Smart homes consist of automated devices that communicate with each other to perform automated tasks and add convenience to daily living. This is especially evident in larger homes that require larger and stronger networks to ensure reliable communication and connectivity. Communication across large homes or properties can still be inconvenient even with mobile devices, especially with background sounds or music. One solution that offers reliable communication and potentially increased convenience for your smart home is the addition of a home intercom system. With the push of a button, you’ll have instant room-to-room communication with anyone at home without having to leave your current room or hoping someone checks their phone.

Installing an intercom system provides a dedicated audio channel to reach select areas of your home or a whole home paging system to quickly and easily talk with everyone regardless of their location. Intercom units can be installed in bedrooms, common areas, and outside your front door so you can be heard anytime and anywhere. Most intercoms are offered as complete kits or systems, which include a master station, several room and outdoor stations, power supply cables, and installation hardware. 

There are a wide range of Home Intercom Systems to choose from. 

• Dedicated intercom systems allow only for audio communication between intercom stations via private channels, ideal for small scale networks to multi-unit apartment or office environments. 
• More powerful intercom systems bring audio entertainment into their design with stronger speakers and built-in receivers to allow you to play preferred audio from built-in radio tuners, wired analog inputs, or Bluetooth wireless sources.
• Alternatively, if you are in search of building a smart security or automation network, many such systems offer intercom functionality as a secondary feature for increased convenience.

To help you get started, we put together a list of home intercom systems which include whole-home new installation intercoms, whole-home replacement intercoms, and door answering intercoms that are great options to enhance your smart home living.

New Whole-Home New Installation Intercoms

Whether you’re purchasing a new home or planning on making renovations to include an intercom system, a complete intercom system package offers all the essential equipment for improving your home, excluding the in-wall wiring.

IST I2000 Music & Intercom System

Whole-Home Replacement Intercoms

If your home has or had an existing intercom station, finding a replacement system with modern features can be tricky, since the existing wiring may not be compatible with newer devices. Thankfully, Home Controls carries retrofit compatible intercom systems, which can both bring you high quality audio for your communication and audio playing needs and save you money on costly rewiring and installations.

IST RETRO Music & Intercom System

You can update your pre-existing in-wall home intercom system using your existing 3, 4, or 6 wire systems with the IST Retro Music Intercom System. Available in 4 or 5 room kits, this system includes a master station, room stations, a patio station, door station, and Bluetooth receiver. With the master station, you’ll be able to retrofit it into the hole of your pre-existing master intercom unit and connect it to other room stations as well as external speakers. The Master unit also features AM/FM radio with 10 presets, a dock for MP3 players and other audio devices.

Video & Voice Intercoms

Video intercoms allow you to see the person you’re talking to during calls, a feature most commonly needed when talking to someone outside your door. Video doorbells and video intercoms add another layer of communication to your home, giving you the ability to see your visitors, and for them to also see you if they are also using a video intercom. 

MyDoor Wireless IP Video Doorbell

If you would like to add an easy way to see and speak with visitors at your front door, the MyDoor Wireless IP Video Doorbell is your answer. The MyDoor Video Doorbell allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to see or speak with visitors from a remote location. It features an HD adjustable camera with 160° degree field of view, LED night vision technology, Remote Unlock Technology, and a MicroSD card slot so you can record video and snapshots. It’s also extremely durable as evidenced by its IP 65 Rated, making it vandal proof and weather resistant, plus, it has a nice design and comes in various colors to match and enhance the look of your front door area.

Please note: Retrofit intercom systems have their own video doorbell, the IST RETRO MyDoor Wireless IP Video Doorbell. The RETRO MyDoor Video Doorbell version is specifically designed to replace the original door station that’s included with the IST Retro Music & Intercom System Kit.

Touchscreen Intercoms

If you’re looking for a device that does more than intercom communication, consider one of these touchscreen panels with intercom capabilities. While communicating with others is not the core feature of these devices, you’ll find that these automation and security panels are able to fulfill more than your audio and communication needs.

Qolsys IQ Panel 4, PowerG + 319.5 MHz (Verizon)

If you’re looking for a reliably connected all-in-one device for your smart home, home security, and home audio needs, the Qolsys IQ Panel 4, PowerG + 319.5 MHz (Verizon) is right for you. This touchscreen automation and security hub includes 4x front-facing QuadSound 4W speakers and a built-in microphone to provide clear audio for intercom communication, audio streaming, and alarms. Additionally, if you purchase the IQ Panel 4 Base, the sound quality of the IQ Panel 4 is dramatically improved thanks to the base’s built-in subwoofer. On top of its audio functions, it can also command a smart automation or security system consisting of Z-Wave, 319.5 MHZ, and PowerG devices, and connects to Verizon’s cellular network for near guaranteed wireless connectivity.

2GIG EDGE Security Panel with 7" Touchscreen, AT&T

The 2GIG EDGE Security Panel with 7" Touchscreencan help you monitor, communicate, and automate devices across larger properties with multiple entrances or with various automation, security, and communication requirements. This touchscreen security panel comes with a microphone and 2-way voice to monitor and communicate with up to 8 video doorbells or surveillance cameras, and can also accept voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. The EDGE Panel can also manage and stay connected to over 100 automation and security devices thanks to its dual Wi-Fi and cellular network LTE wireless communication. The panel’s impressive array of features provide everything you need to stay up to date with the comings and goings at home.

If you would like to add an intercom system to your smart home or retrofit a new intercom system to replace your old system, we can help. Just call us at 858-693-8887 (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific, Monday – Friday) for free tech support and product advice. You can also email us at service@homecontrols.com or visit https://www.homecontrols.com.