Today, intercom systems are seeing an expansion of their basic functionality. More and more, vendors are integrating intercom functions into their own smart home systems to provide additional value to users.
For years, residential intercoms have performed their basic function well: through the intercom, residents can find out who their visitors are and buzz them in. Today, intercom systems are seeing an expansion of that functionality, allowing remote monitoring via smartphones and further data-sharing between different members of the residential complex.
In fact, more and more vendors are integrating intercom functions into their own smart home systems to provide additional value to users. Such systems can connect with third-party sensors, such as smart meters, water meters, magnetic reed switches, and others, making the home more secure, energy efficient, and manageable.
Intercom, smart home integration set trend
“The smart home can eventually be part of the intercom system, which we perceive as necessary in every house,” said Flavio Miozzo, CEO of Infiniteplay. “Our intercom system can actually support a smart home system itself. Along with intercom features, the system acts as a web server and integrates with different smart home software. The future of intercoms should be, as with many of the facilities in our house, to be integrated and connected with each other and the Internet.”
Said Elena Ravello, Brand Manager at Fermax:
“The present and future of intercoms are related to the integration within home automation systems. The current full digitization of the intercoms, IP-based, is the starting point for incorporating successive layers of applications.”
“We recently launched Dominium, in which the video door entry system is also the remote control of home automation. Our system has been specially designed for creating a connected, comfortable, safe, and green home. The system adapts to every kind of installation, depending on the needs of the user,” she said. “It is a multifunctional product that covers access control, video surveillance, security, and energy efficiency. The end user only needs one screen. Even sometimes it is not necessary to use the terminal; it is possible to control remotely all the systems from a smartphone or tablet.”
“We develop a series of SIP-based, advanced intercoms and functional I/O controllers that are able to receive signal from third-party sensors. Immediate reactions can be made properly, in the process ensuring advanced home security, living safety, and home automation purposes,” said Chih-Heng Wang, Project Manager at Amroad Technology. “Amroad system is easy to set up with minimum construction costs. In the future, the system can be easily expanded. The user can connect the latest Amroad devices or third-party IP-devices with the existing intercoms to increase smart home application.”
Wireless rules
With a Zigbee or Z-Wave gateway embedded in the system, wireless communications with various sensors, lighting, thermostats, garage door controls, and other devices can be possible.
“The old smart home solutions are wired. Our smart home system is wireless and based on the IP technology. We provide not only intercoms, but also wireless sensors, Wi-Fi cameras, and smart locks together,” said Yang Liu, Product Manager at Dahua Technology. “We use the indoor monitor not only for intercom, but also to enable video surveillance, wireless alarm integration, home automation, lift control, and, with mobile applications, remote control as well.”
For the longest time, intercom systems with outdoor and indoor units have allowed residents to interact with the visitor. But today, the intercom has become more than that: it has evolved into a central system in the home to control various smart home devices – and IP-based intercom systems have contributed largely to that trend. With today’s homeowners increasingly placing a strong emphasis on security as well as home automation, intercoms will open doors to new opportunities, more applications, and further growth down the road.