One of the most prominent requests we got during last quarter's Product Keynote Event was, “when will Verkada release a video intercom?”

It’s not hard to see why this question came up: Traditional intercom systems are often inflexible and hard-wired point-to-point. These on-premise systems often require receptionists to be present at their desk to answer intercom calls and they make it hard for admins to update call rules. Many of the same complexities of managing NVR video security infrastructure often apply to video intercom as well, making it difficult to store, access and review video footage.

Today, we aim to fix these pain points with the latest addition to the Verkada platform: Verkada Intercom. 

Introducing Verkada Intercom

Verkada’s video intercom system replaces fixed receiver stations, hard-wired installations, and static configurations with simplified hardware and intuitive yet powerful cloud-based software. Verkada’s new TD52 Video Intercom provides sharp video and intelligible audio across several receiver types. And the experience is easily managed from Command, Verkada’s cloud-based security platform.

Take Calls From Anywhere 

Verkada Intercom combines the powerful video and audio capabilities of the TD52 Video Intercom with four distinct receiver types to give organizations the ability to answer calls from anywhere. Intercoms and receivers can be deployed and reconfigured in any combination according to the needs of each shift, building, or site. Customizable call routing and scheduling allows organizations to easily define who, when, and how users are called. Each intercom can be directed to call several receivers at once or sequentially. 

Verkada Intercom also supports four receiver types that replace fixed devices with flexible applications.

Introducing the Desk Station Application 

The newest intercom receiver, our iPad-based Verkada Desk Station, gives receptionists and security guards an intuitive way to answer intercom calls in a gorgeous fullscreen call experience. Adapting The Desk Station can also adjust dynamically with the intuitive Here / Away toggle, which will skip the receiver in the call sequence if set to away. The Desk Station also functions as a mini Viewing Station, unifying Video Intercoms, Cameras and Door Access on a single device with minimal Command permissions.

“Our receptionists can answer calls from a phone or iPad, so they can essentially take the front desk with them wherever they go. Plus, multiple people are able to receive calls from the front door, so we’re not just relying on one receptionist who may or may not be at their desk,” says Josh Scott, VP of IT Infrastructure and Service, HealthPro Heritage, a Verkada Intercom beta customer.

Call Receiving Updates to Pass App 

We are also releasing an update to the popular Verkada Pass mobile app that will allow receivers to answer intercom calls on-the- go. Verkada Pass provides a completely mobile answering experience with full-frame video, crystal clear 2-way audio, and door unlocking at the touch of a button.

Intercom beta customers are already seeing great traction with this mobile intercom receiver. “After hours, we have a resident advisor working in a different building who can remotely receive calls, see who is there and unlock doors” says Kyle Petrie, Director of Operations, Union Station Homeless Services. Read more about Union Station’s use of intercom in our customer story.

Take Calls in Command 

Verkada Intercom can also call users directly through any web browser via Verkada’s Command platform. As our single pane of glass solution to manage and monitor security deployments, Command offers easy-to-use cloud-based controls for call receiving. Within Command, users can receive calls, unlock doors and trigger other Verkada actions like building lockdowns. Receiving from Command is expected to be available starting in March 2023.

Send calls to Existing Phone Lines 

In addition to using dynamic new receiver apps, organizations can send calls directly to a phone number and leverage their existing phone infrastructure. This means less disruption to existing users, workflows, and operations. Verkada Intercom can unlock the door from the phone’s keypad without switching apps or devices.

Get Sharp Video and Clear Audio on Every Call

Securing any entrance with a video intercom system starts with seeing who is at the door and understanding why they are there. To provide sharp video quality on calls, we’ve taken all of our expertise in building industry-leading cameras and have used it to build a powerful video intercom. The TD52 Video Intercom includes a 5-megapixel sensor for stunning 1080p video that captures sharp video quality. Wide dynamic range and up to 15 meters of nighttime IR visibility improve visibility in any lighting condition. An ultra-wide 130° lens offers a comprehensive view of the scene, allowing users to better get the full picture. 

Designed to be mounted around eye level and used at close range, the TD52 provides a powerful vantage point for Verkada’s AI-based video analytics, such as Person Analytics and Person of Interest Alerts. With these capabilities, organizations can easily see who is at the door and understand why they are there. And like all Verkada cameras, onboard storage and edge computing provide enhanced security while keeping bandwidth consumption to a minimum.

In addition to sharp video, the TD52 offers clear two-way audio. The TD52’s 5W speaker allows anyone at the door to hear clearly, while two omnidirectional MEMS microphones with acoustic echo cancellation capture intelligible audio so those people can be heard, regardless of environmental conditions like wind or traffic.

The camera, microphone, and speaker are housed in a secure enclosure that is built to withstand both weather and direct impact. The TD52 is encased in durable cast aluminum with a vandal-resistant steel faceplate that is both IP66 and IK08 rated. We also introduced a new architecture grade powder coat finish, which provides enhanced durability and UV resistance. Designed to last, the TD52 comes with Verkada’s 10-year warranty and an onboard tamper sensor to alert organizations if there is a physical threat to the device.

Smart Call Routing and More in Command

The Command-based software capabilities of Verkada’s video intercom system also shines. Video and audio of every button press is recorded and easily available for review in Command so organizations can get clear video and audio information about every call. The system also tracks which receiver answered the call and who unlocked the door for faster audits. Annotated call timelines and an intuitive video player help organizations easily review and find specific calls of interest. 

In addition to these powerful video intercom capabilities, the TD52 functions as a security camera. The TD52 records continuously for up to 30 days in standard quality regardless of if there’s an incoming call or not. The additional footage can provide context for incoming calls and enhance building security with onboard capabilities like motion search, People Analytics, and video recording.

Lastly, platform integrations with other Verkada products, like security cameras and access control increase the power and security of Verkada’s intercom system. Additional Verkada context cameras provide an even richer view of the scene. At the same time, any door access controlled by Verkada can be unlocked through an intercom without extra wiring, and access control events such as schedule changes can be used to augment the functionality of the intercom.

Unmatched Capabilities with Simplified Deployment

Verkada also simplifies installation, configuration, and expansion. Bringing the TD52 online requires only a PoE+ connection to the internet. To make deployments even easier, there are several accessories available for the TD52, including surface and angle mounts, a trim plate and a rain hood that prepares the device for various surfaces, substrates, and environments. Pre-drilled hole patterns for the most common mounting configurations, customizable I/Os including dry relay output, and a POE-over-2-wire converter also make rip-and-replace upgrades simple.

Adding new receivers, changing call routing logic, or viewing historical intercom recordings is easy as logging into Command. As with all Verkada devices, the TD52 comes with automatic firmware updates, and 24/7 technical support for the duration of the license.

Lastly, Verkada Intercom easily scales with the requirements of any organization over time. Not only is it painless to add more intercoms or receivers, but continuous product improvements and new software functionality ensures Verkada’s platform evolves with your organization’s needs over time. 

Availability 

Verkada Intercom is available in the US and Canada starting February 14, 2023, and will be available everywhere on March 15, 2023. The TD52 is $1,599, and software licenses are available for 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year for $249, $599, $999, and $1,999. The Desk Station app can be installed on any iPad running iOS 15 or later, and Desk Station licenses are available for 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year for $249, $599, $999, and $1,999. To learn more about Verkada Intercom, please visit Verkada.com/intercom or contact [email protected] today.