How to choose the right video intercom

How to choose the right video intercom

A video intercom is no longer considered a simple luxury object. It has become a fundamental tool for home security, allowing you to check who is outside your home. This aspect is particularly important both for welcoming guests and, unfortunately, for protecting oneself from possible bad intentions.

Innovations and features of modern video intercoms

In the current technological era, video intercoms have evolved by incorporating cutting-edge functions. A striking example is WI-FI connectivity, which allows you to manage them remotely via your smartphone. This feature opens up a series of advantages in terms of convenience and safety, significantly improving the user experience.

Why consider purchasing or replacing a video intercom

• Improvement of home security: having the ability to visually identify who is knocking on the door significantly increases security.

• Convenience: Remote management via mobile devices adds a level of convenience never seen before.

• Technological innovations: new features, such as the WI-FI connection, enrich the user experience compared to traditional models.

Final considerations when choosing a video intercom

The decision to purchase or replace a video intercom should be based on an accurate assessment of your needs in terms of security, convenience and technological innovation. Recent advances in this area offer a wide range of options, making it easier to find the device that best suits the individual needs of your apartment.

How to choose a video intercom

The choice of a video intercom depends on various factors, including the need to replace an existing one or the purchase of a new device in a house under construction or undergoing renovation. Below, we review the most common scenarios and considerations to keep in mind.

Replacement or purchase from scratch?

The decision between replacing an already installed video intercom or purchasing a new device can significantly influence the options available.

Video intercom replacement

• Evaluate compatibility with the existing system: If you want to replace a faulty or obsolete video intercom, the crucial factor is compatibility with the existing support system.

• Look for compatible models: It is important to identify models that integrate without the need to carry out invasive structural work or substantial changes to the existing system.

Purchase video intercom

• Freedom of choice: By purchasing a video intercom in a new construction or renovation context, you have fewer constraints and can choose from a wider range of models and technologies.

• Evaluate advanced features: This freedom allows you to consider video intercoms equipped with the latest technological innovations, such as WiFi connectivity, remote control via app and facial recognition.

Regardless of the situation, it is essential to carefully evaluate your needs and the characteristics of the supporting system before proceeding with the purchase or replacement of a video intercom. Investing time in research to understand which features are crucial to your needs can make the difference in final user satisfaction.

Understanding the Choice of a Video Intercom System

The decision on which video intercom system to adopt requires an in-depth evaluation of the existing system configuration. The heart of the system is made up of a series of key elements: the external pushbutton panel, the internal video intercom, and the connection cables.

Compatibility and Preliminary Considerations

If your home already has a video intercom system based on older technologies, such as 5, 7 wire or coaxial systems, you will encounter limitations in the selection of new models, such as 2 wire or 2 voice ones, which prefer a more modern. Faced with this incompatibility, the only practicable solution is to completely replace the system.

Before purchasing a new video intercom, it is essential to identify the type of pre-existing system. This preliminary assessment will guide you in making the most appropriate choice compatible with your housing needs.

Various Types of Video Intercom Systems

• 5, 4+n or 7 wire system: These configurations, now outdated, saw a direct connection through different cables (5 or 7 wires) from the external pushbutton panel to the internal device.</li >
• Coaxial system: This is also among the older solutions. It used two wires in addition to a coaxial cable, similar to that used for television antennas.
• 2-wire system: This is the contemporary solution, adopted by most manufacturers. Its strong point is simplicity: just two wires to connect the external unit with the internal monitor.
• 2 voice system: A variant of the 2-wire system, specifically designed for use with Urmet brand video intercoms.

Purchase Tips

Within the current video intercom panorama, 2-wire systems represent the most versatile and modern choice. For those looking for a reliable and cutting-edge device, the Urmet video intercom kit 956/81 stands out as an ideal solution. For further details, we invite you to consult our dedicated purchasing guide.

What is the difference between a single-family and a two-family video intercom?

Understanding the difference between a single-family and two-family video intercom is essential to choosing the option best suited to your housing needs. This distinction, simple but fundamental, allows you to identify the ideal type of video intercom depending on the structure of your home.

Single-family video intercom

Use: Ideal for apartments, houses or single villas. The single-family video intercom is designed for use in homes occupied by a single family. This type of device facilitates communication and secure access, allowing visitors to be clearly identified before granting entry.

Two-family video intercom

Use: Perfect for housing solutions where two families live together and share a single external gate. The two-family video intercom allows both families to independently manage access to their housing unit, while maintaining the convenience of a single shared external access point.

WI-FI video intercom: a subjective choice

The decision to purchase or not a WI-FI video intercom essentially boils down to personal preferences and the type of expense you are willing to incur. It is undeniable that a WI-FI model costs more than a standard device without an internet connection.

Advantages of the WI-FI video intercom

One of the main benefits of opting for a WI-FI video intercom is the possibility of managing it remotely. Thanks to modern technologies, all the big brands in the sector have developed dedicated applications for mobile devices, allowing users to control their WI-FI video intercom with extreme ease, wherever they are.

• Remote control
• More features than standard models
• Compatibility with apps on mobile devices

In conclusion, the choice between a WI-FI video intercom and a traditional one depends on your needs, the available budget and the importance given to the convenience of remote use. If price is not an obstacle, a WI-FI model could offer a higher level of comfort and security.

Handsfree video intercom or handset: a subjective choice

The choice between a hands-free video intercom and one with a handset often turns out to be subjective, with implications that mainly depend on the available budget. The main advantage of the speakerphone is the greater freedom of movement, eliminating the need to hold the handset. However, this convenience can turn into a disadvantage when you consider that conversations could be overheard by third parties. Furthermore, opting for a hands-free solution usually involves a surcharge.

Discover our selection of the best video intercom brands

Before delving into which are the best brands of video intercoms on the market, it is useful to examine our article which deals with the Bticino CLASSE 300 EOS Connected Video Intercom. This device combines video intercom and security, offering an excellent overview of what the market has to offer in terms of technology and innovation.

The best video intercom brands

In the vast market of video intercoms, many brands have stood out for the quality and durability of their products. Below, we present a selection of the top 3 brands recommended, based on quality, performance and value for money ratings.

• BTicino
• Urmet
• Comelit

A focus on BTicino

BTicino represents a historic option in the video intercom panorama, standing out for the reliability of its kits. By choosing BTicino, customer satisfaction is almost guaranteed. One aspect to consider, however, is a certain post-sale rigidity, which can limit the possibility of modifications to the initial system.

For each brand, we have identified a recommended video intercom model, based on expert assessments of performance and value. This in-depth analysis offers a reliable starting point for those looking for the best video intercom suited to their needs.