Audio vs Video Intercom: Choosing the Right Door Entry System

Choosing between an audio and video intercom is not simply a matter of adding a camera or selecting the lower-complexity option. The right system depends on how visitors are identified, how the entrance is used, the available cabling, the required access credentials, and what occupants or staff need to see before releasing the door.

This guide compares confirmed Akuvox and BPT systems for New Zealand apartment, office, retrofit and managed-entry applications. It covers SIP and 2-wire architecture, keypad access, indoor monitors, environmental protection, installation considerations and the situations where audio or video provides the better fit.

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Start with the risk and workflow at the entrance

The most useful question is not whether video is newer than audio. It is what the person answering the call needs to know before opening the door.

• Audio intercoms allow the occupant, receptionist or security team to speak with the visitor and release the door remotely. They are well suited to controlled entrances where the caller can clearly identify themselves.
• Video intercoms add visual confirmation. The receiving party can check whether the visitor is alone, whether a delivery is being left at the entrance, or whether the person matches the expected visitor profile.
• Access control features such as PIN entry, RFID cards, Bluetooth or a connected credential reader can reduce reliance on answering every call manually.
• IP and SIP systems can support integration with an IP-PBX, other SIP devices, network infrastructure and, depending on the model, third-party video components.

Video does not automatically verify identity or make an entrance secure by itself. It gives the person answering the call more information. Door hardware, lock control, user permissions, lighting, privacy practice and installation quality still determine how effective the complete entry system will be.

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Audio intercoms: practical communication with fewer visual requirements

Audio is often the right choice for a straightforward entrance where two-way conversation is the main requirement. It can suit residential buildings, staff entrances, small offices, service areas and projects where the visitor is expected to identify themselves verbally.

An audio system can also simplify the indoor station. The BPT LC-PEC-KIT, for example, combines a LITHOS entry panel with a PERLA audio handset, a push button and an 18 V DC power supply. The BPT LC01 audio entry panel uses a brushed AISI 316L stainless steel finish, supports from one to four calls depending on the selected buttons, and includes adjustments for the speaker, microphone and electric lock timing.

For a more contemporary handsfree indoor station, the BPT PLX-A provides high-quality audio, concealed indicator LEDs, soft-touch buttons and an automatic door-opener function. It is designed for wall installation on common mounting boxes, subject to the requirements of the selected system.

Audio can be a sensible option when:

• The entrance is sheltered or visually familiar to the person answering.
• Visitors are expected to identify themselves verbally.
• The building has a simple one-to-four-call arrangement.
• Residents or staff do not need to assess a visitor visually before opening.
• The project is replacing an existing audio system and wants to retain a familiar user experience.
• Privacy considerations make continuous or incidental camera views undesirable.

Audio is not automatically the best choice for every retrofit. Confirm the cable type, power supply, lock release method, call capacity and compatibility with the existing entry panel before specifying a replacement handset or panel.

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Video intercoms: visual context before the door is released

Video is useful when visual context affects the decision to grant entry. In an apartment building, the occupant may want to see a visitor before opening. In an office or warehouse, the receptionist may need to distinguish a courier, contractor or unknown caller. At a managed entrance, video can give staff more information when the door station is located away from the main reception area.

The BPT LVC01 LITHOS video entry panel is a compact example. It has a brushed AISI 316L finish, a wide-eye lens with a 77-degree vertical and 94-degree horizontal aperture, 680 x 512 video resolution, PAL/NTSC support and IP54 protection. Like the LC01 audio panel, it measures 99 x 207 x 30 mm, supports one to four calls depending on the selected buttons, and is designed for surface mounting.

The BPT LVC-XTS-KIT pairs the LITHOS video panel with an XTS 7-inch WiFi video monitor. The kit includes the video entry panel, video handset, push button and an 18 V DC, 1000 mA power supply. The product information specifies a power supply cable run of up to 50 metres, subject to the installation design and project conditions.

Video is particularly useful when:

• The answering party needs to see who is calling before releasing the door.
• The entrance is in a common area, driveway or reception zone with variable visitor traffic.
• Couriers, contractors or guests need to be visually assessed.
• Residents, staff or security personnel may not recognise every visitor by voice.
• A larger indoor screen makes the system easier to use for residents or staff.
• The system may later need to connect with wider IP, SIP or building-management requirements.

Video does require more attention to camera position, lighting, viewing angles, privacy and network or system compatibility. The camera should be positioned to show the visitor clearly without unnecessarily capturing neighbouring private areas or public space.

