Video intercoms for an apartment: how to choose, install and use correctly

Currently, almost no apartment or private house can do without an intercom. This device has become an integral part of everyday life. Video intercoms for an apartment, which are part of a surveillance and security system, are very popular. And given the fact that constantly improving technologies for their production offer the most modern models, the demand is only growing.

How to choose a video intercom for an apartment

If it is firmly decided that when opening the door, the owner wants not only to hear, but also to see the incoming person, then the video intercom will be the most correct option.

Next, you need to think about such things: what should be the image - color or black and white, whether it is necessary to save certain frames, whether recording is necessary, whether additional cameras will be needed to see more area. The answer to these questions will help you navigate the choice of the required model.

Video intercoms for an apartment: main characteristics and capabilities

The choice of color or black and white screen depends only on personal preference. The first option is more expensive. The second one is budgetary, but in its direct functions it is in no way inferior.

The camera image is displayed on the monitor. Therefore, it is worthwhile to study its brand and capabilities well. Monitors with a diagonal of 3.5 to 10 inches are often used. The most popular ones have an average size of 7 inches.

If the consumer wants to receive a video signal not from one camera, but from several, then it is advisable to choose a larger screen. This will make it possible to see the picture more clearly. Install additional shooting devices near the elevator, on the landing, in the parking lot. This allows you to set the desired view, but you need to remember that there are boundary possibilities for the monitor. It receives signal from 2-4 cameras.

The video device itself may be completely invisible. It is installed on the front access door panel.If you use a video eye, you can get better results. In appearance, it does not differ from the usual one, but it broadcasts to a monitor, and a wider range than a microcamera.

According to the method of audio communication, several ways can be distinguished: with a tube or with a speaker. Models without a tube are now common as they are more compact. Some species are equipped with an additional cordless handset. It has a handy remote control and a small screen. Such a device is suitable for large apartments.

Additional features: use of micro SD and motion sensors

For convenience, video intercom systems include memory cards. They can shoot and store from 128 frames. The photograph is taken in such a way that the visitor does not even know about it.

For people who are often absent from home, video recording with the ability to record individual moments will be a useful function. The recording frequency is determined directly by the owner. For luxury models, these clips are sent to a mailbox or phone.

To make the most of the capabilities of video cameras, video surveillance systems are equipped with motion sensors. Such devices are capable of starting recording if movement occurs within the camcorder.

Installing a video intercom in an apartment: recommendations and advice

There are two ways to install an intercom with video surveillance: call specially trained masters or do it yourself. If you resort to the first method of installation, the company will make a turnkey connection. The employees have all the necessary tools, they will study the optimal location methods according to the technical capabilities of the system and the wishes of the customer, carry out installation work, test the correctness of the connection for audio and video connections.

A huge advantage of connecting a video intercom by specialists will be warranty obligations for further maintenance. This gives confidence that at the slightest failure, it will be possible to resort to the help of trained craftsmen.

It is also worth considering that the price of installing a video intercom in an apartment is almost equal to the cost of the device itself. It fluctuates between 3-5 thousand rubles. When agreeing on a service, you must definitely specify what is included in the price list. Additional costs can be such work as cable routing, drilling holes, gating, system fastening and much more.

If, nevertheless, the owners decided to save money and get down to business on their own, then, firstly, you need to thoroughly study the instructions for using the device, and, secondly, decide on the installation site.

Having picked up the necessary tool, you can get to work. First you need to find the cable coming from the entrance intercom. It is usually found in a special shield on the landing. It is lengthened by adding additional footage. Here you need to take into account that the signal can be lost at a distance of more than 30 m.

The cables are laid by laying them in special plastic channels or in channels specially cut into the walls. The second option is more laborious, but if you correctly and accurately seal the damaged surface of the walls with plaster, no one will notice any external signs of work. The use of cable channels greatly reduces the time spent, but can slightly spoil the interior.

Important! Do not run the intercom cable near the power cable, otherwise the signal will be lost.

Then you can go directly to monitor installation. It is fixed on dowels, into which self-tapping screws are screwed. It is recommended to attach the brackets at a height of 150-160 cm.At this height, their use is most convenient for a person of average height. The next step is to connect the wires, start the system, program the initial settings.

All work must be carried out strictly according to the instructions.

How to connect a video intercom to an entrance intercom

The actual question that arises when buying a video intercom for an apartment is how to reconcile it with the previously installed entrance video intercom.
First, you need to know exactly the model of an existing device on the driveway. Then there are two ways to solve the problem:

• select a model that matches the specified parameters;
• purchase a special adapter separately.

The adapter will help to connect the video intercom to the entrance intercom without much effort. You need to connect to it the wires that enter the apartment, and the wires of the new device. The camera and the calling panel are also output to it. Thus, the block of interfacing of an intercom with an entrance intercom ensures the performance of all the necessary functions of the device.

The interface module has a microphone audibility regulator. This will set up a good sound. It is small in size and can be easily mounted behind the video intercom case. Can also be installed in a floor distribution box. If this device breaks down, it can be easily replaced with a new one, without causing the slightest damage to the video intercom.

