Colour video intercoms: top 5 best devices

Slinex MS-04

A neat small intercom sometimes looks much more advantageous in the interior of a room than a bulky large device with a large diagonal. For those who want to spend the family low-cost economically, large and expensive screen sizes in the intercom are also useless. The rational choice in this case is the Slinex MS–04 video intercom.

The Slinex MS-04 model is not new and appeared on the market back in 2013, but thanks to its good price and functionality, it is still in demand. The device is presented in a black and white version of the case. The plastic of the case is glossy. The white version of the coloring is practically immune to the accumulation of dust, whereas on a black gloss, the settling dust becomes noticeable very quickly.

Despite the small size of the screen – 4" — you can easily see the caller's face on it. The screen resolution is 320x240. The settings are quite flexible: you can change the brightness, contrast and saturation of the image on the display, adjust the call volume, etc. Despite the modest cost, the device has a modern touch control. The touch keys are equipped with a pleasant backlight of pale blue colour.

The video intercom has three video inputs: it supports working with 2 call panels (they are not included) and a video camera. Thus, this model turns out to be perfectly adapted for operation in apartment buildings: one channel is connected to the call panel in the entrance and opens the common door of the house; the second channel is connected to the call panel installed directly in front of the entrance door to the apartment or office. Simple and convenient. The power consumption of the intercom does not exceed 8 watts.

Slinex MS-04 is the choice of those who prefer maximum functionality for minimum cost.

Slinex RD-30

Video door phones can be both wired, stationary, and wireless – portable. A portable intercom is the simplest solution, both for installation and for use. The device is convenient because it can be freely moved around the house, it is not tied to the installation site. Connecting a wireless video intercom can be done without laying wires and does not require any accompanying cosmetic repairs in the room. Moreover, such an intercom is much easier to move to a new place when, for example, the owner of the intercom moves to another apartment or takes the device for the winter from the cottage so that it is not trite stolen.

The wireless intercom is very similar to a DECT phone handset, equipped with a large screen and powered by three batteries. Similar to the same phone, the device is recharged in the supply base.

The advantage of the Slinex RD-30 model is the availability of both a wireless intercom and a call panel in the delivery package. The wireless call panel is capable of being powered by both two batteries or accumulators, and from a network adapter. The latter option is more preferable, since the quality of Chinese batteries common in Ukraine is very low and unstable. At the same time, with the temporary installation of an intercom in the country for the summer season, batteries will allow you to do without gouging walls for laying power wires. The panel has an IP55 protection class and can be used outdoors. It is quite frost–resistant — it remains operational at temperatures up to -30 °C. At the same time, the panel has a durable, but plastic case. Therefore, it cannot be called vandal-proof. Scolding the manufacturer for "using cheap plastic" is not worth it – this is a forced measure. The plastic case does not interfere with the passage of radio waves, which increases the communication range, and is also not subject to corrosion, allowing you to maintain the original appearance years later. When an additional 12 V power supply is applied, the call panel is able to open electromechanical locks.

The wireless video intercom handset has a decent screen with a resolution of 320x240. The handset is capable of recording up to 50 images from the video intercom camera to the internal memory automatically (when a call is received, but no one is at home) or manual mode. The mechanical keys of the handset are distinguished by a reliable, well-tactile and guaranteed pressing, which is not always achieved from touch buttons. The intercom handset itself supports up to 4 call panels, this is a convenient option for a house with several entrances. The permissible range of operation of the intercom from the call panel is 50 – 200 metres, depending on the design of the room and the material of the walls.

For owners of multi-storey houses and apartments who do not want to constantly run up the stairs to the door or the intercom panel, Slinex RD–30 is a real find.

Kenwei SA20C

Usually the intercom does not need a large screen. A video intercom with a screen size of up to 7" will be quite optimal and more than sufficient for most cases. At the same time, for people with impaired and poor eyesight, for example, the elderly, it will be preferable to have an intercom with a large screen and a large image.

The Kenwei SA20C-W200 model has a large 10.2-inch colour screen with LED backlight, as well as well-visible brightly illuminated touch control buttons. This large intercom works without a handset on the principle of hands-free voice communication and is therefore extremely simple and convenient to operate.

The intercom supports 2 call panels and from 2 to 4 video cameras, depending on the number of connected panels. Modification of the SA20C-W200 intercom has a slot for SD memory cards. The memory of the intercom is needed to capture the photo of visitors who used the intercom. Why is this necessary? For example, elderly people or children can easily forget who came – a neighbor for a blood pressure monitor or a neighbor for a perforator. The memory of the intercom makes it possible to see all visitors after the fact. And find out where the tonometer or the perforator has gone from home. Also, thanks to the installed memory card, the intercom has the ability to record audio messages for family members, it becomes possible to use unique melodies for call panels and an intercom, an answering machine function appears, etc. Keep in mind that the Kenwei SA20C-W200 video intercom has several more modifications: SA20C without built-in memory and SA20C-W80 with built-in memory for 80 frames, but without a memory card slot.

