How to properly purchase and install a video intercom for an apartment with a connection to the entrance intercom

There is no point in waiting until an appropriate collective decision is made. Install a video intercom for your apartment with a connection to the entrance intercom to get a high level of control and additional convenience. This solution will allow you to quickly solve the problem in strict accordance with personal requests and special requirements. We will tell you how to do this without errors and at minimal cost in today’s review.

You can easily identify a fake Santa Claus after equipping your apartment with an individual video surveillance system

Scope of application of video intercoms

The exact composition of the necessary equipment depends on the intended purpose. Common use cases are discussed in detail below.

Models of intercoms with video surveillance for apartments

Set for six apartments
The easiest way is when collective equipment with electronics is planned (at the stage of construction, major repairs, modernization). In this case, purchase a set with one input unit and the required number of subscriber devices.

It’s more difficult when a common intercom is already installed at the entrance

In this case, you need to select a model that matches the existing equipment. To coordinate components of different brands, specialized transition devices and adapters are used.

Video intercoms for a private home

This project is easier to implement since I have to connect to public equipment. In this case, the owner himself decides which model of video intercom for the apartment is suitable for him. But in addition to the advantages, there are difficulties. We have to lay long communication lines between the house and the gate in the fence.

This problem can be simplified using wireless information transmission lines

For your information! If the external unit is capable of operating via a Wi-Fi channel with an Internet connection, it is acceptable to use a smartphone or tablet. These mobile devices are quite capable of replacing a specialized video intercom receiving unit.

Related article:

The need for additional protection arises for many homeowners who want to limit access to their site. One of these means are video intercoms for a private home . Let's talk in more detail about these devices, their types and technical nuances of installation.

Office models

This option assumes the presence of a stationary workplace (janitor, secretary). Quite often the system is combined with video surveillance and security systems.

The image from several cameras can be displayed on a large screen of a specialized or universal computer monitor

A high-quality household video intercom for an apartment with an entrance block is designed for intensive use. It can withstand commercial loads. Therefore, when equipping offices, it is quite acceptable to use standard general-purpose models.

Selection of compatible devices

If you want to use option No. 1, then when purchasing a video intercom you need to take into account the model of the entrance intercom and the type of entrance system . Today there are color and black and white combined intercoms on sale. This option seems to be the simplest and most rational, but a number of factors should be taken into account:

• Korean manufacturers of intercoms , and these are the most common models on our market, do not produce combined models . You can only purchase versions of ready-made video intercoms modified in Russia, which have a built-in interface module.
• If the access intercom malfunctions or the coordination board fails, repairs may take several weeks and cost an amount comparable to half the cost of a new device. In this case, you will have to open the access door yourself during the repair period.
• Due to the high sensitivity, there are malfunctions , which are expressed in poor audibility or errors in the operation of the entrance door opening system.

How to choose the right video intercom for an apartment, useful recommendations

It is worth clarifying the list of tasks to be solved.
Using electronics with a large screen only for opening doors is hardly advisable. The figure illustrates the expanded user options when connecting multiple cameras:

• The first one performs the typical functions of a video intercom for an apartment.
• The second can be installed in the entrance to control the area near the elevator and landing.
• The third will allow you to look after your own car in an off-street parking lot.
• The fourth is installed for video recording in the desired location in the apartment.

Make a list of personal needs. So, in some cases, a mobile video intercom receiver for an apartment is needed, which is installed promptly in a place convenient for the user.

Overview of the main functions of video intercoms with connection to an entrance intercom

It is easier to prepare a list of criteria after carefully studying well-equipped equipment. Below are the features of modern video intercom systems for apartments:

• A large, high-resolution color screen makes it easy to identify visitors. We must not forget that high-quality large images are convenient for working with menus and selecting settings.
• Some models are equipped with touch panels. This design simplifies the handling of equipment.
• A video intercom for IP category apartments can be connected not only to the call panel wirelessly. Such equipment is suitable for connection to other network components and smart home systems.
• Taking into account their own plans, they check the possibility of connecting: video cameras, additional monitors, several call units, security alarm sensors.
• It is necessary to make sure that the technology is suitable for a certain range of relative positions of individual components. At a minimum, it is necessary to match the distance to the call panel.
• For large real estate properties, the possibility of intercom will be convenient: communication through different handsets (video intercoms).
• Built-in storage units are used for control recording of audio and video materials. It will be useful to expand the basic capabilities using SD and other standard memory cards.
• Some models have a speakerphone function.
• Picture-in-Picture mode is used to simultaneously view images from multiple cameras.

The dimensions and aesthetic parameters of a video intercom for an apartment are selected taking into account personal preferences

Important! It is imperative to check the permissible operating temperature range and its compliance with the operating mode.

Kinds

There are a great variety of video intercoms; we can highlight only a few main principles by which video intercoms are divided.

By number of users:

• Multi-user - these devices are installed in the entrances of high-rise buildings; they are intended for extensive use.
• Individual – when this device will be used by one person or a family. That is, the internal mechanism of this device must be one. Such video intercoms can be installed at home, in the country or in the office.

Individual video intercoms can be divided as follows:

• Audio – which transmits sound directly.
• Video – shows a picture of what is happening.

Depending on the picture:

• Black and white.
• Color.

In the age of new technologies, color options are increasingly appearing on the markets, pushing past technologies further and further.

