3 Types of Home Intercom Systems Explained
A home intercom is a very handy piece of equipment that can be used for a number of different purposes. The most popular use is as a security device. Basically, you mount the microphone and/or video unit on your front door and the speaker unit somewhere in your house. In this way, you can see and hear whomever is at your front door when they press the button on the unit outside. If you have a large house, you can use an intercom to communicate with different members of the family or with the household help. It can also behelpful if you have an elderly or invalid people staying in your home, or you can adapted the system to be used as a baby monitor.
Obviously, the kind of intercom system that you choose will depend on what purpose you are installing it for. Let us take a look at some of the common types of home intercom systems and their uses.
Standard Wired Audio Only Units
These are the most common types of home intercom systems available and also the cheapest. These wired units are very handy and can be used for both communications within the house and as a security device at your front door. Based on your requirements, you will have to choose from a simple speaker and microphone unit or multiple interconnected units. Some units can also be used as baby monitors and are very useful if you have an infant in the house.
The only drawback to these home intercom systems is that installing the wires can be quite a task, especially if you have multiple units or a large house.
Wireless Units
Wireless home intercom systems save you the bother of installing wires all over your house. Most wireless units have a range of about 1000 feet. These units use radio waves as a means of communication. Another advantage of wireless home intercoms is their portability. The units are usually battery operated and you can carry out a conversation on the intercom while performing your normal activities. However, if you have something that you don’t want others to hear, you should not say it on the intercom. This is because most wireless home intercom systems work on open frequencies. So if someone with the right equipment tunes into that particular frequency, he/she can overhear what you say on the intercom.
Audio/Video Units
Units with audio and video capabilities are mostly utilized for security purposes. Such a home intercom system consists of a unit with a video camera, microphone, and buzzer that is securely fitted to your front door. Reception units may be placed at convenient locations in your house or the main unit may be interfaced with your home security system. When a person presses the buzzer, the camera and microphone are activated. This enables you to see who is at your front door and carry out a conversation with him/her from the safety and privacy of your house.
A home intercom system can be an invaluable piece of equipment as long as you have taken some time to identify your requirements and then chosen a system that caters to those needs.