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How Akuvox approaches audio and video door entry

Akuvox provides IP-based options that combine video calling with keypad and credential functionality. Its R20K range is designed for compact doorphone applications and is listed for use in apartment and office environments.

The standard Akuvox R20K is a SIP video doorphone with a numeric keypad, RF card reader support, two relay outputs, two inputs, a 2 MP camera, PoE support and an IP65 rating. It supports flush-mounted or wall-mounted installation. The product data specifies a 110-degree horizontal and 58-degree vertical viewing angle, video resolution up to 1080p, H.264 and H.265 video codecs, and operating temperatures from -30°C to +65°C.

The Akuvox R20K-2 is the 2-wire version. It retains the compact doorphone format, numeric keypad and RF card reader capability, while using a 48 V DC two-wire power supply. Its published specifications include IP65 protection, one relay output, one input, Wiegand and RS485 support, RF card reader support for 13.56 MHz with NFC and 125 kHz, video resolution up to 1080p, and operating temperatures from -30°C to +60°C.

For the indoor side, the Akuvox C313W-2 is a 7-inch 2-wire SIP WiFi monitor with a capacitive touch screen, 800 x 480 display resolution, 2.4 GHz WiFi, one relay output, eight I/O connections and wall-mounted or desktop installation. The AINTKPKit-2W combines an Akuvox R20K-2 doorphone with a C313-2 indoor monitor for a 2-wire video intercom kit with keypad entry.

Akuvox may be a strong fit when a project needs more than a simple call button and handset. Keypad entry, RF credentials, SIP integration, IP networking and video verification can be combined in a compact door station. For older apartment or villa installations, the 2-wire options may also be worth evaluating where replacing all existing cabling is undesirable, although cable condition, distance and system compatibility must be confirmed before installation.

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How BPT approaches audio and video door entry

BPT offers both audio and video options across its LITHOS, PERLA, PLX and related entry-system ranges. The choice can stay within a familiar platform while changing the indoor station and entry panel to suit the project.

The BPT audio route can use an LC01 LITHOS entry panel with a PERLA audio handset, as supplied in the LC-PEC-KIT. The panel has an AISI 316L brushed stainless steel finish, IP54 protection, adjustable speaker, microphone and electric lock timing, and support for one to four calls depending on the selected buttons.

The BPT video route can use an LVC01 LITHOS video panel with the XTS 7-inch WiFi monitor in the LVC-XTS-KIT. The LVC01 has the same compact 99 x 207 x 30 mm panel format as the LC01, while adding a camera with a wide viewing aperture and 680 x 512 resolution.

BPT also lists the LHS audio and video entry panels for small residences. Both use a Zamak finish, IK09 impact resistance, IP54 protection and a configuration process using the CAME KEY setup app. The video version adds a wide-angle optic and, on the specified PLUS version, access control through a built-in 125 kHz RFID reader and Bluetooth connectivity.

BPT may be a suitable direction when the project prioritises a clean modular entry-panel design, established audio and video handset options, straightforward one-to-four-call configurations, or a defined LITHOS-based system. The final specification should confirm whether surface mounting, recess mounting, button configuration, power supply and indoor monitor requirements match the site.

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Audio vs video intercom comparison

Consideration	Audio intercom	Video intercom
Visitor identification	Identification is based on conversation and the caller's explanation.	The answering party can combine conversation with a visual view of the entrance.
Best suited to	Familiar entrances, staff areas, small residences and simple access points.	Apartment entrances, offices, reception areas, deliveries and higher-traffic visitor zones.
Indoor equipment	Audio handset or handsfree audio station.	Video handset, touchscreen monitor or WiFi video monitor.
Installation factors	Confirm audio wiring, call capacity, lock control and power supply.	Also confirm camera angle, lighting, screen location, privacy and any network requirements.
Credential options	May rely on a separate keypad, card reader or access-control device.	Can combine visual calling with keypad, RFID, Bluetooth or other credential options, depending on the model.
Privacy considerations	Does not create a camera view of visitors.	Requires considered camera positioning, visitor notice where applicable, and appropriate handling of recorded or displayed images.
Future expansion	Can be expanded within the compatible audio platform.	May offer a broader route to IP, SIP, video, mobile or network-connected functions, depending on the system.

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Choosing between Akuvox and BPT

Choose Akuvox when IP features and credentials are central to the brief

Akuvox is a strong candidate where the specification calls for SIP communication, keypad access, RFID credentials, PoE or 2-wire architecture, IP networking, third-party integration or a compact door station with video. The R20K and R20K-2 provide different power and network approaches, while the C313 range gives the indoor side a 7-inch monitor format.

