Comparison NeoLight Kappa Plus vs ARNY AVD-710MD NEW

The number of alarm inputs provided in the design of the intercom.

Such inputs allow the intercom to receive service signals from other elements of the security system — various sensors (motion, opening, temperature), cameras and video surveillance recorders, etc. This provides additional features for setting up the security system for certain events: for example, you can provide automatic activation of the video intercom camera when an opening sensor on an external wicket or gate is triggered. The specific functionality of alarm inputs for each model should be specified separately; however, anyway, such connectors allow you to increase automation and reduce dependence on the human factor. And the number of such inputs corresponds to the number of control components of the security system, which can be simultaneously connected to the intercom directly, without the use of additional equipment. Most often, it ranges from 3 to 8, and in some models it reaches one and a half dozen.

The longest continuous conversation that the intercom provides. Technically, this duration can be unlimited, but in fact, limits can also be set — usually from 1 to 4 minutes. This is primarily due to the fact that in systems with several call panels, a conversation through one of them may interfere with the work of the others. Limitations on the duration allow you to exclude long conversations and possible overlays, and the available time is usually enough to clarify all the necessary questions during one conversation. Also, this feature is useful in case you forget to turn off the connection (hang up) at the end of the conversation.

In this case, half-duplex communication means such a communication format in which the interlocutors cannot simultaneously speak and listen to each other. Only one of them can speak at a time, like talking on a walkie-talkie, where you have to constantly switch from transmitting to receiving and vice versa. In intercoms, such switching can be carried out both with a button and with the help of voice activation: the system turns on the transmission when it hears the voice of the speaker, and switches to reception when it does not hear it.

Half-duplex models are not as convenient as full-duplex models (with the possibility of simultaneous talking), but they are somewhat cheaper.

— Android OS. The advantages of the Android OS include flexibility, which allows you to install third-party applications, thereby increasing the functionality of the device. Such applications may include SIP phones, programs that allow video surveillance, and others. But it is worth noting that such devices are not very suitable for the role of using a full-fledged tablet; firstly, most have a stationary location, and secondly, as a rule, the power of intercoms is not so high. Also, various restrictions may be set separately by the manufacturer; this must be clarified separately.

— Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi wireless communication module is found only in IP intercoms(see “Device type”). This function allows the device to connect to the network wirelessly - this is much more convenient than pulling cables, and the quality of communication is usually indistinguishable from a wired one. Another option for using Wi-Fi is a direct communication to a smartphone or tablet and using such a gadget as a remote control with an external screen; however, such an opportunity is provided relatively rarely.

- Mobile app. This feature means that the device can be operated via a smartphone or tablet with a special application installed on it. Such applications are usually released immediately for both of the most popular mobile operating systems today - Android and iOS; ho...wever, it would not hurt to clarify this point separately. In any case, control from a mobile device can have very extensive functionality (including even the ability to work via the Internet, in some models); and interacting with a device through a gadget that you can always keep with you is definitely more convenient than going to an intercom or other stationary equipment every time.

— SIP protocol. The intercom's support for the SIP protocol allows the intercom to redirect the signal from the calling panel through the telephone network to a mobile device, a stationary PBX or a computer with the appropriate software. Such a function may be useful, for example, in an office where there are a lot of visitors, and going up to the intercom every time to answer is inconvenient. Additional SIP capabilities in different models may vary significantly; they should be clarified separately.

- DVR support. The ability to operate the intercom in video recording mode from calling panels or from separate surveillance cameras. In most of these models, recording is not carried out constantly, but only when the call button is pressed or another event occurs - for example, a motion detector is triggered (see below). Video is most often saved to a memory card (see “Card Reader” below). In any case, this function allows you to find out who called the intercom at “inopportune hours”; it can also be useful in other situations - even to restore the picture of an emergency that came into view of the cameras.

— Internal communication (Intercom). This function allows you to make calls between intercoms on the same network. Depending on the implementation and settings, there is an addressable intercom, when you enter the number (identifier) of the device on the network to which you want to make a call, as well as options for setting up a general call, when the call goes to all devices on the network. In any case, this function will be useful if there are several intercoms in the network, so you can call, for example, a neighbor.

- Speakerphone. A hands-free function similar to that found in telephones. In this mode, a loud speaker and a sensitive microphone are used for conversation, located in the intercom body and allowing you to communicate comfortably at some distance from the device (up to a meter, or even more). This function is especially important for models with a handset (see “Execution”) - it allows you to talk without holding the handset. But devices without a handset, by definition, operate in a hands-free format.

- A voice message. An analogue of the answering machine function in phones, when the subscriber can leave a message if the owner of the intercom does not respond to the call. The function can be implemented in different ways, but in any case it is similar to the one with the usual expression: “Leave your message after the sound signal...”.

