Each person strives to protect his property as reliably as possible. There are many ways to do this. Various outdoor surveillance systems are not superfluous for monitoring the territory and the entrance of an apartment building. A video call on the door to the apartment will allow you to quickly find out who came to visit. At its core, this system is a video intercom that allows you to control the access of visitors to an office, residential building or enterprise.

Video call to the door to the apartment: types, features, selection rules
Modern video calls are popular with both apartment owners and cottage owners, as they have many useful functions

Basic video call functions

A standard apartment video call can perform several basic functions, but its main purpose is to see the visitor who rang the bell and is outside the door. The video call is activated by pressing the button. Depending on the design and cost, this equipment can perform different functions:

  • give a sound signal to the room;
The video peephole is a modern device with a visual control function, working on the principle of a wireless intercom
The video peephole is a modern device with a visual control function, working on the principle of a wireless intercom
  • carry out automatic photographing of visitors;
  • carry out visual control of the space in front of the door;
  • allows you to talk through the built-in microphone.

If we talk about more complex models, then with their help you can:

  • turn on infrared illumination in a dark period of time;
  • video recording when the motion sensor is triggered;
  • monitor the entire space near the door via the Internet;
  • turn on the answering machine in the absence of the apartment owners.

Whatever set of functions a video call has, it has a design common to all models.

The modern video eye is capable of recording and photographing visitors
The modern video eye is able to record on video and photograph visitors

Video call to the door to the apartment: design features

Any video call consists of a number of basic elements:

  • overhead panel, which houses the call button and camera. Some manufacturers install a microphone and speaker on their models. This provides two-way communication between the apartment owner and the visitor;
  • the control panel on which the screen is located.It can be a stationary or mobile device. The choice of control type depends entirely on the communication used;
  • batteries (batteries, rechargeable battery or adapter);
  • link. This can be a special connecting cable. If the transmission method is wireless, then the model uses a built-in receiver-transmitter.

If a video call has a more advanced set of functions, then additional elements are included in its design.

Wired video calling does not require batteries and connects to the network
Wired video calling does not require batteries and connects to the network

Types of existing video calls

The modern market offers a large number of models from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The differences in them lie in technical characteristics and cost. You can buy a video call in an inexpensive budget solution that uses a black and white video camera and a monitor of the corresponding type. The connection between these elements is carried out with a special cable.

The main types of video calls:

  • wireless. In such models, data transfer occurs through the use of Wi-Fi, GSM communication or a radio channel. This equipment is distinguished by its ease of use and ease of installation;
  • video eyes. This equipment is installed on the door leaf instead of the standard peephole. At the same time, it can take pictures of the visitor and transmit messages. If necessary, you can connect additional devices to it;
More modern video eyes use Wi-Fi and GSM for data transmission
More modern video eyes use Wi-Fi and GSM for data transmission
  • complex systems. In such equipment, manufacturers combine the functions of an intercom and a video call. These models are equipped with motion sensors, special IR illumination for the dark time of the day, and automatic video activation mode. They can send messages to the owner, establish a telephone connection with him, etc. Quite often, such systems are used in large warehouses and industrial facilities.

Note! If you are planning to buy a video call to an apartment of a budget option, then you must take into account that such a model will only perform basic functions.

Main characteristics of a video call to the front door

Thanks to the active development of IT technologies, it has become easier to buy a video doorbell with a large number of functions than it was some time ago. A modern device at a low price can be connected to Wi-Fi and video of visitors.

In the absence of the owner, the smart device is able to send a photo of the visitor to other devices
In the absence of the owner, the smart device is able to send a photo of the visitor to other devices

Features of modern video calls

Today, video calls allow you to record small videos and save them in the archive. At the same time, to activate the recording function, it is not necessary to press the bell button - the motion sensor is enough.

The presence of a Wi-Fi module in the design allows a wireless connection to the Internet. This function makes it possible for the owner to control the condition around the apartment, even being many kilometers away from it.

Many video calls have a built-in GSM module. This allows the device to provide communication between the visitor and the owner of the house via mobile communication or send SMS or MMS.

