Aiphone IX-DVM Mullion-Mounted IP Video Door Station
Overview
The Aiphone IX-DVM is a compact, weather-resistant IP video intercom engineered for mullion mounting in access control and building entry applications. This IP video intercom delivers 720p HD video with wide dynamic range imaging, a contactless call sensor, and full ONVIF Profile S compatibility. The IX-DVM integrates into the broader Aiphone IP product line, supporting SIP-compliant VoIP networks and standards-based video management systems. Power consumption remains minimal at 4.6W maximum via standard PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0), eliminating the need for separate power supplies even on extended cable runs.
Key Features
- 720p HD Resolution with Wide Dynamic Range: Captures clear entrance detail across bright sunlight and dim vestibules without adding dedicated lighting hardware—critical for entry points where light varies throughout the day.
- Touchless Call Sensor: Initiates calls without physical contact, reducing mechanical wear and maintenance calls in high-traffic areas. Improves hygiene by eliminating a high-touch surface.
- Compact Mullion Form Factor (6-7/8" H × 1-7/8" W × 1-5/16" D): Fits standard door frame mullions with minimal visual footprint, avoiding the aesthetic and structural impact of traditional surface-mounted housings.
- SIP Compliance: Integrates with existing IP PBX systems, unified communications platforms, and multi-site VoIP deployments without proprietary gateways.
- ONVIF Profile S Streaming with Dual Codec Support (H.264 and Motion JPEG): H.264 reduces storage overhead by 30–50% versus MJPEG on 24/7 systems, while Motion JPEG fallback ensures compatibility with older NVR and video management platforms that lack H.264 support.
- White LED Low-Light Illumination: Built-in LED pushes visibility into dimly lit entry corridors and vestibules without IR spill that can trigger false alarms on motion sensors.
- Form C Relay Output and Trigger Input: Rated for 24V AC/DC at 1A resistive load, allowing direct control of door strikes, gate motors, and auxiliary devices without intermediate relays or controllers.
- microSD Card Slot: Local backup recording up to the card's capacity (typically 64–256GB in field deployments) for forensic review if network recording fails or is unavailable.
- 170° Horizontal Field of View: Wide angle covers the entire entry approach, capturing visitor approach behavior and package placement—not just face-on framing.
- IP54 Weather and IK07 Vandal Resistance: IP54 blocks dust and splashing water but not submersion; IK07 withstands impacts up to 6 joules (typical of thrown objects and deliberate strikes). Operating range -40°F to 140°F accommodates both northern winter and southern summer outdoor mounting.
- G.711 and G.722 Audio: G.711 is universal across VoIP networks; G.722 doubles bandwidth for near-HD voice quality on premium deployments. Built-in microphone with 73–96 dB selectable volume ensures audibility in noisy lobbies.
- IEEE 802.1X Port Security: Network port authentication prevents rogue devices from joining the network, enforcing enterprise-grade access control compliance.
Integration and Compatibility
The IX-DVM integrates fully with all Aiphone IX and IXG series entry and tenant station devices, enabling multi-floor and multi-building intercom deployments from a single platform and feature set. SIP compliance allows seamless connection to existing Cisco, Avaya, Microsoft Teams, and other standards-based PBX or unified communications infrastructure without vendor lock-in. ONVIF Profile S streaming is recognized by major video management and NVR systems, including Milestone, Genetec, and on-premises Axis solutions. Dual codec support eliminates transcoding overhead on legacy systems and reduces bandwidth strain on bandwidth-constrained networks.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your entry requires indoor mounting only with no weather exposure, consider a non-vandal-resistant variant in the IX series to reduce cost. If you need higher resolution (2MP or above) for forensic facial recognition at range, step up to a higher-megapixel Aiphone IP camera mounted separately from the door frame. If the application demands IR illumination for full 24/7 night vision, the IX-DVM's white LED illumination alone may be insufficient—evaluate a dedicated IR turret or bullet camera as a complement.
What's in the Box
Exact package contents are not specified in the available documentation. Consult the manufacturer's packing list or your supplier's invoice for inclusion of mounting hardware, cables, and accessories before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the maximum cable run from a PoE switch to the IX-DVM?
A: Standard Ethernet (Cat5e or Cat6) supports PoE up to approximately 100 meters (328 feet) without signal degradation. At 4.6W maximum draw, the IX-DVM is Class 0, so even budget PoE injectors or switches rated for 30W per port will power it reliably. Longer runs require a PoE extender or midspan injector placed closer to the camera.
