Although a lot of people might already know, a video intercom is also often known as a door entry system. This is so because the device allows you to speak with, and see, whoever is at the outside of the door. These types of intercoms are becoming quite popular nowadays because of the security feature that it offers, like allowing you to actually see the other person at the door first Türsprechanlage mit Kamera before opening it. If you see a suspicious-looking person knocking at the door, you can probe and ask questions first until you are assured that your visitor is a harmless and friendly individual. If you still think your visitor is suspicious, you can always keep the door locked.

Basic Parts of Video Intercoms

Video intercoms, or door entry systems, have two basic parts: the monitor and the door camera. The monitor allows whoever is inside the house to talk and see the person is outside the door. The door camera is used to send sound and picture to the monitor.

Aside from these two basic parts, there are also some important parts to these devices that are worth mentioning. A strike plate, or door strike, is that part of the intercom that allows the lock to be opened from inside, via the monitoring controls. There are also remote controls for some intercoms that allow one to answer and open the door without having to go to the monitor. There are also intercoms that have extra door ringers, allowing you to still hear the door bell even if he is on the basement, for instance.

Start With the Basics

If you are just discovering the world of good that video intercoms have to offer and are trying to buy one for your home, it would be better to stick with the basics first. Make sure that the monitor and door station are in excellent quality and will work well at your home. Ask the sales representative all the questions you feel that need to be asked before deciding on a particular model and brand. Also, it would be better if you choose a door entry system that can be upgraded later, in case you would want to add some extra features instead of buying a newer one.

Consider the Cost

Video intercoms, the door entry system types, can cause several hundred dollars. Admittedly, this can be quite an expensive purchase so you have to be sure that the model and its functions really fit your preference. There are systems that cost around $200 to $500, with it only having the basic parts of the intercom. If you want to add some upgrades later, it may cost you about $100 more or less. Thus, it is always best to do some research first (online as well as products from the local retailers) in order to know everything you can about the system and in order to have as many options as you can. In the end, if you end up purchasing a video intercom that performs excellently and suits your preferences well, the money that you spent on it will be money that is spent wisely.

How To Buy A Video Intercom System To Improve Business Or Home Security

Installing a video intercom system at your front door improves your business or home security. A video intercom enables you to not only talk to someone at your front door, but also to see them as well. That gives you more information to make the decision whether you want to let someone in or not.

A video intercom consists of at least two components, a weatherproof camera and door bell button unit that goes at the front door, and a monitor unit that enables you to see who is at the camera. You can get monitors that provide either a black and white or color picture.

You can then press a button

When someone presses the doorbell button, live video and audio is transmitted to the monitor. You can then press a button to enable intercom communication with them. Some units have hands-free modes that let you speak without pressing a button, or press the button once and then speak hands-free.

Some cameras have built-in infrared capability that lets you see who is at the door at night even when no lights are on. The video on the monitor will usually be black and white in this mode even if you have a color screen.

If you are willing to install an optional electric door lock, most video intercoms have the capability of unlocking the door from the inside monitor. This saves you trips to the door to let someone in.

You’ll Need A Video Intercom That Is Expandable

If you need to monitor a door from more than one location, you’ll need a video intercom that is expandable. You can get video intercoms that not only allow you to have multiple monitors, but multiple cameras as well so you can monitor more than one door.

At least one video intercom has the capability of capturing full motion audio and video when the door bell is activated. The video is stored on a Secure Digital (SD) card that can be retrieved and stored on any PC or MAC. If a potential burglar rings your doorbell to verify if anyone is home before breaking in, this video could be later given to police as evidence.

Most video intercoms mount on the wall, but you can get units that sit on a desktop if you want one in your office.

The More Information You Have Before Opening Your Door

Having a video intercom at your front door can greatly increase your security. The more information you have before opening your door to let someone in, the Türsprechanlage mit Kamera safer you’ll be. As an example of the kind of tragedy that can occur by letting the wrong people in, on December 9, 2007 four people were shot at “Youth With a Mission” in Denver when the door was opened to a gunman. Two of these people died. With a video intercom installed and used, a tragedy like this could have possibly been avoided.