Singapore is a country well known for its security and safety. Still, most families find a need to add an extra security blanket to themselves and their properties. This is where video intercom systems come in—an excellent tool to make your home security stronger.
Complete Set-up of the Video Intercom System
- An outdoor call panel is usually installed by the main door near your entrance. It normally contains a camera, a button, and a speaker with two-way communication for visitors.
- Inside the house, there will be an indoor monitor installed at a strategic place for easy accessibility. A live video from the outdoor camera will be shown on this monitor, hence the capacity to ascertain the person at the door. It also has a communication control and, in very rare cases, the control of remotely unlocking the door.
- This system uses a communication system connecting the outdoor panel and the indoor monitor. This could be wired to have a stable connection or made wireless for extra flexibility when installing.
Benefits of Having a Video Intercom System in Singapore
Now that we’ve gotten the basic idea, let’s delve into the main reasons or benefits of installing a video intercom system in your Singaporean home.
Enhanced Security:
This means that video intercom systems act as an enhanced security form or tool against unwanted individuals from coming inside. A simple camera and identification of visitors will discourage any kind of criminal activity. Imagine seeing some random guy at your door: you can just deny the right of entry and call in the police if need be—all from the comfort and safety of your home.
Improved Convenience:
You wouldn’t have to dash to the door every time a bell rings. With a video intercom system, you can easily screen the visitors from the comfort of your monitor. So, whether it is a delivery that you are expecting or a guest arriving unannounced, you can have a conversation and decide on the next course of action without necessarily having to open the door.
Improved Communication:
Video intercom systems provide a two-way, good conversation between the person concerned and the people at the door. This has made it possible to give directions on deliveries, answer questions regarding availability, and even politely send away salesmen all without ever having to open a door.
Types of Video Intercom Systems in Singapore
Take a moment to understand the two main types of video intercom systems available when choosing the perfect one for your Singaporean home. You’ll never go wrong in your choice with these basic pointers and some more below:
Wired Systems vs. Wireless Systems.
Wired Systems: These are directly dependent on a set of physical cables that form the direct connection between the outdoor call panel and the indoor monitor. They offer a plethora of advantages like the following:
- Stability: Wired connections are very stable and offer a consistent signal; thus, video and audio quality come out as clear as required.
- Security: Wired systems are generally considered more secure as they are not open to the vulnerability of wireless signals.
- Power: The wired system is usually powered by the grid electricity, hence eliminating the need for battery replacement at the outdoor panel.
However, wired systems have some limitations too.
- Installation: A wired system is very difficult to install, especially when you consider aged homes which have no wiring before. One has to drill and lay cables, of course, altering the beauty of the house in the process.
- Flexibility: The placing of the indoor monitor in the wired system is far less flexible since it is governed by where the cable can reach.
Wireless Systems: These use wireless technologies for signalling between the outdoor panel and the indoor monitor. They have a set of diverse advantages:
- Flexibility: Wireless system installation is much simpler, especially in the case of already-constructed homes. There is no need for extensive cabling, and the indoor monitor could be placed flexibly with respect to convenience and good Wi-Fi strength.
- Aesthetic: Wireless system is a good choice for aesthetically inclined people, who do not like wires around and have an eye for considering the look of their room.
However, the systems that operate wirelessly must also include some considerations such as:
- Signal Strength: Even your Wi-Fi signal strength and, at its extreme, interference from other electronic devices can affect both video and audio quality.
- Security: Despite the development that has been done so far, wireless systems are still considered relatively insecure compared to wired ones because their signals can be hacked.
- Power: Wireless outdoor panels are mostly dependent on batteries for power and hence require changing from time to time.
Single-unit vs. Multi-unit Systems:
Single-unit Systems: These systems are generally designed for one residence or at a single entrance for larger homes and apartments. Usually, they have one outdoor call panel and one indoor monitor.
Multi-unit Systems: These are best suited for use in multi-unit residences such as condominiums or landed properties where there is more than one entrance. The system is designed so that it can support more than one outdoor call panel and indoor monitor for each unit to function as a separate independent intercom system.
