IP Vs Analog Intercoms

Author: Brian Rhodes, Published on Jun 20, 2016

Intercoms, even within physical security, are a niche.

But Axis' acquisition of intercom manufacturer 2N represents a significant investment into this market segment.

Indeed, Axis is emphasizing the value of IP intercoms both for doing the deal and in focusing future efforts.

But what really is the difference between IP and analog intercoms? Is there something like a 'MP' intercom? Where is each type better or worse?

In this guide, we answer these questions.

Key Comparisons

While performance of intercoms and intercom systems may be basic, there are some some big gaps between the two major intercom technology types. The notable differences: 

  • Pricing for Intercoms
  • Hub and Spoke vs Mesh
  • No Central Exchanges Needed With IP
  • System Integrations Easier with IP
  • IP Based Video Quality Better

 

We examine these points in detail below.

*********, **** ****** ******** ********, *** * *****.

*** ****' *********** ** ******** ************ ************ * *********** ********** **** **** ****** *******.

******, **** ** *********** *** ***** ** ** ********* **** for ***** *** **** *** ** ******** ****** *******.

*** **** ****** ** *** ********** ******* ** *** ****** intercoms? ** ***** ********* **** * '**' ********? ***** ** **** **** better ** *****?

** **** *****, ** ****** ***** *********.

Key ***********

***** *********** ** ********* *** ******** ******* *** ** *****, there *** **** **** *** **** ******* *** *** ***** intercom ********** *****. *** ******* ***********: 

  • ******* *** *********
  • *** *** ***** ** ****
  • ** ******* ********* ****** **** **
  • ****** ************ ****** **** **
  • ** ***** ***** ******* ******

 

** ******* ***** ****** ** ****** *****.

[***************]

Unit ****

****** ****** ******** ******* **** **** ***** *** * ****** master ******* ********* **** *** *** ***** *********, **** **** single ******** *******

** **********, ** ********* *** ********* ** ** ** **** expensive, **** *** **** ** ***** ** *** ~$*** ***** and ******* **** **** $*,***+.

Hub *** *****

****** ******** ******* ******* *** ******** ***** **** ********* **** need ** '*****' / *********** **** * ****** *****. *** example, ** *** **** ********* ** ***** ***** (*** ******) and **** **** ***** ***** ** ***** ** *** ************ desk (*** ***), * *** **** ****** ******** *** **** well.

*******, ** *** ****** ********* **** ** '*****' **** **** other ** ********* **** ***** *******, * ******* ******** ***** to ** ***** ** ********** ************* ******* *** ****** ***** do *** **** **** ************.

****

** *****, ** *** ***** ****, **** *** ********** ***** in ** ***** **** *** ***** '****', ** * '****'.

******, *** ***** ******* **** **** ** **** *****, ***** requiring *********** *******, ** ********* *********** *******, *** **** ** an ****** ****** *** ******* ** ** ****** **** ********* central ******** *******, ********* *******, ********* ****** ******* ********, ***********, and ***** ************ ** ******** ** **** ************ ******* *** added. 

Fundamental **********: ** ******* *********

****** ******** ******* ********* ******* * ******* ******** ******* ****** (PBX) *** ******* *************. ******* **** ******* ******, ****** ****** architecture **** ** ******* **********, ********** **** ******* ** ****** station *************, ****** **** ****** ******* ** ******* ** ********** calling ****** ** ****** *******.

** **** ****, *** ******* ******** ****** ** *** ***** of ** ****** ******, *** ******* '*******' ** ***** *** designed ** ** **** ***** *** *************, **** ** *** traditional ******* ********* ** ********.  *** ******* ******** ********* ** sized *** * *** ****** ** **** ********, *** **** an ****** ***, ********* ****** **** ***** ***** ******** * bigger **** ** ********* ******* ** ** *********. 