Sometimes Russian developers build the adapter directly into the device itself. It turns out a ready-made model that is compatible with any entrance intercom.

Important! By "reworking" the device, the warranty conditions of the manufacturers are violated, since the integrity was violated. And the consumer runs the risk of carrying out any repair work at his own expense.

Video doorphones Tantos

Video doorphones of the Tantos brand are considered one of the most popular, due to the following qualities:

• created using state-of-the-art technologies;
• as easy as possible to install, configure and have no difficulties in operation;
• full compliance of the price-quality parameters;
• original design that harmoniously blends into the interior.

Several dozen models of this brand are presented on the modern market. They all have a color monitor with bright LED backlighting. The diagonal of the display is within 4-9 inches. Models with a larger diagonal reproduce the image transmitted by the camera in great detail. The outdoor panels of color video intercoms have different designs. They are equipped with a video camera, microphone and call button.

The brands of this company can be classified according to one more principle:

• with a talking tube;
• without a talking tube.

If we consider the models of the first type, then we can say that the audio signal is much clearer and better than that of the representatives of the second type. But video intercom without a handset is more progressive in its device. All instructions clearly indicate how to connect an entrance intercom to a video intercom of this brand, so this procedure is not difficult. To do this, you will need the interface box already described above.

It is imperative to maintain a 1.5 meter distance between the called panel and the monitor. Otherwise, the risk of hum and whistling interference is significantly increased.

Popular and demanded models from Tantos

The Tantos Amelie video on-door speakerphone has become a particularly popular model. With a 7-inch color screen, touch-sensitive control buttons, and a hands-free system, it won the trust of customers. You can connect 2 outdoor panels, 2 analog video cameras transmitting a signal in PAL format, as well as 3 additional video on-door speakerphones to it.

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The kit includes the video intercom itself, a bracket for its fastening, installation wires and other accessories. The system as a whole is quite easy to operate, affordable and has proven its quality many times.

Video on-door speakerphones Commax

The Korean company "Commax" occupies a leading position in the market for the manufacture of intercoms and security systems. Constantly improving its products, keeping up with the times.

If a consumer decides to buy a Commax video on-door speakerphone, he gets the simplest device to use, which consists of a door station, a monitor and an electric lock. An additional advantage will be the affordable cost of the device.

Models can reproduce both black and white image and color. In any case, the picture quality is high enough.

Commax video intercom connection diagram

The connection diagram consists of the following elements:

• camcorder;
• Power Supply;
• electronic lock;
• controller;
• calling panel.

The connection principle is simple. The camera and the call panel are connected to the controller with four wires. They are of different colors, which greatly simplifies the installation process. Most often, the blue wire is common, the red wire is the audio signal, the white wire is the video, and the yellow wire is the main power.

The outputs of the video camera and the call panel receive a DC voltage of 12 V. This value appears after the power supply converts the usual household voltage of 220 V.

Useful advice! The system can be equipped with two electric locks. If the owner does not want to use them, then it is imperative to insulate and hide the wires.

Video on-door speakerphone Commax CDV 35A: basic functions capabilities

This model is quite modern technologically. It is equipped with a stylish 3.5-inch TFT LCD touchscreen color display and a communication tube. It is possible to connect an additional tube, which provides communication between parts of the apartment with a large area.

This brand is made in white, has a size of 240 x 122 x 27 mm, which allows you to organically fit the device into any interior. Two additional video cameras and three call panels can be connected to the video intercom.

Intercom Commax CDV 35A is a color device with a minimum set of the most necessary functions. The price of video intercoms for an apartment of this company is available and varies between 3000-5000 rubles.

Video on-door speakerphone Commax CDV 70A

Intercom Commax CDV 70A has a 7-inch (17.9 cm) color TFT LCD monitor. This allows you to clearly see the visitor and everything that happens in front of the camera. Additional control buttons are located on the side panel of the device. They allow you to adjust the acceptable quality of loudness, contrast, color and brightness.
The device does not have a handset, that is, it operates in the “hands free” mode. Equipped with two additional channels for connecting cameras or call panels. An additional tube is also connected as needed.

This brand is presented in 3 colors: silver, white mother-of-pearl and black. Measures 243 x 168 x 35 mm. Modern design, its colors and sizes can always complement any environment with high quality.

Advantages of Commax CDV 71AM video on-door speakerphone

The device is equipped with high quality LED backlighting. This can significantly improve image quality and reduce power consumption.

The Commax CDV 71 AM video intercom kit for an apartment is equipped with a 7-inch color screen. With the help of dedicated buttons, you can easily adjust the color, brightness and contrast to your taste.It is possible to connect 2 call panels, 2 video cameras, 2 additional handsets.

The built-in memory is capable of storing 128 frames. If necessary, you can conduct 3-way negotiations. The ultra-modern design of the Commax CDV 71AM video intercom is available in 2 colors - silver and matte black. Buttons that are rarely used are located on the side panel. Frequently used buttons are on the front panel. For ease of use, they are indicated by figures.

