An intercom system with a camera is a video intercom system. It’s an advanced door entry system for controlling access to a building. A video door intercom equipped with a camera enables the communication between guests and residents, similar to what other kinds of intercom systems do. To confirm a visitor’s identity before providing entrance, tenants can see live or recorded photos from a door entry scanner equipped with a camera rather than relying solely on voice. An example of this kind of intercom is Swiftlane’s video intercom system.
Many more cutting-edge features are supported by video intercom technology to increase convenience for residents and visitors while enhancing access control security. Businesses and property managers may now manage property access with more efficiency and flexibility thanks to features like remote unlocking, cloud-based management, collaboration with building management systems, artificial intelligence, and facial recognition technology.
How does a video intercom operate?
A door video intercom system is installed at the entrance. When a visitor comes, they use a touchscreen or touch button directory on the reader to look up the name of the tenant they wish to speak with, then tap the name to alert them and communicate directly.
When the tenant reacts to the alarm, a display or smartphone screen will show them the visitor’s image. If the visitor is someone they know, the occupant can unlock the entrance or door from their screen and let the visitor in if they require further information. A relay connected to the user’s device or mobile application can be included in a video intercom system with a door release to remotely unlock the door.
It is also possible to set up the camera entrance system or linked surveillance camera with an intercom to keep track of all visitor pictures at the entry point. This record may be used to identify potential security breaches or to carry out an assessment after an incident.
The most modern technology allows for remote and mobile functioning, so residents can authorize access without physically being on the site. They can manage alerts and unlock doors remotely with the help of a smartphone, which makes it easier to manage deliveries or other activities without being required to be at the location and lessens visitors’ long waiting.
Benefits of video intercom
Systems for video intercoms are practical and efficient. They also provide an extra degree of security, ensuring that your household or employees always feel safe and secure. Let’s look into in what way these assistances of video intercom systems apply to the present situation:
- Prevent unexploited distributions with video intercom – Missed delivery alerts are a memory of the past thanks to audio-visual intercom schemes that include access control. When the delivery person arrives and hits the intercom, these schemes direct an alarm to the partition unit or the smartphone. Since there, all can deliver the courier admission to assured portions of your facility, such as the storeroom for a warehouse or retail location, the intercom-protected gate that opens the front alcove of your home, or the reaction in a saleable building.
You may safely latch the entrance or gate after the messenger as they depart when access control technologies are used in conjunction with a video intercom. You will never again stress over whether guests left the door open or the alarm disabled.
- Guest access is secure in buildings – In multi-tenant structures, cinematographic intercom schemes add an extra degree of safety deprived of losing convenience. These systems make sure that guests are only permitted in after receiving permission from an occupant. This system lessens any security concerns brought on by unauthorized access. Visitors that make use of the audio-visual intercom system can enter the building right away devoid of waiting for a doorman. The operator are also let the visitor inside the structure when the visitors aren’t home if the intercom is connected to a mobile application.
- Worry-free admittance to properties – The tourism industry will probably change a little after the pandemic. More visitors are likely to expect contactless check-in, which will be problematic for landlords who wish to confirm the individuality of their temporary tenants. Access control-equipped audio-visual intercom systems help in addressing this gap. Tenants can relish a suitable contactless stay with a video intercom, and property administrators can confirm that the visitors are those persons who appear to be.
Components of a video intercom
- Door entry reader – The base station, which is the location of the video intercom reader, is typically a door or a gate. Although it can be simpler, like a video intercom bell or a wireless video doorbell and monitor with intercom, it typically takes the form of a device with a built-in camera, touchscreen, speaker/microphone, and buzzer.
- Video camera – A built-in video camera that is functional with the other parts of the system is a feature of the perfect video intercom door reader. The camera needs to be able to record high-definition photos so that the resident can see the visitor well. There are various chips for HD video cameras that can produce resolutions as high as 5 megapixels quality. A video intercom with camera features for low-light situations and any weather-proofing for outside installations should also be taken into consideration.
- Image recorder – The captured images may be saved on a storage device on the property or preserved online. Because managers may view the data from anywhere without going to the place, cloud storage is more convenient. Data loss can be avoided through features like offline sync in case of a power outage or internet loss.
- Display screen – For each resident to view the footage from the door video entry system, a display screen is necessary. A computer screen, laptop, tablet, or other specific display devices can serve the same.
- Door locking and release – To remotely unlock the door, a wireless video intercom system with door release may contain a relay connected to the occupant’s substation or mobile application. Magnetic locks and electric locks are the two types of door locking hardware that can be utilized with a relay mechanism for video intercom doors.
- Power supply – Power is required by video intercom door panels to run the touchscreen, camera, and door release mechanism. If the intercom is connected to a network, the power source can be either the main supply system or a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) system. To ensure that the access and intercom buzzer continue to work even if there is an interruption in internet service, it is advised to install a backup power source to PoE video intercom systems.
- Connectivity – A video intercom system needs a type of link to connect with the tenant’s substation and interact with the door reader. A wired, cable, or wireless connection may be used for this.
A solution with a clear path to the future is a video intercom system. For businesses that prefer the best in user experience and security, a video intercom system is a wise investment. It is built on a platform that combines the most recent cloud and mobile technology.