Home Video Intercoms by Access Points

Video Intercoms for Residential Access

Most Brazilian homes get by with 1 monitor in the living room + 1 optional monitor in the master bedroom, plus one door camera at each external access point. Those door cameras tend to be color TFT screens somewhere between 4.3″ and 7″. They come with night vision built in and a button that opens the electronic gate from where you stand.

In Brazil the names you see most are HDL, Intelbras and Amelco. Newer setups talk to your phone over a Wi-Fi app (HDL Fácil, Intelbras Allo W7), so you can answer the doorbell from anywhere. Analog systems run on coaxial BNC cable, while IP systems use Cat5e/Cat6. Leave the wiring to an electrician affiliated with ABRACOPEL (Brazilian Association for Electrical Safety).

Applications

You'll find these in single-family homes, apartments and small condominiums. Two-story houses often run two monitors. Pair the system with an electronic gate opener, motion-sensor lights and CCTV and you've covered the whole entrance.

FAQ

How many monitors do I need? One in the living room is the bare minimum. Add a second one in the bedroom if you have a two-story house, or if the bedrooms sit far from the entrance.

Which cable should I use? Older analog video intercoms want coaxial BNC. For modern IP systems and phone integration, go with Cat5e or Cat6 (UTP).

Can I answer from my phone? Yes. HDL, Intelbras and Amelco all sell Wi-Fi gateways with their own apps, so the doorbell rings on your phone even when you're out.