Intercoms are considered to be devices that guarantee communication between the front door of buildings, individual houses or business premises. They are perceived as very interesting security systems since they allow you to signal the presence of a visitor at your door or gate. Although the principle of use is similar to that of a telephone, be aware that the device is not connected to any external network. Its main advantage is to ensure communication with the people who press the doorbell. However, what are the criteria to take into account when choosing the right intercom ?
Talking Points
- Choose a intercom based on the device’s installation mode
- Choosing an intercom based on the recording and the type of videophone control
- Choosing a Speaker Phone Based on Connectivity and Video Monitor
- Choose the intercom according to the screen size and resolution
- Choose the intercom according to the quality and the door station
- Choose the intercom according to the range of the device
- Other Factors for Choosing an Audio and Video Intercom
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Choose a intercom based on the device’s installation mode
At first glance, there are two types of intercoms depending on the installation (the wireless videophone and the wired video intercom). By choosing a wired model, you will benefit from an outdoor unit and a turntable connected through a wiring network. This type of installation is difficult to set up. Likewise, it requires having technical knowledge of electricians. However, this type of intercom is considered to be the most reliable available. Whether it’s a video or audio intercom, your device’s access control system won’t face interference.
On the wireless audio and video intercom side, this type of intercom works by radio wave. This safety device is easy to install since the installation work does not require the installation of wired equipment. The gate opening plate is powered by a rechargeable battery, power supply or batteries. However, anyone wishing to opt for this model because of the audio and video background must be careful. Specifically, you need to choose the most capable wireless videophone in order to enjoy the best possible security system. Wi-Fi connection, ringing your doorbell, automatic gate
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Choosing an intercom based on the recording and the type of videophone control
Today, there are several types of intercoms available on the market. Whether it’s a wired or wireless intercom, the choices have to be made according to the types of control. Here are the ones that are popular on the web:
- Hands-free or hands-on: In order to meet users’ expectations, there are intercoms that offer a hands-free option. All it takes is the push of a button to activate pass-through. However, there are other wired or wireless intercoms that require the use of a handset to activate.
- Type of key (tactile or sensitive): at this level, the choice will be made according to your sensitivity. In fact, there are some monitors with touch buttons that allow you to configure the wired or wireless intercom system. On the other hand, other monitors are designed in relief. This system is very effective because it allows visually impaired people to make better use of their wireless or wired doorbell.
- Magnetic loop: there are now intercoms equipped with a magnetic loop. This range of intercoms is specifically designed to be accessible to people with hearing impairments. Indeed, the magnetic loop makes it possible to control and broadcast sounds that can be interpreted by hearing aids. However, these must be in phone mode or set to the T function. The installation of videotelephony equipped with magnetic loops is mandatory, especially in buildings open to the public.
On the recording side, this feature can be of great use for both wired and wireless intercoms. Indeed, an intercom equipped with a recorder allows you to review the various visits you have received in your absence. You will certainly find the recordings in the internal memory (SD card) of your videophone. Depending on the capacity of the security device, the recordings will be in the form of high-resolution images or videos.
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Choosing a Speaker Phone Based on Connectivity and Video Monitor
Connectivity is also one of the criteria to consider when choosing an intercom. Depending on your budget, you can opt for one that has a door opening control. Remotely via smartphone. When someone rings your doorbell, you will automatically receive the information on your mobile phone. You will have the ability to communicate remotely with visitors and give them access. Being a true innovation, connectivity is considered a feature to increase the security system by simulating your presence. The connection is easy thanks to an app to install on your smartphone.
On the doorman’s video monitor, it allows you to receive images and identify your visitor in the event of a doorbell. In this way, you have the option of giving them access to your home or not. Whether it is for single-family homes or business premises, the choice of a video monitor must be made by asking yourself a few questions:
- What is the size of the LCD screen?
- What is the image quality (low, medium or high resolution)?
- Does the video monitor have a remote access control system?
- Is the monitor capable of saving high-resolution images and videos to an internal memory (SD card)?
- Can the monitor of the security device installed in the detached house adapt to different disabilities?
- Etc.
By providing clear and precise answers to the various questions listed above, this will allow you to choose the most efficient intercom for your use.
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Choose the intercom according to the screen size and resolution
The size of the screen and the resolution are considered essential criteria when choosing a intercom for individual homes or business premises. This makes it possible to see visitors clearly and identify them. On the market, the choice of screen size is quite extensive. You’ll find screens from 2 to 7 inches.