*** ***** ***** ***** * ******* ****** ******, *** ***** out *** ***** **** ******* ****** ******* ** ** *******:

** ***** ** ****, *** ******* ******** ****** *** ****** intercoms ****** *** **** $*,*** - $*,*** *** * **** supporting * - ** *****. *** ************ ** ******* ********* typically *********** * ****** ** ********* ***** **** ***** * core ****** ** **** **** ***** ******* **** ***+ **** stations. ** **** *****, **** ********* **** **** ******** *** 30+ **** ******** ** * **** ** ~$*,***.

 

System ***********

*** ******* ********* ** ********* **** **** ****** ***** ** the ********** ******** ** *** ******* ** ********* *********** ******* exchanges *** ********* ********* ********. *******, *** ****** ********* ** be ********* **** ****, ******** ****, ***********, *** **** ***** intercom **** ********.

** ******** ** ********** ******** ***********, ******* ***** *********** ** typically ********** ** ***** ************ **** *.***** ******** *********** ********* **** ***** *, ******** *** ******** camera ***** ** ** **** *** ******* **** ******* ************ cameras, ******** *** ********* *************** **** ****** ***** ******** *****.

What ** ***?

*** ****** ********** ********** *********** ** **** ** ********* *** ***** *** ***** ***** over **. ****** **** ***** ********* **** **** **** *********** support ************** ********* ** ***** *** *****, *** ****** ************* communication ** **** *****. ** * ******, *** ** **** by ******** ***** ******* *** **** *****, *** **** ** some ******* ********* ******** *** ***** *****. *** **** ***** uses *** (**** **** ********) *** ***** *** *****, *** TLS *** **********.

System ***** ********

*** ******* ***** ** ** ********* ******* **** ** ** used ** ********* *** * ******* ** ***** *******-***** *******, often **** ****** *******, **** ************, ** **** ******* ******* terminals. 

*** *** *** ************ ************ ****** ***** ******* ** ****** an ** ********'* *************, ************ '****** *******' **** ******** ** selected ***** ************ ** ****** * ****.  **** ********** **** access *******, *** ******** ******* ****** ***** ***** * ****** or **** ****** *** *** ** **** ** ******* **** locks ** *******.

*** **** ***** ** ********** ******** ******** **** ****** ***** vary, ********* ****** ***** ** *** ******* ******** ******.  **** IP *******, *********** ********** **** ******** ** *** ******* ********, even ** *** ***** **** **** ***** (*** *******:*******) **** ***** *********** ********** ** ***-***** ******** *****, ******* to ******* ** ****** **** ***********. 

******* ****** ********* *** ** ***** ********* *** *** *********** of ********-***** ****** ******** *** ****** ****** ****** ************ ******* apps *** ****** ********.  ***** ****** ******* ********* ******* ********* and *********** ****** **** ********, ** ******* *** ** **** on ******* ** ************ ** **** ** ***** **** **** their ***** **** ********* ** ****** ******.

Video *******

** *******, ** ***** ********* **** * *** **** ** terms ** ********** *** ****** ******** *******. **** ********** ** units ******* *********** ** **** ** *******, ******** **, *** even ***, ***** ****** ***** ********* ******* ****** ***** ****** components ****** *** ** ** ***********.  

** ****, ** ****** ***** ** *** ********* ** ******** vendors *** ** ********** ******** ** * ***** ****** **** CVI, ***, ** *** ** *********.

*** *******, *** ** ***** ******* ***** ******** **** * * ** (***) ******, ***** *** analog******* **-** ****** **** *** ***** **** * ******* ** (***) ******.

****, ***** ********* ***** ****** **** ** ***** ** ******* straightforward, ****** ** *********** ******** ******** ******** ** ********** ** mainstream ***, ***** ********* ****** ***** ****** ********* ******* ** additional ****, ********, *** ******* **** ***** ********** *** ******** to ****** ****** ****.

