LCD technology makes color video intercom a reality.

LCD Monitors 

It is not uncommon to see people watching TV in their car or in an elevator or on their cell phone. Many people now use their phones for quick text messaging, to read email, or catch-up on the latest news. And now we can now fly aboard a jet liner and watch TV to help pass the time. The examples seem to be endless. One of the major technologies that makes all this possible is the LCD or Liquid Crystal Display monitor.

The color LCD monitor is found in telephones, PDA's, digital cameras, televisions and even automobiles. They are showing-up everywhere and providing instant color video for displaying information, video games, movies, pictures and even sporting events. This handy device has made life easier for everyone and has made video fanatics out of a lot of us! They range in size from 2" up to many feet" and product manufacturers see no end in sight to what they can incorporate them into.

Color Video Intercom

A not so new technology in the security market has gained new momentum and LCD technology is playing a significant role. It is called Video Intercom and it allows residents in multi-family buildings to see the visitors that are calling them on their buildings intercom system. Modern Video Intercom systems utilize color LCD monitors by putting them into the intercom device and mounting them within easy reach of the resident.

The LCD monitor is also used at the entry door providing the visitors with quick and easy viewing of the names of the tenants in the building. Once the visitor sees the name of the person they wish to call, they simply push the call button. The door unit monitor also welcomes the visitors and instructs them on the steps to make the intercom call.

B&W systems are phased out Video Intercom is not new. In fact, it has been around since the 1980's. The old B&W CRT (tube) type monitors that were used in older systems required deep mounting boxes to recess the units into the wall. LCD based units are very low profile and easier to mount. LCD monitors not only take up less space, but they consume less power and radiate little if any radiation to the user. B&W Video Intercom systems will soon be discontinued from production around the world; no one wants B&W anymore and manufacturers are abandoning production due to rapidly dwindling markets. It is evident that the LCD & plasma monitors that fill homes and office workspaces around the world will soon completely replace the old style CRT (both B&W and color).

Features and Benefits of Video Intercom

The LCD monitor has played a significant role in the progress and changes of the Video Intercom market. Video intercom was once considered an amenity for high-end or luxury properties, but is now being considered for most new multi-family construction. Developers everywhere are looking for amenities that will help to differentiate their building from the one going up down the street. It is the competitive arena of location, convenience, security and amenities that can make or break a project. Video intercom is becoming a necessary security system and an amenity that sales agents can use to help sell their product (apartment/condo) to the renter or buyer.

Not only does Video Intercom add a higher level of security and peace-of-mind for residents, it also brings a new type of convenience. Whether the building has a concierge or locked entrance, residents now have the ability to see and screen visitors and deliveries. It acts as a video caller ID; residents can now screen their call and decide whether or not to answer. Since Video Intercom offers security and convenience, all developers must seriously consider it and soon it will be standard in all new construction.

With audio only systems, as soon as the resident replies to the intercom call, the visitor knows they are home. Unlike audio-only intercom systems, the resident can now verify the guest via live color video. It provides the best security for the tenants so that they know it really is the UPS deliveryman or the pizza guy and not some burglar pushing every button asking for entry.

Freedom from Phone & Cable Companies

The Video Intercom system is a stand-alone system operating on dedicated wires specifically for the system. It is not dependent upon phone company wires or cable lines and it is not held captive to the rapid changes that are taking place in the telecom industry such as the new VoIP digital phone service from Time Warner, or FiOS from Verizon.

"Fake Video Intercom" CCTV Signal on the TV

An old technique that was used to provide video to a resident was to modulate a CCTV camera signal through the buildings MATV or Cable system to the residents on an unused TV channel. All a resident had to do was flip their TV to the channel and there was the video signal of the front door.

It sounds great, but there are many reasons why this method is no longer practical. It is inconvenient and time consuming for the tenant to hear the bell ring, go to the TV, turn it on and flip to the channel before they can see who is at the door. Additionally, this method isn't safe because the bad guy in the building may be watching and knows when you come and go every single day. Lastly, the new digital cable systems no longer provide unused channels.

Elbex manufactures world-class systems

Elbex, a 30-year-old company known for high quality CCTV systems, has simplified and perfected Video Intercom with their "System4" technology. "System4" operates on a single twisted pair of wires, transmitting color video, two-way audio, door release and power to the intercom unit.

The twisted pair technology, which is the preferred method of video transmission in the CCTV industry, provides the clearest video and audio signals possible. Elbex designed the system around twisted pair because coax cables are bulky and are susceptible to noise, interference, hum and ground loops.

Some developers have shied away from Video Intercom for reasons such as: wiring nightmares, costly electrician charges, poor video and audio signals, and expensive wiring costs. With the cost of copper doubling since March, the fewer the wires the lower the overall cost of the system. Also, some systems just have too many components making troubleshooting a nightmare. The Elbex system eliminates all of these problems by using the twisted pair technology. Twisted pair wires can be found in the low voltage bundle already being installed to each apartment. By utilizing a single pair from the (2) Cat5e cables already going to each apartment, Elbex can substantially reduce the cost of wiring the building for the video intercom system. The system also powers the intercom units over the twisted pair, eliminating the need to pay electricians to install outlets in each apartment. Video Intercom for Concierge Buildings

Since many developers use "Concierge Services", Elbex introduced a Video Concierge System. The concierge package uses a computer and touch-screen technology to simplify training and system use for high turnover concierge personnel.

Upon receiving a call from the concierge, the resident is able to view the area in front of the concierge desk and decide if they wish to respond. Other features of the system include: CCTV interface, call logging, call-up or call-down between resident and concierge, elevator control, text messaging to tenants, alarms, and a database of voluntary tenant information for emergency contact such as family and/or doctors.

RONALD TumSUDEN

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER 

ELBEX AMERICA