More features
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Android OS. The advantages of the Android OS include flexibility, which allows you to install third-party applications, thereby increasing the functionality of the device. Such applications may include SIP phones, programs that allow video surveillance, and others. But it is worth noting that such devices are not very suitable for the role of using a full-fledged tablet; firstly, most have a stationary location, and secondly, as a rule, the power of intercoms is not so high. Also, various restrictions may be set separately by the manufacturer; this must be clarified separately.
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Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi wireless communication module is found only in
IP intercoms(see “Device type”). This function allows the device to connect to the network wirelessly - this is much more convenient than pulling cables, and the quality of communication is usually indistinguishable from a wired one. Another option for using Wi-Fi is a direct communication to a smartphone or tablet and using such a gadget as a remote control with an external screen; however, such an opportunity is provided relatively rarely.
- Mobile app. This feature means that the device can be operated via a smartphone or tablet with a special application installed on it. Such applications are usually released immediately for both of the most popular mobile operating systems today - Android and iOS; ho
...wever, it would not hurt to clarify this point separately. In any case, control from a mobile device can have very extensive functionality (including even the ability to work via the Internet, in some models); and interacting with a device through a gadget that you can always keep with you is definitely more convenient than going to an intercom or other stationary equipment every time.
— SIP protocol. The intercom's support for the SIP protocol allows the intercom to redirect the signal from the calling panel through the telephone network to a mobile device, a stationary PBX or a computer with the appropriate software. Such a function may be useful, for example, in an office where there are a lot of visitors, and going up to the intercom every time to answer is inconvenient. Additional SIP capabilities in different models may vary significantly; they should be clarified separately.
- DVR support. The ability to operate the intercom in video recording mode from calling panels or from separate surveillance cameras. In most of these models, recording is not carried out constantly, but only when the call button is pressed or another event occurs - for example, a motion detector is triggered (see below). Video is most often saved to a memory card (see “Card Reader” below). In any case, this function allows you to find out who called the intercom at “inopportune hours”; it can also be useful in other situations - even to restore the picture of an emergency that came into view of the cameras.
— Internal communication (Intercom). This function allows you to make calls between intercoms on the same network. Depending on the implementation and settings, there is an addressable intercom, when you enter the number (identifier) of the device on the network to which you want to make a call, as well as options for setting up a general call, when the call goes to all devices on the network. In any case, this function will be useful if there are several intercoms in the network, so you can call, for example, a neighbor.
- Speakerphone. A hands-free function similar to that found in telephones. In this mode, a loud speaker and a sensitive microphone are used for conversation, located in the intercom body and allowing you to communicate comfortably at some distance from the device (up to a meter, or even more). This function is especially important for models with a handset (see “Execution”) - it allows you to talk without holding the handset. But devices without a handset, by definition, operate in a hands-free format.
- A voice message. An analogue of the answering machine function in phones, when the subscriber can leave a message if the owner of the intercom does not respond to the call. The function can be implemented in different ways, but in any case it is similar to the one with the usual expression: “Leave your message after the sound signal...”.
— Picture in picture. The ability to display a second image on the intercom screen, in addition to the main image. In this way, you can, for example, check the situation in the visibility range of a surveillance camera without interrupting communication with the visitor via the main video panel. The additional picture is small in size and is usually displayed in one of the corners of the screen.
- Motion Detector. A function that allows the intercom to detect movement in the visibility range of connected cameras and respond to it. The specific method of such a reaction may be different in different models: turning on recording, sending a notification to a user-specified device, sending a signal to an alarm output, etc.; These details should be clarified separately. In any case, the motion detector reduces the likelihood of missing significant events in the field of view of the cameras.
— Built-in memory. Built-in memory is found in video and IP intercoms (see “Device type”) and is usually intended for storing data from surveillance cameras. However, the volume of such memory is usually small, and it is usually used only for photographs (for example, to capture the faces of visitors); Video recording, if provided, is carried out on a memory card (see below). In any case, it would not hurt to clarify the operating features of the built-in memory separately.
