FAQ
TL;DR: For smartphone-operated intercoms, plan for facial recognition at roughly 2 m, and "a decent IR and a real black and white night mode" is key. [Elektroda, clouddancer, post #17837968]
Why it matters: It helps you pick gear and settings that actually ring your phone quickly and show a usable night image.
This FAQ is for homeowners and integrators choosing between BCS/Dahua, Bticino, DoorBird, or Miwi‑Urmet for phone-based calling and remote gate control.
Quick Facts
- DoorBird push alerts work well when the app can run in the background and has notification permission. [Elektroda, clouddancer, post #17818900]
- Dahua/BCS remote calling may require a companion indoor monitor; users worry about gDMSS needing to run. [Elektroda, rafipl, post #17005495]
- Night video from door stations is typically below CCTV quality; do not expect HD-grade detail. [Elektroda, Ircys, post #17837529]
- If the internet is down, a cloud-first DoorBird becomes unusable for remote calling. [Elektroda, Ircys, post #17838409]
- Target budgets mentioned: up to approx. 3,000 PLN for phone fallback and gate control. [Elektroda, Maciek1008, post #17833318]
Which is better for phone calling: BCS-PAN1202S or Dahua VTO2111D-WP?
Both were flagged for needing an indoor monitor for remote calling, with uncertainty about true phone-only operation. The poster also questioned whether Dahua’s gDMSS must run in the background to receive calls. If you need phone-first calling, test app behavior and call wake-up before purchase. Prioritize models that clearly state push delivery without a resident monitor and support cloud wake. [Elektroda, rafipl, post #17005495]
Do push notifications on DoorBird actually work?
Yes. An installer reported DoorBird push notifications "work beautifully" for doorbell calls and optional motion alerts, provided the phone allows background operation and notifications. Enable those permissions during setup. This aligns with users who prefer simple mobile workflows over local SIP setups. [Elektroda, clouddancer, post #17818900]
Is there noticeable delay on Miwi‑Urmet’s smartphone solution?
One user shared a reference build using Miwi‑Urmet modules and reported no noticeable delays in operation. If low latency is critical, replicate that topology and network conditions during a pilot. Quote: "I don't notice any delays in action." [Elektroda, Ircys, post #17015646]
How good is Bticino AV KIT L3000 300X for audio and phone fallback?
A technician noted everything worked, but panel-to-phone conversation was weak enough that clients opened gates before confirming visitors. If you need clear audio, audition the kit on your network and with your phone model. Consider an external chime or better mic placement. [Elektroda, Ircys, post #17833348]
What night image quality should I expect from door stations?
Expect lower quality than CCTV. Close angles, small sensors, and built-in IR limit detail, especially beyond the porch. "Don’t expect HD quality here" is a fair rule. Add lighting or position the panel to avoid backlight washout. [Elektroda, Ircys, post #17837529]
Can better IR and true B/W night mode really help?
Yes. A tester viewed a dark office and could identify objects about 2 m away using strong IR and true monochrome mode. That combination improves facial recognition on porches and entryways at typical visitor distances. [Elektroda, clouddancer, post #17837968]
Why do some IR door cameras still look bad outdoors at night?
Outdoors, IR has little to reflect from. With open yards or streets, illumination drops and faces become halos. Add a nearby matte surface or auxiliary light to give IR something to bounce off. This edge case explains many disappointed night results. [Elektroda, dawidedziu, post #17838090]
Will DoorBird work during an internet outage?
No. A contractor summarized it bluntly: no internet means the intercom is useless for its phone features. If uptime matters, add a local indoor receiver or choose a system that supports LAN-only calling when WAN is down. [Elektroda, Ircys, post #17838409]
What phone settings are required for reliable mobile alerts?
Grant the app permission to run in the background and to send push notifications. Without these, calls may not wake the phone. Verify battery optimization exceptions for the intercom app after installation. This single step fixes many “missed call” complaints. [Elektroda, clouddancer, post #17818900]
Can DoorBird work with SIP phones or a wall tablet?
Yes. Installers suggested using a tablet as a receiver on the wall, and noted compatibility with SIP phones like Grandstream or Yealink. Validate your exact models and codecs during commissioning to ensure stable call setup. [Elektroda, clouddancer, post #17838362]
How do I set up push alerts that actually wake my phone?
- Install the vendor app and sign in; enable notifications on first launch.
- In phone settings, allow background activity and disable battery optimizations for the app.
- Place a test call at the door station; verify ring, preview, and talk/unlock actions.
[Elektroda, clouddancer, post #17818900]
Can I see real IR examples from a door station?
Yes. A user shared screenshots from a test panel with no ambient light, showing views without IR and with IR enabled. Use such tests to judge clarity at your target distance and angle before final mounting. [Elektroda, clouddancer, post #17839557]
What features can I expect around a 3,000 PLN budget?
Buyers in the thread sought phone fallback when the indoor panel goes unanswered, gate control, and ideally RFID or fingerprint. Expect trade-offs on biometrics at that price. Prioritize reliable calling, audio clarity, and night visibility before add-ons. [Elektroda, Maciek1008, post #17833318]
Do Dahua/BCS phone calls require gDMSS running all the time?
The thread author suspected gDMSS must stay active in the background for calls to land on the phone. Test with your handset and OS version. Confirm if the model supports true push wake without the app being foregrounded. [Elektroda, rafipl, post #17005495]
But you have to invest a little more money than in Bticino.