The picture size on a videophone can be 4, 5, 7, 8, 10. The choice of an intercom depending on the image size depends on the purpose for which you are using it. If you need full picture detail, then it would be wiser to pay extra and get a device with the largest screen.

Another important difference between some video intercoms and others is the number of video cameras and panels connected to your device.

Manufacturers of video intercoms, features of popular models

Experts and private users note the good characteristics of Optimus . This brand produces video intercoms for apartments with color screens from 3.5" to 10.1". Some models can be installed at a distance of up to 100 m from the call panel. The manufacturer's range includes a wide range of locks, video cameras, power supplies, network devices, and other specialized components. These can be used to create a well-coordinated system of any level of complexity.

COMMAX's head office is located in Seoul. This company presents video intercoms for houses and apartments, coordinate and digital call units. The list of additional equipment includes interface units, radios and wired handsets, and control devices.

Under the Falcon Eye , the domestic market offers a wide range of electronic products for creating private, public and commercial security systems. The current product line includes various types and configurations of video intercoms, as well as additional devices for connecting to access blocks. The products of this brand comply with international industry standards. Special models are created for the Russian market.

Commax CDV-43K2

Even in bright light, the Commax CDV-43K2 screen provides good conditions for reading information

Falcon Eye FE-IP70M

Control elements, indication and monitoring of video intercom for apartment Falcon Eye FE-IP70M

Commax CDV-70UM

Video intercom for apartment Commax CDV-70UM looks good in a modern interior

Optimus VM-10NW

High image quality allows you to see the smallest details carefully

Kocom KVR-A510

Kocom KVR-A510 – video intercom with advanced functional characteristics

Installing a video intercom in an apartment and connecting to an entrance intercom

At the very first stage, they find out what equipment is installed in the entrance. Modern equipment in this category is created using digital technologies. In them, data transfer is carried out over two physical lines. User blocks are connected in parallel. You can visually identify the device by its thin cable. Of course, it is better to clarify the parameters by the specific model number. This option involves separately setting up handsets (video monitors).

Intercoms for coordinate-type entrances are connected via separate lines to user devices. The presence of a large number of conductors increases the cost of the cable, but slightly increases the level of reliability.

This detailed description will help you learn how to connect a video intercom yourself:

For your information! The girl in the photo is a clear confirmation that any blonde can perform these work operations without errors.

Connecting to a digital entrance intercom

To connect the individual system discussed above to the entrance intercom, you will need a special interface module.
When performing installation, you must take into account the official recommendations of the manufacturer. This model is designed for coordinated work with video intercoms Commax, Kocom, CTV.

Video intercom connection diagram

Digital intercoms (entrance doors) of modern series are capable of transmitting control signals for 250 apartments or more using a standard twisted pair cable. When specifying the parameters of the circuit, you need to make sure that the length of the route does not exceed the restrictions set by the manufacturer of the home video intercom. To avoid failures, signal lines cannot be mounted in the same box as power lines.

If it is difficult to find out the type of public equipment, you need to disassemble the connected handset

This happens when a line of two wires is installed in the apartment, and access to the central channel is limited. The photo shows DIP type switches (2, 3). They are equipped with jumpers that set the coding when transmitting information. The presence of such elements indicates that this is digital technology.

Connecting to a coordinated entrance intercom

Installation diagram
The work is carried out taking into account the information stated above. Despite the relative simplicity of coordinate modifications, parasitic interference from strong electromagnetic fields in the power circuit cannot be excluded here. Video intercom systems for apartments of all types work worse as the distance between functional components increases.

Selecting an interface module

This unit is purchased taking into account the type of entrance intercom (digital or coordinate). The second important condition is compliance with the connected system components. For this reason, purchasing products from one brand is often preferable.

A video intercom with a built-in interface unit does not need to be supplemented with a specialized external device

Installation and configuration features

If the connection is made correctly, the video intercom for the apartment does not need to be configured in any special way. Using typical adjustments, the user selects and sets:

• acceptable screen brightness;
• call and conversation volume;
• call duration;
• melody;
• a method for recording audio and video data.

According to the manufacturer's instructions, set up wireless connections.

As a rule, an automated process is used, which is accompanied by clear prompts on the monitor screen

For your information! When installing a video intercom in a private house and at a great distance from the access block, an assistant will be useful.

Specialists note the following typical problems that arise during the installation process:

• strong electromagnetic interference;
• incorrect connection of the communication line polarity;
• The potential difference between the standby and call modes is too small.

Some software problems are resolved after rebooting the video intercom. New models have a self-diagnosis function. The equipment signals detected errors with codes and light indications. The accompanying documentation contains a transcript of the relevant data.

Selecting an interface module

A pairing module is a device for connecting a video intercom to an existing base. It itself is small in size and is usually installed near the bracket so that the video intercom overlaps it. It can also be placed at the distribution board, right on the floor, near the access intercom line. In the latter case, you can connect two monitors at once - a camera and a calling panel. If connected correctly, the adapter will be able to perform all its functions correctly and accurately.

This case must have a sensor that will determine the volume and sensitivity of the microphone, and, therefore, help adapt the device to you. If the adapter stops working, installing a new one doesn't cost you much money or time.

Where to buy a video intercom for an apartment: prices, market overview

Tantos NEO Slim

Which video intercom is best to choose for an apartment can be found out after a comprehensive analysis of the facts stated above. You should add data about your own preferences and the current situation in the thematic market segment.

With the right choice of equipment, you will meet only welcome guests

For additional information and exchange of views, use the comments on the article.