Unitone's System 21V' works in living color.

At a time when color is all the rage (does anyone even own a black and white TV anymore?) it was only a matter of time before color would debut in the video intercom security industry for residential buildings.

Unitone Communication Systems Inc., a leading New York-based designer/manufacturer of sophisticated computerized video intercom security systems, has just introduced a new technically advanced product called System 21V, in living and very vivid color, which can be cost-effectively installed in both existing and newly-constructed multifamily buildings.

"In addition to color transmission, we've refined our new system no offer a wide array of other advantages which truly sets apart System 21V (so named for the 21st century) from conventional intercom systems," said Lucien Bohbot, president and founder of Unitone. "For starters, the system has been designed to unobtrusively affix flush on the wall, can be operated from remote locations throughout the apartment, offers audio transmissions far superior on standard intercoms, has on-screen messaging capabilities, as well as medical and smoke alerts."

According to Bohbot, whose Unitone video intercoms are installed in such prestigious New York properties as Metropolitan Tower at 146 West 57th Street, Three Lincoln Center at 160 West 66th Street, The Savoy at 200 East 61st Street, and The Horizon at 415 East 37th Street, among others, the system is also less expensive an traditional intercoms. "We can install the Unitone system for approximately $600 $700 per unit," he said. "We design for condo, co-op, and rental buildings which are attended and non-attended by doormen concierges."

Unitone systems, both System 21V and the earlier series System 2000, require just three sets of wires and one coaxial cable to install. Also, the system is totally independent of telephone and cable lines, a major advantage because in the event of a telephone or cable malfunction, resident's privacy and security is assured through a completely separate system.

Unitone's security-plus features include video intercom, intrusion alarm, medical alert, smoke alert, duress emergency, on-screen messaging, remote access, and taxi request/garage service.

"With the introduction of our new System 21V, we are taking video intercoms to a new technical and aesthetic level," remarked Bohbot.