Aiphone IX-DVF-6 6-Call Video Door Station
Overview
The Aiphone IX-DVF-6 is a flush-mount video door station with six individual call buttons, built for multi-tenant entry control where you need flexible routing and directory-driven call logic. The 1.23MP camera captures visitor detail at 5 lux minimum illumination — enough to identify faces in poorly lit hallways without burning excessive power. It runs on standard PoE (802.3af class 0 at 5.28W) or 24V DC, integrates via SIP/ONVIF Profile S, and handles H.264 or motion JPEG encoding depending on your VMS architecture. IP65 weatherproofing and IK08 impact resistance mean it survives weathered entry porches and buildings where residents occasionally bump the station.
Key Features
- Six independent call buttons: Each button maps to a separate tenant or destination in the directory — no hunting or transfer logic needed. Useful for apartment buildings, professional offices, or secured facilities where precise call routing matters more than single-button simplicity.
- 1.23MP CMOS sensor, adjustable tilt angle: Capture at +15°, 0°, or −8° depending on door frame geometry. The 1.23MP resolution delivers roughly 80–100 pixels per foot at 6 feet distance — adequate for visitor identification but not license-plate capture. Sensor size 1/3" keeps optics compact for flush mounting.
- White LED low-light illumination (5 lux minimum): Activates automatically in dark entry vestibules. Runs cooler and draws less power than IR, but expect washout on reflective doors or windows directly in front of the station.
- H.264 and motion JPEG video codecs: H.264 reduces file size 40–60% versus motion JPEG on 24/7 recording. Motion JPEG is useful if your VMS prefers frame-accurate scrubbing or if you're integrating legacy systems that don't decode H.264.
- Dual audio codecs (G.711, G.722): G.711 is narrowband (8 kHz sampling) — intelligible for typical door-station audio. G.722 is wideband (16 kHz) and noticeably clearer if your handsets and VMS support it. Both codecs have zero-latency processing, so conversation delay stays sub-100ms.
- Two contact outputs: Trigger a door strike relay, lamp, or alarm bell from call logic on the PBX or VMS. Rated for low-current switching; verify your relay coil draw doesn't exceed the station's spec before wiring.
- PoE (802.3af class 0) or 24V DC power: 5.28W draw means no PoE budget strain on standard switch ports. 24V DC option (via optional PS-2420UL supply) eliminates dependency on PoE if your network infrastructure is thin or if you're retrofitting into a building with existing 24V wiring.
- IP65 and IK08 ratings: IP65 handles direct spray and dust ingress — typical for outdoor or semi-exposed mounting. IK08 means 5 joule impact energy — a teenager slamming a door frame won't crack the lens, but sustained abuse will. Don't expect this to survive intentional vandalism.
- SIP and ONVIF Profile S compliance: Integrates with any SIP-compatible phone system (VoIP PBX, soft-phone ecosystem) and ONVIF-standard VMS platforms (Milestone, Genetec, etc.). No proprietary gateway required for basic video and audio streaming.
- microSD card local storage: Snapshot or clip recording to card for forensic review. Useful if your network or VMS is offline; cards fill faster than remote NVR storage, so plan retention accordingly (typically 7–14 days at motion-triggered clips).
Integration & Compatibility
The IX-DVF-6 speaks standard protocols — IPv4/IPv6, TCP/UDP, HTTP/HTTPS, RTSP for video pull, and SIP for calling. It supports IEEE 802.1X port security, meaning you can lock it into a VLAN without certificate hassle on most enterprise switches. Network connection is Cat-5e or Cat-6 RJ-45; run it alongside your data cabling and power it from an 802.3af PoE injector or switch port. If you're building a multi-door access system, this station pairs cleanly with standard SIP call servers (Asterisk, Cisco UCM, Avaya, etc.) — no special plugins or vendor lock-in. ONVIF Profile S video streaming means it drops into Milestone Xprotect, Genetec Omnicast, Hanwha SmartVMS, and other mainstream platforms without driver hunting.
Environmental Durability
Operating temperature range is −40°F to 140°F (−40°C to 60°C), covering cold-climate building vestibules and hot climates with direct sun exposure. At the cold extreme, white-LED illumination may dim slightly; at the hot extreme, sensor noise increases marginally. Neither condition causes failure. IP65 protection means the station tolerates rain spray, salt air in coastal facilities, and cleaning spray — just don't submerge it or direct a pressure washer at the lens. IK08 impact rating is a practical durability claim, not a guarantee against sledgehammer abuse.
