See, hear, enter

The range begins with the VK6 video kit, which consists of a phone unit incorporating a flat, 75mm-deep monitor, a one-button door panel with CCD camera, a power transformer and briefcase in which to contain the equipment. Next is the VKC6, which has the same specification but with the addition of a digital codelock. The range culminates in the CVK6, which boasts a high-resolution colour LCD display.

The kits are easy to install, and feature reliable circuitry that guarantees a high quality audio/video signal for up to 200m between outdoor station and monitor. Front plates are available in a variety of finishes and come complete with a rainshield.

Labelled connections
SRS offers an all-in-one video door entry kit that is suitable for both domestic and commercial applications requiring visual surveillance and remote operation of one or more entrances. The system includes telephone with built-in video screen, door entry panel and labelled connections for easy installation.

The system can be supplied with either a numeric entry keypad or proximity reader. The entry panel is manufactured from marine grade stainless steel and is secured using special high-security screws. It can also be supplied with a polished brass finish, if required. Other options include additional telephones, rain hoods, exit buttons and electrical or magnetic releases.

"Excellent results"
The System 200 range of video and audio door entry systems from BPT Security Systems includes the Nova and Exedra monitors. The Nova is the smallest colour door entry system monitor available, and provides clear colour images in a compact unit that can be flush mounted into a wall. Its hands-free operation for communication, and pushbuttons with symbols indicating usage, make it very easy to use.

The Exedra unit can be combined with a telephone handset together with video/audio door entry monitoring plus a host of special features, including the ability to use the handset as you would a telephone, activate and monitor cameras at any time, switch on external lights, store phone numbers and abbreviated call functions, as well as performing all the functions of a door entry system handset. It can be wall mounted or used as a compact table-top unit, and is available in white or anthracite grey with blue finishing touches.

Bench Tested in the February issue of Security Installer, our experts said: "Both the Nova and Exedra video door entry system monitors from BPT produce excellent results, and will appeal to architects and system designers working on higher value projects where style and performance override financial considerations… As with all BPT products, the performance of the items is beyond question, and is backed up by first class after-sales service."

Three cameras, five monitors
BC Technology offers the Aiphone colour video door entry system, which operates up to three colour video cameras to five monitors. The cameras can be installed at different entrances, such as front gate, front door and back door, and the five monitors can be installed in different parts of the building. They also provide an intercom function between the different rooms. The system is easy to install, says BC, using just two wires between the stations.

The door stations comprise 1/4in CCD colour cameras and intercoms in a compact surface-mount unit. This contains built-in illuminators that operate automatically in low light conditions. Picture and sound are transmitted via a digital signal processor to all internal room stations. Internal door stations are slim white receivers fitted with 4in colour TFT monitors.

Uses existing bell wiring
Viking Security Systems offers a video entry system kit from Siedle that is easy and quick to install using existing bell wiring.

Each kit comprises an external panel and camera, an internal wall-mounted or freestanding monitor and handset, and separate power supply unit. The camera, which can be adjusted to ensure the correct angle, uses infrared lighting to provide visibility 24 hours a day. The simple door panel can also be supplied complete with letter-box and integrated lighting as well as access control and video camera connections. The nameplate and bell button are permanently illuminated. The high-resolution monitor provides clear black-and-white images, while buttons allow the user to open the door, switch on the external light, activate the camera or switch off the door control function altogether.

'Super value'
Electro-Replacement Ltd, the well-known distributor to electrical wholesalers, recently launched a range of 'super value' economy door entry systems in kit form.

They offer several features not normally included at this price level, says the company.

The door unit has an illuminated nameplate, while the handset gives out an electronic call tone on ringing as well as a flashing light signal, ideal for the hearing impaired. The very slim-profile door unit has a silver finish, the handset is white, and systems are available in a one- or two-station format.

Each kit comprises one door unit, handset(s) and a power supply. Electric door locks are optional and available separately.

Timed lock release
SRS supplies the 4101 and 4101/04 audio door entry systems as complete kits. They provide two-way audio communication and remote entry control with timed lock release. The front panel is hinged to simplify maintenance, and all connections are labelled to make installation easier.

The front panel is made from marine grade stainless steel with a speaker protection baffle to protect against vandalism.

It can also be supplied as polished brass. Other options include a keypad (4101/04 model), a proximity reader and a hood for additional protection.

Withstands vandalism
Videx Security's Specialised range is designed for installation in low-rise or high-rise accommodation. Built to withstand vandalism or misuse, the range includes the Sentry and VX systems.

The standard Sentry and Sentry I systems are suitable for low-rise developments with single or multiple entrances and from one to 20 apartments.

The Sentry II and Sentry III systems are microprocessor-controlled digital door entry systems for larger low-rise and high-rise developments with up to 255 apartments and multiple entrances.

Systems can be audio and/or video and can also incorporate apartment stations with infrared remote control.

The VX range is suitable for small and medium complex applications (the VX2200), and high-rise or large low-rise developments with up to 99 entrances and sub entrance access, with up to 1,000 apartments (the VX2000). The latter can incorporate telephone handsets, video monitor handsets or a combination of both.

The VX2200 is based on a two-wire BUS connection for audio and a four-wire (five if not powered locally) for video intercoms. The digital front panel provides access for up to 127 users via its numeric and alphanumeric keypad and every user has a personal access code.

All digital phones are connected in parallel on the two-wire BUS and it's possible to program them via a dip-switch bank on the PCB. It is also possible to install a digital concierge unit (audio/video) without adding any other equipment.

