Video Door Entry Systems: 3 Best Video Intercom Solutions

 

 

Also known as door access control systems, door entry systems are ideal security solutions for a wide range of properties. For an extra layer of security, consider a video door entry system that lets tenants see their guests before letting them inside.

With that said, finding the right video entry system is difficult when there are so many options. So, this guide will detail the best video door entry systems. In addition, you’ll discover the cost of door entry systems, how to find the right installer, and the types of systems available.

This post will cover:

• 3 best video door entry systems
• How much do video door entry systems cost?
• How to find an installer for your video intercom
• Types of video door entry systems
• How does a video door entry system work?

 

 

3 best video door entry systems

For the best experience at your property, you need the best video door entry system on the market. Fortunately, there are several options that can meet your property’s needs.

The best video door intercom systems include:

1. ButterflyMX
2. Aiphone
3. 2N

 

1. ButterflyMX

The best video door entry intercom system is the ButterflyMX video intercom.

ButterflyMX is a cloud-based access control company that was established in 2014. Since introducing the world’s first smart video intercom, ButterflyMX has expanded its offerings to encompass property-wide access, from the front door and garage to the elevators and individual units.

The ButterflyMX video intercom is the best door entry system because of the following features:

• Cloud-based. Using cloud-based infrastructure, the video intercom doesn’t require extensive wiring, simplifying installation and reducing associated costs. Not to mention, users can access the property and let their guests in remotely using the convenience of their smartphones.
• 156° wide-angle camera. See who is requesting access at the front door or gate through the intercom’s wide-angle camera. Thus, you can capture the entirety of your main entryway, offering peace of mind.
• Audit log. Review every guest or user entry with a clearly labeled audit log featuring time- and date-stamped photos. In turn, you can catch potential perpetrators in the event of a security breach.
• Remote access. Enable your property staff and tenants to control access to the property remotely using the online dashboard or the highly-rated ButterflyMX mobile app. This way, you can ensure tenants have a positive experience with your property while staff can manage access from anywhere.
• Built-in RFID. Offer the convenience of accepting multiple credentials with built-in RFID. Users can then access the property with a key card or fob, which further simplifies access.
• Delivery PINs. Assign delivery drivers a PIN code for easy access to the property. That way, residents won’t experience missed or delayed package deliveries.
• ButterflyMX platform. Use the video intercom alongside any of ButterflyMX’s other products for a unified access control system, simplifying holistic property access into one platform.

 

Watch how ButterflyMX works:

 

2. Aiphone

Founded in 1948 in Nagoya, Japan, Aiphone is one of the world’s largest intercom system manufacturers. Aiphone’s IXG Series video intercom is a multi-tenant intercom solution designed for a wide range of properties, from apartments and commercial properties to mixed-use buildings.

Video calls from Aiphone’s video intercom can be accepted using their mobile app, guard station, or optional in-unit hardware. Regardless, Aiphone’s intercom is compatible with select additional hardware from their extensive line of access control products.

The Aiphone IXG Series multi-tenant intercom includes the following features:

• Easy-to-use touchscreen panel.
• Cloud-based mobile app for remote management and access.
• Built-in HID reader for key card or fob access.
• Optional guard station and in-unit hardware additions.
• Compatible with optional elevator controls.
• Weatherproof and impact resistant.

 

3. 2N

2N was established in 1991 when it launched its telecommunication solutions. Since then, 2N has developed a variety of products, such as the 2N IP Style, a video intercom with a 10” touchscreen display. The 2N video intercom also encompasses a high-definition camera for video calling functionality and WaveKey technology, allowing for fast access.

Overall, the 2N IP Style includes the following features:

• Two-way video calling.
• Adaptive face zooming for a clearer view of a person’s face.
• Weatherproof and impact-resistant certifications.
• Self-cleaning 10” touchscreen display.
• Customizable user interface to meet your property’s style.
• Multiple credential support: mobile phone, PIN code, key card, etc.

 

How much do video door entry systems cost?

On average, the cost of a video entry system is between $3,000 and $7,000.