Q: Can the IX-DVM record locally on the microSD card while also streaming to an NVR?
A: Yes. The microSD card slot is independent of network streaming—it records locally whenever power is present, regardless of whether the NVR or VMS is recording. This provides a forensic fallback if the network path fails.
Q: Is the IX-DVM NDAA Section 889 compliant?
A: Compliance certifications are not specified in the available evidence. Contact the manufacturer or your integrator to verify NDAA status for federal projects.
Q: Does the relay output trigger on motion detection, or must it be manually activated?
A: The relay is a Form C dry contact controlled by the IX-DVM's call logic or by the SIP/ONVIF controller. Motion detection is not built into the device—door strikes and gates are typically triggered by an answering station accepting the call or by external automation logic in the PBX or VMS.
Q: What happens if PoE power is lost—does the IX-DVM have a battery backup?
A: No battery backup is specified. The IX-DVM requires continuous PoE power to operate. For backup audio or emergency call capability, integrate an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) into the PoE switch or midspan injector.
Q: Is the 720p resolution sufficient for facial recognition?
A: 720p (1280 × 720 pixels) is suitable for face detection and general visitor logging but may lack detail for confident facial recognition at distances beyond 6–8 feet. For forensic-grade recognition, deploy a higher-megapixel camera dedicated to facial capture in addition to the IX-DVM for intercom duty.
Jerry TildsenPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Aiphone IX-DVM strikes a useful balance between intercom functionality and video capture for access control applications. At 4.6W via standard PoE, it won't strain your switch infrastructure, and the compact mullion form factor keeps aesthetic impact minimal on high-visibility buildings. The 170° horizontal field of view and white LED illumination are practical for real-world entry vestibules where you need to see the entire visitor approach, not just a face-on shot. The touchless sensor is more than a pandemic feature—it cuts maintenance cycles and false calls in high-traffic lobbies significantly.
Technical Highlights:
- 720p with Wide Dynamic Range: Handles the light delta between a bright exterior and a dim interior without requiring dual cameras or manual exposure tuning. Real-world benefit: fewer complaints about "can't see the visitor's face" in mixed-light conditions.
- Dual H.264 and Motion JPEG Streaming: H.264 cuts storage overhead roughly in half versus MJPEG on 24/7 recording, but MJPEG fallback means you're not locked to NVRs that speak H.264. Bandwidth-constrained sites (< 10 Mbps link) will appreciate the codec flexibility.
- IP54/IK07 Vandal and Weather Rating: IP54 blocks splashing and dust but is not submersion-proof; IK07 handles thrown objects and kicks but not sledgehammer-grade attacks. This is suitable for standard commercial entries, not high-risk or open-air stadium environments.
- Form C Relay with 1A Rating at 24V: Sufficient to trigger a standard electric strike or small gate motor directly, avoiding the cost and complexity of an intermediate relay module in simple deployments.
- microSD Local Recording: Decouples video evidence from network connectivity. If your network DVR or VMS is down, you still have local backup on the card—a genuine forensic safety net.
Deployment Considerations:
- No Motion Detection Engine: The IX-DVM does not perform on-camera motion analytics. If you need motion-triggered recording or alerts, rely on the NVR/VMS or pair it with a separate motion-capable camera in the entry zone.
- 720p for Forensic Facial ID: 720p is workable for "who was at my door" but borderline for confident facial recognition beyond 6–8 feet. If forensic facial ID is a hard requirement, budget a separate 2MP+ turret or bullet camera alongside the IX-DVM for dedicated facial capture.
- SIP Integration Complexity: SIP pairing with your PBX or unified comms platform requires network engineering. Budget time for codec negotiation, call routing rules, and feature-code configuration. ONVIF streaming is more straightforward but still requires an NVR or VMS that speaks ONVIF Profile S.
- No Battery Backup: PoE power loss means the intercom goes silent. If 24/7 emergency calling is required, integrate a UPS on the switch or midspan injector—cost adder worth planning upfront.
The IX-DVM is well-suited to multi-tenant or corporate lobbies where visitors expect an intercom but you also need entry-level forensics and integration with a broader security system. It's not a substitute for a dedicated facial recognition or perimeter camera, but it punches above its weight as a compact mullion-mounted all-in-one for standard access control workflows.