— Picture in picture. The ability to display a second image on the intercom screen, in addition to the main image. In this way, you can, for example, check the situation in the visibility range of a surveillance camera without interrupting communication with the visitor via the main video panel. The additional picture is small in size and is usually displayed in one of the corners of the screen.

- Motion Detector. A function that allows the intercom to detect movement in the visibility range of connected cameras and respond to it. The specific method of such a reaction may be different in different models: turning on recording, sending a notification to a user-specified device, sending a signal to an alarm output, etc.; These details should be clarified separately. In any case, the motion detector reduces the likelihood of missing significant events in the field of view of the cameras.

— Built-in memory. Built-in memory is found in video and IP intercoms (see “Device type”) and is usually intended for storing data from surveillance cameras. However, the volume of such memory is usually small, and it is usually used only for photographs (for example, to capture the faces of visitors); Video recording, if provided, is carried out on a memory card (see below). In any case, it would not hurt to clarify the operating features of the built-in memory separately.

- Frame. The ability to operate the intercom in digital photo frame mode - when photographs stored in the device’s memory (or stored on a memory card) are displayed on the screen (usually in slideshow mode). A mandatory feature of models with this function is a fairly large color screen - only on it photos will be normally visible; The intercoms themselves are usually video or IP models. The main purpose of the photo frame mode is aesthetic: showing beautiful pictures, the intercom plays the role of additional decor for the number.

A device for working with removable memory cards. Like built-in memory (see above), such media are used to record data from video panels and cameras; At the same time, for intercoms with card readers, the presence of a DVR is almost mandatory (see above), and it is the video that is saved to the memory card. This is more justified than using built-in memory for this purpose: removable media is cheaper per megabyte of volume and is better suited for large files, such as video recordings. In addition, we note that the card can be removed and installed in another device - for example, to copy footage to a computer or view it on a smartphone. The card may come included, but more often it must be purchased separately. It is worth considering the type and format of media supported by the card reader, as well as the maximum amount of memory with which it is compatible.

The type of call panel that the intercom is equipped with.

— Audio. Call panels that provide only voice communication, without video. The only type of panels available for audio intercoms (see "Device type"), however, it can also be found in the configuration of video models — in the expectation that voice communication may be enough for the first time, and the user may want to choose the video panel on their own .

— Video. Call panels with built-in cameras capable of transmitting not only sound, but also video to the intercom. They are found in all varieties, except for audio intercoms (see "Device Type"). Separately, it can be quite difficult to choose a video panel compatible with an intercom — it is much easier to buy a ready-made kit; Therefore, such kits are very popular nowadays.

Call panel installation method.

— Mounted. Installation by hanging from fixtures placed on a wall, door frame, or other suitable location. This method is quite simple, besides, it allows you to relatively easily change the location of the device. On the other hand, it is less reliable than embedding, and it is easier for hooligans or thieves to rip such a panel from its attachment point.

— Embedded. Installation in a niche in a wall or other surface — in such a way that only the front side of the device is outside. and any movement of the device is also fraught with serious difficulties. Nevertheless, it also has advantages: it is almost impossible to remove the call panel from a niche without a special tool, and even with tools, this task takes time and effort.

— Mounted / built-in. This category includes outdoor panels that allow both of the installation options described above. Thus, the user can independently choose a method, depending on what is more important in this case: ease of installation or its reliability.

Resolution of the image produced by the camera of the video panel (see "Type").

In such cameras, an analogue signal format is often used, and for it the resolution is usually denoted not in pixels, but in TVL — TV lines. The number of TVL displays how many horizontal lines (lines) will fall on each frame. This number, in turn, determines the size of the final image in pixels; the technical features of this parameter are such that there is no rigid dependence here, and it is easiest to convert TVL to pixels using special tables. Here is a variant of such a table for the most popular resolutions:

— 380 TVL — 640x480 pixels;
— 420 TVL — 720x576 pixels;
— 480 TVL — 800x600 pixels;
— 560 TVL — 933x700 pixels;
— 600 TVL — 1024x756 pixels;
— 800 TVL — 1080x960 px;
— 1000 TVL — 1600x1200 pixels;


The higher the resolution of the camera, the clearer and more detailed the image from it will be, and the higher the cost of the video panel, all other things being equal.

— Plastic. Plastic is characterized by low cost with good performance; besides, it can take on almost any colour. On the other hand, its strength is relatively low: it is enough for most everyday situations, but plastic resists hooliganism and vandalism poorly. Therefore, this material has not received wide popularity in calling panels.

— Metal (anti-vandal). The main advantage of the metal is its high strength, and, accordingly, resistance to damage, which made it possible to call this material "anti-vandal"; in addition, it is resistant to temperature extremes and ultraviolet, and it looks solid. The only drawback of metal in the case of outdoor panels is a higher cost than plastic; however, the price difference is small and most often completely offset by the advantages of metal cases.