The humble intercom system has come a long way in recent years and is no longer limited to the simple front door unit and control panel. More and more features are being added as technology becomes available and as a result the comfort and security they offer to the home owner has increased tremendously. Once limited to apartment and commercial use, intercoms are now becoming commonplace in residential homes as they become more affordable and with a wireless system that easily installs into an existing home. He read on for benefits you may not have thought possible with a modern intercom system.
1. Home and Personal Security – Number one on the list for good reason. It goes without saying that the world can be an unpleasant place and protecting your home and loved ones has never been more important. With the use of a video door entry system, you can see who is at your door before deciding to let them in. If the visitor is not someone you know, you can find out the reason for their visit before opening the door. A video intercom can also be used for surveillance recording, which is useful if you’ll be away from home for a period of time and many units can support multiple cameras for complete protection.
2. Automated Entry – Add an automatic door opener to your intercom system and protect your home on the front line. Gate openers are available to fit all types of gates, from single to double and swing or sliding gates. Open your front door with the push of a button and with a self-locking unit, ensure that once your visitor is inside, no one else will be able to manually open the door. Control of these units can be integrated into your intercom system and you have the option of wired or wireless operation. Another feature that is available on some gate openers is solar-powered operation, which saves electricity and reduces installation costs. With some high end systems the gate can even be operated by your mobile phone!
3. Room monitoring: With a central control panel and room stations installed throughout the house, you can use your intercom to monitor what’s going on in those rooms. Monitor children playing in the back room or use it to listen when your sleeping baby wakes up. With these units you can also communicate with the occupants of the room, so the kids will have no excuse not to hear you anymore!
4. Have your favorite music in your home: Several control units have the function of inputs for a radio or CD player and some units come with this already built-in. Tune in to your favorite radio station or put on your favorite CD and listen to the music in every room that has a station installed. Outdoor units are available for patios and entertaining areas, perfect for barbecues or having friends over.
5. More home security options: The modern intercom system control unit can be configured to operate video monitoring and recording, motion detectors, window and door sensors, and glass break sensors. They can also offer back-to-base monitoring for a complete home alarm and intercom system in one. Why settle for a simple home alarm when you can have the convenience of both systems in one?
