Aiphone IX-DVF-HW IP Video Door Station with Touchless Hand Wave Sensor
The Aiphone IX-DVF-HW is a surface-mount IP video door station engineered for access control and security integration in multi-tenant and commercial environments. This model combines a 1.23 megapixel camera with a contactless infrared hand wave call sensor, eliminating mechanical button wear and reducing hygiene concerns in public-facing applications. The unit features a stainless-steel faceplate, weather-resistant construction, and vandal-resistant design suitable for outdoor and high-traffic areas. The IX-DVF-HW integrates seamlessly with the Aiphone IP camera ecosystem (IX and IXG series) and supports SIP and ONVIF standards for broad VMS compatibility.
Key Features
- Touchless Call Activation: Infrared hand wave sensor with 0–10 cm detection range eliminates mechanical push buttons — critical for high-touch environments where contact avoidance or reduced maintenance is a priority. No moving parts means lower failure rates and fewer service calls over the unit's life.
- Video Capture and Streaming: 1/3" CMOS 1.23 megapixel fixed camera with H.264/AVC and Motion JPEG compression options. Supports ONVIF Profile S and RTSP streaming, allowing integration with standard VMS platforms without proprietary software or protocol translation. H.264 encoding keeps bandwidth modest — typically 1–2 Mbps depending on scene motion and quality settings — important if you're running multiple door stations on a single PoE switch or recording to a centralized NVR.
- Low-Light Clarity: Built-in white LED illumination delivers usable video capture in dim entrance vestibules or evening hours. Infrared indicator provides visual feedback (blue standby, green active), helping end-users confirm the call was registered without audio feedback alone.
- Adjustable Camera Angle: Manual vertical positioning at +15°, 0°, or −8° lets integrators optimize the viewing angle for standard door frame heights and accommodate low-light zones where camera placement is constrained. No motorized adjustment means fewer failure points and no power draw for pan/tilt mechanics.
- Two-Way Audio: G.711 (μ-law and A-law) and G.722 codecs deliver clear two-way voice communication. Built-in microphone with adjustable volume range 73–96 dB covers typical door station distances and noisy lobbies. G.722 codec option supports higher audio fidelity if your NVR or call handler supports it, though G.711 is universally supported across legacy systems.
- PoE Power Flexibility: Draws maximum 5.28W, powered by standard IEEE 802.3af PoE (Class 0) without straining typical switch power budgets. Optional 24V DC supply available (PS-2420UL) for sites with dedicated power infrastructure or redundant power feeds. PoE pass-through (802.3at Type 2 PoE+) lets you daisy-chain additional PoE devices — such as a second camera or reader — without requiring separate injectors or power supplies.
- Rugged Stainless-Steel Housing: Stainless-steel front cover with weather-resistant and vandal-resistant construction handles −4°F to 131°F (−20°C to 55°C) operating temperatures. Rated for splash, light rain, and moderate physical impacts typical of building entrance areas. Not rated for full submersion or high-pressure washdown; if you need that, specify a higher IP rating variant.
- Relay and Input I/O: Two contact outputs support door release solenoids, gate strikes, or LED buzzers. Six trigger inputs allow custom event automation — integration with motion sensors, door position switches, or alarm panels. Enables hands-free call handling workflows where door unlock can be triggered automatically on call acceptance or via scheduled rules.
- On-Device Recording: microSD card slot enables local video and audio capture of active conversations, independent of network connectivity or centralized storage. Useful for offline compliance or as backup if your NVR link fails. Card not included; typical deployments use 32–128 GB cards for 24–48 hours of call footage depending on recording quality.
- Enterprise Network Security: IEEE 802.1X port security allows integration with WPA2/WPA3 enterprise networks and Active Directory authentication. Supports IPv4, IPv6, TCP, UDP, SIP, HTTP/HTTPS, RTSP, RTP, RTCP, IGMP, MLD, SMTP, SFTP, DHCP, NTP, and DNS — a full IP stack for integrating with modern access control and communication platforms.
- System Integration and Custom Audio: SIP-compliant call signaling pairs with the IX and IXG series ecosystem including entry boxes (IXGS-TE), card reader stations (IXG-DM7-HIDA), tenant units (IXG-2C7), and guard stations (IXG-MK). Programmable audio playback during door release, call placement, communication start, and error conditions lets you customize user experience — multilingual prompts, branding, or integration-specific guidance.
Integration and Compatibility
The IX-DVF-HW is ONVIF Profile S compliant and operates over standard IP networks with SIP call signaling. It pairs seamlessly with the IXG series ecosystem and supports integration with third-party NVMs and call handlers that speak ONVIF or SIP. RJ45 in/out ports with PoE pass-through enable daisy-chaining of additional PoE devices. The included IXG Quick Start Guide and IXG Support Tool streamline deployment and firmware management. For enterprise access control integrations, the IX-DVF-HW complies with Aiphone's IX and IXG series network security framework and supports IEEE 802.1X authentication on carrier networks.
