Video Door Phone: Everything You Need to Know

Every building or apartment needs a reliable way to manage access control. A video door phone is a popular solution for this purpose. So, what exactly is a video door phone, how does it work, and are there better options available today? Let’s find out!

What is a Video Door Phone?

A video door phone is a device that lets you see and talk to visitors right at your entrance without having to open the door directly. With this system, you can easily check who’s there and decide whether to let them in.

A typical video door phone system usually includes:

• Outdoor unit: This is usually installed at your gate or main door. It has a camera, microphone, speaker, and call buttons (which might be one button per apartment or a keypad/touchscreen for looking up residents).
• Indoor unit: This is the part you use inside your home to talk to visitors. It has a screen that shows the live video from the outdoor camera, along with “talk” and “door open” buttons.
• Door release mechanism: This part is connected to the door phone system. When you press the “door open” button on your indoor unit, it sends a signal to unlock the door.

How Does a Video Door Phone Work?

A video door phone works in a pretty straightforward way:

1. When a visitor arrives, they’ll find your name or apartment number on the outdoor panel and press the call button.
2. Immediately, the chime inside your apartment will ring, and the outdoor camera will activate, showing you the visitor’s image on your indoor unit’s screen.
3. You can then see and talk to the visitor. If you want to let them in, just press the “door open” button on your indoor unit, and the door lock will automatically release.

Most systems let you see the visitor, but the visitor might not always see you. This depends on whether the outdoor unit has a screen.

Where Are Video Door Phones Typically Installed?

You’ll find video door phones in many different places:

• Apartment buildings and townhouses
• Condominiums and gated communities
• Office suites in commercial buildings
• Student dorm rooms

Common Types of Video Door Phones

There are several types of video door phones, each designed to fit different needs:

1. Standalone Systems

These are typically found in single-family homes, villas, or small offices with only one to two units. The outdoor unit is typically wired directly to one or two indoor units.

2. Multi-tenant Systems

For larger buildings with many apartments or offices, you’ll need a more robust system. Multi-tenant systems have a video door phone device in each unit, all connected to a central outdoor station. The outdoor unit might have individual call buttons for each unit or a directory for visitors to look up residents.

3. Wireless Systems

As the name suggests, these systems don’t require complex wiring. They operate using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth-based systems might have limitations on connection range.

4. IP Video Door Phone Systems (IP Video Door Entry Systems)

This is the most modern advancement in video door phone technology. IP door phones use the Internet Protocol (IP) to send data. They connect to the internet via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi and work with your smartphone through a mobile app. This lets you see and open doors for visitors from anywhere, even when you’re not home.

Limitations of Traditional Video Door Phone Systems

While useful, traditional video door phone systems do have some drawbacks compared to modern technology:

• Not Cloud-based: Most traditional systems aren’t managed through a cloud platform. This means any repairs or updates need to be done on-site, which can be time-consuming and costly.
• Limited Video Capabilities: Even though “video” is in the name, many traditional systems only support one-way video (you see the visitor, but they don’t see you). The image quality on indoor screens might also not be as clear as what you get on a modern smartphone.
• Bulky Indoor Hardware: You need to install a separate device in each apartment, which adds to installation costs, wiring, and maintenance. If the system breaks down, removing and repairing it can even damage your walls.

A Better Solution: Smart IP Video Door Phones

Are you thinking about installing or upgrading a video door phone system? There’s a better option available that’s far superior to traditional systems – a smart IP video door phone.

Why Choose an IP Video Door Phone?

IP video door phones harness the power of the internet to offer many amazing benefits:

• High-Quality Video and Audio: They support two-way video calls with clear images and sound.
• Uses Your Smartphone as the Receiver: No need for bulky indoor devices in each apartment. Your phone or tablet becomes the device you use to communicate and open doors.
• Remote Door Opening Anywhere, Anytime: Whether you’re at home, at the office, or even traveling, you can see, talk to, and open the door for visitors via an app on your phone.
• Easy Cloud Management: Building staff can grant access permissions, track entry history, and manage the system remotely through a cloud platform.
• Flexible Integration: They can connect with building management software, smart home systems, and other technology solutions.

