Most of apartment security begins at the front gate or entrance to the building. An intercom enables residents to talk with visitors and let them inside. The question is: do you stay with your audio-only setup or go the full video route?
It depends on your building, budget, and security needs. Contemporary gadgets may also coordinate with digital locks in Melbourne, providing residents a higher say on who enters universal areas.
So, What is an Audio-Only Intercom?
Someone at the entrance pushes a button and it activates an audio intercom. The visitor identifies themselves and the resident decides whether to let them in or not.
The setup is easy and usually cheaper than a video system. In smaller apartment buildings where residents primarily need a voice service, it can be adequate.
But there is one key limitation to audio. You cannot tell the identity of a person standing outside.
How Does a Video Intercom Add to That?
A video intercom features a camera at the entrance. Residents can also get to see the person calling and speak with them.
It gives supplementary context before opening a door or gate. It can tell if a visitor is alone and it may also be able to tell if other people are waiting nearby.
This visual check is helpful, especially for apartment buildings that have regular incoming correspondence and visitors.
Video vs Audio: Key Differences
The key difference is the number of data points presented to each resident.
Audio-only intercom:
- Usually simpler to operate
- Often has lower equipment costs
- Provides voice communication
- No visual check
Video intercom:
- Adds live visitor images
- Can offer enhanced visibility at the entry
- Could feature built-in recording, or smartphone features
- Usually costs more to install
How the building will be used and what features the owner wants should dictate which is best.
Intercom and Compatible Digital Locks
Depending on the chosen equipment. In some cases, an intercom system is integrated with electronic access systems, allowing residents to talk to visitors and unlock a door or gate from inside.
If a building is already thinking about upgrading to digital locks in Melbourne, then perhaps it would be better and more cost-effective to look at the access-control system as a whole instead of individually.
Always check the compatibility of the equipment before buying.
What About Gate Intercom Installation?
If the apartment has a vehicle and/or pedestrian gate, installation is particularly challenging in terms of planning. The entry is susceptible to the weather, foot traffic, and heavy use.
Camera placement, audio quality, power supply, wiring, and connect to the access-control system are other considerations for a professional gate intercom installation.
In addition, the installer must verify whether or not the preexisting gate mechanism is compatible with the proposed intercom.
If Adding Video is Worth the Extra Investment?
Video comes in handy when the residents want more information before letting them in. It can be especially useful for residences in apartment buildings with frequent deliveries, contractors, and unannounced visitors.
But it isn’t necessary to have smart video capabilities at every site. An audio system may be enough without the need for residents are looking to basic communication and remote accessing gates.
It is better to compare the features that will be used by residents anyhow.
Think About Future Upgrades
Technology changes quickly. Today, you might put in a basic intercom and later down the road wants to be able to access it from a smartphone, record video, or manage remotely.
When comparing each system, one query should be whether more features can be integrated without completely swapping out the whole set up.
A well-thought-out gate intercom installation is a boon for the future; if equipment and wiring are chosen with expansion in mind it might even be easier to hook up new devices later.
Final Thoughts
If you simply need to access the base of your apartment block, audio intercoms will still suffice. What about video systems that allow residents to see who is outside before letting them in?
When you are going for digital locks in Melbourne, check out the intercom and access-control system as well. The combination and entry system can make entering your area easy, but also empowers residents to better control access into the common areas.