*******, ***** ******** ******* ******* ** *** ******* ********* ************ cameras ***** **** *** *******, ********* *** ** *** **** angle/fisheye ******* ****. ***** ********* ** *** *********** ***** ** a **** *******, *** ******* **** ** ********* *** ****** for ******* **** ************.

Callbox Options *******

** *******, **** ******* ******* *** ******* ****** ** *** company ****** **** *** ******* ** ***** ** ** ******. In **** *****, ****** ** ** ****** **** ******** *** available **** ****** ******* ******* **** * ****** '****' ****** to ** ************ ****** **** ** ** **** ********* **** destinations.  ***** ******* **** ****** **** *******, ***** *******, ******/************ housings, ** **** ********* *** ***** ***** *** ******** *********.

Market ************

******* *** ******** ******** ** ** ***** *****, *** *** cost *** *************** *********** ** ****** ******** ******* ****** * strong *** *** *****/****** ********. ********** ************ **** ***** ** less **** ******** ***** * ****** ********** ** * ****** ******, the ********** ** ***** ****** ******* *** *** ********** ** more ****** ** ***** *********. 

** ************ ********* * ***** ****** ** **** ******** *********** across ***** ***** *** ******** *****, ** ********* ***** ******* in ************** ******** ******* **** ******* **** ******* ******** ********** for ***.

Comments (19)

Thumbnail zayon 1673

Ari Erenthal

Chesapeake & Midlantic | 06/20/16 05:18pm

The Aiphone LEF series analog intercom does not require extra equipment to enable selective call or all call, at a very reasonable price.

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Ari Erenthal | 06/20/16 08:33pm

By selective call do you mean the master can select the sub, or a sub can select a sub?

If it's the former then it doesn't need any extra hardware because there is no routing, no?

Thumbnail zayon 1673

Ari Erenthal

Chesapeake & Midlantic | In reply to Undisclosed #1 | 06/21/16 03:05pm

A master can call any sub or any master. A sub can only ring (initiate a tone on all masters). A master must then initiate a call, which allows hands-free conversation between master and sub. Masters can also monitor subs. They sell subs with and without a privacy button.

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Ari Erenthal | 06/21/16 11:27pm

ok, thanks, that helps.

Assuming a ten station all-master system, can there be 5 seperate conversations going on concurrently?

Thumbnail pp 5

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Ari Erenthal | 06/21/16 01:43pm

"The LEF Series is a selective calling open voice, audio only system with the capacity of up to 11 total stations."

So as long as it is a smaller, audio-only, non integrated system this could be a good option. Looks like pricing is ~$275 for most station types.

Thank for bringing it up!

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 06/21/16 02:24pm

So selective call means?

Thumbnail pp 5

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Undisclosed #1 | 06/21/16 02:35pm

Using that system, selective call means 'mesh' or station-to-station calling is supported. The LEF is one example of a small analog system that supports this, although there are others. 'Small' systems generally mean less than 12 - 16 units and typically are audio only.

I'll add a short section above to clarify this.

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 06/21/16 03:02pm

Station to station, meaning master station to master station, I'm assuming. If you just get the door stations, they only go to the master, I believe.

For the all call option, it sounds like an extra box is required.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Brian Rhodes | 06/21/16 02:38pm

Correct me if I'm wrong please - The LEF does not require additional equipment, but its wiring for a selective/all2all configuration, is a 20 wire (per station) $@# mesh...
If you add this to the single talkpath, non-integration and non-expansion limitations - it is obvious that Axis strives to introduce a <$200 intercom station in the near future.

Thumbnail pp 5

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Undisclosed #2 | 06/21/16 11:15pm

This is a good point, and while LEF series is not a 20 wire system in all configurations, the bottom line is you need to pull and install many wires, to a degree that a single bundle of UTP Cat 5/5e/6/6a is simple in contrast.