In short, IP video door phones not only boost security but also simplify access management and greatly improve the user experience. They are the perfect alternative to traditional video door phone systems, ensuring you never miss an important visitor.

Comelit Video Door Phone: Top-Tier Safety and Convenience

In the diverse world of video door phones, Comelit stands out as a leading brand, offering advanced security solutions and maximum convenience for every space.

Key Advantages of Comelit Video Door Phone Systems

Comelit video door phone systems are designed to “shorten distances,” making it easy to connect with your visitors. Comelit’s strengths include:

• Easy Installation: Comelit products are designed for convenient setup and integrate perfectly into any system.
• Comprehensive Support: Comelit stands by its customers at every stage of system implementation, from design to programming, ensuring precise and readily available support.
• Smart Management: With Comelit’s dedicated app, you can manage all your apartment’s systems right from your smartphone, even using voice commands.

Popular Comelit Door Phone Product Lines

Comelit offers a wide range of outdoor panels and indoor units to meet all your needs:

Outdoor Panels: Design, Technology, and Security

Comelit provides various outdoor panel lines that perfectly combine design, technology, and security:

• SteelTouch: Modern design, advanced technology, and high security.
• Ultra: The refined combination of safety, elegance, innovation, and reliability.
• Ciao: Essential design, durable materials, and easy installation.
• Quadra: Compact, rigorous, functional, conveying elegance and robust materiality.
• Visto: The wireless smart doorbell, easy to install and configure.
• 3one6: Innovative, functional, and highly customizable solutions.
• Emergency: A line of push-button panels specifically designed for public and private security in parking areas.

Indoor Devices: Smart Living, Comfortable Living

Comelit’s indoor devices represent the ultimate in innovation, offering a range of possibilities for every need. From devices with a minimalist design to top-of-the-range models with widescreen displays and unparalleled image quality:

• 7TOP: A connected, robust, intuitive, and easy-to-install video door phone system. Equipped with a 7″ touch screen and a mechanical button, it combines security, technology, and design in one device.
• People Handset: A robust video door phone with a handset, for those who prefer a traditional communication experience.
• People Hands-free 4.3″ / 5″: Hands-free versions with 4.3-inch or 5-inch screens, easy to install and configure thanks to NFC technology.
• Mini Wi-Fi: The easy-to-install smart video door phone requires no system changes when replacing an old monitor.
• Mini: A functional and versatile video door phone with a handset.
• Mini Hands-free: A practical and easy-to-install hands-free video door phone.
• Maxi: Sophisticated, minimalist design combined with ease of use, offering the ultimate living experience.
• Icona: A symbol of style and technology: an exclusively designed video door phone with Sensitive Touch technology.

Indoor Door Communication: Simple and Ideal for Every Environment

Comelit indoor door phones are designed to suit all environments and meet even the most demanding aesthetic requirements. They combine high technology, contemporary design, and total customization:

• Sonus: A compact IP intercom that combines design, security, and functionality.
• Mini Audio: A classic, simple, and up-to-date solution.
• Mini Audio Hands-free: A hands-free intercom with a minimalist style and sophisticated design.

Servo Dynamics Engineering: Authorized Distributor of Comelit in Vietnam

In Vietnam, you can easily find genuine Comelit video door phone products through Servo Dynamics Engineering. As an authorized distributor of Comelit, Servo Dynamics Engineering not only provides the full range of advanced video door phone solutions but also ensures product quality, professional technical support services, and reliable warranty policies.

By choosing Servo Dynamics Engineering, you’ll receive dedicated consultation to find the Comelit system that best fits your needs, from individual apartments to large-scale condominium projects or office buildings. With their experience and deep understanding of the products, Servo Dynamics Engineering will help ensure your video door phone system implementation runs smoothly and efficiently, providing complete peace of mind regarding security and convenience.