- Frame. The ability to operate the intercom in digital photo frame mode - when photographs stored in the device’s memory (or stored on a memory card) are displayed on the screen (usually in slideshow mode). A mandatory feature of models with this function is a fairly large color screen - only on it photos will be normally visible; The intercoms themselves are usually video or IP models. The main purpose of the photo frame mode is aesthetic: showing beautiful pictures, the intercom plays the role of additional decor for the number.Card reader
A device for working with removable memory cards. Like built-in memory (see above), such media are used to record data from video panels and cameras; At the same time, for
intercoms with card readers, the presence of a DVR is almost mandatory (see above), and it is the video that is saved to the memory card. This is more justified than using built-in memory for this purpose: removable media is cheaper per megabyte of volume and is better suited for large files, such as video recordings. In addition, we note that the card can be removed and installed in another device - for example, to copy footage to a computer or view it on a smartphone. The card may come included, but more often it must be purchased separately. It is worth considering the type and format of media supported by the card reader, as well as the maximum amount of memory with which it is compatible.
Consumption (standby)
The amount of energy consumed by the intercom in standby mode. In this mode, the device is energized and is in a state of readiness to receive a call; no functions are used, and the readiness itself does not require a lot of energy. Therefore, the value of this parameter, usually, is rather low, and you should pay attention to it only if you fundamentally strive for maximum efficiency of the installed equipment.
Mount
Call panel installation method.
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Mounted. Installation by hanging from fixtures placed on a wall, door frame, or other suitable location. This method is quite simple, besides, it allows you to relatively easily change the location of the device. On the other hand, it is less reliable than embedding, and it is easier for hooligans or thieves to rip such a panel from its attachment point.
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Embedded. Installation in a niche in a wall or other surface — in such a way that only the front side of the device is outside. and any movement of the device is also fraught with serious difficulties. Nevertheless, it also has advantages: it is almost impossible to remove the call panel from a niche without a special tool, and even with tools, this task takes time and effort.
— Mounted / built-in. This category includes outdoor panels that allow both of the installation options described above. Thus, the user can independently choose a method, depending on what is more important in this case: ease of installation or its reliability.
Megapixels
Camera sensor resolution in megapixels (millions of pixels).
The higher the resolution of the matrix, the higher the video resolution can be, the more detailed the image is capable of providing the camera. At the same time, note that as the number of megapixels increases (without changing the size of the matrix), the size of each individual pixel decreases, which increases the likelihood of noise and deterioration in the overall image quality. Therefore, in itself, high resolution is not necessarily a sign of high quality — a lot depends on other points, in particular, on the size of the matrix.
Video resolution
The maximum video resolution that the camera can record.
The higher the video resolution, the more details you can see on it, the fewer little details will be blurred. On the other hand, high resolution means large volumes of video materials, which, accordingly, requires capacious media for storing them and fast communication channels for broadcasting video in real time. One of the popular resolutions in calling panel cameras is
Full HD (1920x1080 pixels).
Horizontal viewing angle
The horizontal viewing angle provided by the camera on the entry panel of the intercom.
This parameter has a double meaning: other things being equal, a wider field of view allows you to cover more space, but reduces the size of individual objects in the frame. So it’s worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account what is more important for you — good visibility on the sides or an additional degree of increase. As for specific values, in modern outdoor panels they can vary from 50° (directional cameras) to 166° (ultra wide-angle lenses with a minimum of dead zones on the sides).
Protection level
This protection describes how much the calling panel body. Protects sensitive internal components from dust and moisture. Standardly, it is designated by the letters IP with two numbers after them IP44, IP65, etc. The first digit means protection against penetration of solid objects and dust; its individual values correspond to the following levels of protection:
4 - protection against objects with a diameter of more than 1 mm
5 - dust protection (complete protection from contact; dust can penetrate inside, but does not affect the operation of the device)
6 — dust-tight (the housing is fully protected from dust and contact). br>Smaller values do not occur and there is no point in indicating them.
The second number characterizes protection against moisture, here the values can be as follows:
4 - protection against splashes from any direction;
5 - from jets from any direction;
6 - from sea waves or strong water jets;
7 - possibility of short-term immersion to a depth of up to 1 m (without the possibility of constant operation in submerged mode);
Of course, calling panels are not designed to be submerged under water - the latter option only characterizes a high degree of moisture resistance.
In some models, one of the numbers may be replaced by the letter X - for example, IPX7. This does not mean that there is no protection, but that the corresponding parameter is not IP certified. At the same tim...e, the degree of uncertified protection can be quite high - for example, the example above corresponds to the possibility of complete immersion under water, which requires a high degree of closure (at least dust resistance level 5).