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Always at home

New technology is enabling residents to see who is at their apartment complex or front door from anywhere in the world. Video door phones that can be connected to a network are allowing end users who have a smartphone or Internet access to remotely view visitors and grant access to either communal or residential areas.

“The core functionality of a video door phone has remained largely unchanged for some time,” comments report author and IMS Research analyst, Emma Chapman. “As the market has matured, an increase in competition based on cost has resulted in significant price pressure.”

To avoid commoditisation, savvy video door phone manufacturers have innovated new functionalities to refresh and expand the video door phone product. In addition to remote viewing through a smartphone, visitors can use an embedded SD card to record a video message if the occupier does not answer. Furthermore, recording can be triggered by a motion detector in the video door phone, allowing the building owner to monitor any undue interest in the entrance, turning the system into a security product.

This additional functionality aligns itself with the lifestyle appeal of the video door phone, enhancing end-user experience and widening the appeal from being only a method of entry. However, this additional functionality is not widely communicated to end users, with the majority of manufacturers’ marketing effort directed towards the building architect or electrical installer. This disconnect between end-users and manufacturers is hindering the uptake of these new features, as without significant product marketing end-users are simply unaware of the choice available.

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