However, the cost of an entry system will vary depending on many factors, such as:

• Type of system
• Features
• Manufacturer

Furthermore, the cost of the device does not include additional costs, such as installation and service fees. We recommend you get a quote to ensure you know all of your expenses before making a purchase.

 

How much does it cost to install a door entry system?

Installing a video intercom or other door entry system costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Of course, costs may vary depending on the type of system, complexity of the installation, and the installer.

For the best experience, you should select a cloud-based entry system. These systems are simpler to install because they don’t require extensive wiring. Not to mention, the best video intercom systems offer multiple ways of connecting to the internet for buildings where a physical internet access point is hard to acquire.

 

How to find an installer for your video intercom

For the best installation experience, contact the manufacturer of the video door entry system you want. They’ll connect you with a certified installer in your area, ensuring you receive all the benefits.

Certified installers are experienced and trained professionals who have the knowledge to install your video door entry system correctly. As a result, you’ll benefit from a properly installed system, a valid warranty, and a faster installation.

 

 

Types of video door entry systems

Video door entry systems for commercial, residential, and gated community properties implement a wide range of features, allowing for a variety of options to choose from.

The most common types of door entry systems with video functionality include:

• IP video intercom
• Wired door entry system
• Cloud-based video intercom
• Cellular door entry system

 

IP video intercom

An IP (Internet Protocol) intercom system with a camera is a device that operates by using the internet. These types of systems work either wired or wireless, depending on their design. Wireless systems connect via WiFi, whereas wired systems connect directly to an access point via ethernet or Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable.

Regardless of how the intercom is connected, it sends and receives video signals to and from user’s phones, allowing for two-way communication. Above all, these signals are protected using end-to-end encryption, which is essential when maintaining data security for your property and tenants.

 

Wired door entry system

Traditional wired entry systems with video functionality require legacy or on-site servers to operate. In other words, wired door entry systems take up a lot of space and cost a lot because of the installation and maintenance process.

Wired entry systems must wire directly to tenants’ units where in-unit hardware is installed. Not only does this hardware add to costs, but it’s extremely complicated to install with so much wiring involved.

What’s more, wired systems require extensive maintenance by a professional technician. The system cannot be remotely updated unless retrofitted with the right equipment, but even then, it still takes up a lot of space.

 

Cloud-based video intercom

Also known as wireless door entry systems, cloud-based video intercoms are the best type of video door entry system. These devices store data in an off-site server known as the cloud. To do this, they connect to the internet, which is also how it sends and receives signals.

Unlike a wired system, wireless video intercoms replace in-unit hardware with tenants’ phones. So, when a guest selects the tenant’s name in the directory, their phone notifies them. Then, the tenant can see and speak with the visitor before granting them access remotely.

Additionally, with a cloud-based video intercom, your property can manage credentials, access permissions, and more remotely through an online dashboard or a mobile app. Moreover, the intercom receives new updates and even features over time, as the manufacturer can remotely deploy them at any time.

 

Cellular door entry system

Finally, cellular door entry systems use cellular signals to send and receive data. Unlike IP intercom systems, cell phone door entry systems with cameras require a cell phone network to operate. Thus, your intercom will require a cellular network to work. Nonetheless, tenants can grant access remotely and speak with visitors before letting them inside.

 

How does a video door entry system work?

A video entry system works by using three primary components:

• Base station. Located at the main entryway, the base station is the intercom or interface that tenants or guests use to enter the building. It’s also the device that includes the directory and camera that tenants use to request entry into the property.
• Substation. Either as in-unit hardware or a smartphone, the substation is what receives the notification a guest has arrived. From the substation, a tenant can see and speak with the guest before granting access.
• Door release. Also known as the door lock, the door release is what keeps the door or gate secure. It will only unlock when an authorized credential is used.

So, when a visitor approaches a building, they can look up the tenant in the system’s directory and press the call button. Then, the base station calls the tenant. Next, the tenant gets a notification of the visitor’s call on either their smartphone or in-unit device and can talk to the visitor. Finally, once the tenant confirms the visitor’s identity, they press the door release button, which triggers the door release.