The other point that should not be overlooked is the resolution of your LCD screen. This is because you will have lower quality images if you choose a low-resolution intercom. The minimum for a 7-inch screen is around 800 x 480 pixels. In addition, there are also other factors to consider:
- The zoom function: some monitors have a zoom function of up to 9 times the image of the surveillance camera.
- Ultra-slim display: The ultra-slim monitor can be perfectly recessed into walls and discreetly.
- LCD screen: the monitor with an LCD screen offers a nice fluidity in terms of displaying the image of the ringing person.
- Etc.
Choose the intercom according to the quality and the door station
First of all, you should know that the proper functioning of an intercom is not only associated with the quality of its monitor. Of course, it is also based on the type of door station your security device has. Ideally, you should opt for a model with vandal-proof and good weather resistance. To avoid making mistakes, it is recommended to check the IP and IK protection ratings of the security device to be purchased. Don’t hesitate to choose a intercom with an outdoor unit with a high-resolution camera, not to mention the viewing angle. To facilitate the proper functioning of your security system at night, it would be ideal to choose a video intercom with a night vision function.
In addition, the door station is presented as the main interface for identifying visitors who press the doorbell button. It is connected directly to an indoor unit in your home. To better choose the door station for your detached house or business premises, here are some criteria to take into account:
- Since they are installed outdoors, street signs must have a high degree of protection that can effectively withstand weather and vandalism. At a minimum, you should choose security devices that have an IP40 and IK08 rating.
- Today, there are intercoms on the market with different types of turntables and work with a badge reader, a keypad, one or more call buttons. The choice of model will be made according to your needs and budget. You should also know that there are certain types of street signs specifically designed for the tertiary sector and collective housing.
- Regarding the videophone system, the viewing angle of the surveillance camera can vary between 90 and 170°. This allows you to get a glimpse of who is pressing the doorbell and their surroundings. You can also opt for an outdoor surveillance camera with night vision thanks to the infrared white LEDs. The latter make it possible to better identify visitors during the day and at night.
Choose the intercom according to the range of the device
The range of the intercom also has an impact on the proper functioning of your security device. Indeed, you should know that the video monitor and the door station are perceived as essential equipment that makes up your home automation. When you choose a wireless intercom, the connection between these two elements is made by radio waves. To get the best interaction, you need to calculate the distance between the front door and where the indoor unit will be installed. Every precaution must be taken to ensure that the video monitor and the turntable are connected by high frequency waves. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to choose a long-range intercom. Also, don’t hesitate to opt for portable video monitors, as these are a very effective security device for viewing the identity of visitors. Such a system makes it possible to have the access control system at hand while walking around the detached house.
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Other Factors for Choosing an Audio and Video Intercom
Apart from the criteria listed earlier, there are several other factors to consider when choosing an audio and video intercom. Here are some of them:
You conform to your needs
The choice of an audio and video intercom for a detached house must be made according to the needs of the occupants or co-owners. In this specific case, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Are you used to receiving several visitors a day?
- Do you live in an area where the number of visitors is low?
- Are you at home a lot?
- Do you have anxiety about opening the door to a stranger?
- Do you live in a very lively area?
- Do you regularly face ringing bells all day long?
- Etc.
By answering all these questions clearly and precisely, you will be able to choose an intercom according to your needs and the situation you are in.
Check the security system of the gate intercom
Whether for single-family homes or business premises, the choice of a wired or wireless intercom is based on the level of security offered. If you have the ability to detect and identify the visitor on a simple verbal check, then the ideal would be to opt for an audio security system. However, remote monitoring will be necessary when you need to check the visual identity of the person ringing the doorbell of your detached house.
Compare the purchase price of your Parlocom
To choose an intercom, video or audio door entry box, you must necessarily comply with your budget. The price of this security device varies depending on the model chosen and the different options chosen (color screen, infrared, motion detector, night vision, video surveillance, etc.).
While the color of the screen doesn’t have a huge impact on the bill, the size of the monitor, the remote control option can lead to more financial consideration. To buy an intercom, you need to budget between €30 and €150. However, be aware that this will only allow you to acquire an audio intercom. For a video intercom, the purchase price can go up to €500 for the most efficient models. Also, you should know that the cost of a wired videophone will be much higher unlike wireless devices.
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Contact the Doors Center technicians to help you choose your intercom:
