Type
General type of calling panel.
Classic calling panels nowadays are divided into
audio and
video devices. In addition, you can find such a specific variety on sale as
Wi-Fi video calls. Here is a detailed description of each of these options:
- Audio. Call panels that support voice communication, but
do not have cameras and do not provide video transmission. Accordingly, the functionality of such models is noticeably limited compared to video panels. On the other hand, video transmission is not always an important issue: for example, in some situations a guest can be seen without a built-in camera (through a glass door, using separate surveillance cameras, etc.). And the security issue is not always so serious that visual confirmation is required for everyone who comes. At the same time, audio panels are noticeably cheaper than models with video and have less stringent requirements for other system components - in particular, the intercom with which such a panel is used may not have a screen at all.
- Video. Calling panels with built-in cameras capable of transmitting to the intercom not only the voice of the person who has arrived, but also his image. This is the most functional and practical option from a security point of view, however, it is quite expensive - both because of the price of the panels thems
...elves and because of the requirements for other equipment (for example, the intercom must have a screen - otherwise video support loses all meaning).
- Video call. A simplified and “lightweight” analogue of a calling panel: a doorbell with a built-in camera and a Wi-Fi module. Such devices differ from video panels in two key ways. First of all, they do not provide the ability to control a magnetic lock - in other words, you cannot open the door remotely via a video call. On the other hand, a video call does not require an intercom or other special equipment - video and audio from such a device is transmitted via Wi-Fi to a smartphone, tablet or computer with a special application installed. Thus, video calls are as simple as possible to install and configure. Note that the specific capabilities of such devices may vary: for example, some of them only send a signal to the connected gadget, others are equipped with an internal unit with a speaker and can be used in the same way as regular doorbells. And some models can even work via the Internet, which allows you to communicate with the visitor without being on site.Connection
A method for connecting the calling panel to an intercom or other similar device.
All modern connection types can be divided into three main categories:
wired analog(2, 3 or 4 wires),
wired digital(network - LAN) and
wireless(Wi-Fi). Moreover, the last two formats can be combined in one device. Here is a more detailed description of each of these options:
— 2-wire. The simplest type of wired analog connection; used in select low-cost audio panels (see "Type").
— 3-wire. A very rare option: in simple analog devices, manufacturers often provide 2 wires, and in advanced ones - 4.
— 4-wire. The most functional and, as a result, the most popular type of analog wired connection. Suitable even for high-end video panels, although in fact it is found in all categories of devices - from budget to high-end.
— RJ-45. Connection via an RJ-45 connector via an Ethernet network cable (“twisted pair”). This option is convenient because the calling panel can be connected to a local computer network, which provides several advantages. Firstly, the ability to access the panel can be configured on any computer or gadget within the network. Secondly, many similar models can work without intercoms and other special equipment - through an application on a computer/gadget. Thirdly, laying a network cable from the panel to the router/switch i
...s often simpler than organizing an analog connection (for example, 4 wires - see above). Fourthly, the number of panels and other special equipment within the local area can be almost any - it is quite possible to combine, for example, all the calling panels of an apartment building or a large office center into one network. And if you wish, you can even set up access to the calling panel via the Internet, which will make it possible to communicate with visitors and control access to the premises, even when you are not on site.
- Wi-Fi. Connection via Wi-Fi wireless standard. This option provides almost all the same capabilities as the RJ-45 described above, but has certain differences. The most noticeable of them is the absence of a wire, which greatly simplifies installation and connection. At the same time, even relatively limited Wi-Fi devices have the power to operate reliably at a distance of a couple of tens of meters or through 1 - 2 medium-thick walls. The second nuance is the possibility of direct communication with a smartphone, tablet, etc., without using computer networks; This possibility should be clarified separately, but it is in this format, for example, that video calls work (see “Type”).
— RJ-45 / Wi-Fi. Supports the two connection methods described above at once. Such panels turn out to be as universal as possible, however, in practice, the ability to freely choose between LAN and Wi-Fi is extremely rarely required, and it significantly affects the cost. Therefore, this option was not particularly widespread.More features
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Motion detection. A sensor that allows the calling panel with a camera to respond to movement in the camera’s field of view. The specific reaction method may be different, depending on the model and settings of the entire system: turning on recording or broadcasting to an external device, sending a notification to the customer, sending a signal to the alarm output (see below), etc.
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Mobile app. This feature means that you can work with the calling panel 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; however, 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 the panel through a gadget that you can always keep with you is definitely more convenient than every time going to the intercom or other stationary equipment.
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Face recognition. The facial recognition function is one of the types of biometric access systems. It is based on a digital camera, often complemented by a built-in backlight for identifying faces in the dark. Initially, such devices were not very accurate: they could be confused by changes in facial hair or makeup,
...the appearance or disappearance of glasses, and some models could be deceived using photography. With rare exceptions, facial recognition today uses advanced algorithms and high-end cameras with 3D scanners that read a three-dimensional model of the face. The device stores the customer library in its memory. The function is found in flagship calling panels.
— SIP protocol. The device supports the SIP protocol. This is a standard originally created for Internet telephony - the transmission of information (audio, video, special data) over telephone networks in digital format using the IP protocol (the same one on which the Internet is built). Internet telephony is quite popular nowadays, especially in business: it allows you to establish effective interaction between individual departments of a company, even tech located in different countries. Accordingly, if the building already uses equipment for Internet telephony, then SIP support can significantly facilitate the integration of the calling panel into the overall security system.
— Reading contactless keys. The presence in the design of the intercom calling panel of a module for reading data from contactless keys. They can be in the form of smart cards, key fobs or other devices that contain a microchip with a unique identifier. When the customer brings the key to the reader, the system identifies it, checks it against the database and allows access if there is a match. Note that the intercom calling panel can record not only the response time, but also the identifiers themselves - this provides advanced capabilities for access control and visitor registration.
— Alarm input/output. As a rule, calling panels with this function are equipped with both inputs and outputs; the number of both may be more than one. In general, these connectors are used to transmit control signals between different ones within a security system; they allow you to build a very advanced system and provide additional capabilities for managing its functions. At the same time, we note that the alarm input or output is not necessarily responsible for triggering the alarm - it all depends on the specific settings. For example, a signal from such an input can serve as a command to turn on the “night” IR illumination or start recording video from surveillance cameras.
— Display. Its own screen, installed directly on the calling panel, allows you to display various additional information useful for the visitor. The specific functionality of such a screen can be different - from a simple indicator that can show only numbers (for example, the number of a called apartment or office) to a full-color display suitable for two-way video communication. However, in any case, this feature increases the convenience and clarity of using the calling panel.
— Night shooting (IR illumination). The presence of an infrared illumination function in the camera video panel (see “Type”), which allows you to obtain a visible image in the dark and even in complete darkness. IR illumination is not visible to the human eye, but is well perceived by the sensors of modern digital cameras. True, the image in this mode can only be black and white, but in most cases this is not any significant drawback.
— LED backlight. The camera video panel (see “Type”) has LED backlighting. Like the infrared illumination described above, this backlight is designed to work in the dark; however, it provides light that is visible to the human eye. The latter, on the one hand, allows the camera to produce a relatively natural color image, on the other hand, it can create inconvenience for the guest due to the bright light in the eyes.
— Illuminated buttons. The design of the calling panel includes backlit buttons. The function allows you to see the keyboard normally even in low light conditions - in the evening, at night, in cloudy weather, when placing the panel in a dark place, etc. Note that the backlight usually covers other significant elements of the panel - for example, the location of the sensor for a smart card or key.