All fixings supplied
Safe-Link Services offers the Fermax Eco Kit, which includes a slimline (25mm) surface mount panel; integral rainhood; RIM-type lock release; Din mounting PSU c/w terminal covers; clear speech quality; and volume adjust during installation. All fixings are supplied, and an additional handset is available as an option.

Cold calling
ICE Call is a door entry system from BC Access Control that is suitable for apartments or multi-tenanted office buildings and blocks of flats. It promises easy installation and low maintenance requirements.

ICE stands for Isolated Circuit Entry, where each entry line has a separate circuit. This feature makes the system easy to install, says BC, using just three common wires and one ID line, and easy to maintain as the circuitry is housed in a separate control panel from which each line can be tested and repaired without the need to enter any of the apartments. The isolated circuit also helps to prevent the entire system being destroyed by vandals – one damaged handset will not affect the rest.

The control panel is made of vandal-resistant steel and is lockable, and the front entry station is also vandal-resistant.

Built-in illuminators
Available through BC Technology, the Colour Sentry from Aiphone gives a clear picture of the caller in colour, day or night.

The Colour Sentry comprises a 1/4in CCD colour camera and intercom in a compact surface-mount door station. Easy to install, using just two wires between the stations, it offers automatic built-in illuminators for low light conditions while the picture and sound are transmitted via a digital signal processor. The kit includes a door station camera, room station and 24v DC power supply, though the system is expandable and can include an additional room station, call extension speaker and external light control relay for additional lighting.

Two-wire kit
The VideoTwo2 is a two-wire video entry kit from Urmet Domus. It features the stylish 952 video entrance panel with built-in IR LEDs for good low light performance; a slim, surface mounting Winflat video monitor; true two-wire non-polarised connections; and tamper-resistant fixings.

There are surface or semi-flush mounting options, and an additional monitor or handset can be installed in parallel.

In control
Terraneo, part of Legrand, produces video intercom sets, audio intercom devices and telephone sets with intercom functions, all with "enhanced audio and video quality".

The company's products are able to become part of an integrated home system, allowing entrance control, communication within the home and with the outside world. Units allow users to see who is at the door and, on answering, automatically turn the staircase or garden lights on. Telephones, have intercoms and the ability to monitor sound in the various rooms. Intercoms can be answered while talking over the phone.

Terraneo modular units have a sturdy, vandal-resistant enbloc shell designed to blend into both modern and antique styles.

Wide choice
Comelit offers a wide choice of door entry systems, from simple, two-button handsets to audio/video systems combined with telephone to multi-user systems for apartment blocks.

Included in the range is the Simplebus series, the simplicity of which is said to save 50 per cent in installation time. All the return conductors from the individual flats, the coaxial cable and the video branches are eliminated – two non-polarised wires in parallel are sufficient to construct a video door entry phone system with up to 240 users.

Vandal-resistant
Based in Scotland, Entrotec is a leading British designer and manufacturer of vandal-resistant door entry systems, said to be reliable and easy to install.

The company's standard economy range system boasts the following functions: EA1 and EA2 handsets are fully compatible; up to 30 ways available; single or dual entrance systems available; Entrotag access control can be incorporated; and a 24-hour time clock can be fitted as an optional extra for services facility. The ECON power supplies are compatible with Entrotec's full range of stainless steel door panels.

In kit form
Kallglobe, manufacturer of door entry and access control products, offers the Alpha range of audio door entry systems that provides equipment in kit form for up to 32 flats, with surface or flush panels, with or without tradesman's facility. All Alpha range systems can be run either AC or DC and are therefore ideal for battery back up and interfacing with other equipment.

Included in the range is the Alpha-VS visual/audio door entry system, for up to 24 flats; the Alpha-VR vandal-resistant door entry range, which uses rugged stainless steel door panels and buttons; and the Alpha-LS loud speaking door entry system, which has duplex speech circuits, a timed nuisance facility, a strobe output for the hard of hearing and main door open indication.

Memorises callers
Smartvision from ASD is a door entry system featuring an auto iris CCD camera housed within a waterproof casing and incorporating LEDs for low-light operation. The housing also features a call button and speaker to allow two-way communication with the ultra-slim handset, which includes a 3.5in mono monitor screen with contrast and volume control. The system is available for use with electric automatic door release mechanisms. The range also offers the video memory unit, which records up to 30 images of callers without any film or tape.

Wide range of applications
The Farfisa product range, from BC Technology, includes audio door entry systems and black-and-white or colour video entry systems offering excellent sound and picture quality. There are systems suitable for many types of applications, such as apartments, offices, homes, warehouses, retail, healthcare and education establishments.

Included in the range is the Farfisa FN4000, a digital door entry and intercom system with push-button keypads that can connect as many as 9,000 stations.

Security with style
Sfera, the latest range of Terraneo door entry systems from Legrand, has been designed with one concept in mind – security with style. Suitable for all types of installation, the "strong but striking" design makes it suitable for housing, apartments, schools, hospitals, and offices.

Offering choice between audio or video with either analogue, digital or two-wire systems, Sfera has numerous application possibilities, further enhanced by two new ranges of handsets and monitors.

The modular nature of Sfera means that you can customise the system round your own unique requirements, deciding which functions you need and then simply selecting the corresponding modules. Sleek, robust aluminium front covers, available in seven different colours, allow the systems to fit into any surrounding with ease, while still maintaining a high level of security and safety.

Also available to enhance both the durability and elegant style of the Sfera system are monobloc covers. In a choice of brass or steel finish, they offer an alternative faceplate with which to dress the modules.