Video call to the door to the apartment

 Video call to the door to the apartment

Protection of property and the protection of your home is almost the primary task of every person. And the development of modern technologies makes it easy to ensure comfort and safety in homes and apartments without much expense.

The emergence of cheap mini-cameras and LSD video displays that consume a small amount of energy on the electronic market has contributed to the creation of mechanisms such as video calls. You can perceive them as a simplified form of an intercom with a camera, but with a limited scope and possible installation location.

Special features

Video call has established itself as an excellent security system, comfortable to use for all family members. A person coming to the house sees a small panel with a call button,which makes it a little different from an ordinary call.

Initially, you need to understand the purpose of the video call. These devices can perform several basic tasks depending on the design and price itself, but the most important of them is the ability to visually see and view the visitor who is behind the door at the time of the call. The role of a door peephole is played by a small inconspicuous video camera with a chromatic or black-and-white display. The main difference between them and video intercoms is the installation site, video calls are usually mounted in the apartment itself. Standard system is activated after activation of the call button.

Even the simplest and cheapest models should fulfill their main responsibilities:

  • Sound notification in the apartment about the arrival of the visitor;
  • Photo and video of the visitor at the time of activation of the call button. The received data is stored on external or internal media;
  • Hidden view and visual control of the guest and the surrounding space around the front door and on the landing;
  • Negotiations using the built-in mini-microphone and speakers.

Technically improved models perform a number of additional advanced features and perform the following actions:

  • Infrared lights - visibility in the dark or in dim light. In the circle of the lens are photodiodes, shining in the infrared range. This light is reflected from objects and becomes visible to the human eye;
  • Contactless motion sensor - activate automatic video when the sensitive sensors are triggered for any object movement;
  • Remote monitoring via a wireless network via the Internet and negotiations with visitors over the IP protocol;
  • Answering machine function.

Everything else video calls are characterized by technical parameters, which play a significant role at the time of purchase. These include:

  • Chromatic / black and white image;
  • The resolution of the camera and display, depends on the quality and clarity of the resulting image;
  • The viewing angle of the camera determines the area covered;
  • Power supply (from the mains or autonomously from the battery).

In essence, a video call works in this way: the device receives a video signal that comes from a camera mounted into an external panel.The video call itself, in turn, is the coordinated work of several elements that are combined into one integral mechanism.

Design features of the video call mechanism on the front door:

  • Outer cover plate, on its front side have a mini-camera and a call button. This is a small box in an anti-vandal case made of a stable metal alloy that protects it from mechanical damage. A camera lens is protected by thick reinforced glass. Also, it is precisely in it that the speakers and the microphone are built in to create a two-way dialogue between the guest and the owner. Sensitive proximity sensors and infrared photodiodes. It is installed directly near the door or into the door itself (video-eye), it provides for receiving and transmitting the image to the display of the inside.
  • Inner panel with displaywhich is installed inside the house, usually near the entrance. Includes components such as display, motherboard, power supply and control buttons. This part of the design is responsible for controlling the device itself, setting it up and viewing the resulting image.

Advanced models are able to provide communication with the visitor, set up an answering machine, connect IP equipment. They support the remote control function.

It is also possible to output a picture to an external connected device monitor, for example, a computer or a TV. A pre-configured and programmed call in the absence of the owner removes everyone who presses the button. Data is stored in device memory. All pictures are dated and time stamped.

Very practical in operation mobile panels with wireless support. They work perfectly in every corner of the apartment thanks to the transmitter, which sends a signal over long distances. However, they are quite expensive and energy-intensive, they include:

  • Power supply unit, for operation of the device from the home power supply network or network adapter. Standalone models run on batteries or rechargeable batteries.
  • Communication channel for a special cable (for wire models). Wireless are equipped with special built-in modules.

Models with an extended set of actions provide for the addition of additional elements.This, for example, remote opening of electromagnetic locks, sensors, lights, monitors, additional cameras and handsets.

Modern models not only take photos, but also record short videos that can be stored in memory. Recording starts after activating the button or automatically.

The built-in Wi-Fi module provides communication via the Internet and allows you to conduct remote surveillance from any device with Internet access. The GSM module sends SMS and MMS to the mobile phone of the owner, connects it and the visitor via mobile communication.

Video calls are divided into wired and wireless. Wireless can be mounted in any convenient place. A small built-in transmitter provides reception of the signal being sent at a fairly long distance. They are convenient when installed on a gate or gate.

Video eyes are more suitable for city apartments. They are miniature and easy to fit into the place of the standard peephole. This device is inexpensive, but consistently performs all the main functions and tasks. The video peephole is able to take photos, send MMS and has a GSM module.

Also useful are new advanced features that, in addition to shooting and viewing, will activate the answering machine when there is no one at home.

He will notify the visitor about the absence of the owner and record a voice message, which he will later transmit to the owner. Some devices perform the function of a telephone and connect the visitor and the host by mobile phone. The multifunctionality of some calls allows for the presence of several CCTV cameras.