Another "highlight" of this video intercom is the ability to connect it to a regular telephone line. Moreover, both with modern tonal and with good old analogue dialing. This feature allows you to use a landline phone for a remote conversation with a visitor on the intercom and even for remote control of an electric lock. It is even difficult to overestimate the possibility of remotely opening the doors by phone to a doctor who came to a "bedridden" patient.

The power consumption of the intercom does not exceed 15 watts, and reliable communication with the call panel is guaranteed at a distance of up to 100 m when using a high-quality connecting cable with a core diameter of 0.75 mm. If you connect the intercom with an inexpensive cable with a core cross—section of 0.3 mm, then keep in mind that the permissible range of operation of the intercom from the call panel is reduced in this case by three times — up to 30 m.

For those who need a large screen and remote control of the intercom Kenwei SA20C-W200 will be indispensable.

Commax CDV-70U Price from 5 081 up to 6 194 ₴ →

The Commax CDV-70U video intercom is quite an excellent option for a modern intercom, although the device appeared on the market for the first time already in 2012. However, the intercom market is quite conservative, and there have been no noticeable revolutions in it over the past time. Therefore, the Commax CDV-70U is still relevant. This reliable and attractive design solution is intended primarily for a private home or office, it is simply designed to be "in plain sight". In the appearance of the device, there is no adherence to the principles of minimalism, as with many competing models, so the gadget will really appeal to those who like the hi-tech style. Translucent body panels, modern LED backlight and touch buttons, hands-free mode make this model attractive and modern.

An important feature of the device is the ability to work with high-definition cameras, which allows you to examine the visitor in much more detail. A necessary condition in this case is the use of a call panel with a high—quality camera, for example, Commax DRC-4U or DRC-4CHC with a resolution of 540 horizontal lines, whereas most cameras in intercoms are content with a resolution of about 240 lines.

The model supports two call panels, but at the same time Commax CDV-70U, while it supports the mode of parallel connection of intercoms. For example, the owner of a private two-storey house can install an intercom on each floor and control the call panels from any intercom. And when a visitor visits, you will not have to rush to the intercom on another floor. If there is a desire for these functions to be able to write to a memory card and the mode of simultaneous output of several images to the screen, you should choose a more advanced model – CDV-70UM, but it will cost about 1000 UAH more.

This intercom consumes up to 16 watts in talk mode, and the guaranteed working distance is up to 70 m from the call panel, if there is a good “thick” wire.

Commax CDV-70UX

If you want to install the most progressive and perfect intercom model in the house, take a closer look at the Commax CDV-70UX. This is an ultra-modern device with a touch screen and buttons, which has a very developed functionality.

Unlike all other listed intercoms, this model has a built-in Wi-Fi module, is able to receive an IP address and is easily integrated into a wireless home computer network. This makes the video intercom an integral element of a modern smart home, controlled... from anywhere in the world! That's right, it is possible to talk to a visitor on this video intercom from any place in the world where there is a mobile connection and the Internet. You need to create an account in a video intercom, link this account to an application on an Android or iOS smartphone – and the "remote intercom" is ready for use. After synchronization of both devices, video calls from the intercom can be received on a mobile device. For example, parents can answer calls from a video intercom on a mobile phone when a small child is at home by himself and he is strictly forbidden to open the door. From the point of view of security, this is an excellent solution. Moreover, the visitor standing under the door is absolutely unaware whether the interlocutor is behind the nearest wall or a hundred kilometers from home.

Of the additional pleasant "buns" of the model – parallel connection, voice recorder function, the ability to call from a mobile phone directly to the intercom, alarm clock, calculator, photo and video recording of visitors. To record photos and videos, you need to additionally install an SD memory card. The kit includes an 8 GB card. Officially, cards with a capacity of up to 32GB are supported, but even a complete one will last for a long time. And the video intercom, like an alarm system, has an alarm button. After clicking on it, the intercom works in siren mode and turns off only after entering a secret unlocking code.

The power consumption of the intercom does not exceed 12 watts, and it is recommended to install it less than 50 metres from the call panel, even if there are high-quality wires. Commax CDV-70UX is the maximum functionality of a modern intercom, including the ability to access it from anywhere in the civilized world.