In box
The main components and the number of their copies supplied as standard equipment.
— Intercom. This section specifies delivery options
with several internal units that can be connected to one call panel. Such a complete set will come in handy if it is necessary to establish a connection for several subscribers or install internal intercoms to service one subscriber, but at several points (for example, to organize an intercom or deploy equipment in a large house).
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With a call panel. The presence of a call panel directly in the intercom package. This option for supplying equipment eliminates the need to buy a call panel separately — the standard call device is most often optimally suited to a given intercom model, while difficulties may arise with the selection of a third-party panel.
— Number of subscribers. In this context, it is implied that several subscribers can be called from the complete call panel, and their specific number is indicated.
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.
Number of ports
The total number of ports for wired connection of various equipment provided in the intercom; in fact — the maximum number of wired devices that can be simultaneously connected to the intercom.
Keep in mind that this number may be less than the total amount of supported devices. This is especially true in models with the possibility of using additional monitors (see "Connected monitors"): such devices are often connected in series, "chained" and occupy only 1 port. Thus, for example, an intercom for 2 calling panels and 3 monitors can have only 3 connectors — one for calling panels and one for monitors. Note also that the LAN port in IP intercoms (see "Device type") is also taken into account in this calculation.
Display support
The number of additional monitors that can be connected to the intercom at the same time.
This function is relevant only for video-enabled models — video intercoms and IP intercoms (see “Device type”). In such models, the intercom itself is called a monitor — an indoor unit with a screen. This paragraph indicates how many additional indoor units can be connected to this model. The need for such a connection arises in cases where access to the security system must be provided from several points at once — for example, in a private house on several floors, where it would be inconvenient to run from floor to floor to the intercom. In this case,
intercoms with access to 3 monitors,
4 monitors or more are appropriate.
Note that the format of multiple monitors working together may be different, see "Connection Type" for more details.
Display size
Diagonal size of the intercom's own display.
In modern intercoms, there are displays ranging in size from 2 "to 10" —
smaller screens are non-functional, larger ones are unreasonably bulky and expensive. At the same time, you can normally view the image on almost any display from this range — if you lean close enough to it.
With all this in mind, it makes sense to specifically look for
a large screen (10 ") if you need to see it normally from a long distance (a metre or more), or if you do not want to strain your eyes once again, peering into a small image. Golden the middle is
the 7" display.
Screen resolution
Resolution of the display installed in the intercom.
All other things being equal, a higher resolution provides a smoother and more detailed image, but it does affect the cost of the screen. In addition, all the benefits of high resolution are lost if the camera you are using does not support it. In general, this parameter is secondary: it is selected by the manufacturer based on the screen diagonal and the general functionality of the device, and for many screens it is not indicated at all - it is believed (and quite reasonably) that the resolution is in any case sufficient for its intended use. Therefore, there is no point in chasing
a Full HD screen ;
an HD display, or even
an SD one, will be enough.
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.