A video intercom system with a door release is a valuable feature for any apartment or commercial property, but what’s the best option out there?
This blog post covers everything you need to know about choosing the best video intercom system with a door release. You’ll learn how these systems work, the available types, and how they benefit your property. More importantly, you’ll find out how to choose an intercom system and which system is the best.
This post covers:
- How does a video intercom system with a door release work?
- What are the different types of video intercom systems?
- Benefits of a video intercom system with door release
- How do I choose an intercom system?
- What is the best video intercom system with a door release?
How does a video intercom system with a door release work?
A video intercom system with a door release works by triggering an electronic door lock to unlock after receiving a signal from an authorized substation.
For video intercom systems to receive and send signals, they require two things:
- An internet connection
- An electric door release
The internet connects the intercom to the substation, which can either be a smartphone or an in-unit device.
When a resident wants to access the property or remotely open the door for a guest, they press a button on their phone or device. Then, the device sends a signal to the video intercom, which sends an electrical signal to the door release, unlocking the entryway.
Learn more about video intercoms and how to unlock doors and gates using ButterflyMX:
Is an intercom wired or wireless?
Intercom systems can be either wired or wireless.
Wired intercoms use cables to connect the primary control panel to the substation, whereas wireless intercoms use wireless technology — like WiFi or VoIP technology — to communicate.
What is a wireless vs. wired video door intercom?
Wired intercom systems are usually connected to in-unit hardware and require on-site servers to store data. These systems are costly to install and require significant maintenance.
In contrast, wireless intercom systems use smartphones as substations. As a result, they don’t require extensive wiring. Instead, they only need a few wired connections to operate: power, internet, and door release.
Above all, wireless intercom systems are easier to install, last longer, and can be managed remotely thanks to their cloud-based infrastructure.
What is the price of a video door phone intercom system?
A video door phone intercom system costs between $1,500 to $10,000.
Of course, many factors impact the cost of your video door phone intercom. These include the manufacturer, features, and technology. It’s also important to mention the average cost does not include installation, maintenance, or subscription fees.
What are the different types of video intercom systems?
The two primary types of video intercom systems are wired and wireless. However, many variations of video intercoms fall into these categories.
So, consider these types of video intercom systems:
- IP intercom with camera. An IP intercom system with a camera is a device that uses the Internet Protocol to let tenants see who’s requesting access. Then, they can grant access remotely.
- PoE intercom system. Power over Ethernet (PoE) intercom systems are a type of IP intercom system. Rather than using two different cables for power and internet, PoE intercoms use a single cable.
- 2-way video intercom system. As a type of IP intercom, 2-way video intercom systems allow guests and tenants to video call each other. The tenant uses their smartphone or in-unit hardware for the video feed while the guest uses the intercom’s display at the entrance.
- Wireless intercom doorbell. Located at the main entrance, a wireless intercom doorbell uses WiFi or cellular signals to communicate with substations, often located inside the unit. In some cases, these devices may have cameras so tenants can see who’s at the entryway.
- SIP intercom system. Using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), these devices use the internet to communicate with substations and allow tenants to grant access to guests remotely. These systems use the cloud to store data rather than a bulky on-site server.
- VoIP intercom system. Lastly, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) intercom systems connect guests from the front door to a tenant in their unit, often through a hard-wired telephone line.
Benefits of a video intercom system with door release
Modern video intercom systems with door release are packed with features that benefit the property, staff, and tenants alike.
After installing a video intercom system, your property will benefit from:
- Increased security. Restricting access to the property for tenants and their authorized guests is a big security boost. Plus, having a camera in an entry intercom system allows for the system to take time- and date-stamped photos of every entry. That way, staff can review them in the event of a security breach.
- Peace of mind. Tenant peace of mind is essential with any property amenity. A video intercom system provides a video feed of guests requesting access. This way, tenants see who they’re letting inside rather than relying solely on the visitor’s voice.
- Remote management. Property staff and tenants can remotely manage access using their phones. In addition, staff can easily manage permissions and review entries using a mobile app or a web-based dashboard without being onsite.
- Scalability. Video intercom systems make scalability easy as they can adjust to your property’s changes. For example, you can add or remove tenants whenever you’d like without changing hardware.
- Convenience. A video intercom system with door release allows tenants to easily let in their guests, service workers, or delivery drivers. All it takes is a simple tap on their phone to grant access remotely, no matter where they are.
How do I choose an intercom system?
The best way to choose an intercom system is to evaluate the unique features of your property before selecting a system that can accommodate them. This way, you can make sure to select the right system for your property.
When looking for an intercom system, consider the following:
- Your property. To select the right video intercom system for your property, consider its characteristics. For example, certain systems may not be appropriate for gated communities. Therefore, finding an intercom designed specifically for your property is essential.
- Tenant demographics. Some modern intercoms rely on smartphones, which may not suit all users. You must choose a system that accommodates all tenants to ensure it benefits everyone. For instance, older residents may not have a smartphone. So, select a system that also works with other types of phones or accepts other credentials such as PIN codes.
- Installation. Your property’s infrastructure and the system’s installation requirements will impact your decision. It’s best to always choose a wireless system to ensure lower costs and faster installation. However, it all comes down to the architecture of your property. Thus, you should speak with an installer before committing to certain intercom.
- Weatherproofing. Video intercoms must withstand severe temperatures and weather conditions. Otherwise, the system won’t last as long as it should. If your property is located in an area with extreme weather, ensure the system you select can withstand such elements.
- Features. One of the biggest deciding factors of any video intercom system is the features it offers. What capabilities are you looking for in a video intercom system? Take note of your desired features and use them as a guide when selecting a solution.
- Reputation. Finally, you should always select a video intercom system from a reputable manufacturer and brand. By choosing a company with excellent reviews and a pedigree for its customers, you’ll benefit from choosing their system.
What is the best video intercom system with a door release?
The best video intercom system with a door release is ButterflyMX.
ButterflyMX started in 2014 with its flagship product, the video intercom. Since then, ButterflyMX has been installed in over 10,000 buildings and is used by over 1 million apartments.
The ButterflyMX video intercom system includes many features, such as:
- Mobile app. ButterflyMX’s video intercom uses smartphones as substations rather than in-unit hardware. So, tenants can grant access to guests from anywhere, and property staff can edit permissions remotely.
- Integrations. Streamlining property tasks is important when there are so many at hand. Thanks to ButterflyMX’s many integrations, properties can connect their PMS and existing security hardware with their video intercom.
- Audit log. For maximum security, the ButterflyMX video intercom takes time- and date-stamped photos of every entry. Then, staff can review them later if a security breach or a safety issue arises.
- Multiple credentials. Staff and tenants can access the property using their smartphones or a six-digit PIN code. If at any point a user loses their phone or it dies, the PIN code acts as a simple alternative.
- Virtual keys. Tenants can set up virtual keys to provide access for guests or service workers. Virtual keys grant temporary access to visitors that can either be used at certain times of the day or for a single use. This feature is perfect for residents who hire dog walkers or housekeepers that need access when they’re away.
- Delivery PINs. Ensure your tenants never miss a delivery again by adding major couriers to your video intercom system. Delivery PINs help drivers access the building and complete package drop-offs.
- IP65 rated. ButterflyMX video intercoms are IP65 rated, meaning they can withstand harsh climates in various elements and temperatures.
