Video Entry Systems: Entry-Level Video Surveillance

March 1, 2017
Installing intercoms and video entry systems may be a nice introduction for a traditional locksmith into video surveillance, telecommunications and integrating security communications and door controls.

Security communications describes systems used in door and entry controls. The market includes intercoms and telephone entry for voice communications and video intercoms so that individuals can be identified prior to be granted access.

Security communications are vital in many markets: residential homes, gated communities, multi-family residential, multi tenant office buildings, corporate and institutional/healthcare

Wherever there is a demand for security and access control, security communications are an essential component.

Home invasions and workplace violence are in the news and pose persistent concern to homeowners and foreseeable liability to building owners and employers.

If a burglary, robbery or attack occurs to the home, it at worst can be a tragedy, or at best can permanently traumatize the individuals involved.

If an attack, burglary or robbery occurs within a business it can be totally disruptive in any number of ways; the victims may very well sue and are likely to be awarded damages, so putting in electric locks and security communications make a lot of sense and could save a lot of money. A secure work environment encourages productivity and helps discourage thefts of assets and personal items.

It is good to point these things out to clients when surveying an installation. Telling them how one of your systems prevented a crime in the neighborhood last week, or how you got a call from a nearby company but it’s a shame because it was after a crime, will hopefully wake up the customer long enough to address the requirement.

When I had to go to the bank last week, I was surprised to see the main branch doors were now locked and guarded by a video intercom. When the bank employees admitted me, there was a loud clunk as the solenoid sucked in on the exit device.

So there was a story here. Maybe there was a hold-up or similar crimes to other banks or businesses in the area. This bank is a small branch where posting a full time security guard would be expensive and perhaps create an unacceptable ambiance in the bank. 

Electrified door hardware with an attractive video intercom station is actually reassuring, since many bank customers are there to pick up or deposit cash. Who wants to be standing in a bank along with people with armloads of cash, and strange people entering the premises?

The inner lobby doors were a pair of aluminum duranodic bronze storefronts. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) made them put in exit devices because of the occupancy rating, not because of big crowds. The installer put on two clear aluminum exit devices; one leaf used latch retraction.

I’m not an interior decorator but I’ve seen and worked on a lot of doors. A little effort could have been made to use a coordinated architectural finish on the exit devices and the door loop powering the latch retraction.

The silence was broken with a loud clunk when the bank officer pressed her remote release button.  

Only one device had the latch retraction. So the intercom allowed the bank employees to decide if it was safe to let me in, without having to get up and go to the door. I passed.

Installing intercoms and video entry systems may be a nice introduction for a traditional locksmith into video surveillance, telecommunications and integrating security communications and door controls.

We see the migration away from mechanical keys, a change in values away from quality products and craftsmanship, and the trend towards electronic solutions, and inexpensive ‘disposable’ door hardware. But on the other hand, it seems there has never been a greater concern about security and safety.

Our mission is to provide you with information on security technologies and encourage you to expand your offerings so that you or your business can remain profitable and relevant. The following are some of video entry options available to locksmiths.

Door King 1830 Series

Door King was one of the first entry control intercoms I installed. It was on a gate to an estate. Door King also makes gate operators and an extensive line of control and communications systems. They are excellent products and they have top notch tech support.

 “The 1835 is our most popular commercial system, and one of the most popular in the TES (Telephone Entry System) market today.  It can be used in almost any application and is well suited to all the market segments you described, plus the mixed use buildings I mentioned.  Besides being a full blown telephone entry system, this model is also an access control system that can control up to 24 additional entry points (which can be connected wirelessly back to the 1835) and offers elevator control, which is useful in mixed buildings.  The 1835 is fully PC programmable and can be connected via a POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) line, via cellular or can use an internet connection with VoIP,” explains Richard Sedivy, Door King’s Director of Marketing & Regulatory Affairs.

Each 1830 Series unit allows Voice and Data connection over either Cellular, VoIP, Wireless, or POTS.

Programming is done from your computer. Simple DKS data exchange software enables easy setup and programming from anywhere.  Give it power, enable cell service, and the unit is operational.