Advanced video calls can react to movement in front of the door and automatically record video
Advanced video calls can respond to movement in front of the door and automatically record video

The type of signal transmission used in video calls

Manufacturers offer two types of design solutions: wireless and wired. The difference between the two is quite significant. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Wireless connection type allows installation in a convenient location for the owner. A small transmitter built inside the outer panel transmits the signal over a considerable distance. That is why this type is most often chosen by the owners of country houses. It is convenient to install them on wickets and gates.After talking with the visitor, the owner just needs to press a button and the door will open.

The wire type is set based on the length of the cable. It has a low cost. Most often, the wired type is mounted in apartments.

The screen of the wireless video eye can be installed either on the door itself or in any other convenient place
The screen of the wireless video eye can be installed both on the door itself and in any other convenient place

The advantages of the video eye

Quite often, owners of standard city apartments are asked to install a video peephole. This equipment provides all the necessary set of functions. At the same time, it is distinguished by its compact size and low cost, and it is mounted directly on front door... When in use, the video peephole records everyone who rings the doorbell. It provides the function of sending MMS to the owner's phone or another device specified in the settings.

The GSM module built into the equipment allows you to program the sending of messages to several devices. The described functions are possessed, for example, by the video call Era of domestic production.

The video peephole is equipped with a high-quality micro-camera with a wide viewing angle
The video peephole is equipped with a high-quality micro-camera with a wide viewing angle

Additional functions used in video calls

Quite often, manufacturers equip video calls with an answering machine function. Such a device, when a button is pressed, informs the visitor that the owners are not at home at the moment. It also prompts you to leave a message after a beep.

There are devices that can establish a telephone connection between the guest and the host. In this case, the video call plays the role of a kind of mobile phone.

A number of models involve the connection of an additional camcorders... In this case, the owner of an apartment or house gets the opportunity to more extended control over the adjacent territory.

Note! The latter option is especially relevant for owners of country and private houses. Connecting several cameras to a video call allows full control of the entire perimeter of the site.

Video call with extended functionality allows you to remotely control the door
Video call with extended functionality allows you to remotely control the door

Tips for choosing a video call to your apartment

Choosing a video call to an apartment should be based on several criteria. Among them should be highlighted:

  • required functionality. This criterion affects the cost. Quite often, well-known companies inflate the cost of equipment, and the client has to pay extra for the brand. At the same time, there are a large number of types of video calls on the door, the price of which is affordable. They have the same functionality as the expensive options;
  • used material;
  • signal transmission method;
  • availability of additional functions.
Video call Hello, domestic production is easily mounted in place of a regular peephole and does not require additional modifications to the door and power supply
Domestic video call "Hello"

Among domestic manufacturers, it is worth highlighting the Era company. The "Hi" video call combines excellent design, affordable cost and versatility. This system can be used instead of a peephole. It has a completely autonomous power supply; two AA batteries are enough for operation. According to reviews, the Era "Hello" video call is a product in which the price-quality ratio is best combined.

Related article:

Which entrance door to the apartment to choose: aesthetics and safety

The article will tell you what criteria should be considered when choosing a reliable front door to an apartment.

Wireless video call to the door to the apartment: why it is better

When choosing a video call to an apartment, experts recommend staying on the wireless type. In terms of cost, this equipment does not differ from wired equipment, however, it has a number of significant advantages, the main one of which is the ability to install it in any place convenient for you. Quite often, a wireless video doorbell is used as a video peephole.

In addition, this type of equipment has great functionality. It provides the ability to connect additional video cameras and a monitor. Thus, the owner can control not only the area in front of the door, but also the area in front of the house.

Modern intercoms for multi-storey buildings are equipped with a combination lock
Modern intercoms for multi-storey buildings are equipped with a combination lock

Possibility of retrofitting

When choosing a video doorbell model for an apartment, it is necessary to take into account such an important point as the possibility of subsequent installation of additional elements. Therefore, before purchasing, experts recommend that you carefully study the company's offers and see all the models they have.

If there are no options among them that meet the client's requirements, you can ask to assemble an individual video call package. This can be a reinforced outdoor panel, a built-in camera with a wider viewing angle, a motion sensor covering a large area, etc.

It is not always necessary to install the listed elements when purchasing a video call to the door to the house. That is why it is important to know about the interchangeability of equipment components of a particular manufacturer.