The exact wire config varies depending on mix of station types, but consider this example setup that requires 10 wires connecting stations together:

Even when these exact stations aren't used (other LEF series stations might be), the wiring requirements are heavy:

For an 11 station system, at least 15 wires are needed, even more if standard things like strike releases are installed.

The bottom line: while central exchangeless analog systems are available, the cost of additional wire runs and connections can be substantial.

Thumbnail usa shield

Luis Carmona

IPVMU Certified | 06/20/16 11:44pm

Great article, Brian. A subject that needed touching on for awhile. Surprises me there is still so many little integration with ACS and VMS (I know there's some, I'm saying more). But it seems like one of those things that should just be a logical extension. With the advent of SIP, there is really no excuse why more ACS and VMS systems should not be able to integrate with intercom devices.

Alon Brown

06/21/16 12:15pm

I wonder when will the different substations, by different vendors/manufacturers, shown in the picture, be able to "converse" among themselves across the network, based on an open/standard integration platform...

Michael Miller

06/22/16 01:50am

Axis releases anther intercom station.

AXIS A8105-E Network Video Door Station

Thumbnail pp 5

Brian Rhodes

IPVMU Certified | In reply to Michael Miller | 06/22/16 03:43pm

Interesting, it's essentially a mullion mount-width intercom at <2" wide.

Rui Silva

IPVMU Certified | 06/22/16 12:32pm

Long distances are also an advantage of analog systems. Analog systems can handle distances longer than 400m easily, while IP systems are limited to 100m (without fiber or switches). Depending on the type of installation, this can make a big difference in cabling costs and infrastructures needed.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Rui Silva | 06/22/16 01:58pm

Yes, but you need dedicated cabling instead of unified (catX) cabling, and you will probably need a separate power supply for units 400 m away. I believe most of us prefer the notion of "intelligent infrastructure", which can be extended, expanded and monitored easily, while providing both centralized and distributed capabilities.

Thumbnail vabeach13.1 2014

Brad Anderson

In reply to Rui Silva | 06/28/16 04:50pm

Commend digital stations (2 wire) can go 1500m. If wire needs to be retained a pair is all that is needed without compromise of audio quality, 16kHz, full hands free open duplex, full supervision, scream alarm technology with units and modules for every environment.

Undisclosed End User #3

06/23/16 02:05am

This is a seriously under explored segment and thanks to IPVM for giving it some attention.

Been using an aiphone system for years, lots of options for localized mesh installs (JP series using twister pair to the door and Cat5 between masters) or remote reception functions (the later using IP converters to software at the headend 2500 miles away).

Biggest challenge now is finding a hybrid of both worlds as our business evolves, something local during core hours which can be forwarded to a central station after hours. Their AI series is getting close but has limited VMS partners and I'm generally reluctant to deploy IP intensive solutions due to management and cyber concerns, something to be said for the simplicity of analog when troubleshooting. Then there's the issue of audio quality with IP, not the best experience in the remote reception role.

Digital Accoustic's caught my attention at one time but has a limited catalog compared to AiPhone, and to fully realize the potential of a VMS as a PSIM through SIP requires the decision to commit. Heard good things about Security Centre, anyone have experience going all-in with Genetec?

Undisclosed #1

In reply to Undisclosed End User #3 | 06/23/16 04:14am

Undisclosed 7 might consider going all-in with Genetec a gamble.

Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.

