Comparison Commax CDV-43K2 vs Commax CDV-43K

Ways to connect devices.

— Wired. Connecting intercom system components through cables ensures stable and reliable signal transmission. In such a connection, a regular wire is used to connect the outdoor call panel with the indoor panel located inside the building. Wired connections provide high-quality sound and image, minimizing interference, and are ideal for stable system operation over long distances. This also enhances security, as wired connections are less susceptible to external influences compared to wireless solutions.

— LAN (RJ-45). Connection via RJ-45 port using an Ethernet-type network cable ("twisted pair"). This option is convenient as devices can be connected to a local computer network, providing several advantages. First, access can be configured on any computer or gadget within the network. Second, many such models can operate without intercoms and other specialized equipment — through an application on a computer/gadget. Third, laying the network cable from the panel to the router/switch is often easier than organizing an analog connection. Fourth, the number of panels and other specialized equipment within the "local network" can be almost unlimited — for example, all the call panels of an apartment building or a large office center can be connected into one network. Additionally, access to the call panel can even be set up via the Internet if desired, providing...

— Wi-Fi. Connection via the wireless Wi-Fi standard. Thi...s option provides nearly all the capabilities of the aforementioned LAN (RJ-45), but has certain differences. The most noticeable is the lack of cables, significantly simplifying installation and connection. Even relatively modest Wi-Fi devices are powerful enough to operate confidently over distances of a couple dozen meters or through 1-2 medium-thickness walls. The most functional and thus the most popular type of analog wired connection. Suitable even for high-end video panels, though it actually appears in all categories of devices — from budget to top-tier.

— RJ-45. Connection via RJ-45 port using an Ethernet-type network cable ("twisted pair"). This option is convenient as the call panel can be connected to a local computer network, providing several advantages. First, access to the panel can be configured on any computer or gadget within the network. Second, many similar models can operate without intercoms and other special equipment — through an application on a computer/gadget. Third, laying the network cable from the panel to the router/switch is often easier than organizing an analog connection (e.g., using 4 wires — see above). Fourth, the number of panels and other special equipment within the "local network" can be almost unlimited — for example, all call panels of an apartment building or large office center can be connected into one network. Furthermore, access to the call panel can even be configured via the Internet, allowing you to communicate with visitors and manage access to the premises even when you're not present.

— Wi-Fi. Connection via the wireless Wi-Fi standard. This option provides nearly all the capabilities of the above-mentioned RJ-45 but with certain differences. The most noticeable is the absence of wires, which significantly simplifies installation and connection. Moreover, even relatively modest Wi-Fi devices are powerful enough to operate confidently over distances of a couple dozen meters or through 1-2 medium-thickness walls. The second nuance is the possibility of direct connection with smartphones, tablets, etc., without using computer networks; this possibility should be confirmed separately, but it is in this format, for example, that video calls operate (see "Type").

— RJ-45 / Wi-Fi. Supports both of the above-described connection methods. Such panels are maximally versatile; however, in practice, the ability to freely choose between LAN and Wi-Fi is rarely required, yet it significantly affects the cost. Therefore, this option has not gained much popularity.

The number of outdoor panels that can be connected to the intercom at the same time.

The call panel is an external panel through which the guest sends a call to the owner of the intercom and communicates with him. Such a panel should be at each door "covered" by the intercom. This means that the number of supported outdoor panels corresponds to the maximum number of doors with which this model can be used. The simplest option is 1 calling panel, but in fact this is often not enough. Therefore, models that can block 2 doors at once are more popular — for example, the main and service entrances to the office. And in the most advanced intercoms, it may be possible to connect 4 calling panels at once, or even more.

The number of video cameras that can be simultaneously connected to the intercom. The mode of operation with these cameras can be different — a mosaic of several signals at once, switching between signals with each one displayed on the full screen, etc. However, anyway, to work with several video cameras, it is desirable that their corresponding number be directly claimed in the intercom — otherwise you will have to resort to installing additional equipment.

The simplest modern intercoms allow the connection of 1 or 2 cameras, in more advanced ones this number can reach 4 or more.

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.

Power consumption of the intercom in the operating mode. Usually, this item indicates the value for situations where the device's functions are used to the fullest — in particular, when the display is on and the speakerphone is on (if any, see above). Note that the consumption in the operating mode rarely exceeds 20 W, so in most cases it is more of a reference, and not a practically significant parameter.