Video call to the door to the apartment

Protecting property and guarding your home is almost the primary task of every person. And the development of modern technologies makes it possible to easily provide comfort and safety in houses and apartments at no special cost.

The introduction of cheap mini camcorders and LSD video displays on the electronic market, which consume a small amount of energy, has contributed to the creation of mechanisms such as video calls. They can be perceived as a simplified form of an intercom with a camera, but with a limited scope and possible installation location.

The video call has established itself as an excellent security system, comfortable to use for all family members. A person who comes into the house sees a small panel with a call button, which does not differ much from an ordinary call.

Initially, you need to understand for what purpose the video call is being established. These devices can perform several basic tasks, depending on the design itself and the price, but the most important of them is the ability to visually see and consider the visitor who is outside the door at the time of the call. The role of the 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 in the place of installation, video calls are usually mounted in the apartment itself. As a standard, the system is activated after activating the call button.

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

• Sound notification in the apartment about the arrival of a visitor;
• Photo and video filming of the visitor at the moment of activation of the call button. The received data is saved to external or internal media;
• Hidden viewing and visual control of the guest and the surrounding space around the front door and on the staircase;
• Conversations with built-in mini microphone and speakers.

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

• Infrared illumination - visibility at night or in low light. Around the lens are photodiodes that glow in the infrared range. This light reflects off objects and becomes visible to the human eye;
• Non-contact motion sensor - activates automatic video recording when sensitive sensors are triggered to any movement of the object;
• Remote monitoring via a wireless network over the Internet and negotiations with visitors via IP - protocol;
• Answering machine function.

In addition, video calls are characterized by technical parameters that play a significant role at the time of purchase. These include:

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

Features of the design of the video call mechanism for the front door:

• External cover plate, on its front side there is a mini-camera and a call button. This is a small box in a vandal-proof case made of a durable metal alloy that protects it from mechanical damage.And the camera lens is protected by thick reinforced glass. It is also in it that speakers and a 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 in the door itself (video peephole), provides an image acquisition and transmission to the display of the interior.
• Internal panel with display, which is installed inside the house, usually next to the entrance. Includes components such as display, motherboard, power supply, and control buttons. This part of the structure is responsible for controlling the device itself, configuring it and viewing the resulting image.

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

Mobile panels with wireless connectivity are very practical to use. They work great in any corner of the apartment thanks to the transmitter that sends the signal over long distances. However, they are quite expensive and energy intensive and include:

• A power supply for operating the device from a home electrical outlet or an AC adapter. Standalone models run on batteries or rechargeable batteries.
• Communication channel for special cable (for wired models). Wireless ones are equipped with special built-in modules.

Advanced action models allow for the addition of additional elements. These are, for example, remote opening of electromagnetic locks, sensors, lights, monitors, additional cameras and handsets.

The built-in Wi-Fi module provides Internet communication and allows remote monitoring from any device with Internet access. The GSM module sends SMS and MMS to the owner's mobile phone, connects him and the visitor through a mobile connection.

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 sent signal over a fairly long distance. They are convenient for installation on gates or wickets.

Video eyes are more suitable for city apartments. They are tiny and easily fit into the place of a standard peephole. Such a device is inexpensive, but it stably performs all the main functions and tasks. The video peephole is capable of taking photos, sending MMS and has a GSM module.

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

The modern market offers a wide range of devices from Russian and foreign manufacturers. The main differences between the models lie in their cost and technical characteristics. The most important of them, which first of all you need to pay attention to when buying a video call, are the type of signal, the pixel resolution of the camera, its viewing angle, the method of data transfer, and work with IP devices.

Budget stamps are mostly filmed and shown in black and white, connected to each other via a communication cable.They are capable of performing extremely basic functionality. Sometimes some models provide voice communication via a microphone and take photos. Accordingly, the more expensive the model, the more additional elements and possibilities it contains.

Calls are improving and changing every year. They originate from the simplest and most primitive devices and end with modern developments:

• Mechanical. They are considered obsolete. They are found in old houses, designed in the old style or as an element of decor. They look like a bell on a string or a large ring on a door that makes sounds only after manual exposure. The result is a clear and loud sound;

• Electric calls. More modern option. Powered by the impact of electrical impulses on the hammer, it resonates and emits a loud trill;

• Electronic calls. Modern development, getting more and more improvements every year. Principle of operation: Generation of the frequency of sounds, converting an electrical signal into mechanical vibrations. The result is a certain melody that you can customize at your own discretion.

By the type of food, they are divided into two types. Wired - connects to household electrical wiring and wireless, which runs on batteries, rechargeable battery or power adapter.

Unlike all of the above options for a video call, it differs significantly from them in structure. But it is also divided into:

• Wireless. Transmits information via Wi-Fi network, GSM and radio communication. They are easily mounted in any convenient part of the apartment and are comfortable to use;
• Video peephole with a camera. Replaces the standard door peephole and has the same parameters, so it is quite simple to install. The video peephole is a kind of reduced model of a video call. It has a standard design and is capable of performing the same basic functions, but it costs several times cheaper;

• Smart, with videophone function. They are able to shoot in the dark and in low light, thanks to infrared radiation. Built-in non-contact motion and sound sensors, when activated, automatic photo and video recording is performed with subsequent saving. They keep in touch with the owner via SMS (MMS) and Bluetooth connections. If there is no one at home, activates the answering machine, which provides for the recording of 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 in enterprises, warehouses and offices.

It is not difficult to choose a good, high-quality and most suitable video call. The main thing is to determine exactly what requirements are imposed on the device.

After all, the final cost depends on these points. The entire market assortment of goods 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, the following are carried out: fixation, transmission and viewing of the picture on the display. Sometimes the possibility of two-way communication via 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 illumination, a power adapter for power from the mains and a customizable ringtone, for example, a gong;

• The third group is the most expensive of all.They are multifunctional: wireless communication via Wi-Fi, GSM networks; sending SMS (MMS), voice communication with the visitor using a mobile phone over IP; Supports optional flash card insertion, connection with other devices, electromagnetic lock control, widescreen touchscreen display.

As an example, let's take a look at some of the options for the most popular models. Each of them represents one of three price groups.

• Eplutus - EP - 637. It has an LSD screen, a screen resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, an aspect ratio of 4: 3. A metal outer panel that is installed on the door. Photographing up to one hundred photos, internal memory capacity of 64 MB. Supports the installation of additional memory up to 2GB. Works autonomously on batteries, accumulators or power adapter. The average cost is about 2.4 thousand rubles. In this case, all the basic functions are present, and the price painlessly fits 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: non-contact sensitive sensors that react to movements, photodiodes emitting infrared light, touch display with a diagonal of 2.8 inches. Powered by battery or AC adapter. The average cost is about 8-8.5 thousand rubles.

• Kocom TFT. Complemented by a 4.3-inch touchscreen monitor. The function of video and photographing from 2 different cameras. Sound and brightness can be adjusted. Supports installation and configuration of remote control of electromagnetic locks. The average cost is about 13 thousand rubles. Suitable for private country houses, mounted on a gate or wicket.

Of course, this is only a small part of the entire existing assortment. If you wish, you can find an advanced model for a fairly reasonable price. It is important to carefully familiarize yourself with the characteristics and country of manufacture. If accessories (monitor and camera) are purchased separately from each other, you need to make sure that they are compatible in terms of parameters.

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