Intercom connection type
Type of connection with additional monitors (see "Number of monitors") supported by the intercom
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Consistent. With this type of connection, all external security devices — calling panels, cameras, locks, etc. — are connected only to the main intercom. Additional monitors used in the system are connected in a "chain", one after another, and work only through the main unit; you cannot connect security equipment directly to an additional monitor. With this format of operation, the number of security devices is limited by the capabilities of the main intercom, but they can be accessed from any system monitor.
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Parallel. Like serial, this option assumes the presence of a main intercom and additional monitors. The key difference lies in the fact that you can connect your own video cameras to each controlled monitor, which will be controlled only from this monitor. This option is convenient when organizing security systems with several separate video surveillance zones: for example, the main monitor can be installed at the main entrance, and the additional monitor at the service entrance, and each of them will only work with the camera above the corresponding door.
Touch screen
The presence of a
touch screen in the intercom — similar to those used in smartphones and tablets.
Control through such a display is often more convenient, visual and functional than using a hardware panel — especially when working with numerous functions and settings. Actually, the presence of a touch screen is an almost unmistakable sign of an advanced intercom with advanced features. Note that for comfortable use, such a screen should have a fairly large size — 4 ”or more; Smaller touch displays are also available, but they are not particularly user-friendly.
Touch buttons
The presence of
touch buttons in the design of the intercom.
Unlike mechanical ones, such buttons do not need to be pressed in — they do not work by pressing, but by touch, which is somewhat more convenient. However, the main advantage of touch panels is still in a neat appearance and resistance to dirt. Such panels look modern and technologically advanced, they do not have protruding buttons that make it difficult to clean, and there are no gaps between the buttons and the panel itself, where dirt can accumulate. However they are somewhat more expensive and more difficult to manufacture than push-buttons; this is imperceptible to the average user, but is a disadvantage for manufacturers. That is why sensors, for all their advantages, have not supplanted traditional buttons.
Consumption (standby)
The amount of energy consumed by the intercom in standby mode. In this mode, the device is energized and is in a state of readiness to receive a call; no functions are used, and the readiness itself does not require a lot of energy. Therefore, the value of this parameter, usually, is rather low, and you should pay attention to it only if you fundamentally strive for maximum efficiency of the installed equipment.
Consumption (during operation)
Power consumption of the intercom in the operating mode. Usually, this item indicates the value for situations where the device's functions are used to the fullest — in particular, when the display is on and the speakerphone is on (if any, see above). Note that the consumption in the operating mode rarely exceeds 20 W, so in most cases it is more of a reference, and not a practically significant parameter.
