NorthTech Security & Technology Experts

Intercom and access control

Know who’s at the door, and choose who comes in.

We recommend two video intercoms. The Control4 DS3 is our first choice wherever it fits, and always on a whole-home Control4 project. When you’d like something more cost-effective, Hikvision is a great choice.

Design your securityCall 03 8405 3002

Our two intercom choices

Control4 DS3 first, then Hikvision.

Tell us what matters most and we’ll show you where we’d start.

What matters most to you?

Control4 DS3 video intercom door station with keypad, in front of Control4 touchscreens

1. Our first choice

Control4 DS3

Best for: Whole-home Control4 projects

Wherever we can — and always on a whole-home project — we install the Control4 DS3. It is a video intercom, doorbell and access control panel in one, built into the same system that runs the rest of your home.

  • One system, no extra appSee, hear and let visitors in from your Control4 touchscreens and the Control4 app. There’s no separate intercom app to learn.
  • Doors and gates from the same screenOpen the front door or the gate from any Control4 touchscreen, and get an instant notification when someone calls.
  • A keypad for the familyAdd a keypad or touch keypad module so the people you choose can let themselves in with a code.
  • Made to suit the houseBlack, Brushed Nickel or Venetian Bronze, set flush into the wall or mounted on its surface.
Hikvision video intercom indoor touchscreen with two door stations, one with a keypad

2. Our cost-effective choice

Hikvision

Best for: Standalone intercoms and access control

When you’d like something more cost-effective, Hikvision’s video intercom is a great choice. It works on its own, without a home automation system.

  • See who’s there clearlyA 4MP camera with a wide 150° view shows visitors clearly at the door.
  • Four ways inOpen the door by PIN code, access card or Bluetooth — or let visitors in from the indoor screen or your phone.
  • 10-inch indoor touchscreenAnswer the door, view your cameras and unlock doors from one Full HD screen inside the home.
  • Answer from anywhereThe Hik-Connect app lets you see, speak with and let in visitors when you’re away.
  • A door and a gateOne door station controls up to two locks, and is rated for outdoor weather.

Access control

Keys you can’t lose, and can take back.

Access control decides who can open a door, and when. Give each person their own way in, and remove it the day they no longer need it — without changing a single lock.

  • PIN codeA code for each person, changed whenever you like.
  • Access cardTap a card or fob at the door.
  • BluetoothOpen the door from a phone as you arrive.
  • From anywhereLet a visitor in from your phone or a screen inside.

Common intercom and access control questions

Which intercom works with Control4?
The Control4 DS3. Visitors are answered on your Control4 touchscreens and in the Control4 app, and the same screens open your doors and gates.
What is access control?
Access control decides who can open a door, and when. Instead of keys, people use a PIN code, an access card, Bluetooth or their phone — and you can add or remove someone without changing the locks.
Can I answer my intercom from my phone?
Yes. The Control4 DS3 rings through to the Control4 app, and Hikvision intercoms ring through to the Hik-Connect app, so you can see and speak with visitors wherever you are.
Can I open my gate from my phone?
Yes, once the gate’s lock or motor is connected. The DS3 opens doors and gates from Control4, and a Hikvision door station controls up to two locks — a front door and a gate, for example.
Is a wired or wireless intercom better?
For a permanent home, wired. The door stations we install run on a network cable that carries both power and video, so they don’t depend on Wi-Fi signal strength or batteries.
Will my intercom still work if the internet is down?
At the door, yes. The door station and your indoor screens talk to each other over your home network, so you can still answer and let visitors in. Answering from your phone while you’re away needs the internet.
Do I need a licensed installer for an intercom or access control?
Yes. In Victoria, anyone paid to install, repair or service security equipment must hold a private security licence issued by Victoria Police. NorthTech is licensed.Source: Victoria Police — private security licensing(opens in a new tab)
Do you install intercoms across Melbourne’s north?
Yes. NorthTech is based in Thomastown and designs, installs and supports intercoms and access control for homes and businesses across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Not sure which suits your property?

Tell us about your front door, gate and the people who need to get in — we’ll recommend the right intercom and explain why.

Start your security design