Business

Choosing an intercom monitor

May 14, 2022

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oday, an intercom does not have to be bought as a set. A single video data transmission standard allows you to select a monitor separately from the call panel. This increases the maintainability of the intercom, simplifies updating the monitor if necessary, and makes it possible to connect to installed outdoor panels.

How is the intercom
A modern intercom is a complex device. It can combine several outdoor panels , monitors, video cameras and electronic locks . The system is configured the way you want.

For example, you can connect the intercom monitor at the same time to the access audio intercom and to a separate call panel, fixed at the door of the apartment. Then you will be able to talk to the guest at the entrance door through the installed monitor, and then control him with the help of the camera on the way to the apartment.

In a country house, an intercom can significantly increase the security of a home – through it you can communicate with guests, control the gate lock, and monitor the territory from several cameras. Some models are equipped with the ability to record video from cameras – this will allow you to find out who rang the doorbell (or even just walked by), even if you were not at home at that time.

The monitor is the basis of the system, therefore, the functionality and capabilities of the entire intercom largely depend on its correct choice.

Screen Specifications
Black and white CRT screens on intercoms are a thing of the past, all modern monitors are equipped with a color LCD screen. But this does not mean that all intercom monitor screens are the same.

Screen resolution affects its clarity and detail. The higher the resolution, the more details you can see on it.

The resolution of the monitor must match the resolution of the camera. If they are different, the final resolution of the intercom will be determined by the minimum value.

The diagonal of the intercom screen can vary widely – from 4 “for budget models to 10″ or more for more expensive models. Pay attention to this when choosing a monitor, in the photo it may look larger than it actually is. 4” is only 10 cm diagonal, it will not be easy to see the details on such a small screen, even if the resolution allows.

The touch screen simplifies navigation through the system menu – the buttons on the screen are usually signed in Russian. Simple buttons usually have only icons, and you will need to remember what they mean in each case.

Most monitors are connected to other devices (door panels, cameras, etc.) using wires. These monitors are easier to set up and do not require a network. But laying wires to external devices can cause some difficulties, especially if the decoration of the house is already completed.

Wireless monitors connect to other devices via Wi-Fi. They do not require wiring for data transmission, but also have some disadvantages:

Wireless monitors may not be compatible with wireless devices from other manufacturers. Most wired outdoor panels and electromagnetic locks have a single connection standard and can be used in conjunction with a monitor from other manufacturers. Communication protocols for wireless intercoms from different manufacturers may differ.
Each device will still have to lay a power wire.
They require a network with good reception at the point of installation of all devices.
Connecting to an entrance intercom
Some monitors have the ability to connect to an entrance intercom line. This will allow you to remove the intercom handset and use the monitor’s capabilities to talk with the guest.

Access intercoms can be coordinate (more common in old houses) and digital. Before connecting, make sure that the monitor input matches the intercom installed in the entrance.

Do not be discouraged if the selected model does not have a connection to the access intercom, or if it does not match the type of intercom installed. The call panel can be connected to the monitor using a pairing module, purchased separately.

The interface module converts the signal from the access intercom to the generally accepted standard.

Number of connected devices
If you want to install a complex system with several cameras or outdoor panels, pay attention to the number of connected panels, cameras and monitors .

Models with the ability to connect multiple panels allow you to control multiple inputs.

Connecting several cameras allows you to additionally control the territory that is not in the field of view of the door panel camera.

If you need the ability to monitor what is happening from several points in the house, make sure that the model you choose has the ability to connect additional monitors.

Intercom Monitor Functions
Motion sensor
Some monitor models are able to analyze the image coming from the camera and “notice” movement in the frame. Such monitors, in fact, do not have a motion sensor, but they can replace it.

When the “sensor” is triggered, i.e., when motion appears in the frame, the monitor starts recording video from the camera for later viewing. Some monitor models can be configured to perform other actions when a motion sensor is triggered.

Smartphone control The
ability to pair with a smartphone enhances the monitor’s capabilities, allowing you to entrust it with some of the functions of a “smart home”. Such models can transmit an audio-video signal to a smartphone, allowing you to view the image from the cameras and talk with visitors even when you are away. When motion appears in the frame, the monitor will send a notification to your smartphone – you will definitely not miss the appearance of unwanted guests at home.

Video recording The
ability to record video allows you to increase the security of your home – especially in combination with the “motion sensor” function. The recorded video can prevent intruders from entering or come in handy as evidence. Most often, a monitor with a video recording function has a slot for a memory card. Video recordings are stored on the card and can be copied from it for later use.

Some monitors have the ability to pair with DVRs. This provides better record keeping and centralized management.

Recording audio
Not all monitors have audio recording—even if video recording is available. Pay attention to this if you need the video to have an audio track as well.

The presence of a handset
Most modern monitors are equipped with sensitive microphones and high-quality speakers. They are quite capable of providing good communication quality in both directions. But sometimes using a handset to talk is preferable. For example, if you do not want the guest’s remarks to be heard by everyone around. Or if you’re just used to the tube. In this case, pay attention to its presence in the kit.

Intercom monitor options
If you do not have the opportunity (or desire) to pull wires from the monitor to the call panel and to the cameras, choose among wireless models . But first, make sure that there is a Wi-Fi signal of sufficient strength at the installation site of all intercom devices.

Monitors with a motion sensor will allow you to control everything that happens near the camera of the call panel (or a separate one).

A monitor connected to an access intercom will allow you to remove the handset of a standard intercom and use the capabilities of the monitor instead.

If you want to be able to record video and sound from cameras connected to the monitor, choose among models with the corresponding functions: video recording and audio recording .

If you are accustomed to using a handset when talking with a guest, choose among models with a handset.