Video intercoms: what to look out for

What a modern system can do

• Picture and sound at the front door, even in the dark
• Talking and opening the door from a wall panel or the app
• A notification on your phone when someone rings, even when you are away
• Several bell buttons for apartment buildings or offices
• Connection to access control, lighting and the alarm system

Two-wire or IP?

Two-wire systems use an existing doorbell line and suit retrofits well. IP systems run over the network, often with power over ethernet, meaning power and data over a single cable. They usually offer more features and connect better to other systems. In a new build, IP is the obvious choice today.

What matters at the outdoor station

• A robust, weatherproof housing
• A wide-angle camera, so people beside the door and parcels on the ground are visible
• Good night vision and backlight compensation
• Clear, easy-to-read bell buttons

Data protection for cameras

As soon as a camera records people, data protection applies. Point the camera so that it shows only your own property, not the pavement, the street or the neighbouring house. Put up a clearly visible sign, and keep recordings only as long as necessary. In apartment buildings and offices, tenants and employees should be informed.

Local or in the cloud?

Many systems send pictures to your phone through the manufacturer's cloud service. That is convenient, but it means pictures of your entrance are stored on someone else's servers. Alternatively, everything runs through your own network and a secure remote connection. Which suits you depends on how much security you need.