Dahua Video Doorbell Intercom Access System for Multi-Tenant/Unit Apartment Buildings

For a multi-tenant building such as this, you could go with one of three options for Dahua:

  • DHI-VTO1210C-X (IP54 stainless steel, more ideal for higher-vandal areas, providing there is some kind of protection from the elements (such as a covered area): rain, snow, etc.)
  • DHI-VTO1220BW (IP65 white tempered glass, built-in MiFare card reader for access control, less ideal for higher-vandal areas)
  • DHI-VTO1210B-X (IP65 black tempered glass, built-in MiFare card reader for access control, less ideal for higher-vandal areas)

The good thing about Dahua is it’s low-cost. The bad thing is that for the three multi-unit intercom systems mentioned above, there are no mobile apps. This means each tenant who wants to be able to grant entry would need to purchase one (or more) indoor monitors. The current indoor monitor options are:

  • DHI-VTH1550CH (IP monitor, 7 inch, white)
  • DHI-VTH1550CHW-2 (2-wire monitor, 7 inch, white, ideal if running cable within the units is difficult)
  • DHI-VTH5221D (wireless IP monitor, 7 inch, black, ideal if there is a solid Wi-Fi signal throughout the units. Would still require power.)
  • DHI-VTH1660CH (IP monitor, 10 inch, black)

If you want a solution with mobile app support, then please scroll all the way down to Update from December 2020. The advantage of mobile app support is tenants can remotely unlock the door from anywhere, even if they are not home. Also, it would eliminate the requirement to purchase and install indoor monitors, but it would still be an option if they would like a dedicated screen somewhere within their unit.

The introduction video is below, but keep in mind there is no mobile app functionality for these multi-tenant/unit apartment buildings, and a Micro SD card should be inserted into every indoor monitor for messages and call log functionality:

Please contact Raymond Shadman at [email protected] or directly at 310-370-9500 x1 to request a complete quote and/or to discuss intercom and access control options for your project.

Dahua Video Intercom for Multi-Tenant/Unit Apartment Buildings

 

  • Support no number limit for indoor monitor
  • Integrate IP camera and SIP Phone
  • Support the free communication with other residents in the same community
  • Easy to realize the video communication, remote unlock, message service, and remote control functions, etc

Update as of November 2018: the Multi-family/tenant VTO2000A-C-OEM supports the optional modules for fingerprint, mifare prox card readerPIN keypad, and additional 3-unit/tenant programmable buttons, but the genuine/USA version does not support any additional expansion modules. Up to 9 total modules can be used with each VTO-2000A-C-OEM. The clear advantage to using this OEM unit for single-family applications is the extra modules. The clear advantage to using this OEM unit for multi-family/tenant is the mobile app support.

The various modules and accessories of this unit can be selected and configured here.

 

Update as of February 2019:

Q1. Can the multi-unit intercoms be programmed with tenant names, dial out, and relay?
A1. Not currently. Can only dial by the unit number. It does not support names or dial out to a phone

Q2. Can the system remotely unlock a door strike?
A2. Yes, when using the VTO1210C-X, from the indoor monitor only. On the smaller Dahua intercom systems, the VTO2000A, VTO2000A-2 and VTO2111D-WP, can remotely unlock a door from the mobile app.

Q3. Can these intercoms call a landline inside each unit, or can it only call the indoor monitor?
A3. They currently do not support landline connectivity; they can only call the indoor monitor. In the future, the larger multi-unit intercoms will support PBX connection to call a SIP phone.

Q4. Can the intercom system be programmed by a PC?
A4. Yes, currently the management is performed via Smart PSS software, and the setup and configuration is via a web browser on a PC. The final part of the setup is performed on the indoor monitor.

Q5. Is the VTO2000A-X Modular Intercom UL-Listed?
A5. No, the UL60950-1 rating is slated for the end of 2019-Q3.

 

Update as of December 2020:

We just tested the multi-tenant Dahua DHI-VTO1210C-X-S yesterday with the DMSS app (as well as with the DHI-VTH2421FW-P indoor touchscreen monitor), and both work flawlessly. We have been waiting for this from Dahua for well over a year now, and it’s FINALLY available and works well. I believe we were the first authorized Dahua dealer who has successfully completed the custom firmware unlocking with real-world deployment.

Originally, there is/was no mobile app compatibility for this intercom, but we have access to top-level engineers at Dahua headquarters who can provide an unlocked custom firmware for a nominal fee ($29.99 per unit MSRP as a one-time fee). There can be up to 5 users per unit/tenant. The custom firmware will support up to the max number of units. For the 1210X-C-S, that would be up to 200 units.

The system admin could change programming and enroll/delete app access as needed. There’s a built-in SIP server, optional PoE power, and even key fobs or access card credentials that can be assigned to users. No port-forwarding was needed through our SonicWall firewall when enabling P2P. Dahua USA Technical Support was integral in getting our system programmed.

The only real drawbacks here are as follows:

(1) Per IPVM’s review on this product, there is no way to adjust background noise. This could pose problematic on busy or noisy streets.

(2) The weatherproof rating is only IP54, so it’s not meant to be installed in an open area. They recommend using it in some kind of covered area. We have yet to install it since we will be using it in an open, uncovered area. Our plan is to fabricate a steel weatherproof box with a rain-hood and then use the VTOB103 flush-mount adapter box inside the custom weatherproof box.

(3) I would have liked to see a scrolling directory of names and unit numbers on the LCD screen. Instead, users need to dial the unit number and hit the call button. There is no indication of this on the intercom itself, so we are going to have to put a small sign on it so that visitors press the correct series of buttons to call their desired unit. You can program the “center” unit to go to the building manager or to whomever is in charge of the building, and that is a more intuitive feature for the visitors who don’t or can’t follow instructions.

(4) There is no infrared for nighttime viewing, but the LCD screen on the intercom is bright and it illuminates the area enough to provide a low-lux color image even in pitch-black conditions.

The total MSRP for our setup (for four units in our building) with one indoor monitor for the building manager was under $1300. One could and should expect discounts of between 20-30% off MSRP if buying online. This does not include the custom steel box that we will be fabricating.

For more information on this low-priced offering (which at this point is pretty much exclusive to the authorized Dahua dealers who know about it), please call or text me (Raymond K. Shadman) on my direct line at +1-310-876-1540, or email us at [email protected].

 

 

Raymond Shadman2018-10-02