Are you only interested in front door security? Many of the new
wireless intercom systems give you that option or you can add any number of wireless remote stations to your master station. There are simple wired front door intercoms for as little as twenty dollars. You can buy sophisticated video door access systems for even more privacy, but you need to decide what additional features other than a doorbell and voice intercom you want for the
front door intercom.
NuTone, one of the companies that have been in the front door intercom business the longest, offers a full color video front door, recess mounted speaker and video camera for the ultimate in security for just under two hundred dollars ($199.99). With this system you can see clearly who is at your front door without opening it to a stranger. It comes with a brushed metal finish that will blend well with any style home. The automatic lighting gives you clear video in any kind of weather conditions or time of day. The unit comes with standard Ethernet Cat-5 connections to easily wire into an existing home or new construction. This unit can be mounted at the height of your choice as the wide angle lens allows multiple mounting heights while delivering an excellent video feed.
It has a built in door chime, and integrated speaker allowing you and the visitor to converse clearly without opening the door. Bright illuminating LEDs allow for easy viewing at night and there is an adjustable viewing angle to see the vast majority of your front porch from the camera placement. There is a two year manufacturer’s warranty on the product from NuTone. This unit requires another unit for the inside of your door way to complete the system.
American Alarm Systems offers a similar functioning model for the same price, but it includes both the camera and the receiver so you do not have anything else to buy. It is an infrared security camera, intercom system and a seven inch TFT color screen for the inside of your house. The system can be expanded to include a second monitor and up to eight remote stations. The door chime has eight chord melodies, an alarm and an electronic door unlock. The camera comes in a fully waterproof, oxidation proof aluminum casing and offers hands free two way communication. The alarm is extra protection to scare away unwanted visitors.
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Home intercom systems are gaining in popularity again as
wireless technology has allowed many makers of the systems to reduce the cost and installation of the systems so that the average home owner can have one. In years past intercom systems were of the gated mansion type. You pushed the button on the gate, gave your name and if the person on the other end wanted you to come in they activated the gate and you could drive up. There was still another intercom station at the front door in many cases as an added layer of security. These systems were hard wired and had to be installed when the home was built. Due to the added cost of product and installation these home intercom systems were only built in custom or spec homes and not as a feature that a regular home builder would include in his models.
Appearance was another factor in keeping home intercom systems from becoming commonplace. Home intercom systems with a radio and voice function many times were rather large and the décor of the day was a wood grain face plate. How many people wanted a twelve by nine (12”x9”) box on their wall? Each station was usually brown or almond so if your home was mostly white or neutral they would really stand out. Wires over time would become corroded or the insulation would dry rot and short out and it was very difficult to repair them.
Since wireless technology has come way down in price makers of home intercom systems have been integrating wireless capabilities since the late 1990s. Even the master station can be wireless. Most home intercom systems have a one thousand (1000) foot radius from the master unit and you can purchase a mobile station if you want to go outside in addition to the standard wireless wall stations and speakers. If you are going wireless you will need a power source and most systems take standard alkaline AA batteries. Some manufacturers use CR123 and other photo style batteries. Keep this in mind when purchasing a new system as the need to change batteries can create a significant cost if not using AA batteries.
You can purchase simple wall mount wireless home intercom systems from a variety of stores online for as little as one hundred dollars. I found several systems with a master station and two remote stations for under two hundred dollars ($179.99).
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