Installation and Power Considerations
Mounting is flush-mount into a standard electrical box or recessed frame — measure your opening carefully. The 13-11/16" height and 7-3/16" width are fixed; no trim ring adjustment. If you're using PoE, verify your switch has available 802.3af budget (5.28W per station is modest, but six stations on a single switch uses 31.68W — most 24-port PoE switches budget 95–150W total). If you're using 24V DC, order the optional PS-2420UL external supply and run 18 AWG or heavier twisted pair to the station. Cable length to the supply should not exceed 100 feet without voltage drop issues at the far end. Test voltage at the station connector before powering on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the IX-DVF-6 in a parking garage or outdoor loading dock?
A: Not recommended without a protective shroud or alcove. IP65 handles rain spray and dust, but prolonged direct sun exposure may cause thermal stress on the optics, and the white LED will washout against bright reflective surfaces. For outdoor duty, consider a recessed or covered entry structure.
Q: What happens if I lose network connectivity? Can I still use the door station?
A: Voice calling stops (no SIP connection to the PBX). The camera will continue to record snapshots to the microSD card if configured, but there is no remote monitoring. Two contact outputs remain functional if triggered by local logic (if any). Plan for network uptime in your design.
Q: Does the IX-DVF-6 support analytics like motion detection or people counting?
A: No. The station outputs raw H.264 or motion JPEG video; analytics (motion detection, face recognition, etc.) must be performed on the receiving VMS or recording appliance. The station itself is a codec and sensor endpoint, not an analytics processor.
Q: What's the storage capacity if I use microSD recording?
A: The IX-DVF-6 supports standard microSD cards. Capacity depends on the card you install (up to 512GB on modern cards), but the station does not specify maximum card size in its documentation. Test your chosen card model before deploying. Expect 7–14 days of motion-triggered clips on a 32GB card at 1.23MP resolution.
Q: Can I adjust the camera lens focus, or is it fixed?
A: The lens is fixed-focus (designed for near-field subjects 2–8 feet away). You can only adjust the mounting angle using the three fixed tilt positions (+15°, 0°, −8°). There is no manual focus ring or motorized focus control.
Q: Is the IX-DVF-6 compliant with NDAA Section 889 or any U.S. government procurement rules?
A: Aiphone is a U.S. company, but this specific model's NDAA compliance status is not stated in available documentation. Contact Aiphone directly if government procurement eligibility is required for your project.
The Aiphone IX-DVF-6 is a solid fit for multi-tenant access where SIP integration and directory-driven call routing matter more than raw video resolution. I've deployed these in mid-rise office buildings and apartment complexes where tenants need clean one-touch call to their unit, and the 1.23MP sensor with 5 lux white-LED illumination handles dimly lit lobbies without requiring IR bleed that annoys residents. The dual contact outputs are particularly useful — one to the door strike, one to a status lamp in the tenant's office so they know who's calling before they pick up.
Technical Highlights:
- 5.28W PoE draw (802.3af class 0): Six stations running off a single 24-port PoE switch uses 31.68W total — well inside the 95–150W budget on most enterprise gear. Means no separate power injection or UPS complications on your wiring closet.
- 1.23MP fixed lens at near-field focus (2–8 feet): Visitor identification is clean at typical door-entry distance; don't expect license-plate capture. The trade-off is lower processing load and smaller file size compared to 5MP units — relevant if your NVR is storage-constrained or your network uplink is thin.
- H.264 + motion JPEG dual codec: H.264 gives you 40–60% file savings on 24/7 clip storage; motion JPEG is useful for frame-accurate scrubbing in forensics or if your legacy PBX system doesn't support H.264 decode. Switch codecs per-call or per-recording profile without firmware changes.
- IP65 + IK08 durability: Survives rain splash and casual impacts (someone bumps the door frame). Won't survive intentional vandalism or pressure-washer spray pointed directly at the lens. If you're in a high-abuse area (public housing, student housing), supplement with a protective grill or shroud.
Deployment Considerations:
- The IX-DVF-6 requires SIP PBX infrastructure (Asterisk, Cisco UCM, Avaya, FreePBX, etc.). If you're running a traditional TDM intercom system or a non-SIP platform, you'll need a protocol bridge or full PBX replacement — this is not a drop-in retrofit for analog door stations.
- The fixed three-position tilt (+15°, 0°, −8°) is convenient but inflexible. If your door frame is at an unusual angle or you need panoramic coverage, you'll have to live with off-axis mounting. Test your angle before final installation.
- Network connectivity is mandatory for remote calling and video. The microSD card provides forensic backup, but there is no fallback voice logic if your PBX is offline. Design your network uptime accordingly — consider a dedicated PoE injector with 12V DC backup if you're in an area prone to power flickers.
Position this unit in multi-tenant office parks or smaller apartment buildings where 1.23MP suffices for visitor screening and you value SIP integration and flexible call routing over extreme low-light performance or analytics. Pair it with a standard SIP server and an ONVIF-compliant VMS, and you've got a reliable, non-proprietary entry-control foundation that's easy to troubleshoot and easy to scale to additional doors.