Key Features:

  • Remote Account Manager and Transaction Analysis software included.
  • Programmable directory codes (1-4 digits).
  • 10- and 11-digit dialing capability.
  • Live Streaming.
  • 8000-event transaction buffer.
  • Database import/export capability.
  • Holiday schedule.
  • Hold open time zones.
  • Built-in clock/calendar.
  • Built-in postal lock provision.

Specifications:

  • True Full Duplex Communication.
  • Stores up to 3000 telephone numbers and names.
  • 8 hold open time zones.
  • 4-digit entry codes, one for each telephone number.
  • EEPROM memory.

DoorKing 1812 Residential System

Door King’s  1812 is the company’s most popular residential system and is offered in a variety of models, from the very basic 1812 Classic model (telephone entry only) to the expandable 1812 Access Plus model, which offers PC programming and expansion (control up to 8 entry points). 
The model 1812 telephone intercom system allows homeowners to use their telephone as an intercom to speak to a guest at a front door or gate without having to pay for an additional telephone line at their home.

With its "intercom mode" programming feature, the 1812 can also be connected to a PBX or KSU type system, making it ideal for small businesses to control access through a single door or gate. Visitors are easily identified by voice communication and can be granted or denied access directly from a touch-tone telephone. The 1812 is available in surface, wall and flush mount designs.

Three models are offered: 1812, 1812 Plus, and 1812 Access Plus

Features include:

Distinctive double ring identifies visitor calls from regular calls.

  • Built-in Call waiting.
  • Call forwarding.
  • 3 pre-programmed call out telephone numbers.
  • "Do Not Disturb" time zone.
  • Hold open time zones.
  • Built-in time clock.
  • Entry code time zone.
  • "Flash" entry code.
  • LED lighted faceplate.
  • 2 relays for door/gate control
  • 2 year limited factory warranty

Specifications:

  • Hands free, full duplex digital audio circuit.
  • Connects in series with the residential phone line. By-pass switch provided.
  • EEPROM Memory Chip.
  • Stores up to 3 call forwarding numbers.
  • Full duplex communication.
  • 50, 4-digit entry codes.
  • 24 VAC, 20 VA (250 ma) power transformer provided.
  • FCC (US): DUF6VT-12874-OT-0
  • DOC (CAN): 1736 4507 A
  • Complies with UL 294; ETL Listed.
  • Surface mount dimensions: 6.13"H x 10"W x 5.25"D.
  • Flush mount dimensions: 9.13"H x 11.88"W x 4.5"D.
  • Wall mount dimensions: 7.38"H x 10.75"W x 3.5"D
  • Options:
  • Surface, flush or wall mount - specify which.
  • Stainless steel housing (surface mount only).

More Info: www.doorking.com

Yale Look Door Viewer

The Yale Real Living ® Look Door Viewer ™ allows homeowners to see who’s at the door on the built-in LCD monitor or on a smartphone.

The new Look Door Viewer replaces that old-fashioned peephole with a 4.3-inch LCD monitor and Wi-Fi connectivity that allows two-way live video communication with a smartphone running the companion app. The Look Door Viewer has a motion detector and doorbell so homeowners receive an alert on their smartphone when someone is at the front door. Engage in two-way communication with visitors or view a timeline history with photos and video to see recent activity.

A photo is automatically taken when a visitor pushes the built-in doorbell, and homeowners can choose a photo or live video to be displayed on the monitor. In addition, a motion sensor can be set to automatically snap a photo when someone comes within 6.5 feet.

Photos and videos are stored with time stamps on the viewer and the app.

Mobile access is possible on devices running iOS7 or above and Android V4.2 or above. The mobile app offers push to talk audio and live video, and allows visitor photos to be retrieved from cloud storage.

The Z-Wave version of the Look Door Viewer allows homeowners with a Z-Wave home automation network to receive alerts through the network’s app. The alerts include low battery warning, tamper alarm, doorbell, and motion detection.

The digital door viewer is powered by four AA batteries and features weather-resistant construction and simple installation.

Features incloude

  • Full Color video with 105˚ wide angle view.
  • Battery Indicator light flashes when batteries are low. Receive notifications via  mobile app.
  • Micro SD Card Slot to store images and videos with time and date stamp.
  • Display Button is easy for all family members to reach.
  • Motion Detection: Set camera to activate as a visitor approaches.
  • Microphone• Speaker: Easily talk with visitors from any location
  • Door Bell: Pressed doorbell activates image/video capture.

