What Is Video Intercom?
A video intercom system combines a camera, microphone, and speaker at your door with an indoor monitor or smartphone connection. When someone presses the call button, you see their face, hear their voice, and speak with them—all before deciding to open the door. Modern systems add features like remote access, access control integration, and video recording.
Video Intercom System Components
Outdoor Station (Door Station)
Installed beside your main entrance, it houses a camera (typically wide-angle with IR night vision), a call button, a microphone and speaker for two-way communication, and often a built-in card reader or keypad for access control. Hikvision door stations feature aluminum or stainless steel construction with IP65 or higher weather resistance and IK08+ vandal resistance ratings.
Indoor Monitor
Wall-mounted inside the home or office, it displays the visitor’s video feed, allows two-way conversation, and provides a door unlock button. Hikvision monitors range from 7 to 10-inch touchscreens with Wi-Fi connectivity for phone notifications when you’re away from the monitor.
Smartphone Integration
With Hik-Connect or the EZVIZ app, receive video calls on your phone when someone rings your doorbell—from anywhere in the world. View the visitor, talk to them, and unlock the door remotely. This is invaluable for deliveries, unexpected visitors, and managing access when you’re not home.
System Types
2-Wire Systems: The simplest installation using just two wires between the door station and indoor monitor. Ideal for retrofit installations in existing buildings where running new cables is difficult.
IP-Based Systems: Use standard Ethernet network infrastructure. More flexible, supporting multiple door stations and monitors, and integrating with existing IP camera systems and building management platforms. Ideal for new construction and larger installations.
Residential Applications
For homes and villas, a single door station with one or two indoor monitors covers the main entrance. Add monitors in the bedroom and kitchen so you can answer the door from multiple locations. The system captures a photo of every visitor who presses the call button, creating a visual log even when no one answers.
Commercial and Multi-Tenant
For apartment buildings and office complexes, multi-tenant video intercom systems allow visitors to call specific units from a lobby directory. Each unit has its own indoor monitor, and building management can program access cards for residents. Integration with elevator control can even restrict elevator access to authorized floors only.