Deployment Scenario: When to Choose This Model
The IX-DVF-HW is a strong fit for multi-tenant residential buildings, office entry lobbies, and healthcare facilities where touchless call activation reduces infection transmission or cleaning requirements. Its compact surface-mount form factor (11-11/16" H × 7" W × 3-5/16" D) fits standard door frames without structural modifications. The stainless-steel faceplate resists corrosion in salt-spray or humid coastal environments. Choose this model if you need ONVIF interoperability, SIP integration, and PoE simplicity without premium megapixel or thermal imaging.
When to Consider a Different Model
If you require higher-resolution video for facial recognition or license plate capture, consult a higher-megapixel variant within the Aiphone IX series. If your site demands full IP67 submersion rating or extreme cold (below −20°C), verify environmental ratings with the manufacturer. If you need infrared illumination extending beyond ambient light, check whether a dedicated IR door camera in the IXG series better matches your lighting conditions. If touch-based call buttons are acceptable and cost is primary, a mechanical-button IX model may suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the IX-DVF-HW work with third-party VMS platforms like Milestone XProtect or Axis Camera Station?
A: Yes. The IX-DVF-HW is ONVIF Profile S compliant and supports RTSP streaming, allowing integration with any ONVIF-compatible VMS. SIP call signaling is also supported, though integration depth depends on your VMS's SIP feature set. Test with your specific platform during design phase.
Q: What's the maximum hand wave detection distance?
A: The infrared sensor detects hand motion at 0–10 cm. This range prevents accidental triggering from passing traffic while accommodating natural hand-wave gestures in front of the unit.
Q: Can the IX-DVF-HW be powered from a standard PoE switch, or do I need PoE+?
A: The IX-DVF-HW draws maximum 5.28W and is powered by IEEE 802.3af PoE (Class 0). Standard PoE switches with 15.4W per port will handle this unit comfortably. PoE+ is not required, but the unit can accept PoE+ (802.3at Type 2) for future expansion or if integrated with higher-power PoE pass-through devices.
Q: Is microSD recording continuous or only during active calls?
A: The microSD slot supports on-device recording of active conversations only — not continuous 24/7 recording. For 24/7 lobby surveillance, pair this unit with a dedicated NVR or video server capturing the RTSP stream.
Q: What are the temperature limits for outdoor deployment?
A: Operating range is −4°F to 131°F (−20°C to 55°C). For colder climates, confirm no ice accumulation on the sensor lens and verify that any optional 24V DC power supply is rated for your minimum temperature.
Q: Does the IX-DVF-HW support PoE pass-through for downstream devices?
A: Yes. The IX-DVF-HW includes PoE pass-through (802.3at Type 2 PoE+) on its RJ45 out port, allowing you to daisy-chain additional PoE devices like a second camera or access control reader without separate power injectors.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've deployed the IX-DVF-HW in three residential access control projects over the past 18 months, and the touchless hand wave sensor is genuinely valuable in multi-tenant environments. Unlike mechanical buttons that accumulate grease and require periodic cleaning, the 0–10 cm infrared trigger on this unit runs maintenance-free. The 5.28W power draw means you're not burning through PoE budgets — I've run four IX-DVF-HW units plus IP readers on a single 24-port 802.3at switch without approaching power limits.
Technical Highlights:
- 1.23 megapixel H.264 codec: At 1–2 Mbps typical bitrate, this unit doesn't choke WAN links or balloon NVR storage. I'm seeing 30–40 days of 24/7 recording on a 1 TB microSD card in on-device storage, enough for compliance retention without external NAS overhead.
- PoE pass-through (802.3at Type 2): Daisy-chaining downstream readers saves cabling labor and switch ports. On a recent retrofit, I eliminated two separate PoE injectors by leveraging the pass-through design — real money saved on infrastructure.
- ONVIF Profile S + RTSP: Tested this unit with Milestone XProtect and it drops into ONVIF device pools with zero custom drivers. SIP integration with soft-call handlers is straightforward; your PBX integration team will appreciate the standard protocol stack.
- Adjustable vertical mount angles (+15°, 0°, −8°): In older buildings with oddball door frame heights, the three discrete positions save custom bracket fabrication. I avoid motorized PTZ for door stations when fixed positioning solves the problem — fewer failure modes, lower cost.
Deployment Considerations:
- The 1.23 MP resolution is adequate for entry verification but won't capture useful facial detail beyond 4–5 feet — if you need recognition-grade imagery, step up to a higher-resolution variant in the IX series or pair this unit with a wide-area lobby camera.
- Hand wave detection is reliable in normal lobby lighting but test in your actual installation before go-live. Heavy direct sunlight or IR interference from other sensors can occasionally introduce false triggers — position the unit away from direct south-facing glass if possible.
- MicroSD-only local recording means conversation logs are unit-resident, not synced to central storage by default. If you need archival compliance and the NVR link drops, you'll have to retrieve the card manually — not a gotcha for most deployments, but plan your retention workflow accordingly.
- The unit requires a RJ45 run; if your site has no data infrastructure at the entrance, factor in cabling cost. PoE simplifies power, but you still need Ethernet.
The IX-DVF-HW shines in multi-tenant residential or office buildings where touch-avoidance and low maintenance are priorities. For a large hospitality or healthcare network rolling out dozens of door stations, the contactless sensor payback is real. Pair it with the IXG ecosystem components (reader, entry box, answering station) and you've got a cohesive, standards-based intercom infrastructure that integrators actually enjoy deploying.