Hikvision video intercoms let you see, hear and speak to whoever is at your door, and release the gate or door lock — from an indoor touchscreen monitor or the Hik-Connect app on your phone. Systems range from single-home kits to multi-tenant 2-wire apartment setups. ARC IP Networks is an authorised Hikvision reseller in Australia and can specify and supply the right system for your site.
In this guide
- What is a Hikvision video doorbell or intercom?
- How does a Hikvision video intercom work?
- Can I answer the door from my phone?
- Single-home kit vs apartment (2-wire) systems
- Do Hikvision intercoms integrate with an NVR and cameras?
- How to choose the right Hikvision intercom
- Buy Hikvision from ARC IP Networks
- FAQs
What is a Hikvision video doorbell or intercom?
A Hikvision video intercom is a door-entry system built around two main parts: an outdoor door station (also called a villa or door station) with a built-in camera, microphone, speaker and call button, and one or more indoor monitors — a touchscreen station mounted inside the home. When a visitor presses the button, the indoor monitor rings and shows live video of the door, so you can see and talk to the caller before you let them in.
The term “video doorbell” usually describes a single-home setup: one door station at the front gate or entrance paired with an indoor monitor. Larger “intercom” deployments extend the same idea across apartments, offices and gated estates, with many indoor monitors answering shared entrances. Because it is a full door-entry platform rather than a stand-alone gadget, a Hikvision intercom can also unlock doors, integrate with your CCTV, and be answered remotely.
How does a Hikvision video intercom work?
The workflow is simple. A visitor presses the call button on the door station; the indoor monitor (and, if enabled, your phone) rings and opens a live video and audio call. You speak to the visitor through two-way audio, and if you want to let them in you press the unlock icon — the door station triggers an electric strike, magnetic lock or gate motor to release the entry.
Wiring depends on the range. Hikvision offers IP (network) intercoms that run over standard network cabling and are often powered by PoE, sharing the same infrastructure as your IP cameras, and 2-wire intercoms that carry both power and signal over a simple two-core cable — ideal for retrofits and multi-storey apartment risers. Both deliver the same core experience of see, talk and unlock; the difference is the cabling and how the system scales.
Prefer to fit it yourself? Our DIY Hikvision install guide covers cabling and mounting principles that apply to door-entry gear too.
Can I answer the door from my phone?
Yes. Paired with the free Hik-Connect app, a supported Hikvision intercom forwards door calls to your smartphone. When someone rings, your phone alerts you, shows live video from the door station and lets you hold a two-way conversation — then release the door remotely, whether you are upstairs, at work or away entirely. It is the same app used for Hikvision cameras and NVRs, so your doorbell and CCTV live in one place.
Setting up remote access is the same process as any Hik-Connect device. Our step-by-step Hik-Connect setup and remote viewing guide walks through account creation, adding a device and enabling notifications so calls reach your phone reliably.
Single-home kit vs apartment (2-wire) systems
Choosing the right family comes down to how many entrances and homes the system serves. A single-home kit is the fastest way to get started; multi-tenant buildings need an architecture designed to scale.
| Consideration | Single-home kit | Apartment / 2-wire system |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Houses, villas, small offices | Apartment blocks, gated estates, multi-tenant |
| Typical layout | One door station + one or more indoor monitors | Shared entrance stations + many indoor monitors |
| Cabling | IP/PoE or 2-wire | 2-wire riser is common for retrofits |
| Scales to | A single household | Dozens of apartments and multiple entrances |
| App answering | Hik-Connect on supported models | Hik-Connect on supported models |
If you are unsure which architecture fits your building, talk to our team — we specify complete door-entry systems for Australian homes and strata sites.
Do Hikvision intercoms integrate with an NVR and cameras?
They do. Because Hikvision video intercoms sit on the same platform as the wider CCTV range, door calls and door-station video can be recorded and reviewed alongside your other cameras. Pairing an intercom with a Hikvision NVR means visitor footage is retained on the same recorder, and the door station effectively becomes another camera view in your system.
This is why many installs combine an intercom at the entrance with cameras covering the driveway, yard and perimeter. If you are planning the camera side too, our guide to the best Hikvision cameras for home security in Australia is a good next read.
How to choose the right Hikvision intercom
Work through a short checklist before you buy:
- Property type — a single house or villa points to a home kit; an apartment block or estate points to a 2-wire multi-tenant system.
- Cabling — new build or existing network cabling suits IP/PoE; a retrofit through existing conduit often suits 2-wire.
- Number of entrances and monitors — count the doors/gates and how many indoor monitors you need.
- Remote answering — if you want to answer on your phone, choose a Hik-Connect-supported model.
- Door hardware — confirm the electric strike, mag-lock or gate motor you will release, and any access-control needs.
- Recording — decide whether calls should be stored on an NVR with your cameras.
Not sure how the model codes break down? Our guide to reading Hikvision model numbers helps you decode a part code before you order. When you are ready, ARC IP Networks can put the full parts list together for you.
Buy Hikvision from ARC IP Networks
ARC IP Networks is an authorised Hikvision reseller in Australia — genuine Australian stock, Australian warranty, fast nationwide shipping and expert local advice.
Shop Hikvision →ColorVu camerasAcuSense camerasNVR recordersTalk to our teamRelated Hikvision guides
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Every Hikvision video intercom includes a microphone and speaker on the door station and indoor monitor, so you can hold a live two-way conversation with whoever is at the door.
On Hik-Connect-supported models, yes. The Hik-Connect app forwards door calls to your smartphone with live video and two-way audio, and lets you release the door remotely. See our Hik-Connect setup guide.
IP intercoms run over network cabling and are often PoE-powered, sharing the infrastructure of your IP cameras. 2-wire intercoms carry power and signal over a simple two-core cable, which suits retrofits and apartment risers. Both offer see, talk and unlock.
Yes. The door station can trigger an electric strike, magnetic lock or gate motor, so you can release the entry from the indoor monitor or the app. Confirm your door hardware when specifying the system.
Hikvision intercoms sit on the same platform as Hikvision cameras, so door-station video and calls can be recorded to a compatible Hikvision NVR alongside your other channels.
Yes. Hikvision offers multi-tenant intercom architectures — commonly 2-wire — that scale from a single home kit up to many apartments and multiple shared entrances.
Yes. ARC IP Networks is an authorised Hikvision reseller in Australia. We can specify and order the right door station, indoor monitors and accessories for your site — contact our team for a parts list.
Single-home kits are within reach of a confident DIY installer, especially IP/PoE models; multi-tenant 2-wire systems and mains-powered door hardware are usually best handled by an installer. Our DIY install guide covers the fundamentals.
Last updated: 2026-07-14 · Written by the ARC IP Networks team, an authorised Hikvision reseller in Australia.