Installation is simple. The Look Door Viewer replaces existing peephole and installs in minutes with a screw driver. It fits standard doors 1 3/8" - 2 1/4" thick with a 9/16" (14mm) through hole. 

Parts Included:

  • Look Door Viewer™
  • Micro SD Card
  • Mounting Bracket and Screws
  • Door Template
  • Rechargeable Battery Pack
  • Micro USB Cable 
  • HD camera with 720P
  • Configurable motion detection range 3' to 6'

More Info: www.yaleresidential.com

AIPHONE IX Series: IP Video Intercom

The IX Series is a network-based communication and security system featuring video entry security, internal communication, emergency stations, and paging. All units and apps in the systems can unlock doors remotely on a network, assist onsite visitors from an offsite location, broadcast emergency announcements, and communicate using a PoE network.

This scalable system is easy to expand – you can mix and match an infinite number of door and master stations.

Features include:

  • Uses new or existing CAT 5e or CAT 6 network infrastructure (multicast support recommended)
  • Program system functions via Support Tool (recommended) or browser
  • IP addressable stations provide easy network communication
  • 24/7 streaming from video door stations
  • ONVIF compliant video output
  • Integration with Lenel® OnGuard®
  • View third party IP cameras from IX-MV master stations
  • Forward missed calls automatically
  • Paging with two priority levels
  • Priority call queuing
  • Transfer door calls to any master station
  • Standard door release wiring to door station or to RY-IP44 for added security

The IX MOBILE smartphone app can receive calls from any IX Series units including the IX-MV master, all door and emergency stations, as well as other instances of IX MOBILE. The IX MOBILE can activate the release contacts of any unit to which it has established communication. It also has four programmable speed dial buttons

*Requires an RY-IP44 and PS-1225UL for use. One RY-IP44/PS-1225UL can be used for up to 8 instances of IX MOBILE.

The IX-MV is an IP addressable video master station with a 3.5" color LCD monitor. It can be wall or desk mounted (desk stand included). The IX-MV offers handset (duplex) and hands-free (VOX/PTT) communication and call up to 500 other IX units. It connects directly to a network using CAT-5e/6 cable. This station requires a 802.3af compliant PoE network.

More Info: www.aiphone.com

Viking K-1775-IP Series

VIKING’s Vandal Resistant VoIP Entry Phone System with Integrated Proximity Card Reader and Analog Color Video Camera provides a durable and attractive hands-free phone for apartment and residential door entry or applications. The K-1775-IP phone is designed to provide quick and reliable hands-free communication for SIP VoIP phone systems with PoE.

The unit can be programmed from any PC on the same LAN or remotely using a Static IP Address. The K-1775-IP entry phone can dial up to 250 programmable numbers and another 250 rollover numbers, read up to 1000 proximity card numbers and provide CCTV video of the entry area. It comes in two attractive finishes, Brushed Stainless Steel and Oil Rubbed Bronze.

When the K-1775-IP phone is connected to an apartment or business tenant, a built-in contact closure may be activated to control an electric gate or door strike. Up to 1,000 keyless entry codes may be programmed, providing tenants with keyless entry.

The K-1775-IP has a built-in Proximity Card Reader with capacity to program up to 1,000 card numbers. Keyless entry codes and card numbers can be programmed to only allow access at specific times and/or day of the week. The K-1775-IP includes a request for exit (REX) input and also offers activity logging.

Applications include Apartment Entry Phone, Residential Gate Entrance, Door Entry Phone, Courtesy Assistance Phone, Customer Service Phone and ATM Phone

Features include:

