reader), a touchscreen or keypad, a monitor plus a microphone, speaker and buzzer or doorbell. This device is often referred to as the base station and will be installed at the entry point.
Some basic models may only feature a video intercom doorbell, or a wireless video intercom doorbell and monitor, with an additional keypad or reader needing to be installed to manage access control systems and connect to the door locks.
Camera system
Connected to the door entry reader will be an integrated video camera. This device will be capable of sending live video footage to the building occupant either via internal wiring or a Wi-Fi connection.
Choose video intercom systems that record high-definition footage. This ensures clear images of visitors. Consider features like night vision and low-light recording if you plan to use the system around the clock.
Recording device
To maximize the benefits of a door intercom with camera functionality, the system should record and store video footage and audio. It can use dedicated video management software or on-device storage. This feature helps property owners analyze past footage and images. They can review potential intrusion events and improve security protocols.
Video management solutions can store footage locally on a computer server or integrate with a cloud-based platform. The cloud option offers several benefits. Users can view footage remotely. Automatic file sync helps prevent data loss.
Monitoring system for intercoms with video
Any front video door intercom system with camera functionality needs to be equipped with a real-time monitoring system that can be accessed by tenants. For a single receptionist or security desk, this can consist of a single hardware monitor or smart device. However, video doorbell systems for multi-occupant configurations will require either several wired substations to be installed in each office or unit, or an interconnected web app that’s accessible to all tenants.
Video intercom monitor stations are still common in commercial settings. However, Android and iPhone video intercom systems are gaining popularity. These systems help reduce installation costs. They eliminate the need for physical monitors to be wired into the building.
Smart-device monitoring also allows occupants to view and access the intercom system remotely, providing a higher degree of flexibility. Plus, as most people are familiar with app-based interfaces, less training is required to ensure that residents are able to properly make use of the intercom system.
Call routing
One of the most challenging aspects of a video intercom system is making sure visitors can reach the correct person. Many IP video intercoms feature a directory that visitors can scroll through to find the person they want to see. While convenient and easy to use, this can pose security risks for anyone who may not want their name or business publicly listed.
Voice-activated video door entry systems utilize audio to route visitor calls instead. This type of system leverages artificial intelligence to determine who visitors are there to see, and route the calls accordingly. These types of smart front door video intercoms can actively respond to visitor requests to speak to the front desk, call a specific tenant, or leave a voicemail if no one is available.
Power supply
Each component of the video intercom system must be connected to a reliable power source. The intercom can be powered by a main power supply, or a PoE system if the video intercom is connected to a data network.
In either configuration it’s advised that the system also has access to a backup generator, as this will prevent a loss of service in the event of a power outage or an internet service interruption.
Conclusion
When choosing the best video intercom, building owners and security teams should consider how each system works. They need to assess whether remote access and cloud-based management fit their needs. They should also evaluate installation costs and the potential for future integration and scalability. By planning around these factors, they can ensure a video intercom system benefits nearly any installation.
