Two-way audio and mics (also known intercoms, two-way talking, walkie-talkie features, etc.) have grown to become a vital technology in the alarm industry. These devices, frequently paired with security cams but also available independently, allow owners to talk through the device as well as listen, and may even let them record audio.
Once a circumstantial add-on, two-way has become a staple in both residential systems and more complex company security needs. Buyers want it, and it’s important for installers to understand just how to recommend audio features – and where they should be placed. Let’s take a look at some of the best spots for planning today’s two-way audio in a variety of systems.
Residential Entryways and Porches
This is one of the most common and effective place options for residential buildings. Here, two-way audio allows a homeowner to communicate with anyone who wants entry (apartment buildings typically have these features built in already, but there may be some room for expansion in that sector as well).
Owners are interested in this front door placement because they want to feel safe from potential burglars and scammers. It’s also simply convenient to be able to tell who is coming to the house ahead of time. Standalone systems are more frequent at gates and driveways. By the time you get to the porch, two-way audio is most often found in video doorbells and security cams, so it’s a great feature to emphasize when suggesting such products.
Make it clear that today’s models are easy to use with apps on your phone, so you don’t always have to be in the same place to take a message. That is one reason that residential owners weren’t interested in audio communication in the past, but it’s largely been resolved.
Monitoring Stations in the House
Monitoring stations inside a home can also be popular spots for these two-way communications. In some circumstances, owners may want to set up a security cam indoors and use it to potentially scare away burglars if they get alerts about unwanted activity – or have a professional security center make this call for them. In other cases, people may want an easy way to communicate with babysitters or home sitters to get regular updates on the situation. Still other owners may want an indoor two-way communication option so they can talk to their pets when they’re away from home (a solution that may be more popular than you expect).
Security Systems for Seniors
Two-way audio is also particularly important for senior living conditions. It’s a perfect fit for more independent living situations like granny pods and retirement villages. Here, security systems can help keep an eye on occupants, smart devices can monitor for falls or other problems, and two-way audio gives seniors an option to immediately contact family members for help.
Plenty of devices can help seniors do this (standalone smart speakers, for example) but many families prefer that audio features be included in broader security systems for ease of use and improved safety.
Child Monitoring Systems
On the other side of the coin, parents may be interested in installing two-way audio features to keep an eye on their kids, especially newborns. While the ubiquitous baby monitor can also help with these tasks, some parents may want to incorporate keeping an ear on their children with a broader security system that will still be useful for years into the future as their kids grow older and more active. Raise these points with family homeowners so they are aware of all their options.
Important Access Points in Organizations
For commercial owners, two-way audio is largely associated with access points: People identify themselves and their purpose, and they get buzzed in. Two-way audio in this situation helps centralize security personnel while still protecting key parts of the organization. There are installation opportunities for data management companies, schools, industrial parks, office buildings, and much more.
Remember that in early stages, owners may not be certain where their important access points are, nor which specific locations can benefit from audio communication. When there’s doubt, be ready to provide inspections and advice for these kinds of decisions.