  • Built-in high resolution analog NTSC color video camera with wide viewing angle, tilt/swivel adjustments and wide operating temperature: -40°F to 140°F
  • Built-in 125KHz 26-bit Wiegand proximity card reader with LED and beep card read confirmation and EWP board protection
  • Vandal Resistant Features: 14 gauge louvered 316 stainless steel faceplate with permanent laser etched graphics. Speaker/mic screen. Heavy duty metal keypad and “Call” button. Scratch resistant powder coating (K-1775-BN-IP).
  • T-10 Security Torx drive mounting screws.
  • Weather Resistant Features: Marine grade 316 stainless steel faceplate, screws and push button switch. Switch internally sealed per IP67. Mylar speaker. Self-draining mic mount. Faceplate, mic and speaker gaskets.
  • Blue “Call /Status” LED indicator
  • SIP compliant (see pg 2 for list of compatible IP-PBX phone systems)
  • PoE powered (class 2, <6.5 watts)
  • Automatic Noise Canceling (ANC) feature for operation in noisy environments
  • Viking’s proprietary VOX switching eliminates the need for “Push to Talk” mode
  • Network downloadable firmware
  • 26 Bit Wiegand input for optional proximity card readers
  • Programmable to speed dial up to 250 numbers
  • Cycles to roll over phone number on busy or no-answer
  • Hangs up on busy signal, time-out or touch tone command
  • Remotely programmable
  • Extended temperature range (-40°F to 140°F)
  • Programmable volume adjustments for microphone and speaker
  • Selectable auto-answer feature for monitoring
  • Zinc plated steel rough-in box included
  • Self diagnostics (testing: com, mic, speaker, and switch)
  • Hot-Line Phone
  • Kiosk Phone with up to 250 number speed dialing
  • Use with any of Viking’s Proximity Cards

The K-1775-IP-EWP shares all of the features of the K-1775-IP in addition to Enhanced Weather Protection (EWP) for outdoor installations where the unit is exposed to precipitation or condensation. EWP products feature foam rubber gaskets and boots, sealed connections, gel-filled butt connectors, as well as urethane or thermal plastic potted circuit boards.

VIKING K-1275-IP

The K-1275-IP is a durable and attractive hands-free phone for apartment and residential door entry applications requiring a vandal resistant VoIP speaker phone with an integrated 125 KHz Proximity Card Reader and analog Color Video Camera. The K-1275-IP phone is designed to provide quick and reliable hands-free communication for SIP VoIP phone systems or cloud based service providers. The unit can be programmed from any PC on the same LAN or remotely using a Static IP Address.

The K-1275-IP entry phone can dial up to 12 programmable numbers and another 12 rollover numbers. The brushed stainless steel faceplate has a built-in 12 resident directory with a waterproof, scratch resistant lens and 12 buttons for single push auto-dialing of a tenant’s phone number or business extension.

When the K-1275-IP phone is connected to an apartment or business tenant, a built-in contact closure may be activated to control an electric gate or door strike. Up to 1,000 keyless entry codes may be programmed, providing tenants with keyless entry. Keyless entry codes and card numbers can be programmed to only allow access at specific times and/or day of the week. The K-1275-IP includes a request for exit (REX) input and also offers event logging with time and date stamp.

The K-1275-IP-EWP shares all of the features of the K-1275-IP in addition to Enhanced Weather Protection (EWP) for outdoor installations where the unit is exposed to precipitation or condensation. EWP products feature foam rubber gaskets and boots, sealed connections, gel-filled butt connectors, as well as urethane or thermal plastic potted circuit boards.

More Information: www.vikingelectronics.com

Skybell® Video Doorbell

Honeywell Security’s SkyBell is a high-definition video doorbell that lets homeowners enjoy new levels of security, control and convenience wherever they are in the world. End-users can remotely check doorbell activity on the Honeywell Total Connect® 2.0 Remote Services app, and see, hear and speak to visitors at their doors from their iPhone® or iPad®.

The IP54-rated device is built to withstand the harshest outdoor climates, with a temperature range of -40ºF to 140ºF (-40ºC to 60ºC). As sleek and attractive as it is functional, the SkyBell Video Doorbell is a stylish addition to any home.

Features include:

  • Two-Way Audio: Homeowners can enjoy a full, two-way conversation with visitors from their iPhone or iPad
  • Motion Sensor: SkyBell Video Doorbell alerts homeowners when visitors are in front of their door, whether or not the button is pressed
  • Full Color Night Vision
  • On-Demand Monitoring
  • Silent Mode: Homeowners can turn off their indoor chime and receive notifications on their iOS devices—perfect for when someone is sleeping
  • Video storage of up to 500MB of video clips

*Audio and high-definition video viewing accessible through the SkyBell HD app.

More Info: www.honeywellsecurity.com

About the Author

Tim O'Leary

Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.