How To Choose The Right Intercom For Your Gate
12/07/2013 Back To BlogAn intercom is becoming a popular option when owners upgrade during a residential gate installation. It offers more privacy than the standard options, and it’s a safer choice as well. Though it can be inconvenient to have to let everyone in by yourself, the upsides are worth the downsides. Here’s what you need to know about intercoms.
Video vs. Voice
Video intercoms and audio intercoms give you security by letting you know exactly who’s at your door. Videocoms are less obvious and not as much of an eyesore as a regular video camera, so they can be a great option for intercom installation. If video isn’t needed (sometimes the expense doesn’t warrant it), an audio-only system can be used. There are two audio options – ‘press and call,’ and one that’s hooked to your phone system. There are several good brands, like DoorKing intercoms and Linear intercoms.
Security vs. Safety vs. Privacy
The big thing to keep in mind is that it’s tough to balance security, privacy, convenience, and safety. An intercom is the safest option, because you always know who’s getting through your gate. On the other hand, you have to manually accept the entry of everyone coming through. That can be annoying for some people. A videocom system is also more secure than a voice-only one, because you can see exactly who’s coming in and not just rely on your ears. But those can be more expensive. It all goes down to what your needs really are. Where do you live? What’s your area like? Do you have 24/7 emergency service? Are you going to have frequent guests? If so, you might not want an intercom system, as the annoyance factor may be too large- having to buzz people in constantly is no fun.