A video door phone is a stand-alone intercom system for audio and video communications between the door to the apartment and or the entrance to a building (residential complex, independent family home, etc.) with the video phone placed inside the apartment. This enables the person indoors to identify the visitor and, if (and only if) they wish, engage in conversation and/or open the door to allow access to the person calling. Door phones allow one to communicate safely and from a distance and verify the credentials of the visitor thereby enhancing safety and security.
System Components:
Outdoor Panel.
Panel installed on the outside of the door to the apartment.
Indoor video monitor.
The outdoor panel or street panel is installed beside the entrance door or gate. It has one or several pushbuttons (usually one per home or apartment) for the visitor to call, a micro camera adapted for night vision to capture the image of the caller, a microphone to pick up the voice and a speaker to reproduce the voice of the occupant indoors.
The panel installed on the outside of the door to the apartment, would be of similar design with the exception that it is generally an indoor unit with only one push button.
The video monitor enables the occupant to see who has called, talk to the visitor and open the door. Installed indoors, the monitor consists of a screen showing the image of the person calling, a microphone and earpiece for conversation and a pushbutton to trigger a door lock release. The electric door release is a device installed in the door lock and is operated from inside the residence to open the door to the visitor.
In addition to outdoor panels with one pushbutton per apartment, it is possible to find others with a numeric keypad. This is generally designed for large residential complexes where the homes are identified by codes. Others have built-in cardholder panels or even small screens to guide the user. Some monitors have built-in storage to save the image of the visitor at the door.
Must have features:
Both Audio and video communication.
In case of a breakdown in video communication the audio should continue to function.
The external camera and speaker box should be weather proof / water proof.
The outdoor camera should have an infrared illuminator. This feature enables identification of visitors in poor light conditions.
The external box and camera socket should be strong enough to resist vandalism.
A clear transparent plastic barrier to protect the camera lens.
An alarm that should be triggered when someone tries to interfere (i.e. vandalism) with the system.
Angle of vision. Applications that require a wider the field of view may opt for fish-eye lenses that give 180 degrees of clear vision.
Integrated Solution
Video door entry systems are commonly found integrated with different access control systems. This means that features are built into the outdoor panel to allow pre-authorised users to access the premises. The most common means are proximity cards, fingerprint readers, a keypad for secret numbers or even Bluetooth triggered by mobile phone.
IP based video door phones also integrate with IP video surveillance systems thereby enabling a door phone user to view the ‘playground’ or ‘lobby’ or ‘basement’ from the apartment.
Integration with Video surveillance and PA systems
Trends
This is based on the reports from IHS and IMS.
Video door phone integration with home automation systems: The home automation market has grown considerably in recent years. Consumers want products to integrate into one system, with the possibility to control from either a smart mobile device, or a smart alarm/control panel.
Increased use of IP systems: IP door phone systems that have historically been focused on non-residential applications, are increasingly being used within the residential markets with the introduction of home automation applications.
Increased use of larger screen sizes with touch screen functionality: The video door phone market is following other technology markets. Like mobile phones and laptops there is increased demand for larger touch screen indoor units. Touch screen indoor units allow more functionality in the indoor unit and facilitate greater ease of integration.
Integration with other smart-home products, including intruder alarms, lighting controls, and heating systems.
S.O.P’s for using a Video Door Phone
Once the door phone is installed it is important to adopt a new door answering routine.
Always use the door phone when answering the door.
Teach children to use the door phone when a caller arrives.
Inform the maid, cleaning assistant or anyone else involved in your household maintenance, that the door phone is to be used.
If a caller knocks on the door without using the video door phone, do not under any circumstance, open the door. A door phone is a familiar and large enough box to be visible to anyone. Refuse to answer the door unless the caller will make use of the door phone. If they refuse to use the door phone threaten to call the police.
If while having a conversation with a caller one realizes that the caller is hiding something from ones view, ask the visitor to politely show what they are holding. If they refuse, threaten to call the police. Instruct kids to act in the same manner.
The door phone is there for the protection of the residents, use it.
Mr. Kiron Kunte
About Author
Kiron Kunte has over 35 years of design and solutions experience, in Security, Telephony and Networking infrastructure. He is a graduate of IIT Bombay, a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers and has a post-graduate diploma, from Bombay University, in Systems Management. He is professionally certified in the design and engineering of Data Centres, IP Telephony, Video surveillance and Structured Cabling solutions. He heads Norik Konsult, a practice that offers advisory, design and system planning help to upgrade or build a new Telephony, Security and Networking infrastructure.
