Video surveillance systems are used to monitor the adjacent territory at the entrance and staircase of a multi-storey building. The video call on the door to the apartment shows the guests who have come. The scheme is an intercom with a video function, it has a limited scope for monitoring visitors when entering a home, office or enterprise.
Varieties of video calls to the door to the apartment
There are many models on the market, ranging from video eyelets with basic functions to sophisticated devices with motion detectors and recording cameras.
The design can be wired or wireless. The first type is installed on the front door, signals are transmitted by cable. Wireless models are mounted in a convenient place, a control panel with buttons is provided. A small transmitter transmits a video signal from the gate of a private house or the gate of an enterprise.
A simple video peephole is placed at the entrance to the apartment. The compact device provides security, takes pictures of visitors and sends them to the owner's phone, is programmed to communicate with several users. Models are equipped with an answering machine and connect the guest with the host in his absence via mobile communication or messages to the phone.
Wireless
Models use Wi-Fi, radio or GSM to transmit information. This type is popular with the owners of private buildings, since they provide a connection for visitors from the gate and wicket. After the conversation, the owner presses the button and the passage opens. The screen is mounted on the door, moved up or away from the panel and the transmitter.
There are disadvantages in the operation of the devices:
- a wireless video call for an apartment is prone to disruptions due to radio interference on the air;
- autonomous power supply ends and battery replacement is required;
- budget models are poorly protected from vandalism.
Wireless devices do not tolerate heat and frost, so you need to choose models with a suitable range for your area.
The disadvantages are minor compared to the advantages of using the device for the owner of the house.
Video eyes
The equipment is mounted on the door leaf in place of a standard peephole. A miniature device records what is happening and passes it on to the owner. The information is saved on the Micro-SD card and is not lost in case of malfunctions. Information can be viewed on the screen of a smartphone, tablet or computer.
The visitor does not know about video surveillance, because visually, the device does not differ from an ordinary peephole in the door. A high-quality image comes from a micro-camera with a wide viewing angle. The host can see the guest if he is in another city or country.
Manufacturers of well-known brands keep up with technological progress and integrate additional sensors, sensors, microphones. The device is popular with residents of the multi-storey sector when they leave apartments unattended.
Complex systems
Manufacturers combine a video call and an intercom in one device. Systems with a large set of functional modules are installed at large facilities and warehouses, because it is possible to coordinate cameras at several inputs from one reading gadget.
Complex systems work includes:
- adjusting the video image in the desired format, while the picture is clearly visible and conveys all the details;
- turning on the backlight in infrared rays, if the video call to the apartment is used at night or at dusk;
- ensuring the confidentiality of the observer, since the visitor does not know about the presence of the owner and observing his actions.
If the owner leaves the facility, complex systems will turn on an answering machine that informs the visitor that the owner is absent.
Main functions
A video doorbell serves many purposes, but the main thing is to see the visitor's personality. The work begins with the click of a button by the guest. A signal sounds in the room, the survey device turns on. The device is programmed for automatic photographing and provides for voice communication.
The image is stored on a built-in memory module or transferred to an external device. This allows you to identify the visitor, if necessary, submit an application to law enforcement agencies with an addition in the form of a composite sketch. The system is configured so that the video doorbell can start working when driving. The owner sets the shooting parameters - full video or standard photo.
Device and principle of operation
The video call is divided into an internal and an external part. The external panel contains a touch camera, speaker, microphone, optics and a call button (in some models). Both parts are connected by a flexible cable, which is inserted into the hole in the door peephole. The outer and inner sections are screwed together so that the visitor cannot dismantle it.
The interior has:
- display;
- control keys;
- autonomous power supply or electrical unit.
The image from the external display goes inward to the panel, where the electronics carry out digital processing. The picture is displayed on the internal screen in a corrected form (if there are geometry distortions).
The screen belongs to energy-consuming modules, therefore it is produced with small parameters along the diagonal. The charge lasts for months or weeks, depending on the type and intensity of work.
Main characteristics
The design has a Wi-Fi module, thanks to this, the security device broadcasts video to the owner's gadgets many hundreds of kilometers from home. The built-in GSM element facilitates the organization of negotiations by phone or sending MMS or SMS.
Advantages of setting up a video call:
- serial versions are mounted independently within 20 - 40 minutes, while the owner does not require special skills;
- the appearance differs little from the standard peephole, the video peephole is easily disguised as an optical device;
- the device is programmed to alert you about unforeseen circumstances, for example, a fire, flooding from above or a break-in.
If there is no function to transfer the recording over the Internet, the landlord can view the saved files after returning home.
Rules for choosing a video call to the door to the apartment
It is not always necessary to immediately purchase additional modules to expand functionality, therefore, when buying, you need to take into account the possibility of connecting structural elements later. This can be a panel with a reinforced housing, a camera with a larger coverage area, or a built-in motion detector.
When choosing, take into account:
- functionality that directly affects the formation of value;
- box material, lens, option for connecting a video call to the Internet;
- signal transmission method and the presence of a wired analog connection.
If the video lock is used in the presence of the owners of the house, any model will do. Devices with a motion activity detector are selected in case of registration of visitors in the absence of the owner.
Installation and connection features
Manufacturers attach installation instructions to the video call.The owner can install the device on his own without any problems.
Installation steps:
- After dismantling the old optics, the outer part is inserted into the hole.
- The indoor module is installed, the ribbon cable is connected, the inner plate is connected with screws.
- Batteries are installed, contacts are connected, operating parameters are adjusted.
If you are installing a wireless device, it may be difficult to connect electronic locks. Specialists are invited if the user does not have such experience and knowledge.
For wireless video calls, an internal monitor is placed anywhere; for wired video calls, a cable of the right size is used for this.
Famous manufacturers
Brand name Commax produced in South Korea. Models of video calls are equipped with flat high-quality monitors with a clear image, it is possible to adjust the coverage area, sharpness and brightness, connect an additional user panel.
Security firms often choose Korean company models InterVision, which have an acceptable cost and wide functionality. The peculiarity of the brand is that all assembly elements are manufactured at the company's sites. Officials along the way advise clients, help install and configure video devices, and provide free follow-up service.
Chinese brand Slinex positions non-standard models that additionally control the area around a building or courtyard. There is a possibility of simultaneous work with four screens, with 2 - 10 control panels involved. The equipment instantly notifies the user, in real time and stores all video recordings.