Choose BPT when the project needs a modular audio or video entry platform

BPT is a practical option where the project is being designed around LITHOS entry panels, PERLA or XTS indoor stations, one-to-four-call arrangements, stainless steel panels or a consistent audio and video product family. Its audio and video panels share useful installation characteristics, which can make the choice easier when the project needs flexibility between the two formats.

Check privacy and site conditions before finalising video

For New Zealand installations, camera placement and the handling of visitor images should be considered alongside the technical specification. Review the Office of the Privacy Commissioner guidance on camera surveillance when a video intercom may capture areas beyond the immediate entrance.

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Product Specifications

The following specifications are taken from active Akuvox and BPT product records in the catalogue. Individual kits can contain different indoor stations, entry panels or power supplies, so confirm the exact bill of materials before issuing a final quote or installation schedule.

Specification	Detail
Akuvox R20K video doorphone	Compact SIP video doorphone with numeric keypad, RF card reader support, two relay outputs, two inputs, 2 MP camera, PoE and 12 V DC connector. IP65. Flush or wall mounted. Up to 1080p video.
Akuvox R20K-2	2-wire SIP video doorphone with numeric keypad, RF card reader support, Wiegand, RS485, one relay output and one input. Uses 48 V DC two-wire power. IP65. Flush or wall mounted. Up to 1080p video.
Akuvox C313W-2 indoor monitor	7-inch capacitive touch screen, 800 x 480 resolution, 2.4 GHz WiFi, 2-wire ports, one relay output, eight I/O connections, wall-mounted or desktop installation.
Akuvox operating conditions	R20K operating temperature listed as -30°C to +65°C. R20K-2 operating temperature listed as -30°C to +60°C. C313W-2 operating temperature listed as -10°C to +45°C. Model-specific limits apply.
BPT LC01 audio entry panel	AISI 316L brushed stainless steel finish, 99 x 207 x 30 mm, one to four calls depending on button selection, surface mounted, IP54, 16/18 V DC, 75 mA standby consumption and 120 mA maximum absorption.
BPT LVC01 video entry panel	AISI 316L brushed stainless steel finish, 99 x 207 x 30 mm, one to four calls, surface mounted, IP54, 680 x 512 video resolution, PAL/NTSC video standard, 77-degree vertical and 94-degree horizontal camera aperture.
BPT LC-PEC-KIT	LITHOS audio entry panel with PERLA audio handset, double-height single push button and VAS 101 18 V DC, 1000 mA power supply. The listed power supply supports cable runs up to 50 m, subject to installation conditions.
BPT LVC-XTS-KIT	LITHOS video entry panel with XTS 7-inch WiFi video monitor, double-height single push button and VAS 101 18 V DC, 1000 mA power supply. IP54 and -25°C to +50°C are listed for the LITHOS kit specification.
BPT LHS audio and video panels	Zamak finish, IK09 impact resistance, IP54 protection and one to four calls. The video version adds a wide-angle optic. The specified PLUS version includes 125 kHz RFID and Bluetooth access-control functions.
Locking and control	Akuvox models provide relay and input options that vary by model. BPT product information includes speaker, microphone and electric lock-timing adjustments. Confirm lock voltage, current, fail-safe or fail-secure requirements and release hardware separately.
Credential compatibility	Akuvox R20K and R20K-2 support keypad entry and RF card reader functions, with Wiegand and RS485 support specified for R20K-2. BPT credential support varies by model, with RFID and Bluetooth specified for the LHS V/01 PLUS version.

For the exact product configuration and model-specific documentation, View our product or View our product.

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Final recommendation for installers and specifiers

Choose audio when the entrance is familiar, the workflow is simple and two-way conversation is enough to make the access decision. Choose video when the answering party needs visual context, the entrance serves varied visitors, or the project benefits from a larger indoor monitor and camera-based verification.

For an Akuvox specification, compare the standard R20K IP model with the R20K-2 2-wire model and confirm the indoor monitor, power method, credential format and network requirements. For a BPT specification, compare the LC01 audio and LVC01 video panels, then select the compatible PERLA, PLX or XTS indoor station and confirm the required call capacity.

The strongest result is not always the system with the longest feature list. It is the system that matches the entrance workflow, cabling, visitor profile, privacy requirements and door hardware without adding complexity that the building does not need.