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.
Pluggable outdoor panels
The number of outdoor panels that can be connected to the intercom at the same time.
The call panel is an external panel through which the guest sends a call to the owner of the intercom and communicates with him. Such a panel should be at each door "covered" by the intercom. This means that the number of supported outdoor panels corresponds to the maximum number of doors with which this model can be used. The simplest option is
1 calling panel, but in fact this is often not enough. Therefore, models that can block
2 doors at once are more popular — for example, the main and service entrances to the office. And in the most advanced intercoms, it may be possible to connect
4 calling panels at once, or even
more.
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.
Connected video cameras
The number of video cameras that can be simultaneously connected to the intercom. The mode of operation with these cameras can be different — a mosaic of several signals at once, switching between signals with each one displayed on the full screen, etc. However, anyway, to work with several video cameras, it is desirable that their corresponding number be directly claimed in the intercom — otherwise you will have to resort to installing additional equipment.
The simplest modern intercoms allow the connection
of 1 or
2 cameras, in more advanced ones this number can reach
4 or
more.
Alarm outputs
The number of
alarm outputs provided for in the design of the intercom.
Alarm connectors are used to exchange service signals between individual components of the security system, most often to automatically turn on a particular function. The presence of alarm outputs in the intercom allows you to transmit control signals from it to other security devices — locks, spotlights, surveillance cameras, a siren, etc. For example, you can configure the system so that when you press the call button, not only the video intercom camera, but also external surveillance cameras.
The specific functionality of alarm outputs 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 outputs corresponds to the number of controlled components of the security system, which can be simultaneously connected to the intercom directly, without the use of additional equipment. However, for a number of reasons, this number rarely exceeds 1.
More features
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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.
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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.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.
Card reader
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.