Related Reports on Low Cost

Network Cable Shootout - Belden, Hikvision, Honeywell, NavePoint CCA, Windy City Wire on Nov 05, 2018
Every IP camera install needs UTP cabling. But how much of a difference is there between dirt cheap generic cables found online and the bigger,...
Best Alternatives to Banned Dahua and Hikvision on Oct 17, 2018
With the US government ban and a growing number of users banning Dahua and Hikvision, one key question is what to use for low cost? While Dahua and...
Network Cable Testing Guide on Oct 02, 2018
Proper cable installation is key to trouble-free surveillance systems. However, testing is often an afterthought, with problems only discovered...
Hikvision 4MP Camera Tested (DS-2CD2345FWD-I) on Sep 27, 2018
Hikvision's latest Performance Series / EasyIP 3.0 4MP model, the DS-2CD2345FWD-I, was the top performer in our 4MP shootout, besting rivals from...
4MP Camera Shootout - Axis, Dahua, DW, Hanwha, Hikvision, Uniview, Vivotek on Sep 24, 2018
4MP usage continues to climb, especially for low cost fixed lens models. To see who was best, we bought and tested seven 4MP models from Axis,...
Vivotek 4MP Camera Tested (FD8379-HV) on Sep 13, 2018
Next in our series of updated 4MP testing, we bought and tested Vivotek's FD8379-HV, and entry level 4MP model claiming "top-notch quality video in...
Dahua Low-Cost 4MP Camera Tested (N44CL52) on Sep 10, 2018
4MP use continues to increase, especially in low-cost models, according to integrators in our 2018 Resolution Usage Statistics. We bought Dahua's...
Hikvision Value Express IP Cameras Tested Poorly on Sep 05, 2018
Even lower cost Hikvision products? Their new Value Express line is marketed for applications where "budgets are limited and performance is...
Hikvision PanoVu Mini Tested (Multi-imager + PTZ For ~$500) on Aug 07, 2018
Hikvision has released their first PanoVu Mini multi imager, the PanoVu DS-2PT3326IZ-DE3, with four 1080p imagers, including a PTZ and integrated...
Uniview Super Low Cost 4MP Tested on Jul 25, 2018
Even lower cost than Dahua and Hikvision, China's self-proclaimed 3rd place company, Uniview / UNV, is offering aggressive pricing including for...

Most Recent Industry Reports

Milestone Disrupts Milestone With Arcules on Nov 19, 2018
Milestone is now competing against... Milestone's own spinout Arcules New IPVM testing shows that Arcules has incorporated a substantial amount of...
Pressure Mounts Against Dahua and Hikvision Xinjiang Business on Nov 19, 2018
Pressure is mounting against Hikvision, Dahua, and other companies operating in Xinjiang as an international outcry brews against the Chinese...
Arcules Cloud VMS Tested on Nov 19, 2018
Arcules is a big bet, or as they describe themselves a 'bold company', spun out and backed by Milestone and Canon.  But how good is Arcules cloud...
'Sticker' Surveillance Camera Developed (CSEM Witness) on Nov 16, 2018
The Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) has announced what it calls the: world’s first fully autonomous camera that can be...
ISC East 2018 Mini-Show Final Report on Nov 16, 2018
This is our second (updated) and final show report from ISC East. ISC East, by its own admission, is not a national or international show, billed...
Facial Detection Tested on Nov 16, 2018
Facial detection and recognition are increasingly offered by video surveillance manufacturers. Facial detection detects faces in an image/video...
Throughtek P2P/Cloud Solution Profile on Nov 15, 2018
Many IoT manufacturers either do not have the capabilities or the interest to develop their own cloud management software for their devices....
ASIS Offering Custom Research For Manufacturers on Nov 15, 2018
Manufacturers often want to know what industry people think about trends and, in particular, the segments and product they offer.  ASIS and its...
Hikvision Silent on "Bad Architectural Practices" Cybersecurity Report on Nov 14, 2018
A 'significant vulnerability was found in Hikvision cameras' by VDOO, a startup cybersecurity specialist. Hikvision has fixed the specific...
French Government Threatens School with $1.7M Fine For “Excessive Video Surveillance” on Nov 14, 2018
The French government has notified a high-profile Paris coding academy that it risks a fine of up to 1.5 million euros (about $1.7m) if it...

The world's leading video surveillance information source, IPVM provides the best reporting, testing and training for 10,000+ members globally. Dedicated to independent and objective information, we uniquely refuse any and all advertisements, sponsorship and consulting from manufacturers.

About | FAQ | Contact