The wireless video call can be placed in a convenient place for the owner
The wireless video call can be placed in a convenient place for the owner

Helpful advice! If it is not possible to independently decide on the choice of a video call, it is better to consult a security system installation specialist. He will help you choose the best option and order it from the supplier.

Well-known video call manufacturers

Today there are a large number of companies that are engaged in the development and release of video surveillance systems... They offer various models with many features. Everyone can choose the best option and buy a video call to the apartment inexpensively.

Commax is one of the leading manufacturers of surveillance systems. This brand equips its models with large flat monitors of excellent quality. Therefore, the transmitted image is always clear and bright. The developers of this company have equipped a video doorbell with a monitor and a microphone. Hardware settings allow you to adjust the viewing angle, brightness and sharpness of the image on the screen.

A second additional indoor panel can be connected to Commax video calls. This is very convenient in a large private house. At the same time, the equipment of this brand is distinguished by its affordable cost.

The Comax range is large enough to meet the needs of both individuals and large industries.
The Comax range is large enough to meet the needs of both individuals and large industries.

Another popular brand in the field of surveillance systems is InterVision. Modern security agencies are increasingly giving preference to the equipment of this Korean company. The price of a video call for a metal door from this company is affordable. It is worth noting another important advantage of InterVision equipment - they produce all the components themselves.

Video calls of this brand are distinguished by high video recording speed and a wide range of features. Official representative offices of InterVision provide a full range of services: from consultation to subsequent free customer service. So, having decided to buy a wireless video call at the door to the apartment once, the client receives high-quality warranty and post-warranty service.

The Slinex brand rightfully occupies a leading place among the development of non-standard outdoor surveillance systems, video calls and video intercoms. The equipment of this company allows you to solve all issues related to the control of the territory around the house or apartment. For large mansions, the manufacturer has specifically provided for the ability to simultaneously connect four monitors and more than ten internal panels.

Video doorphones from Slinex combine wireless innovation and sleek design
Video doorphones from Slinex combine wireless innovation and sleek design

Having decided to buy a video call for a house from Slinex, the client once and for all decides the issue of protecting his property. All equipment of this brand can keep in touch with the owner, instantly transmit information about guests and unwanted visitors, conduct video and photo recording in real time. The received records are saved on a special removable medium. Slinex video calls are equipped with motion sensors and cameras with a wide viewing angle.

Features of setting up a video call

It is necessary not only to buy a video call to the door to the apartment, but also to install it correctly. It is best to involve a specialist to carry out these works. However, such a possibility does not always exist.

If the owner of the apartment is confident in his abilities, then he should know about the main stages of installation:

  1. Installation of the video peephole on the door leaf.
  2. Installation and connection of an electronic loop.
  3. Installation of batteries.
  4. Indoor installation of the control panel.
  5. Setting the required parameters of the equipment for correct operation.

All manufacturers equip their models with detailed installation instructions. The only points that require a careful approach are connecting the loop and setting the operating parameters.

Diagram of self-installation of the video eyelet on the front door
Diagram of self-installation of the video eyelet on the front door

Additional installation nuances

For self-installation with the correct connection, a video door peephole is best suited. To install it, it is enough to drill a hole of the required diameter in the door leaf. If there is already a hole in the door, then the installation work is reduced to removing the old peephole and installing a new one. After that, the control panel and display unit are secured. At the final stage, batteries are installed, and the required parameters are adjusted.

If the video eyelet provides the function of wireless control of locks in the door, then certain difficulties may arise when connecting electronic locks. The complexity of their installation lies in the presence of a mandatory separate power source. Only a specialist can cope with such work.

To install a multi-component security system, it is better to use the services of a specialist
To install a multi-component security system, it is better to use the services of a specialist

The modern market offers a wide variety of options for outdoor surveillance systems: from simple video peepholes to complex video calls, additionally equipped with cameras and motion sensors. Which of them will ensure the safety of the apartment or house - the owner decides on his own. The only thing to remember when choosing equipment is that the price does not always indicate great opportunities or excellent product quality. Domestic video calls are not inferior in their capabilities to Western counterparts for a long time.