Analog / IP Video Door Intercom

Analog / IP Video Door Intercom

Analogue video door entry systems are traditional systems that have been around for decades. They’re typically made up of analogue intercoms, access readers, and answering units. They work by using electrical signals to communicate between devices, and they’re usually wired directly into a building’s infrastructure.

Now, while analogue systems have been around for a long time, they do have their disadvantages. For one, they’re not very flexible. Before the internet, access control systems required you to run wiring throughout the building and then connect every device to a central control hub. This leads to higher costs, and, because they’re hardwired, it can be difficult and expensive to make changes or upgrades to the system. This can be a problem if you need to complete simple tasks such as adding new users or integrating the system with other security technologies.

Choose IP video door entry systems to give yourself flexibility & powerful features

Since the invention of the internet, a lot of access control solutions, video door entry included, can function totally wirelessly. IP stands for Internet Protocol, and it’s the same technology that powers the internet. With IP access control systems, intercoms, access readers, and answering units are all connected to a network using Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi. This allows them to communicate with each other and with other security technologies using digital signals, which gives them the bandwidth to power more complex features like video calling and mobile access.

Remote management & easier configuration

As mentioned previously, one of the major advantages of IP video door entry systems is that they’re much more flexible than analogue systems. Because they’re connected to a network, it’s easy to add or remove users, manage devices, and configure installations. Not only do IP video entry systems offer better flexibility, but they also offer better functionality. For example, many IP video entry systems come with remote management platforms that allow you to control, set up and manage the system and devices in it from anywhere in the world. This can be a real game-changer if you have multiple locations or if you need to manage access remotely.

Easier to integrate with 3rd party systems

Another element of flexibility: the ability to connect to other systems. Today, whether in the residential or commercial segments, customers use a large range of technology partners that they often want their video door entry system to be able to connect to. It’s also often needed to connect to existing security systems, CCTV cameras, alarms, and lift systems that can allow for things like restricted floor access. IP allows your video door entry system to work as a cohesive part of a whole solution. Bonus points if you choose a provider that builds their products on open protocols… making the sky the limit!

Overall better access

Old analogue systems often suffer from interference: buzzing, humming, and crackling. It allow for crystal clear audio, and often HD images, too – provided you choose an IP video intercom that has a powerful camera. Answering units can be just as powerful, too: IP technology allows for features such as pinch-to-zoom so residents can zoom in on the faces of their visitors, video calling and messages, and integration with other IP cameras (other than the one in the video intercom) for enhanced monitoring of the home. Go one step further and turn user’s mobile phones into portable answering unit: allowing them to check up on their home or answer their door from wherever they are in the world! A feat that would be rather difficult with an old analogue system…Choosing a company that makes their indoor stations using quality materials (that are mainly EU-sourced) is key: and bonus points if they also have their own OS – this can ensure that residents’ data is protected, and no one can listen in on conversations!

Security concerns

Because IP requires the use of the internet, hackers can become a valid concern. However, all you need to do is choose the right provider who makes high quality, encrypted devices and software. Many IP video door entry systems use advanced encryption technologies to protect against cyberattacks, which means that you can be confident your system is protecting your assets and your people from all types of threats.