How to Select the Right IP Video Intercom

Selecting the best video Intercom for your application.

By Bob Mesnik

The audio and video quality are important features when selecting IP video intercoms. You can select Video Intercoms that connect through IP cameras to Windows workstations, or others that communicate through cloud servers to smartphones.

The right type of intercom depends on your application. Intercoms, that connect to Video Management Software (VMS), integrate with your IP camera surveillance system. The other type of video intercoms connect through the cloud to a smartphone rather than a Windows computer.

Both systems integrate with IP door access control systems and allow you to grant access to visitors and anyone that doesn’t have a credential.

In a previous article, “How to Select the Best IP Intercom” we described the features and functions that should be considered when selecting audio IP intercoms. This article focuses on the intercoms that include video.

Video Intercoms that Connect to IP Cameras

TVIP-IntercomV

Intercom Connected to IP Camera

These video intercom systems connect through IP cameras that support two-way audio and IO connections for door control. Video management software (VMS) that supports two-way audio is required for this to work. The output from the camera can be connected to the REX or I/O input of many door access readers. It can also connect through a relay to an electric lock. When the relay is connected to the electric lock other things need to be considered such as power for the lock. This intercom is primarily used to remotely control a door, and is usually integrated with a door access control system. It does not provide any paging features.

Features to consider include:

Ease of installation.
Wiring required between intercom panel and amplifier-interface unit
Power from PoE
Video Management Software compatibility. This means that the software will alert the user whenever a call button is pushed. It will also pop the video on the user’s screen so they can see who is at the door. The software allows the user to talk to the person at the door and then release the door lock.
Ease of use
Ease of talking back and forth. Is the audio half duplex or full duplex? Does it require the operator to push a key to talk?
Control of doors – electric locks, relay, sensors, etc.

IP Video Intercoms for Mobile Applications:

– TVIP-InterCAM, InterCAM-Touch, InterCam-Mod

The video intercoms in this class of products are for single-resident and multi-resident apartments and organizations that require intercoms for door access control. They all include IP cameras. The IP video intercoms operate like a phone in that they can dial many cell phones or other smart IP devices such as VoIP phones that conform to the SIP protocol.

These IP intercoms can be connected though cellular networks or directly to the network. The cellular communication channel is very convenient and easy to use, but not as reliable as connecting to the local area network.

There are a number of different versions of this type of product.

TVIP-InterCAM: Single button, single resident IP video intercom
InterCAM-Touch: A multi-apartment unit that includes a touch screen that allows the user to select one of many apartments (people) to communicate with.
InterCAM-MOD: This is a modular type intercom system that can be assembled to meet specific requirements. Options include multi-call buttons, keypads for multi-apartment (people) calling), and single line LCD screens. One example is the InterCAM-MOD4B. This can include up to 8 call buttons.
InterCAM-LCD: Multi-apartment intercom that includes a single line LCD display and up/down control buttons. This is used when there are about 20 apartments.

Features to Consider:

Ease of setup and management.
- Initial setup of users – web based management control software
- Monitoring of status
- Management of users – Edit, delete and add users
- Flexibility in utilization of network attached, Wi-Fi, and cell communications
Apps for smart devices
- How it notifies the user that a call button has been pressed
- Ease of use
- Ability to see multiple intercoms at different doors
- Ability to view video and clarity of video (HD or standard video)
- Ability to select and view other IP cameras at a facility
- Compatibility of apps with various smart devices such as IOS or Android

Intercom Ease of use – large displays, conformity to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards
Flexibility of intercoms available –
- Single button intercoms, multi apartment intercoms
- Modular intercoms for creating intercoms for specific applications
Compatibility with VoIP devices, as well as other SIP type devices

Summary

When considering the right IP video intercom for your application, sound quality, video quality, and communication reliability are at the top of the list. The best intercom for you depends on your application. IP video intercom systems are becoming more popular and there are a number of different features to consider. Reliability is important since controlling doors is an important part of your safety and security.

If you need help selecting the right IP video intercom systems, please contact us. We can be reached at 1-800-431-1656 (in the USA), or at 914-944-3425 (everywhere else), or use our contact form.

Bob Mesnik