A wireless smart video intercom with door lock release is a good investment for building owners and community managers who juggle costs to improve the property and retain residents with the amenities they value.
Now is the time to replace an outdated (and often out of order) door entry system with a wireless video intercom door entry system. This article covers the benefits and what you need to know to make an informed decision when you’re ready to invest in a smart video intercom with a door lock release. Here’s what’s inside:
- How a wireless smart video intercom with door lock release works
- Types of door lock release devices
- Benefits of a wireless video intercom with door release
- The best wireless video intercom with door release
How Does a Wireless Smart Video Intercom with Door Lock Release Work?
A wireless video intercom system requires hardware, think of it as a base station at the building’s entrance. It can be mounted flush on the exterior wall or on a pedestal as the situation dictates. The resident directory is inside the hardware. This is what visitors use to find a tenant. The base station also has a speaker, microphone, and camera. If the systems comes with a door lock release, the resident can open the door by:
- Pushing a button on the wired sub-station unit in their apartment to open the door
- Using their smartphone to unlock the door, even if they’re away from home, with a wireless video intercom system
Keep in mind that not all video intercom hardware is created equal. The best smart video intercoms, like the award-winning LiftMaster video intercoms powered by the myQ cloud, deliver sharp, clear images, even with limited lighting and state-of-the-art features like these:
- Video Call: 360 pixels
- 135° field of view
- Video clip events triggered by activity
- Records 15 seconds prior to the event and 15 seconds after
Types of Door Lock Release Devices
There are many types of locks to choose from. This article will focus on two that are most relevant to smart door lock release systems. 
Electric locks with door strikes
These devices run on electricity and are installed inside the door frame. When the intercom door entry system sends power to the door strike a motor frees the piece of metal that holds the door in place so the door can open.
The electric door strike motor can be engaged by triggers, such as:
- A key fob
- A keypad
- An electronic card reader
- A wireless sensor
Benefits of Electric Locks
- Affordability. Electronic strike locks usually cost less than magnetic locks.
- One-way entry control. Ideal for external facing doors to control access at entrances but not for building exits.
- No problem with power outages. If the power goes out, doors with electric locks will remain securely locked. Anyone inside the building can unlock the door by pressing the panic bar.
Disadvantage of Electric Locks
Installing and connecting the power for an electronic strike lock is complex and requires considerable skill. So, you’ll need to hire a trusted installer. You’ll also have to make sure that the electronic strike lock you choose works properly with the lock bolt on your door.
Magnetic Locks
Magnetic locks, or maglocks, require a constant source of power to stay locked. That’s because electricity powers the magnetic charge that keeps the door locked.
LiftMaster Elite MG-1 1300 Magnetic Lock
Components of a Magnetic Lock
- An electromagnet, typically attached to the doorframe
- A metal armature plate, typically attached to the door
When the two components touch, an electric current flows through the electromagnet, keeping the door locked. That’s because the current creates a magnetic charge. The charge attracts the armature plate to the electromagnet and prevents the door from opening. In the absence of power, the magnet loses its charge, and the door can open. Like electric locks, doors with magnetic locks can be triggered to open with a key fob, a keypad, or another device.
Benefits of Magnetic Locks
A best-use example of a magnetic lock is with a lower-security doorway within a very secured area. For example, magnetic locks work well on interior doors, where security isn’t a huge concern if the power goes out and the door unlocks. The benefits of magnetic locks include:
- Strength: The average magnetic lock can easily withstand 600 pounds of force and beyond that all the way up to 1200 pounds of force.
- Ease of installation: Magnetic locks are relatively easy to install so there’s no need for a contractor with specialized knowledge or equipment.
- Adaptability: Simply increase the current to increase the magnet’s holding force.
- Security on both sides of the door. Unlike electric locks that only lock one side of the door, magnetic locks keep both sides locked.
The disadvantage of Magnetic Locks
The most important disadvantage of a magnetic lock is that it requires constant power. When an outage occurs, magnetic locks lose power, allowing the door to open. This leaves the property vulnerable during power outages and could pose a significant security risk.
Which Lock Should You Use?
When deciding between an electric strike or a magnetic lock, consider factors such as:
- The intended function: fail safe or fail secure
- The age of the doors in the building
- The door location
- The budget
And remember to consult with the authority that enforces building regulations to make sure that the locks you plan to install are up to code.
Benefits of a Wireless Video Intercom with Door Release
Cost: Wireless video intercom systems are less expensive and easier to install than their wired intercom counterparts. That’s because wireless smart video intercom door entry systems don’t require physical wiring between hardware on the exterior of the building and hardware inside each apartment.
Bridge old systems with new tech: Many telephone entry management systems now afford integration with wireless solutions that “bridge” older technology and systems to newer, 
more efficient systems without a complete systems overhaul. This makes wireless video intercom solutions more affordable and accessible for any type of property.
Managers: Manage People, Security, and Safety—Anytime, Anywhere
Automation, convenience security, and safety are four great reasons why managers should be excited about a wireless video intercom with door lock release. But managers can also:
- Add, update, and revoke residents’ access privileges
- Assign groups, schedules, and zones to provide role-based access
- Provide access remotely with the click of a button
- Integrate with your existing property management system
- Monitor security for one or many properties 24/7 from anywhere with your laptop or smartphone
- Use the video logs to check access point activity
- Get real-time customized notifications, such as: door ajar or permission denied
Residents:
A wireless video intercom door entry system empowers residents to conveniently manage and control property access. And resident involvement in access controls brings greater transparency to building security and the overall community. This creates a safe, modern living experience with other resident benefits that include: 
- Keyless entry
- Modern, convenient guest entry management using a smartphone app
- Ability to manage deliveries remotely
- See who is at the door before opening it
- Send temporary or recurring virtual guest passes to friends, service workers and maintenance people
How to Choose the Best Wireless Video Intercom with Door Release
From apartment building owners to multi-tenant community managers, a wireless video intercom enhances the value of a property and introduces security and convenience to door entry management. LiftMaster stands apart from every other industry vendor because it offers access solutions for every part of a property, including the Main gate | Lobby | Clubhouse | Pool gate | Parking garage | Package room | Elevator | Side door | Retrofit solutions to update old equipment
So, before you invest in a wireless smart access control intercom solution, consider the benefits of choosing a trusted, award-winning brand like LiftMaster, a company that invests in you, in customer-first product development, and in your long-term success.
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