Which Features Are Indispensable for Your Video Intercom?
Now that you know the different kinds, let’s discuss the main features to consider at the time of purchase:
High-Definition Video and Night Vision Capabilities:
With quality video and good night vision, you can be sure to make out the visitor clearly, even in the darkest time of the night. Look for night vision technology that uses infrared lighting to give a clear visual in case a visitor comes at night.
Two-way Audio Communication with the Visitors:
This is probably the most important feature of all—the power to communicate through audio with whoever is at your door. The system you would go for should be designed such that it has a very clear two-way audio communication that will be able to allow speaking and getting the response of the visitors without any challenge.
Remote Access and Mobile App Integration:
How cool is it to be able to answer your doorbell from wherever you are? Some of the latest video intercom systems come with mobile app integration that allows you to stream live video feeds, receive call notifications, and even open doors using your smartphone remotely. Adding these layers of convenience will enable one to easily monitor his or her home even when they are away.
Integration with Smart Home Systems:
If possible, look at video intercoms that can tie into the technology already found in your home. The Intercoms will make it possible to attach smart locks and security cameras, among other smart devices, to your intercom for one unified security and automation system.
Video Intercom Systems Installation and Maintenance
Re-configuration of old intercom Installation of the video intercom systems at home may seem easy enough for a common person to do, but this requires professional installation. An experienced technician will ensure that the wiring is correct (for wired systems), the configuration is correct, and that it integrates well with your existing infrastructure. They will also advise on the best location of the door phone panel in the compound and the monitor inside the house.
While maintaining a relatively low maintenance level, video intercom systems often require simple regular cleaning of the outdoor call panel with a soft cloth. Specific cleaning recommendations should be checked with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cost Considerations for Video Intercom Systems in Singapore
Below is an outline of the factors that are likely to contribute to the variation in cost for a video intercom system in Singapore:
- Type of System: The wired system tends to be costlier than the wireless system because of added installation complexity.
- Number of Units: The more units, the more costly the system due to all the other components required.
- Features: The ones with sophisticated features, including high-resolution video, mobile integration with apps, and smart home integration, are likely to bear a higher price tag.
- Installation Complexity: How easy or hard it is to install might determine the cost. This means that simple installations could cost less compared to some of the complex ones that might involve a lot of cabling or even modification of some structures.
Next Steps: Exploring Reputable Vendors and Installation Services
Choosing the best video intercom system for your Singapore home is a pretty serious decision. Having considered the different kinds, appreciated the features, and the costs involved, now boils down to who are the most reliable vendors for the system, as well as for installation. How do you go about this?
- Research and Compare: Take the time to look for different vendors in Singapore that offer video intercom systems. Read up on online reviews, compare their product offerings, and even do a price structure comparison for the most potential vendors you may buy from.
- Seek recommendations: Get in touch with friends, family, or neighbours who have installed video intercom systems in their houses. Personal recommendations could be very good sources through which you can get to know about respectable vendors and their quality service.
- Request System Demonstrations: Vendors will often offer to provide demonstrations of the system, where the buyer would be able to see the intercom system in working condition for himself. This is an excellent opportunity to assess ease of use, quality of video, and functionality.
- Ask about warranties and support: A good video intercom system should come with a comprehensive warranty, covering both parts and labour. Also, inquire from the dealer how the after-sales support is provided to ensure that in case of anything, you get technical support.
- Focus on Experience and Qualifications: The qualification and experience of the hired installation service is something to be well-focused on. One should look for companies whose technicians are certified and experienced in installing and configuring any of the different video intercom systems.
- Ask Questions: Whenever there are consultations, do not shy away from asking questions. A good vendor should be more than willing to answer your questions or offer help in any area of concern that you have. Here are some questions you should be asking yourself:
- What brands and video intercom systems models do you have on offer?
- Can you provide references from past clients? And can you show me some systems that have been installed in a similar setting?
- How long does it take to install something?
- What is the warranty period for the system and installation?
- Do you have an opportunity to provide maintenance of video intercom systems?