Falcon video doorphones

Falcon products occupy a worthy place in the security systems market. This high-quality equipment is represented by a wide range of models with a wide variety of functions.

Video intercoms for an apartment of this brand have a color screen with an extension of 800 x 480, a 4-wire connection scheme, a PAL / NTSC signal format. The lock is controlled using the outdoor panel. The device supports up to 16 ring tones. Many models support micro sd cards up to 32GB, which gives them the ability to take photos and videos.

For example, the Falcon FE-Slim video intercom is the thinnest piece on the market. Its thickness is only 9 mm. Combined with other features such as an aluminum casing and full touchscreen, the device is an attractive purchase option.

The Falcon Eye FE-71 TM model is also quite common. Wide 7-inch screen, Russian-language menu, the ability to make video from 4-color video cameras and view the picture. Together with a video intercom for an apartment, you can also buy an answering machine, an alarm clock and a photo frame, which are additional built-in functions.

Video doorphones VIZIT

Firm "Visit" stands at the origins of the design of security systems. Its range is distinguished by the simplicity of devices in black and white and color. Easily connected to an apartment system, works in concert with the access device.

With regard to individual settings, the brightness and color are adjusted using certain buttons, the image is transmitted to the screen during a call or while picking up the handset. Several cameras can be connected, but the image is not displayed simultaneously, but one by one.

The models are simple and understandable even by their markings. The presence of such letters in the name means the following:

• S - monitor with built-in memory unit;
• C - color image monitor;
• M - monitor with video memory.

The principle of operation of devices of this brand does not differ from others. Equipped with light indication of all operating modes. This is especially true when negotiations are underway on a signal from one call block, and at this time a signal is received from the second block. This will make it possible to correctly navigate and receive all incoming signals.

The electromechanical or electromagnetic lock of the video on-door speakerphone is opened using the special DOOR button. After pressing this button, the visitor enters, and the intercom goes into standby mode.

Interesting! It is very important to have a concierge service in an apartment building. To do this, you need to have his console connected to one of the lines. And when you pick up the handset, you can connect directly to it.

CTV video doorphones

CTV is a video intercom, which consists of a color monitor and a color call panel. Organizes two-way audio and video communication with the visitor.

Display - 7-inch liquid crystal with a resolution of 800x480 pixels. The monitor has an internal memory that allows you to take photos, and a slot for using micro SD.

Up to 4 monitors can be connected in a common circuit. This activates the "Intercom" function. With its help the call is forwarded to another device.

The video intercom is equipped with light indicators for power and communication with both outdoor panels, speaker, microphone, programmed on-screen menu, volume control. Photo and video recording is carried out manually by pressing the designated monitor button.

The device has additional functions: 30 melodies of an incoming call, review of files with photos, alarm sound, video recording on alarm, shooting transition between cameras.

Wireless video intercoms for apartments

In the process of improving security systems, the developers managed to design a wireless intercom. The name itself marks its main advantage over other models. With no wiring, it is much easier to install than usual. Time for laying cables is significantly saved and the appearance of the walls does not deteriorate during this procedure. This quality is most effective in places where it is impossible to connect a wired intercom for technical reasons.

Sometimes the apartment intercom is installed not simultaneously with the entrance video intercom. This leads to a correct connection problem. To exclude it, wireless intercom systems are used. Such devices have many advantages, but the most significant drawback should be noted. The wireless system is sensitive to bad weather. Natural phenomena such as a thunderstorm or snowfall can degrade the signal quality or completely exclude it.

Interesting! Wireless models work on the principle of a radio channel. Communication between the handset and the outdoor panel takes place at a radio frequency. For high-quality communication between the handset and the panel, there should be no more than 100 m.

Along with the aforementioned, today there are models that work over Wi-Fi transmission networks. The undoubted convenience of such systems is limited by their high cost. Most often, these devices are presented in the form of portable tubes with a small monitor and speaker.

Repair of video intercoms

During the operation of any device, a moment comes when some kind of failure occurs. Regarding the repair of video intercoms, two main points can be distinguished:

• software problems;
• mechanical malfunction.

Trained masters must periodically update the software to a more up-to-date version, flash the device, restart the monitor, format the internal and external flash memory.

If we consider purely mechanical problems of the device, then you definitely need to contact special service centers for troubleshooting. It is not recommended to carry out repair work on your own, since the specificity of the device and ignorance of the basic subtleties of the design can lead to irreversible damage.

Many service companies will accept the application without any problems, go home to clarify the issue and diagnose the device. It includes testing microphones, speakers, video cameras and locks. It also measures voltage and ringing of circuits. If the consumer has decided the question of how to connect an entrance intercom to a video intercom using a special adapter, then it must also be checked for faults.

Repair of video on-door speakerphones Сommax, Tantos, Vizit is carried out according to the same scheme. After diagnostics, the cause of the breakdown is established. Depending on which particular element is defective, repairs will be carried out on site or directly at the company. Also, the cost of services depends on the faulty item.