Kinds

An extensive range of devices from Russian and foreign manufacturers is offered on the modern market. The main differences between the models are in their cost and technical characteristics. The most important of them, which you first need to pay attention to when buying a video call, are the signal type, the pixel resolution of the camera, its angle of view, the way data is transmitted, and work with IP devices.

Budget stamps are basically removed and shown in black and white, connected to each other via a communication cable. They are able to perform only basic functionality. Sometimes some models have voice communication through a microphone and photography.Accordingly, the more expensive the model, the more additional elements and capabilities it has.

Every year the calls are improved and changed. They originate from the most simple and primitive devices and end with modern developments:

  • Mechanical. Considered obsolete. They are found in old-style houses, designed in the old style or as an element of decor. They look like a bell on a rope or a large ring on the door, making sounds only after manual exposure. The result is a sonorous and loud sound;
  • Electric calls. More modern option. It works from the impact of electric pulses on the hammer, it resonates and makes a loud trill;
  • Electronic calls. Modern development, each year receiving more and more improvements. The principle of operation: the generation of the frequency of sounds that converts an electrical signal into mechanical vibrations. The result is a certain melody, which can be customized at your own discretion.

According to the type of food are divided into two types. Wired - connects to consumer wiring and wireless, which runs on batteries, battery or network adapter.

Unlike all the above presented options, a video call is significantly different in structure. But it is also divided into:

  • Wireless. Transmits information via Wi-Fi network, GSM and radio. They are easily mounted in any convenient part of the apartment and comfortable to use;
  • Video peephole with camera. Replaces the standard door peephole and has the same parameters, so the installation is quite simple. The video peephole is a kind of reduced video call model. It has a standard design and is able to perform the same basic functions, but it is several times cheaper;
  • Smart, with the function of the videophone. They are able to shoot in the dark and in low light due to infrared radiation. Built-in contactless motion and sound sensors, upon activation of which automatic photo and video recordings are made and then saved. Keep in touch with the owner via SMS (MMS) and Bluetooth connections. If there is no one at home, activate the answering machine, which provides for recording a voice message;
  • With the function of attaching additional devices. For example, additional video cameras or remote door opening.Thanks to them, you can view the picture from the camera through a laptop or TV. These models are popular both in country houses, and at the enterprises, warehouse and offices.

How to choose?

Choose a good, high-quality and most suitable video call is easy. The main thing is to determine exactly what requirements are imposed on the device.

In order not to purchase expensive electronic devices with absolutely unnecessary functions for you. However, you should not overpay only for a well-known brand, because, like less common companies provide high-quality electric calls.

After all, the final cost depends on these points. The entire market range of products is divided into several groups according to the increasing cost and complexity of the structure:

  • The simplest models, with a minimum functional set. When working with them are carried out: fixing, transmission and viewing images on the display. Sometimes the possibility of two-way communication through a microphone. Some models support saving photos to internal memory and sending them to the owner;
  • The second group performs the same basic functions and additionally records short videos.There are motion and sound sensors, infrared lights, a network adapter for power supply from the power supply network and a customizable melody for a call, for example, a gong;
  • The third group is the most expensive of all. They are multifunctional: wireless communication via Wi-Fi, GSM network; sending SMS (MMS), voice communication with a visitor using a mobile phone using an IP protocol; Supports additional installation of a flash card, connection with other devices, control of electromagnetic locks, widescreen touchscreen display.

Examples and options

As an example, consider some options for the most popular models. Each of them represents one of the three price groups.

  • Eplutus - EP - 637. It has an LSD screen, the screen resolution is 320 x 240 pixels, the aspect ratio is 4: 3. The metal outer panel is mounted on the door. Photographing up to one hundred photos, internal memory 64 MB. Supports installation of additional memory up to 2 GB. It works autonomously on batteries, rechargeable batteries or a network adapter. The average cost is about 2.4 thousand rubles. In this case, there are all the basic functions, and the price painlessly fit within the average budget.
  • HomeLux. The aspect ratio of the screen is 4: 3, the standard is 480p, the screen resolution is 640x480 pixels.There is a basic set of functions. Additional functions: contactless sensitive sensors that react to movement, photodiodes emit infrared light, touch screen with a diagonal of 2.8 inches. Powered by battery or AC adapter. The average cost is about 8-8.5 thousand rubles.

The presence of additional elements increases the cost of the device, but it is justified, since it ensures reliability and safety in any conditions.

  • Kocom TFT. Supplemented by a 4.3 inch touchscreen monitor. The function of video and photography from 2 different cameras. You can adjust the sound and brightness. Supports the installation and configuration of remote control electromagnetic locks. The average cost is about 13 thousand rubles. Suitable for private country houses, mounted on the gate or gate.

Of course, this is only a small part of the entire existing range. If desired, you can find an advanced model for a fairly reasonable price. It is important to carefully review the characteristics and country of manufacture. If components (monitor and camera) are purchased separately from each other, it is necessary to verify their compatibility with the parameters.

From the following video you will learn the principle of installing a video eye on the front door.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

Entrance hall

Living room

Bedroom