A video intercom system can either be wired or wireless. Wireless systems use radio frequencies or Speech over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies to relay the voice and video signals, while wired systems use cables to connect the outdoor station to the internal monitors. Within these two main classes, a plethora of subclasses can be found. The following classifications are not mutually exclusive; a given phrase may be used to describe a combination of more than one classification. You can also use the phrase cloud-based to describe an IP-based system, a gate video entry system, or a mobile app video intercom system.
The most widespread form of video intercom, residential doorbell intercoms can be found in both single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. There is an external camera, an indoor monitor, and a doorbell unit. The newest models of these doorbells allow visitors to leave messages on users’ phones.
Commercial Video Intercom:
These systems are intended for usage in commercial buildings and typically consist of several different components. These components include a door release button, a request to escape (REX) button, an entry panel, an indoor station, and a master station. Commercial intercoms are built with remote door release and tenant directory in mind.
IP Video Intercom:
This is the most cutting-edge sort of video intercom system available, and it communicates with the help of IP networking. It has a tonne of useful functions, like voice and video communication in both directions, phone forwarding, a standoff door release, and more.
Smartphone Video Intercom:
This type of video intercom connects to your smartphone via a mobile app. IP video conferencing systems are the norm for mobile apps. Some of them let you unlock doors from your phone, while others let you keep tabs on everything in your system from wherever you happen to be.
Video Intercom with Remote Door Release:
Video intercom entry systems always come with a remote door release. As soon as the caller has visually verified the identity of the visitor, they can press a button on their indoor station, mobile app, or online interface to open the door.
Room-to-Room Video Intercom:
These systems are made to be used in apartment buildings and office buildings with more than one unit. Inside the same building, they allow for audiovisual communication between different rooms. To better facilitate both internal communication and access management, some room-to-room intercoms additionally feature an entry panel and door release button.
Video Intercom for Multi-tenants:
Multi-tenant intercom systems are intended for installation in apartment complexes and other commercial facilities that serve multiple tenants. Numerous buttons, a directory, video recording, mobile dialing, and door release are common features. Apartment or room-to-room intercom systems may also be referred to as “multi-tenant” systems
Cloud-based video intercom systems:
Mobile apps and web browsers make it possible to control cloud-based video intercoms from anywhere. Access control, remote unlock, mobile calling, and facial recognition are just some of the cloud-enabled extras that systems.
Video Intercom Systems with Telephone Fallback:
In 2021, around 85 percent of adults in the United States owned a smartphone. The percentage of those who did not participate remains at 15%. Press 9 to unlock, and make a VoIP call to a landline or regular phone with a modern intercom.
At the gates of residential communities, parking garages, industrial facilities, and governmental or military locations, video intercoms can be installed for added security and convenience. The video intercom’s entrance station, if used outside, must be watertight, dustproof, and vandal-proof, with an IP65 rating. A longer-range microphone and camera should be housed there to record the audio and video of the drivers’ experiences within the car.